When in an emergency situation or on a trip off the grid, staying up to date with the rest of the world can be vital. Whether it’s information on how to find safety in an emergency or perhaps weather forecasts, having radio access can even mean the difference between life and death.
Having radio capabilities can be a problem if you’re in a situation where power access is limited or nonexistent. In this Eton Scorpion 2 review, we will look at a product that can help solve the issue of radio and power access in extreme situations.
Eton - Scorpion II Rugged Multipowered Portable Emergency Weather Radio & Flashlight Green, Hand Crank, LED Flashlight, Smartphone Charger, Solar Power, 800 MAH Battery, Commitment to Preparedness
Whether you’re in an unexpected emergency scenario or simply on a camping adventure, we’re sure this useful gadget will be one you will insist on having in your survival arsenal.
In this Eton Scorpion 2 review, we will look at some of the features, pros and cons of this handy gadget as well as a bit of history behind the company that makes it.
About The Brand
The company Eton’s mission statement involves using natural resources to provide reliable access to information in the harshest circumstances. Radios are the main niche that they work in, and they have an impressive track record of producing hardy radio devices that are built to last during the toughest situations.
If that wasn’t enough, they have even partnered with the American Red Cross, which is a really solid endorsement of the quality of their products. When it comes to a company producing this kind of device, it’s good to know that they’ve been in the business for a fair while.
Eton has been going since 1986, meaning they’ve been doing what they do for over 36 years. This is a great track record, and it shows that they have what it takes to last for the long term.
Features
The Eton Scorpion 2 is at its essence an emergency radio. That is an oversimplification, however, as it has a few other impressive features. The main one is the radio itself, which features AM/FM NOAA capabilities.
This is perfect for both weather alerts and keeping up to date with alerts and local news that could be the key to prolonged survival. Having a robust radio is one thing, but what if you need to charge it while lost in the woods?
With the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) emphasizing the importance of emergency preparedness, having a tool that combines a NOAA weather radio with solar and hand-crank charging options can be lifesaving. This device ensures that individuals can stay informed, see in the dark, and keep communication lines open, even when off the grid, highlighting the indispensable role of versatile survival tools in modern emergency preparedness kits.
– Eddie Penney Emergency Prep Expert
First, you can charge the device using the attached hand crank, which is handy if you need power fast. It also has a small solar panel that can be used to power the radio. Both of these powering methods can take time and in the case of the crank a bit of effort, though.
They are recommended more for powering the flashlight and radio rather than charging the device as a whole.
Apart from the emergency charging methods it can be charged via a wall outlet or USB port when you do have electricity access. Once charged, the Eton Scorpion 2 can also be used to charge smaller devices such as a mobile phone. Bear in mind that this will only be a partial charge depending on the battery range of your phone, and is recommended for emergency situations.
It also features a fairly bright LED flashlight, battery indicator and headphone port for your convenience. A small but welcome feature is that the Eton Scorpion 2 also has a handy bottle opener built in.
Design
If you take one look at the Eton II multi-purpose radio, you will see that it has a rugged, robust design. It has a sleek, premium look to it with a really pleasing black and neon green color scheme. When folded up, the crank fits neatly into the device to make carrying it around much easier.
The handle of the device is tough and sturdy with a built-in clip that can be used to fasten the Eton Scorpion 2 to your backpack or other gear.
While it has a quality build that should persevere through harsh conditions, this review from Wholly Outdoor does note that the crank could be a bit more robust and reliable, so you’ll want to use that feature with a bit of caution.
The device is nice and compact, which means it won’t take up too much space if carried in a backpack or even if it is clipped to your belt.
FAQ’S
How Waterproof Is The Eton Scorpion 2?
Unfortunately, one downside of the Eton Scorpion 2 is that it is merely splash resistant and not totally waterproof. In fact, it is quite vulnerable to water exposure and you should therefore be very cautious if you’re planning on traveling somewhere where you will be exposed to water.
Can You Replace The Batteries On The Eton Scorpion 2?
The battery of the Eton Scorpion 2 is built in, and replacing it on your own is not recommended. While not recommended, it is possible with a bit of tinkering.
Does The Eton Scorpion 2 Come With NOAA Weather Station Presets?
Yes, in addition to AM/FM capabilities, the Eton Scorpion 2 does have NOAA frequencies as well, which is really handy for keeping up to date with weather forecasts and alerts.
How Long Does The Radio Last On A Full Charge?
Provided you are using the device for just the radio capabilities, you can expect a decent battery life of around 12-24 hours depending on the volume you are playing it and whether you are charging a device.
How Much Power Is Generated Using The Hand Crank Generator?
The attached hand crank is meant more as an emergency power solution rather than a standard one. This method requires a lot of effort, and it is mostly recommended for powering the radio and flashlight capabilities in an emergency.
How Bright Is The LED Flashlight?
The built-in LED flashlight has a brightness of 0.5W. This is a reasonable level of brightness that should be more than enough in an emergency situation. The flashlight can also be run while using the crank, which is handy in a pinch.
Conclusion And Where To Buy
This Eton Scorpion Review has shown us that this product is a fairly robust solution for radio access and emergency power in a survival situation. You have a few options for power, which include charging the device from an outlet or USB port.
The crank and solar power options are great features to have in an emergency or situation where the previous options are not available. These two options, especially the crank, should be considered emergency features to be used in a pinch, however. The crank can be a bit unreliable and requires energy from you in order to power it.
The solar panel is a better option in an emergency, but its usefulness could be limited on cloudy days or at night. Even though these two charging features may not be ideal, they are still great options to have in an emergency.
The rugged build of the Eton Scorpion 2 is a huge plus, but adventurers should be aware that it is not waterproof and that some users have had issues with the crank. While it is splash-resistant, other users have also cautioned that water exposure can cause damage to the unit. It should be okay in light rain, but you should certainly try to keep it as dry as possible.
Overall, we think this is a great gadget to take on camping trips or have stored for potential emergencies. The Eton Scorpion 2 is available at popular retailers such as Survivalfrog, Amazon, Best Buy and Home Depot. The prices range from around $40-$60, so you’ll definitely want to check out a few stores to find the best prices.
