Dorcy 41-1035 Weather Resistant Rechargeable Xenon Flashlight Review

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This is our third attempt at finding a long-lasting rechargeable flashlight, which we use nightly for our doggies' 10-minute 'potty walk'. The beam is very strong although perhaps a bit more point-focused than would be ideal and so far, after many nights of use, the battery shows no sign of flagging. The product description claims both a 2-hour and 4-hour runtime (??). I like that there is a charge indicator light that goes from green(ish) to yellow to red. I'd guess we're approaching the 2-hour point and we're still on green. The instructions say to recharge the battery for 16 hours after every single use, which I think is ridiculous and we haven't recharged it once yet. (If the battery lasts 2+ hours, why charge for 16 hours after every 10-minute use.) But it's nice to know you can recharge it whenever you want. Our last rechargeable required the battery to be 100% drained before recharging, so you were forced to go without a flashlight for a 12-hour period, and it had to be fully charged before you could unplug it. This is a huge improvement, all around.

UPDATE (April 2010): After more than one year of use, it's possible but barely noticeable yet that the battery may need to be charged a wee bit more often which is not often. Bear in mind, we use it for only maybe 10 minutes a night, but that is every single night. Best flashlight we've ever found. A solid buy.

FURTHER UPDATE (Oct 2011): Still love them (we have two on rotation, although this is not necessary). But by now, they clearly do not hold charge for as long as when newer. Also, once the indicator light changes from Green to Orange, it moves on to RED within just a minute or two. They say NOT to operate the lantern with Red indicator on. You don't get much warning. But I think this is in the nature of rechargeables? I think that when we need to replace these lanterns, we'll get a standard flashlight housing and then insert rechargeable batteries. With this, you have to get rid of (recycle, please!) the entire lantern. The bloom is off the rose.

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I first bought this flashlight in the early '80s (25 years ago) as a Black & Decker branded flashlight and then a second as a Sears branded flashlight. Without question these were the best flashlights for home use. I bought several of these flashlights as Christmas gifts.

I found the above rating by "Honest Reviewer" a little hard to believe. I checked Dorcy's web site and discovered that the replacement battery for the old Sears flashlight was the same as the current Dorcy flashlight. This flashlight had to be very similar in addition to looking the same. I decided to go ahead and order it and decided that I would install a new seal-beam bulb when I received it. When it arrived, I opened it up and I decided that a seal-beam bulb could be install in it. I went to Sears and bought a replacement GE seal-beam bulb (They are also available from Dorcy) for $3.97. I installed the GE seal-beam in the new Dorcy flashlight and voilà, I had recreated the old Sears flashlight. I had eliminated the complaints that "Honest Reviewer" had with the new Dorcy flashlight.

I weighed my old Sears flashlight and my new modified Dorcy flashlight. The Sears came in at 3 lbs. 1oz. and the modified Dorcy at 2 lbs. 13 oz. I am guessing that the 4 oz. difference is the plastic. The plastic in the case of the new Dorcy may not be as dense and/or thick. The new Dorcy may not be as durable as the old Sears flashlight.

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I was very dissappointed with this flashlight. It looks exactly like the Sears Craftsman Professional Lantern which I and my family members have several. That is why I purchased it. However, this lantern is not the same. The Craftsman is a true professional lantern with a sealed beam bulb (real glass). Solvents and gasoline will not damage it. It won't scratch or discolor like plastic. It is very bright with a white color to the beam. It also projects very, very far. It's truly the best flashlight I have ever owned.

Disappointingly, the Dorcy Lantern has a regular Zenon flashlight bulb with a plastic reflector and lens. The beam is yellow compared to the Craftsman sealed beam, and is not as bright nor does it project as far. Unfortunately, for those of you looking for an excellent flashlight I am sad to say the the Craftsman Lantern is no longer available. I thought the Dorcy was an exact replacement, but I was fooled!

Honest reviews on Dorcy 41-1035 Weather Resistant Rechargeable Xenon Flashlight

Most people will probably be familiar with the Sears Craftsman model that was discontinued a few years ago. The quality and usability are still comparable to the Craftsman model. Would recommend to anybody, as it makes a perfect replacement for the Craftsman.

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I bought this rechargeable flashlight/lantern to replace a Craftsman and find it to be a great product. There's not much difference between the two and it is working just fine for me.