Freeplay Energy - Companion (radio, torch, mobile charger)

I wanted a flashlight/radio combi that would work regardless of battery availability, enter the Freeplay Energy Companion. Quality is top notch, form factor small and compact, battery life superb, what a cracker! I am suitably impressed. The battery charge lasts and lasts, especially if left in the sunlight (solar panel) and the sound reproduction is superb for such a small device. You can't expect mega bass, it is what it is, a device that acts as an emergency light source and mini one way comms device in one. The product ooozzeeesss quality, it ROCKS!!!

This radio/torch has been brilliant, I take it everywhere with me to listen to football or music. The sound is ok for a small device. The word of caution is to use the winding handle gently and take care with the head phone jack as the handle broke on mine (It was after a year of hard use)and the external speaker stopped working (I think due to strain on the jack plug).Having said that I have bought a new one and hope with care, to have it for years.

torch works but radio gave up after couple of weeks

This product broke after less than 18 months of very light use (the winding mechanism broke) in an indoor situation. Prior to this I was very happy with it, but I am very disappointed with its obvious lack of robustness. I have been unable to find out from the supplier whether this is a typical problem or how long the guarantee runs for, which is also disappointing. I would not recommend buying this product in view of my experience.

Extremely well built, robust radio and torch that will work after a lot of abuse. charges well in sunlight, and the winder really does make it work for a worthwhile amount of time for the effort put in.The mobile phone charger only works on Nokia phones, it looks like you could charge a smart phone off it with the right lead, but you can't, and i'd say that that you ought to know that before you buy it, hence 3 stars. i've had other products from this brand before and they've been very good in terms of durability of the batteries, and being extremely robust, hence not 0 stars!

My daughter bought this for me as a fathers day gift. I have had its predecessor [ Freeplay Ranger ] for several years, and wanted one for upstairs, and one down. I am really impressed with its performance for such a tiny radio. Easy to operate, good volume and clarity and holds its power for ages. Only drawback is the winding handle which is quite fragile and requires care to wind [ unlike the Ranger which I have been winding for years without apparent damage of any sort ] however, for the price, a brilliant little radio.

I bought one of these about a year ago now, and have had a good amount of use out of it. I have not treated it very well, keeping it in my often slightly damp tool box (I'm an archaeologist) and using it in the mud. I have now snapped off half of the wind up handle and snapped the aerial, however it still works with the aerial tied on with a bit of string when in direct sunlight. I might get another one. I think for the price it is probably the best you'll get, and I'm sure that if better treated it would last well.

Brilliant, take it everywhere with me, even to the greenhouse when pricking out seedlings! Solar works very well, just leave it on a windowsill to recharge. Good to have a torch too that will never let you down in a powercut. Smaller than my last one (that I broke by dropping it on a hard floor) so even better really. Sound is surprisingly good, fine for speech, not quite so good for music, but ok.