Deal or Dud: Atomic Beam Flashlight

A flashlight so tough that it can withstand the heat of a deep fryer – that’s what makers of the Atomic Beam USA Flashlight claim. Consumer Reporter Steve Noviello put the flashlight to the Deal or Dud test.

When it comes to fried fair finds, there are few more famous than Abel Gonzales.

“We are the creators of fried butter, fried jambalaya, fried cookie dough, fried everything!” Able boasted.

The makers of the Atomic Beam Flashlight say, while not meant to be tasty, their tactical flashlight is so tough that it can be deep fried.

“It can't be!” said Able. “The seals aren't going to hold. The grease is going to get in the batteries. It's gonna get ugly.”

Nevertheless, Able volunteered to put that claim to the test.

Fresh from the fryer, the flashlight with brand new batteries was fully functioning. The flashlight packed plenty of light.

The ad also claimed the flashlight is tough enough to withstand the weight of a firetruck. Our tests found it had no trouble. Back at the fair, the flashlight defied a direct hit and a daring drop.

And while it also withstood a submersion test, that doesn't mean it's exactly waterproof. When we froze it in a block of ice, water got inside which caused its components to freeze and stop working until we dried it out, replaced the batteries and powered it back on again.

“It's the Atomic Beam USA Flashlight. What do you think: Deal or Dud?” asked Noviello.

“That's a deal man!” Able said. “We fried the sucker, and it's still living!  It's still bright!”

It goes without saying that these tests are extreme, and it is not recommended that you recreate any of them. The Atomic Beam Flashlight retails for about $20.