Midland ER210 E+READY Compact Emergency Crank WX Radio Review: A Reliable and Portable Option for Emergency Situations

By: Jeremy Neisser

As someone who enjoys outdoor activities, I know how important it is to have reliable gear that can withstand extreme weather conditions. One piece of equipment that I never leave home without is the Midland ER210 E+READY Compact Emergency Crank WX Radio. This compact radio is designed to keep you connected to the outside world in case of an emergency.

The Midland ER210 E+READY Compact Emergency Crank WX Radio is a versatile and durable device that can receive AM, FM, and NOAA weather broadcasts. It also features a bright Cree LED flashlight, USB charger output, hand crank, and solar panel for emergency power. The radio's compact size makes it easy to pack in your backpack or emergency kit and take with you on the go.

Overall, the Midland ER210 E+READY Compact Emergency Crank WX Radio is a reliable and practical device that can help keep you safe and connected during an emergency. In this article, I will provide an in-depth review of the key features of this radio, evaluate its performance, compare it to similar products on the market, and provide a final verdict on whether it's worth the investment.

Key Takeaways

• The Midland ER210 E+READY Compact Emergency Crank WX Radio is a versatile and durable device that can receive AM, FM, and NOAA weather broadcasts.

• The radio's compact size makes it easy to pack in your backpack or emergency kit and take with you on the go.

• Overall, the Midland ER210 E+READY Compact Emergency Crank WX Radio is a reliable and practical device that can help keep you safe and connected during an emergency.

Key Features of Midland ER210 E+READY Compact Emergency Crank WX Radio

As someone who has used the Midland ER210 E+READY Compact Emergency Crank WX Radio, I can attest to its quality and usefulness. Here are some of its key features:

Emergency Crank Function

One of the most important features of the Midland ER210 is its emergency crank function. In case of a power outage or other emergency situation, you can manually crank the radio to generate power and keep it running. This feature is especially useful when you don't have access to a power source or the batteries are dead.

Weather Alert Capabilities

The Midland ER210 is equipped with NOAA weather alert capabilities, which means it can receive alerts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration about severe weather conditions in your area. This feature can be a lifesaver during natural disasters or other emergency situations.

Compact Design

The Midland ER210 is designed to be compact and portable, making it easy to take with you wherever you go. It measures just 6.5'' x 2.8'' x 1.9'', so it can fit in a backpack or emergency kit without taking up too much space.

Battery Life and Power Options

The Midland ER210 has a built-in rechargeable battery that can be charged using the included USB cable or by using the hand crank or solar panel. It also has a USB output port that can be used to charge your smartphone or other devices in case of an emergency. The battery life is impressive, with up to 25 hours of use on a single charge.

Overall, the Midland ER210 E+READY Compact Emergency Crank WX Radio is a reliable and versatile emergency radio that can be a valuable addition to your emergency preparedness kit.

Performance Evaluation

As I tested the Midland ER210 E+READY Compact Emergency Crank WX Radio, I evaluated its performance in terms of signal reception, battery efficiency, ease of use, and durability.

Signal Reception

The ER210 provides reliable signal reception for AM, FM, and NOAA weather broadcasts. The NOAA weather alerts are especially helpful during emergencies as they keep you updated with the latest weather conditions. The radio also has a signal strength indicator that helps you find the best reception location.

Battery Efficiency

The ER210 has three power sources: hand crank, plug-in charging, and solar panel charging. The hand crank produces one minute and 13 seconds of battery life after two minutes of cranking. The solar panel charging is efficient in sunny conditions and the plug-in charging is useful for when you have access to electricity. The battery life is impressive and can last up to 25 hours on a single charge.

Ease of Use

The ER210 is easy to use and navigate. The buttons are clearly labeled and the LCD screen is backlit for easy reading in low light conditions. The radio also has a USB charger output, which allows you to charge your mobile devices during emergencies.

Durability

The ER210 is built to withstand harsh weather conditions and is water-resistant. The compact design and integrated handle make it easy to carry around. The Cree LED flashlight emits 130 lumens and has an SOS beacon mode that flashes Morse code, making it an ideal tool for emergencies.

Overall, the Midland ER210 E+READY Compact Emergency Crank WX Radio is a reliable and efficient tool for emergencies. Its signal reception, battery efficiency, ease of use, and durability make it a great investment for anyone who wants to be prepared for unexpected situations.

Comparison with Similar Products

When looking for an emergency radio, the Midland ER210 E+READY Compact Emergency Crank WX Radio is not the only option available on the market. Here, I will compare the Midland ER210 with three similar products: the Kaito KA500, the RunningSnail MD-090, and the Eton FRX5BT.

Midland ER210 vs. Kaito KA500

The Kaito KA500 is a popular emergency radio that is comparable to the Midland ER210. Here are some key differences between the two:

The Midland ER210 is significantly lighter and has a longer battery life when cranking. It also has a lower price point. However, the Kaito KA500 has a longer battery life overall, as well as a built-in reading lamp and a longer antenna for better reception.

Midland ER210 vs. RunningSnail MD-090

The RunningSnail MD-090 is another emergency radio that is often compared to the Midland ER210. Here are some key differences between the two:

The Midland ER210 is heavier than the RunningSnail MD-090, but it has a longer battery life when cranking. It also has a higher price point. However, the RunningSnail MD-090 is significantly cheaper and has a longer battery life overall, as well as a built-in flashlight and a USB charging port.

Midland ER210 vs. Eton FRX5BT

The Eton FRX5BT is a high-end emergency radio that is comparable to the Midland ER210. Here are some key differences between the two:

The Midland ER210 is significantly lighter and has a longer battery life when cranking. It also has a lower price point. However, the Eton FRX5BT has a longer battery life overall, as well as a built-in flashlight, a USB charging port, and Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music. It also has a rugged design and is water-resistant.

Pros and Cons

Advantages of Midland ER210

The Midland ER210 E+READY Compact Emergency Crank WX Radio is a great addition to any emergency kit, camping gear, or backpacking equipment. Here are some of the advantages of the Midland ER210:

• Multiple power sources: The Midland ER210 can be powered by solar, hand crank, or rechargeable battery, making it a versatile and reliable source of power in emergency situations.

• Compact and lightweight: Weighing just 10.6 ounces, the Midland ER210 is one of the lightest crank radios available. Its compact size makes it easy to carry around in a backpack or emergency kit.

• Bright flashlight: The ER210 features an extremely bright flashlight that uses Cree® LEDs and provides 1400 Lux of illumination. The flashlight also has an SOS beacon that can be activated to signal for emergency assistance.

• Long battery life: The Midland ER210 has a 2600mAh rechargeable Li-Ion battery that provides up to 25 hours of normal use. This means that you can use the radio for an extended period without worrying about running out of power.

Disadvantages of Midland ER210

While the Midland ER210 E+READY Compact Emergency Crank WX Radio has many advantages, there are also some disadvantages to consider:

• Hand crank efficiency: The hand crank on the Midland ER210 is not very efficient and can be difficult to turn. This means that it may take longer to charge the radio using the hand crank than with other crank radios.

• Solar charging: The solar panel on the Midland ER210 is not very powerful and may not be able to maintain a charge while sitting in a west-facing window, according to some customer reviews on Amazon.com.

• Price: At $50, the Midland ER210 is more expensive than some other crank radios on the market. However, its multiple power sources, bright flashlight, and long battery life make it a worthwhile investment for those who value reliability and versatility in an emergency radio.

Overall, the Midland ER210 E+READY Compact Emergency Crank WX Radio is a reliable and versatile emergency radio that is worth considering for anyone who needs a source of power and communication in emergency situations.

Final Verdict

Overall, I believe that the Midland ER210 E+READY Compact Emergency Crank WX Radio is a reliable and useful device for emergency situations. It offers multiple sustainable power sources, including solar, hand crank, and rechargeable battery, which makes it a great option for those who want to be prepared for any situation.

The extremely bright Cree LED flashlight emits 130 lumens and has an SOS beacon mode that flashes Morse code, which can be helpful in emergency situations. Additionally, the ER210 offers AM, FM, and NOAA weather broadcasts, which can provide important information during severe weather conditions.

One of the standout features of the Midland ER210 is its long battery life. The 2600 mAh rechargeable Li-Ion battery gives up to 25 hours of normal use, which is impressive for a device of this size. The hand crank only produces one minute and 13 seconds of battery life after two minutes of cranking, which is not ideal, but it can be a useful backup option in case of an emergency.

In terms of design, the Midland ER210 is compact and easy to carry, making it a great option for camping trips, hiking, or other outdoor activities. The device is also user-friendly and easy to operate, which is important in emergency situations when time is of the essence.

Overall, I would recommend the Midland ER210 E+READY Compact Emergency Crank WX Radio to anyone who wants to be prepared for emergencies or severe weather conditions. Its multiple sustainable power sources, long battery life, and useful features make it a reliable and valuable device to have on hand.

Conclusion

After testing and evaluating the Midland ER210 E+READY Compact Emergency Crank WX Radio, I can confidently say that it is a reliable and efficient device for emergency situations.

One of the standout features of this radio is its ability to receive NOAA weather alerts, which can be crucial during natural disasters or severe weather events. Additionally, the hand crank and solar panel charging options make it a great option for situations where power sources may be limited.

The compact size of the ER210 also makes it easy to store and carry in a preparedness kit or gear bag. The bright Cree LED flashlight and SOS beacon mode are also useful features to have in emergency situations.

Overall, the Midland ER210 E+READY Compact Emergency Crank WX Radio is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile emergency radio.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Midland ER210 E+READY Compact Emergency Crank WX Radio?

The Midland ER210 E+READY Compact Emergency Crank WX Radio is packed with features that make it an essential tool for emergency situations. It features multiple sustainable power sources, including solar, hand crank, and rechargeable battery. The flashlight uses Cree® LEDs, which provide an extremely bright light of up to 1400 Lux. Additionally, it has an SOS flashlight beacon that activates Morse code for emergency assistance. The long battery life of the 2600 mAh rechargeable Li-Ion battery gives up to 25 hours of normal use.

How does the Midland ER210 E+READY Compact Emergency Crank WX Radio compare to the RunningSnail Solar Crank NOAA Weather Radio?

The Midland ER210 E+READY Compact Emergency Crank WX Radio and the RunningSnail Solar Crank NOAA Weather Radio are both excellent options for emergency radios. However, the Midland ER210 has several features that make it stand out. It has a longer battery life, a brighter flashlight, and an SOS flashlight beacon that activates Morse code for emergency assistance. Additionally, it has multiple sustainable power sources, including solar, hand crank, and rechargeable battery.

What are the pros and cons of the Midland ER10VP compared to the Midland ER210?

The Midland ER10VP and the Midland ER210 are both excellent options for emergency radios. The Midland ER10VP is more affordable, but it has fewer features than the Midland ER210. The Midland ER210 has a longer battery life, a brighter flashlight, and an SOS flashlight beacon that activates Morse code for emergency assistance. Additionally, it has multiple sustainable power sources, including solar, hand crank, and rechargeable battery.

What are the main differences between the Midland ER310 and the Midland ER40?

The Midland ER310 and the Midland ER40 are both excellent options for emergency radios. However, the Midland ER310 has several features that make it stand out. It has a longer battery life, a brighter flashlight, and an SOS flashlight beacon that activates Morse code for emergency assistance. Additionally, it has multiple sustainable power sources, including solar, hand crank, and rechargeable battery. The Midland ER40 is more affordable, but it has fewer features than the Midland ER310.

What are the benefits of a hand crank radio for emergencies?

A hand crank radio is an essential tool for emergency situations. It provides a reliable source of information, even when the power is out. Additionally, it has multiple sustainable power sources, including solar, hand crank, and rechargeable battery. This makes it an excellent option for emergency situations where power sources may be limited.

Is the Midland ER40 a good option for an emergency radio?

The Midland ER40 is an excellent option for an emergency radio. It has multiple sustainable power sources, including solar, hand crank, and rechargeable battery. Additionally, it has a long battery life and a bright flashlight. However, it has fewer features than some of the other Midland emergency radios, such as the Midland ER210 and the Midland ER310.