Goal Zero has always had a reputation for innovative and useful design. The Crush Light Solar Powered Lantern doesn't disappoint. It is all that the advertising promises... small when compacted, bright when needed and long lasting on its low setting. I got one initially and put it through its paces. The advertised times for high, medium, and low output are close to my experiance. I was especially impressed by the output of the low setting. I can hang it about two feet above my head and read easily with only its light output in an otherwise dark room. On low I get 24 hours consistently. It is a little less than the 30 hours as advertised, but that is still impressive when the power goes out and you need light to move around the house or to light common spaces like a kitchen or bathroom. Likewise it can get you through a three day camping trip easily. As expected the higher settings will last less. But I find they are overkill and will not be needed often.
As for the design, I found it very convenient. the collapsed state packs easily into a backpack or stands on a windowsill to keep it charged with the built-in solar panel. While we are on the subject of solar let me make a point about solar expectations. If you expect to take this or any solar powered device into the backcountry on a long hike and think that you will use the solar to recharge it after it is empty, you will have a hard experiance. Solar is SLOW to recharge. Only the largest solar panels will provide strong recharge ability and then only if they are in bright sunlight for many hours. As for the Crush Light, Goal Zero stated to me that the expected time to fully recharge a dead light from solar is 20 hours. That's 20 hours in direct, bright sun. For all practical purposes that means 3 days. So forget about charging while waking along a wooded trail or on overcast days. Please understand that the most practical way to recharge the Crush Light is via the USB cable from a wall outlet or portable battery pack. Then once fully charged place it on a windowsill with good sun exposure to keep it topped off. That is the best emergency preparedness way to use the light. If you follow this routine, you will always have a fully charged light when you need it most.
Build quality seemed good, especially considering its low cost. The shaded sides are thick enough to expect years of service. The removable handle is strong and well attached. the entire electronic module with solar on the top, battery inside, and LED lights on the bottom is solid and protected from the elements. A short USB cord is supplied with the light that can cleverly act as an alternate handle to hang the light upside down for a more romantic feel. Just thread the small end of the cord down through one of the side loops on the light's frame. Then cross over and thread it up through the opposite loop it should stay in place with a quarter turn and act as a handle to hang the light upside down. It's also a convenient way to store the cord to prevent loss.
The best part of the Crush Light is its cost. At under $20 it gives you a lot of usefulness and emergency piece of mind for very little money. The value to cost ratio of this Goal Zero product is very high indeed. I recommend that you consider this as a perfect stocking stuffer for family. When the power outage hits they will be glad you thought of the Crush Light.
| Battery Description | Lithium-Ion |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 8 Grams |
| Mounting Type | Tabletop Mount |
| Water Resistance Level | Water Resistant |
| Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Manufacturer | Goal Zero |
| Part Number | 32013 |
| Item Weight | 0.282 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 8 x 7 x 1 inches |
| Item model number | GZ32013 |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Assembled Height | 1 inches |
| Assembled Length | 8 inches |
| Assembled Width | 7 inches |
| Style | Crush Light Chroma |
| Batteries Included? | Yes |
| Batteries Required? | Yes |
| Color Temperature | 3000 Kelvin |
