Seldom found in stores or reviewed elsewhere the Unicom Powerbeam has slipped under many peoples radar and I think that's a shame. Now I grant you it's a plastic work-light, there is nothing tactical or cool about it and no it is not bright enough to burn paper up close or a rabbits retinas at fifty meters. The only way to make it even close to water resistant involves duct tape, to big for coat pocket and a PITA to find space for inside a pack. But it does have a USB power out socket on the rear and it has a dynamo charger built in.
Sure it's only got a 1000mAH battery, barely enough to half charge my phone but with it I can turn a Vesta curry into volts and keep on going. One minute of cranking gives about thirty minutes of light or enough juice to send that important all-is-well text message to swmbo. Recharging Vape systems and running fan assisted wood stoves is also possible. I've had mine three years now, the gearbox still feels smooth & tight. No forest crud or moisture has got in through the crankshaft and no discernible fading of battery capacity so far. Throws a respectable beam of light, not focusable or intense like a modern Cree torch but enough for most needs illuminating camp or wandering through the forest at night.
Cheaper than a bag of fish & chips and good source of bits for a DIY low power renewable energy project such as small wind turbine or micro-hydro setup. Something to mess around with and see where it takes you.
Prices vary I have seen them as low £7 and as high as £25.
Weight 375g, tad heavy for solo short hikes but for a group it could work well.
Sure it's only got a 1000mAH battery, barely enough to half charge my phone but with it I can turn a Vesta curry into volts and keep on going. One minute of cranking gives about thirty minutes of light or enough juice to send that important all-is-well text message to swmbo. Recharging Vape systems and running fan assisted wood stoves is also possible. I've had mine three years now, the gearbox still feels smooth & tight. No forest crud or moisture has got in through the crankshaft and no discernible fading of battery capacity so far. Throws a respectable beam of light, not focusable or intense like a modern Cree torch but enough for most needs illuminating camp or wandering through the forest at night.
Cheaper than a bag of fish & chips and good source of bits for a DIY low power renewable energy project such as small wind turbine or micro-hydro setup. Something to mess around with and see where it takes you.
Prices vary I have seen them as low £7 and as high as £25.
Weight 375g, tad heavy for solo short hikes but for a group it could work well.
