Been thinking for a while now that we should have one of these. This is way smaller than we expected, but smaller isn't necessarily a bad thing. Haven't played with it too much because you're not supposed to (the crank will eventually wear out), but it seems to work just fine.

Been thinking for a while now that we should have one of these. This is way smaller than we expected, but smaller isn't necessarily a bad thing. Haven't played with it too much because you're not supposed to (the crank will eventually wear out), but it seems to work just fine.

Pros: multiple ways of charging, strong light, good radio reception. Feels like it's well built, durable.
Cons: No earphone jack, speaker produces low quality sound. But it's no big deal, as it's not meant for enjoyment of music. It's okay for hearing speech.

Pros: multiple ways of charging, strong light, good radio reception. Feels like it's well built, durable.
Cons: No earphone jack, speaker produces low quality sound. But it's no big deal, as it's not meant for enjoyment of music. It's okay for hearing speech.

This surpassed my expectations as others have mnlentiomed. The crank system to charge is awesome. I'll definitely be getting another one when the need arises.

This surpassed my expectations as others have mnlentiomed. The crank system to charge is awesome. I'll definitely be getting another one when the need arises.

Having owned a few similar crank radios, this is the smallest and lightest. The Esky replaces an old Eton which I loved, had superb reception and lasted many years until the tuning knob became loose. Unlike those who might purchase the Esky solely for an emergency kit, this gets daily use. Reception varies from just okay to good depending on the station and despite living in close proximity to some megawatt stations. Signal never gets better than sounding like it's just shy of being on the mark so always a bit muffled. When first turned on, always sounds like the station needs to be tuned in (lots of crackle and static) but if left alone, it'll tune itself within a few seconds. Display window is so compact feared not being able to isolate specific stations but no problems in that regard.

For some, the tuning knobs may not be user friendly. They don't protrude enough to firmly grasp so usually tune using thumb pad. However, designed as they are, less prone to being bumped and moving off the station. The radio has withstood a few, short tumbles and remained tuned.  Not a frequent need for earphone jack but miss having that option, especially in the wee hours so as not to disturb others.

Flashlight is nicely bright. Love the 'soft' finish of the radio. Charging will most likely always be via USB and impressed with how quickly it recharges after a full night and day's use. The charging light does go solid when fully charged. Can see that the little rubber tab over the ports will snap off sooner than later from the stress of being pushed down far enough to accommodate the connection. After a handful of manipulations, it no longer closes.

Having owned a few similar crank radios, this is the smallest and lightest. The Esky replaces an old Eton which I loved, had superb reception and lasted many years until the tuning knob became loose. Unlike those who might purchase the Esky solely for an emergency kit, this gets daily use. Reception varies from just okay to good depending on the station and despite living in close proximity to some megawatt stations. Signal never gets better than sounding like it's just shy of being on the mark so always a bit muffled. When first turned on, always sounds like the station needs to be tuned in (lots of crackle and static) but if left alone, it'll tune itself within a few seconds. Display window is so compact feared not being able to isolate specific stations but no problems in that regard.

For some, the tuning knobs may not be user friendly. They don't protrude enough to firmly grasp so usually tune using thumb pad. However, designed as they are, less prone to being bumped and moving off the station. The radio has withstood a few, short tumbles and remained tuned.  Not a frequent need for earphone jack but miss having that option, especially in the wee hours so as not to disturb others.

Flashlight is nicely bright. Love the 'soft' finish of the radio. Charging will most likely always be via USB and impressed with how quickly it recharges after a full night and day's use. The charging light does go solid when fully charged. Can see that the little rubber tab over the ports will snap off sooner than later from the stress of being pushed down far enough to accommodate the connection. After a handful of manipulations, it no longer closes.

All functions work perfectly. I am prepared with earthquake or tornado hits.

All functions work perfectly. I am prepared with earthquake or tornado hits.