I got this item in the mail yesterday.
Pros:
-This one however is sturdy and close the the center of gravity while cranking so you are not torquing the crank.
-In other words all your cranking power goes into the crank/generator and not into ensuring you are cranking it level.
-I cranked on it for over a half hour last night and it charged my cell phone using the external usb adapter.
-It has a headset slot for when you need to isolate the weather band to hear it better.
-The LED light is bright and energy efficient so one minute of cranking = 10 or so minutes of lighting.
-It has an 85-90dB alarm on it and it works very well. My neighbors and dogs can attest to that.
-Very light weight and the antenna folds down for easy storage into my bug out bag.
Cons:
-The AM/FM/WB radio has no dial but it does have a scan button and a reset button to start over.
-No internal storage compartment for the USB adapter cable and this one is propitiatory so don't lose it.
-The crank is a little noise so if you are planning on a Zombie apocalypse you should be prepared to use only when you know none are around to be attracted to the sound.
-The AM/FM stations work great however the WB stations were coming in very faint even when I had it charged pretty well. I however have never heard of a clear WB radio. It does have a headphone jack which would make listening to the WB side much easier.
Summary:
I will suggest this to all my friends working on making a bug out bag on a budget. Yes it has a few Cons but they are minimal and for the price you can't beat this offer. My suggestion for bug our bags is start with what you can afford now and get entry level so that you have a full bag at a sooner point rather than later. Once the affordable bag(s) are completed then start upgrading the equipment to more expensive and durable products as you can afford them because this process then leaves you with the entry level products as backup (can never have to many of those) or something to help a friend or family member start their bug out bag with.
PS:
On the EMP part: You should carry all portable electronics meant for doomsday ideally in a water tight faraday cage to ensure they remain safe. - Ensure it is Water Proof or Water Tight. Avoid everything that says Water Resistant.
