Outdoor Gear Reviewer:

Purchased (2) new flashlights for my float boxes, to be utilized as emergency backup lighting during canoe trips. The Flashlights we purchased were the Dorcy Spyder 41-4200 lights.

Initially during testing I was pleased with the design, bright light and compact nature of the flashlight all of which I would rate as excellent. However after both light's had been on for over an hour, They started to get extremely/dangerously hot (it melted the rubber grip around the outside of the light), and then stopped working altogether. After contacting Dorcy, I found that the light will only operate for an hour at a time before the battery drains, however the flashlight should not become hot. They then advised me that there was a recall on these flashlights because of a problem with the FUJI batteries that shipped with them, causing the light to overheat. However my batteries were Duracells, and the flashlights now need to be returned to the original point of purchase.

My opinion is that there is a problem with the flashlight itself, If the normal battery drain was the problem the light would not overheat and would just fade into the sunset. I'm thinking there is a design flaw that is causing excess amperage/heat build-up that is forcing the batteries to overload. In addition if the batteries were the problem it would be more cost effective to just suggest that I buy new batteries.

Bottom line is that this light is dangerous, don't buy it. My lights were sold in a twin pack at Cosco, and there is a general recall on these lights.

http://www.dorcy.com/spyder.htm

Return Information:
Dorcy International
2700 Port Road
Columbus Ohio, 43217
Send Collect UPS - 468-758