75 bucks for a flashlight ouch!still,worth it if they're sturdy.

-- zoobie (zoobiezoob@yahoo.com), September 06, 1999

Answers

Zoobie

My mother bought one, and it works fine and is sturdy. But do be aware that the light is minimal, not a good source of light to see distance or wide area. It is very reliable however.

-- Sammie Davis (sammie0nospam@hotmail.com), September 06, 1999.

zoobie -- we have one. The light isn't strong, but it is very sturdy. Way too heavy to want to carry around one-handed.

-- helen (sstaten@fullnet.net), September 07, 1999.

I have a Baygen and agree with the dim light and weight problems. I recommend the Eternalight from Technology Associates (1-702-322-6875). It's about the size of a pack of cigarettes, uses 4 LED's, and 3 AA batteries. The LED's last thousands of hours and the batteries last up to 700 hours (that's right 700 hours on Lithiums-probably half that on alkalines). It has a bunch of built in signalling modes. It's not as bright as a MagLite but it is enough to find your way around in the dark, read by, or light up a small room. They have 2 models, both using the same components. The more expensive model is more streamlined and protects the LED's better (although I don't think you can damage either one very easily). The expensive model is about the same price as the BayGen. Ace

-- Ace (nospam@nospam.com), September 07, 1999.

I have one and I like it, except that mine makes awful scraping noises when the spring is unwinding. Do they all do that?

I keep wanting to take it apart and smooth off whatever's scraping but the package warns you never to take it apart. Presumably this is because there is still some tension on the spring when its unwound, and you'd never be able to get it together again. I suppose if I'm going to give in to the temptation I'd better do it now while I can still get another one...

I like the way the back is flat so you can stand it on end and light up a whole room. Dimly, yes, but evenly and bright enough to keep you from tripping over things. I don't want my house lit up too brightly except for specific tasks - I don't want to attract attention and I want to keep as much night vision as possible.

BTW, I paid $50 for it at a gun show.

-- biker (y2kbiker@worldnet.att.net), September 07, 1999.

no- but i have a solar one- high twenties price range- small, lightweight, works great- from Real Goods. also- have a squeeze model flashlight- just squeeze the handle repeatedly- lightweight, low light but cheap- about 6 bucks. I use my solar one every night to go out to the barn- actually- use it to milk now as haven't replaced the wiring the dog chewed in the barn yet so no light out there. works very nicely.

-- farmer (hillsidefarm@drbs.com), September 07, 1999.

I have found units that work on solar, ac/dc, battery and crank that have am-fm plus flashlight plus flashing/blinking light for under $20. No disrespect to Baygen but these little units perform for me and I can have 3 or 4 for the price of one Baygen.

-- rb (ronbanks_2000@yahoo.com), September 08, 1999.

You have to remember us old buggers have arthur-itis and rheumaticks! Not relishing the painful prospect of squeezing or winding for power and sick of cheap flashlights, I bought a Maglite and a 3-LED bulb from Realgoods. Same lasting qualities as above, except RG says the light lasts 11 years! It's a great flashlight, beam is bright and adequate for moving around. Heavy too, could nobble someone with it! Will use larger lanterns (run on 4 x Ds) when I need more light. Got the stuff from Realgoods.com--they have lots of handy items for Y2K.

-- Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), September 11, 1999.