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Best Reviewed
Weather Radios
- Best weather radio overall Midland WR-300 *Est. $65
- Handheld weather radio Sangean DT-400W *Est. $55
- Best emergency crank radio Eton FR160 *Est. $30
- Budget desktop weather radio Midland WR-120 *Est. $35
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Best emergency crank radio
- Charges by crank or solar power
- Lightweight, compact
- Integrated flashlight
- Built-in phone charger
- Doesn't meet Public Alert standards
- Lacks SAME technology
- Can't use standard batteries or electricity
The crank-driven Eton Microlink FR160 can be a lifesaver in an emergency when the power's out and batteries are either dead or nowhere to be found. Features are slim, but include a flashlight and the ability to receive both regular AM and FM broadcasts as well as all weather band channels. The FR160 can also be used to charge a cell phone enough to make a quick call. Perhaps because it doesn't try to do too much, the FR160 leaves owners far more satisfied than most crank radios like Eton's more upscale FR360 (*Est. $50) , which draws ire for short run times and reception range.
In contrast, the majority of owners are pleased by the amount of run time the FR160 can eke out without so much cranking that your shoulder gets sore. That's a good thing, since this radio can't use standard batteries or run on electricity, although a built-in solar cell can be used to charge up the radio when time and sunlight permit. Its small size and light weight make the FR160 a good choice for non-emergencies as well, such as a radio for camping or hiking, but it's probably not the best bet for an everyday radio.
Along the same lines, the Eton FR160 isn't ideal for staying on top of emergency situations before they occur; a more capable weather radio like the Midland WR-300 (*Est. $65) is a better choice. The WR-300 is Public Alert certified so you'll know loud and clear if trouble is brewing, and is SAME capable so your sleep won't be disturbed unnecessarily for situations that are far away or don't directly impact you.
User reviews are our main source of feedback for the Eton FR160 -- also sold under the American Red Cross brand -- and sites such as Amazon.com and RadioShack.com provide detailed insights. Short comments on enthusiast sites eHam.net and SurvivalistBoards.com are also helpful; an article at TopTenReviews.com doesn't test the radios it features but does rate them. The site's comparison chart could be a useful quick reference tool.
| Etón FR160B Microlink Self-Powered AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio with Flashlight, Solar Power and Cell Phone Charger (Black) | |
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Our Sources
1. Amazon.com
More than 275 Amazon.com posters give the Eton FR160 in its various color offerings an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Owners appreciate its excellent value and features, as well as its durability and utility. A few complain about difficulty in locating an FM station on the sensitive dial, and dislike that the cell phone charging adapter must be purchased separately.
Review: Eton FR160R Microlink Self-Powered AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio, Contributors to Amazon.com, As of March 2012
A handful of recent comments ding the Eton FR160 for poor sound quality and durability issues, but most owners say they're happy with its sound quality, features and ruggedness. A couple of reviews complain about the effort it takes to charge a cell phone or say the charge doesn't last long enough. Still, most of the nearly 20 reviewers here say they'd recommend this emergency radio to a friend.
Review: Eton Solarlink FR160 Radio, Contributors to RadioShack.com, As of March 2012
This user review focuses on the value of the Eton FR160, as well as its performance as a piece of survival gear. The author says the radio is a good value, but a bit delicate for outdoor use. Most functions perform as advertised, battery life is good and reception is said to be excellent.
Review: Review: Eton Microlink FR160, "AKpredator", Dec. 30, 2009
4. EHam.net
One user's comments on the FR160 are more positive than negative, but the radio is rated a 3 out of 5, presumably due to the cranking required to charge a cell phone via the dynamo.
Review: Eton FR160 Emergency Preparedness Radio, "KE8WO", May 30, 2009
Although editors don't seem to do any testing, their somewhat brief features-based review includes a helpful list of this radio's pros and cons. The rating they give the FR160 isn't particularly high but should still be taken with a grain of salt; many higher-rated units either lack weather band coverage, are discontinued and/or don't score well in user reviews. A comparison chart lets you look at features side by side.
Review: Microlink FR160, Editors of TopTenReviews.com, Not dated
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