NOTE: I have received several reports of issues with crank powered lights similar to this one. The problem is that they sometimes don't hold a charge, especially if fully discharged. There is a Lithium-Ion rechargeable coin cell inside that holds the charge for all of these lower-cost lightweight crank lights. What I suspect may be happening, is that if the coin cell is being over-discharged it may not take a charge anymore. As a result it may be possible to keep it in good shape by never letting the light fully discharge and by giving it a minute of cranking once a month to keep a decent charge in the cell... If I'm right, this could be a problem with ANY cranked light that uses a Lithium Ion coin cell. It could also be a problem for crank lights using other rechargeable battery types too since all rechargeables can be damaged by over discharging them... The result is a downgrade of this light's rating since it uses the same power source and could suffer the same problem.

The MVP EverLight is a dynamo powered LED light designed for power outages and general use. Folded on the back is a crank which can be opened outward and spun to charge the internal rechargeable battery and power the 3 LEDs used to produce light. As a result, it never needs batteries or bulbs and is always a few cranks away from being ready when you need it, unlike that 2-D flashlight currently in your kitchen drawer which is being used as a dead battery holder right now...

Body: This dynamo light looks very futuristic. In fact it looks like it came right off the set of the latest science fiction TV show where people are trekking among the stars. The body of the light is silver colored plastic with rubberized grips on the side. Silvered plastic highlights surround the switch and the LEDs. The crank which is used to charge the internal battery rests flush against the underside of the light when not in use. Unfold the crank and start spinning to charge the system. When you spin the crank the mechanism sounds like a turbine engine winding up for take-off. I did open the system up and found that the gears were greased, so I guess it's just a noisy mechanism.

Bezel/Head: The bezel end of the light is protected by a plastic dome. Inside are the 3 LEDs used to produce light for the unit. All 3 LEDs sit in a silvered reflector area that helps project the light forward.

Output: The switch has four states: Click for 1 LED on, click for off, click for 3 LEDs on, click again for off. Output is in the form of a directional flood of light. In single-LED mode there is sufficient light for navigating in the dark while the 3-LED mode permits more functionality.

The white light produced by the LED is a high color temperature. A slight bluish tint is detectable when compared against a near sunlight-white source, but this tinting is not noticeable during normal use.

Beam at one meter at target center

Runtime Plot: Performed as described in the packaging - 50% at 31 minutes.

More information on runtime plots is available HERE.

Switch: The switch is a simple click type. One click and the center LED turns on. Next click turns it off. Next click turns on all 3 LEDs. Next click turns it off and starts the pattern all over again. The switch is protected by a rubber cover and is recessed a bit to prevent accidental activation.

Seals / Water Resistance: As with most dynamo powered lights, I would recommend keeping it dry. Avoid anything more than a misting rain and dry it off as quickly as possible.

If it gets wet inside, just disassemble as much a possible without tools and let it dry before using again.

Ergonomics: This unit is more slim than many of the other dynamo lights I have and it sits very comfortably in the hand. The switch is easy to operate and the cranking provides some resistance but is not excessive.

Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light

Batteries: No batteries needed! Well..... actually there is a battery in there. It's a Lithium Ion 2032 3.6V coin cell which is charged by the crank. Here's an important warning - Don't crank with it on! Make sure the switch is in the OFF position when cranking.

What I Liked: Crank powered, 2 levels of output, sleek design

What I Didn't Like: Charging mechanism a little rough, Water resistance questionable

Picky Little Things: Pretty loud when cranking.

Conclusions: Very sleek looking light. One of the smallest of the dynamo powered lights I've seen. It is nice to have variable output.. I'm really starting to take a liking to these dynamo powered little lights since they are easy to power up (easier than a shakelight in my opinion), are always ready for use, and provide sufficient light for most tasks. Well worth the price in my opinion. Toss one in the glovebox of each car, on each floor of the house, etc. Great for kids!!!! No batteries to buy!

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