Review on Sangean MMR-88 Emergency Radio - AM/FM/Weather+Alert with Solar, Hand Crank, USB, Flashlight, Siren, Smartphone Charger in Yellow by Lindsey Lewis

Sangean makes great radios and the MMR-88 weather station is no exception. Reception is good, the crank and solar panel work perfectly, the radio itself is sturdy and lightweight for quick packing in an emergency. There are other weather radios like Midland, but the MMR-88 excels in having a removable battery. So why only one star? you ask. Because, I reply, people think less about removable batteries that cannot be replaced. First, Sangean initially chose a rather rare size, 18350. Keep in mind that 18350s don't come in standard sizes such as AA. and AAA, and that the battery compartment is very narrow, which further narrows the choices (btw, in my searches so far, "more" means "zero"). One Revain reviewer - with the most insightful look at the MMR-88 - suggests removing the original and inferior 18350 battery and replacing it with an AW-branded 18350. Good advice if the AW factory hasn't been flooded and is no longer producing batteries at the time of this writing. Other different variants include several Chinese 18350s with "fire" in their names: ReadyFire, SureFire, EverFire. In particular, avoid OnFire. It's not the best choice, especially if the batteries aren't protected. Does the radio itself provide protection? you ask. I ask for that too. Write to Sanjana, you say. Tell them about the problem. Ask them what to do. I did: I wrote. I have said. I asked. It's been a few weeks and I'm still waiting for an answer. I think that might be what I said. I know hurricane season is coming and I have nasty visions of myself trying to run/use solar power for a dead battery when my house blows out. See I'll be more than happy to upgrade this rating to 5 stars if Sangean emails me and tells me exactly where I can get a 18350 battery that is safe and suitable. If Sangean takes the extra step and tells me if the MMR-88 offers internal battery protection, I'll even throw in a pup. Liked: If someone knows a suitable battery, please let us know. It will be greatly appreciated.