XTorch on ‘Shark Tank’: What is the cost, who are the founders and how long does the solar-powered device last?
Heading out for night camping? Facing power cut woes? The latest product on ‘Shark Tank’ could solve all your problems! A husband and wife duo from Edina, Minnesota, light up the room with their portable, rechargeable solar-powered device.
XTorch is not only a rechargeable USB and solar flashlight lantern that you can count on but also an emergency, backup phone charger and power bank. In today's times, it really is a “must-have” device that can curb your “battery died” problems. With a rugged and durable design, it has a LiFePO4, better than a lithium battery that stays charged in storage for three years! Yes, it's true. Here are all the reasons why you should purchase XTorch.
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What is XTorch?
XTorch can make your life easy with the 3-in-1 features that make it fit for a solar table lantern, hand torchlight, and hanging tent light. How to charge it? There are two ways — Use a USB adapter (cable and USB adapter not included) or step out in the sunlight! It takes about an hour and a half to get fully charged via USB or about 22 hours in full sun. In hazy sky conditions, it can take about 32 hours to be fully charged. A cloudy sky only delivers 15% of the solar radiation needed to charge the XTorch.
Once completely charged, it will last up to 48 hours. Not just that, did you know the XTorch glows in the dark, floats and offers up to 400 lumens of light output? Wow.
You can also gift it to your loved ones. Easy to carry, XTorch can be kept in the car or inside your backpack whenever you are going on a trip. XTorch founders Gene & Keidy, developed this torch flashlight to give the gift of light to children in developing countries, especially where there is a scarcity of light and power.
Who are the founders?
Entrepreneurs Gene and Keidy Palusky teamed up to take their product, XTorch, to new heights after their tragic story when the latter was about to die. Did you know inspiration to create XTorch first struck after Gene traveled to Equatorial Guinea, Africa, The Dominican Republic and other remote areas of the world? “He saw children fearful and unable to study after sunset, families’ loss of productive evening hours and expensive cell phone recharging costs,” the website reads.
Spilling their tale, the official site also read, “This experience made the need for light in remote villages very personal for Gene and Keidy... Now their life passion is to get an XTorch into the hands of energy-poor children and advocate the humanitarian benefits of a solar-rechargeable light.”
Keidy, meanwhile, is the “secret weapon” for the company who brings her Dominican charm and insight. She offers ideas on design and marketing. Along with the husband-wife duo, Bob Sweat is the lead engineer who has rescued the team several times through the development of the EJ CASE XTORCH.
What is the cost?
The XTorch is available at an affordable price of $49.95 on the official website. You can also purchase it on Amazon for $55.95.
The device boasts of many qualities like a spring clip, solar pannel, hi and low control button, fuel gage, on and off button, solar panel, front lantern and flashlight, glow in the dark gasket, USB gasket covered with a silicon cover, a water-resistant case, and a room lantern.
The reviews do give an insight into the product. “I sleep in a bug tent when I go to the Amazon River basin a couple times a year to do health training. It's dark at night! I need a dependable light that won't fail me in the wet, the water, all the banging around of equipment, and where there are no convenience stores for batteries. Love the renewable energy and expect to use it for many years to come. Now, if it only came in a headlamp too... but where could you put the solar panel?” one said. Another posted, “Very bright light for a solar flashlight! Also will charge up your phone with solar power!”
Where is XTorch now?
Back in 2015, the Paluskys saved upto $300,000 for XTorch. In 2018, EJ Case gave away 1,500 torches and sold about 200 torches at $60. Not just that, about 1,200 torches were sold to non-profit organizations as well. With each XTorch purchase, Gene and Keidy donate a XTorch flashlight or XTorch solar panel to a child in need and have already donated more than 4000 XTorches in total.
On a picture on Instagram, the company wrote: “We just donated around 2,000 Torches and 1000 solar panels to families in Haiti and refugees coming over the border from Venezuela into Colombia. The shipments are on a boat and on their way.”
Who will seal the deal?
Teasing the episode, the official handle shared a photo and captioned it: “Tonight's the night! Will we get an offer? Who would be a good match for XTorch - Robert, Mark, Lori, Daniel or Kevin?”
The founders are seeking a $100,000 investment but Robert goes on to say he wants to buy the entire company. Will the couple comply with his demand? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
‘Shark Tank’ Season 12 Episode 9 returned to ABC after the winter break on January 8, 2021, at 8 pm ET. Catch the latest episode featuring products like Jiggy Puzzles, The Scrubbie, The Bumbling Bee and XTorch on April 23, 2021, from 8 pm ET to 9 pm ET.
Missed an episode? Been wanting to catch up? Episodes can also be viewed the next day on demand and on Hulu. Not just that, you can also watch old seasons and episodes on Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.