Vector VEC173 / VEC-173 / VEC-173 Weatherband Radio/Flashlight Combo

Perfecr

This emergency tool does everything one needs in a power failure, however, it could be difficult to tune the radio if one has trouble seeing small print and small numbers.It uses 2 C size batteries as the primary power source, and there is also a rechargeable internal battery that can be charged with the included AC charger.The flashlight beam is provided by the 2 C size batteries and a regular flashlight bulb as we have all been familiar with as used in 2 battery regular flashlights we all grew up with. It is of a good, useable intensity with a yellowish glow.It is not super bright like a flashlight firemen would use to cut through heavy smoke, however, it is bright enough to use in a blackout to find other flashlights, batteries, or radios. You could also use it to see to make a sandwich, etc.The LED area light in the end of the handle is pretty bright and would give good light for 2 or 3 people to sit in the dark and talk, etc.All 3 radios (AM/FM/NOAA WEATHER) had pretty good reception at my house, however, there was static sometimes. The speaker is good and the quality of the sound is good if there is no static. The weather radio tuned in well however, there was some hiss and interference until tuned in. I had to move the radio around a little and then the reception became o.k. and I could hear the weather information.You will need an additional flashlight or alternative light source for times when you want to see the radio dial to tune in a station if you are in darkness.If you use the hand crank, it powers the only the radios and the LED lights in the tailpiece.It comes with an antennae, ear buds, power adapters and a good instruction booklet printed in English and Spanish.The antennae does not attach as firmly as I would like.The flashlight is easy to use, inexpensive and seems to be sturdy.This flashlight is bright enough to be useful in an emergency.If you need a super, super bright flashlight, this is not your cup of tea, however, if you want a light that is bright enough to use,and appears to be well made, this flashlight/radio will serve the purpose.The diameter of the handle may be a little large for women or anyone that doesn't have a large hand.After having the flashlight/radio combination and testing it out, I feel most people would be better served with a separate flashlight and a separate battery powered radio that receives AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio.Also, a battery powered lantern with LED or florescent bulbs for leaving at your base of operations would be helpful.To get the bright light some folks may want, I recommend the Maglite 3D cell LED flashlight with a 2AA cell companion light. They are super bright and no shadows in the beam.