iTouchless DLX Forever Last Flashlight, No Battery Needed Reviews

• I wish I could recommend this ...

  
  By A2EF8N7ZE7ONWX on 2006-07-19
  I wish I could recommend this but I really can't, unless you're willing to tinker with it.
  
  These forever flashlights have seemed like fun for a while, and this is the first one where the reviews seemed good enough to make it worth ordering. And, the price is lower - for the price of some of the others, I can get a really nice MagLite, so I'm not going to buy those.
  
  They did a lot of things right with this product:
  - the LED is bright enough to give enough light for reading a book or walking (BUT see below); though it is much less bright than a regular flashlight, and someone with difficulty with night vision might not find it usable.
  - the light lasts long enough that it wouldn't need constant shaking. there is some light for over 100 minutes ... that's not an exaggeration, but it does dim over time.
  - it's not terribly noisy when it's shaken to charge it, because they cleverly put small magnets at each end of the channel to repel the big magnet and keep it from striking the inside, so it's like there's an invisible magnetic cushion at both ends.
  - it's close enough to waterproof in shallow water (a few drops got in, OK at this price), and it does float - though just barely.
  - it's fairly lightweight, though the metal magnet inside is about the size of a C battery, and there are copper coils around that, so there is some weight to it.
  
  So what's the problem? The smallest, least expensive part - the lens. For some crazy reason they must have decided they wanted a tiny beam of light that goes farther, rather than an broader beam. So they have a curved lens that concentrates the light. The problem is, the tiny center of the beam is brighter but much too small, and the concentric circles around it are darker. So it's not as useful for walking or reading as it would be with a simple plain clear lens.
  
  It's easy to unscrew the top and take out the lens to see - and some people may want to use it that way, but of course with no lens it loses protection and the ability to float and keep water out. Or find a replacement lens, but that's a bother. So it's a shame over such a small part, but it really makes the light a lot less useful as shipped. Let's hope they change the lens, or ship both types of lenses if they think a tiny, brighter beam is useful in some practical way (as opposed to for marketing claims about how far it goes, or how bright it is).
  
  If you've been intrigued by one of these and want it just for fun, or would use it without the lens (or could replace the lens) - then give it a try. If you don't like to have to mess around - you might want to wait. It's not quite the perfect light for reading under the covers at camp yet.
  
  A couple other things:
  - as others mentioned, the magnet is very strong. you can pick up metal objects with it! so keep it away from sensitive things.
  - they suggest shaking it horizontally and not vertically, which makes sense but isn't mandatory.
  
  Because it's clear and easily dis-assembled, it also makes a fun science demonstration - do a web search on Faraday.
  
  

• Great product, and the future of flashlights

  
  By AV8KNRN0F8MGT on 2006-04-11
  Ample brightness, very lightweight, and really interesting (yet simple) technology. This flashlight would be perfect for any occasion: camping, in the trunk for emergencies, in your bomb shelter... whaqtever, wherever and whenever.
  
  It was charged when I received it, and has been going strong ever since. I also just left it on to see if you needed to constantly shake it to keep it charged, but it's kept a good beam for over an hour without any need of shaking. So far, I've only needed to shake it for my own amusement and never out of necessity.
  
  The case is clear so you can see how it works, and there's a little red LED inside to let you know that each shake is working to recharge it. There's a magnet inside that slides back and forth inside of spools of copper wire, making the charge. I assume it's similar technology to that of self-winding watches, but I really don't know. But it's easy to see how this technology could translate into other products as well.
  
  Bottom line: Flashlights that require batteries are obsolete. I'm converted, and will only be buying these going forward.
  
  

• I'm not much on gadgets....

  
  By A1LVW3BOWGX2FB on 2006-05-27
  They, too frequently, promise more than they are capable of delivering. However, every once in a blue moon, a product comes along that meets a common need in an uncommon way at an uncommonly low price. Such is the case here.
  
  The iTouchless Forever puts out a strong enough beam of bright white light to read with, seems sturdy, yet is light weight. At $12.99, it is certainly not going to break the bank.
  
  One cautionary: Since the 'innards' are protected by a clear plastic case, there is no block to the electro-magnetic field generated by the iTouchless Forever. The instructions recommend keeping the light at least a foot away from other sensitive items, computer memory storage, pacemakers and the like. To that, I would add digital camera memories. As attractive and interesting as the 'innards' are, I would have preferred they be shielded.
  
  

• don't buy

  
  By AD6KKCWEK3AD on 2007-01-18
  I shook this flashlight for 2 minutes instead of 1 minute and
  still I only get about 3 minutes of light. I bought my grandchildren
  a different brand and it works much better. Don't waste your money
  like I did.
  
  

• Does Pretty Much What It Claims

  
  By A1IVJV3XJYJQKL on 2006-07-05
  I bought two of these and they were already charged when they came out of the box. I have had them a couple of weeks and so far neither one of them has run down completely and I have not shaken either of them for over 30 to 45 seconds total. One of them I let burn for about 45 minutes before turning it off and the light did not diminish in that time. They appear to be superior in this respect and compared to earlier models these do hold a nice long charge with minimal shaking.
  
  The reason for the four stars and not five stars is that the beam of light is a tad disappointing. I realize that these led lights do not produce the same amount of light as a battery flashlight and a standard bulb, but some improvement is necessary in the brightness of these flashlights if they are to totally replace battery flashlights, as I suspect they will one day.
  
  Still I am pleased with these two and I may even pick up a couple more of them as I am terrible about keeping batteries charged and the beam of light on these is far better than I get from a flashlight with dead batteries. I plan to keep one in each vehicle, one in the nightstand, and another one just for general use around the house.
  
  Hopefully with in the next year or so, they will get a light as reliable and as easy to charge as this one that puts out a serious beam of light comparable to a good standard battery flashlight for about this price. Then I will give it a full 5 star rating. Until then this is a pretty handy little light. I would recommend one of these for emergency use, especially if you do not keep a good store of batteries for your flashlights.
  
  
  
• Not worth the money
  By A51BY7JDX36O6 on 2007-01-13
  The lens rattles a lot when you shake the flashlight, the guts come out of a notch requiring you to disassemble and fix. (not dooable in the dark) I'm sorry I bought these. They're worth about $3.
  
  
• It's OK but not great...
  By A1TLKLFUROWCJP on 2006-08-06
  The Bad
  - It's not as bright as I expected.
  - The solenoid gets stucked sometimes and wont let you recharge.
  The Good
  - Very strong casing. It's almost unbreakable
  - Still a good concept product.
  
  
• great flashlight
  By A1XCL1X8M9P3J6 on 2006-12-16
  I bought several shake and wind up flashlights (all less than 20 clams) to test for myself and to pick one to give as a present. This one seems the best made and worked the best. It sells elsewhere for 20-25 clams (twice the current price at amazon).
  
  If you look closely, you will see the DLX model has two coils instead of one, and has a rubber coated push button switch instead of a plastic slider.
  
  The best part is a tiny red LED inside that flashes when you shake it - this provides good feedback that you are really charging it and that the charging circuit is working.
  
  
• The light is not very bright
  By A2PJQIJ0SBVR36 on 2006-07-16
  I bought this light thinking that it would be somewhat bright like normal lights. I live in the city , however the part that I live in does not have many street lights because it is close to the woods, with this said one night my husband and i took a walk and we found that two lights were not sufficient enough to look more than 2 feet. I think the concept is cool and I also think they are cool for emergencies, when you don't have batteries but they are not very bright.
  
  
• No Problems - a great light
  By AMXFYLAER6T0E on 2006-10-11
  I'm back here ordering another one of these because we are so happy with it. First it came able to light and despite a child who uses it every night, it has not lost its light yet. We give it a couple of gentle shakes every couple of days and it continues to work like a charm. I don't understand the reviewer who said it wouldn't keep a light - ours has been great. If you have a child who doesn't need a night-light but does want to have a flashlight and consequently is always needing new batteries, try this one! It paid for itself in no time. I'm getting more for grownups to use in emergencies because I'm so impressed with it.
  
  
• To good to be true
  By A18ATTT5QPALRJ on 2007-01-11
  I gave this 1 star because a tiny light light is better then no light at all.I bought this because I am handicapped a bit and hate darkness and outages and battery powered flash lights seem to fail when needed even tho I check them. This light must be shaken a long time. If u want a sore shoulder, then u won't mind. Even when shaken it gives a small beam of light and fades quickly. We were trying to plug in a new DVD recorder and the light was so tiny we could not find the connections and it kept fading out. It also is magnetized so anything in the drawer clamps to it. We will keep it out and we all shake it when we pass it to be sure it will provide some light when we need it. This was advertized on TV so that should have sent up a red flag. Invest in a couple of good lights and stock up on batteries and a charger. You will be much happier with results.
  
  
• Not the brightest, but good for focused lighting
  By A2HTNX4RHKYQ35 on 2006-11-13
  I tested this flashlight in my dark barn. Usually, I carry a larger flashlight with a wide, yellow beam so I won't step on any cats or chickens. As far as size, it is conveniently small. But after shaking back and forth according to the instructions, it still did not cast a very wide beam.
  I felt like it worked best for focused lighting-- as in, reading maps or books. The light is pale and doesn't spread out, so if you're looking for a flashlight that will help you avoid tripping in the dark, this might not be the best one.
  Still, not needing batteries or bulbs is convenient, and I haven't had any problems with the light fading or going out. As far as walking outside in the dark or going into my barn, though, I still prefer a brighter flashlight. Maybe it's only a matter of perfecting the new technology.
  
  
• A very good diaster light...
  By A3GI0I6W1M9O7X on 2006-10-04
  I purchase two of these lights after a storm knocked out power in the St. Louis area for several days. It does what it is intended for back up lighting when you are without power or access to batteries. it is not intendend to replace your regular high powered lights if that's what you are looking for go elsewhere.But if you what a reliable waterproof works anytime light these are for you.
  
  
• Great Flashlight...........Highly recommended...
  By A364ZMNT2Q1IUO on 2006-11-06
  Ironically enough not too long after I purchased this flashlight...we lost power in my area for 1 1/2 weeks, picture that....and boy this light came in handy. I never really had to shake it much to get a great deal of light from it, I believe the dual cell/ inductor is the key as compared to the single inductor/ coiled units. Bottomline ....worked great, plenty of light very reliable ...Highly recommended.
  
  
• Excellent Value for Money
  By AXJ3EKCUXJCIQ on 2006-12-08
  It's fantastic, the concept is so unique. It's not giving a lot of light through but that's fine coz I didn't expect that. For an emergency or in dark it really helps. Please keep in mind that there is no block to the electro-magnetic field generated by the iTouchless Forever. So be very careful to use it near other electronic gadget. It's really gives me value for money.
  
  
• One for everyone!
  By A2IB0N6QFLYI98 on 2007-01-01
  I bought one of these flashlights for everyone I care about and they are excellent to have!
  
  I've been in situations when I needed a flashlight and didn't have batteries, but that will never happen to me again. These flashlights are fantastic. Although they aren't super-bright, they are bright enough so that you can see where you are going and do what you need to do.
  
  I bought one for my grandpa who lives on the gulf coast and has to deal with hurricanes, I bought one for my father-in-law who lives in Nairobi where they have frequent power outages, and I am also going to buy some to donate to Kenyan families who have no electricity and certainly can't afford batteries. These flashlights are a God-send to poor people who rely on flashlights because they have nothing else, to rid them of batteries is a tremendous thing.
  
  These flashlights are a great invention! I am never going to use any other kind!
  
  
• Not quite what we expected
  By AA8183TMO6IG9 on 2007-01-10
  It was much larger than we thought it would be. It has no battery - shaking just charges a capacitor.
  
  Although it does hold a charge for quite a while, you have to shake it hard for a full minute, and it doesn't stay at maximum brightness for all that long. We wanted it as an emergency flashlight (we live in a city just waiting for the next big earthquake); I believe that it is good for that.
  
  
• After a year, it loses value
  By A25X4F1TS2SW27 on 2008-02-03
  I've had this flashlight for over a year. The concept was great until time passed and it needed more vigorous shaking just to shine for 30 seconds or less. We kept this flashlight in the car for emergencies. However, it's a pretty long flashlight and we've found smaller flashlights on Amazon that are crank based and therefore take far less effort and shine brighter. For a similar price, you can find these crank flashlights that nowadays use LEDs and offer cell phone-charging capabilities as well as a built-in radio.
  
  
  
• Good Light, not the best, but in a pinch it does help.
  By A37HO1AYPDXDGS on 2006-11-03
  Good Light, not the best, but in a pinch it does help.
  
  Great to have, but the light focus is a little on the lacking side.
  
  But still if you don't have a flash light handy, this is a great light to have.... no batteries needed!
  
  
• Handy in a pinch
  By ADXBMFH67BT4T on 2007-01-13
  It's a good product, I think; it works, and is sturdy and durable. However, the light is fleeting. If you need a good bright light, you'll have to shake it every ten seconds. Once the initial brightness is gone, it still gives a decent glow for a few minutes. Overall, I gave this product 4 stars.
  
  
• Works great for it's intended purpose.
  By A2ZJD3KL7NC7UZ on 2007-02-11
  This is a really great product I purchased 1 tested it and then purchased 12 more. The only modification that I made was I changed the lense with a clear pice of plastic because I did not like the rings that the included lense displays. Other than that it's a great emergency light. If you are looking for a bright work light forget it.
  
  
• Works well
  By A6GRQDFHIOFL6 on 2007-05-12
  Haven't had the chance to try out the claim of 100 minutes, but it does work. Shake it and you have light. I keep it around for emergencies. Never have to worry about dead batteries. Light is nice and bright. Wouldn't hesitate to buy this one again.
  
  
• Good idea but not very useful
  By AA44TKNRGU50Z on 2007-07-21
  Forever last flashlight does not need battery. You shake the flashlight to generate electric power. Shake it for one minute can last for 100 minutes the ad says. But the light is so dim that it is useless for most purposes. I eventually bought regular LED flashlight with batteries. It is so bright that I stopped using Forever Last Flashlight.
  
  
• All My family tried for 2 hours...
  By AP3SULOHYFP5G on 2007-08-18
  Since the Flashlight arrived never worked. First I tried for 45 minutes to get a little shiny light. but never came that light out.
  Then my mother and my father for 30 minutes each, and they got the same result as mine. NO LIGHTS.
  Particullary the iTouchless DLX Foreve Last Flightlight does not worked... it was returned next day.
  
  
• Don't waste your hard earn $$$
  By A3O7P3DGA0TG98 on 2008-01-15
  I wish it could have turned out to be another great product from Amazon. I purchased one, tested it and was impressed by the light and how little effort it took to get charged. It was like instant power. Since I was leaving for a month long vacation to Pakistan, I ordered 4 more for my family back home. I didn't have time to test all of them. Unfortunately, only one of them worked for a week or so and then it won't work. After shaking it for 10 min would give about 2-3 min, very weak, light.
  
  Please note that it was operated in about 70 to 80+ tempratures. It won't work no matter what. This is just a piece of crap in my experience.
  
  
• Very short 'forever'!
  By A2YCOYCYN8FHSW on 2008-02-16
  Within a week the switch on this flashlight broke. I was able to fix it and now, a few months later, it's just stopped working completely. It flashes on for a second each time you shake it, if you hold the switch on... Great idea, poor execution!
  
  
• worthess touchless
  By A3EJUHZDANP8FR on 2008-03-04
  This product did not work out of the box. It was a present for my son who loves flashlights. I thought I might save on batteries. I shook the flashlight many many times and it just didn't work. Unfortunately I missed the return date and it is now in the trash. That is a very expensive piece of trash. I do NOT recommend this to anyone.
  
  
• Not good
  By AEXJ2LGP8PC5 on 2006-09-24
  You have to continually shake this flashlight to get ANY light, and what you get isn't much for all that shaking. I'd pass and buy a real flashlight.
  
  
• Just okay
  By A2SH6A32BE6NEV on 2007-07-09
  Light output isn't strong so it's best for lighting up areas just a meter or two in front of you -- doesn't work well with far distances as in a real flashlight with D-batteries. My unit doesn't work well though, I have to hit and abuse it to get light as sometimes pressing the button does nothing. Rather flimsy construction so be careful not to drop it.
  
  
  
• I bought 2, Only 1 worked
  By A2P80QL4JD89IE on 2007-07-18
  Pretty cool product. I researched a ton of them and this seemed perfect. I ordered 2. One didnt work, but amazon has an easy return policy. I'll try it out in real life and I will report back.
  
  Also it warns you to keep away from credit cards laptops and TVs since it has a magnetic pull!!
  
  

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