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XTorch did not get a deal on Shark Tank. The solar flashlight company continued operating for several years, but it now appears to be closed or indefinitely on hold. After the reported retirement of founders Gene and Keidy Palusky and Gene’s death in June 2025, the original website became inactive, Amazon listings became unavailable, and no functioning first-party sales channel has been verified as of August 18, 2026.
What was XTorch?
XTorch was marketed as an all-in-one emergency and off-grid device: a solar-rechargeable flashlight, room or work lantern, backup cellphone charger and rugged portable power source. ABC described it as a solar-powered flashlight, lantern and phone charger for emergency situations and places without dependable electricity (ABC’s XTorch listing).
The company also promoted a humanitarian purpose. It said at least 25% of retail-sales net profit supported donated XTorch units and relief partnerships. That was a company policy and mission statement, not an independent certification of every donation.
Coverage says the product grew out of Gene and Keidy Palusky’s missionary work in the Dominican Republic and Equatorial Guinea, where unreliable electricity exposed the need for portable lighting. The origin story, including Gene’s use of candlelight while helping Keidy during an illness, is reported by SlashGear and should be understood as the founders’ account.
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- MULTI-FUNCTIONAL SPOTLIGHT WITH DUAL LIGHTING SYSTEM: Our spotlight features main light and sidelights with 4 modes respectively. The main light can irradiate 2600ft / 800 meters in high mode for around 10 hours, which can be used as working lights in high or low modes, while flashing modes can be used as emergency lights with SOS function
- Solar Flashlight: This solar flashlight is equipped with a high brightness LED core,and adopts stepless dimming. Long press can adjust the light freely to meet different brightness requirements. Provide main and side lights with stepless dimming.
- HIGH POWER BULB AND PROFESSIONAL MATERIAL CONSTRUCTION: The handheld flashlights adopt a high power bulb which can reach the brightness of 1000 lumens at most and can illuminate any dark place. Made of high-strength engineering abs plastic and aluminium alloy with fully enclosed structure, explosion-proof, dust-proof, shockproof, ipx5 waterproof, rainproof, and splash-proof (but don't put in water)
- DIRECT CHARGING WITH BUILT-IN PROTECTION: Supports usb cable (included) and 5v dc charger adapter (not included). It is not compatible with adapters with a voltage higher than 5v. After fully charged, it will automatically turn off the power. The lantern-type flashlight has a built-in protection circuit board
- VERSATILE USE FOR MULTIPLE ENVIRONMENTS: This spotlight is easy to use and does not require too much operation. Professionally designed handle ensures long time use will not let the hand feel tired. Can be used as a marine spotlight, car, boat, emergency home light, work light, camp light, yacht, hunting, fishing, camping, survival, search, farm, and emergency light
When did XTorch appear on Shark Tank?
XTorch appeared in a Season 12 episode broadcast on April 23, 2021. ABC’s page identifies that date and lists XTorch among the featured businesses (ABC). Episode numbering varies among secondary guides, so the broadcast date is the clearest reference.
What investment did XTorch seek?
Gene and Keidy Palusky reportedly asked for $150,000 for 10% equity, implying a $1.5 million valuation. That was the requested minority investment; it was separate from the buyout discussion that followed.
Why did XTorch leave without a deal?
No Shark investment was completed. Robert Herjavec reportedly pursued a purchase of the entire company rather than the 10% equity deal the founders requested. The reported sequence was:
| Person or party | Offer or response |
|---|---|
| XTorch | $150,000 for 10% equity |
| Robert Herjavec | $400,000 to buy the entire company |
| Gene Palusky | Countered at $1 million |
| Robert Herjavec | Raised the buyout offer to $500,000 |
| Gene Palusky | Countered at $750,000 |
| Final result | Herjavec withdrew; no deal was made |
The distinction matters: Herjavec’s reported $400,000 and $500,000 figures were offers for 100% of XTorch, not $500,000 for a 10% stake. The offer sequence is reported by Shark Tank Blog and SlashGear.
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A large post-show order spike
Follow-up coverage says XTorch received approximately 2,000 orders after its appearance and sold through roughly 1,400 units of inventory. The company used preorders while dealing with the demand surge and a global shortage of electronic components (SlashGear; Shark Tank Blog).
Historical pricing
Shark Tank Blog reported a 2021 preorder price of $39.95, reduced from a stated regular price of $49.95. Those were historical prices and are not current XTorch prices.
Rank #2
- 1. Emergency Army Green Hand Crank Torch, Built-In Rechargeable battery, conveniently generates power for more than 10 minutes’ lighting by 1 minute’s crank (basing one speed of two round per second).
- 2. Solar panel as a back-up powering method absorbs all kinds of light, such as strong and medium sunlight, lamp light and more.
- 3. Ergonomic and rugged design is comfortable and secure to grip in hand. Perfect for daily, emergency and outdoor lighting.
- 4. The built-in durable carabiner securely clips to your backpack, ideal for outdoor activities.Portable Size for out door use:124x45x32mm/86g.
- 5. What you get: Brand New Simpeak Hand Crank and Solar Flashlight, user manual, unprecedented 2-year worry-free and 24 hours customer service.
Reported recovery by 2022
Shark Tank Blog later reported that XTorch had resolved its supply problems by August 2022 and was again available through its website and Amazon. That update describes a point in the company’s past; it does not establish that either sales channel remains active in 2026.
How successful did XTorch become?
Shark Tank Blog reported approximately $1.5 million in annual revenue as of August 2023. This is a secondary estimate, not a publicly filed or audited financial statement. It shows that XTorch remained commercially active after the show, but it does not prove continuing revenue or profitability after 2023.
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The company also continued presenting a relief mission. Later coverage says the founders reported donating many thousands of units to nonprofit and disaster-relief efforts in several countries. Those totals are company-reported impact claims, not independently audited figures.
Why did XTorch stop operating?
Retirement and operating pressures
According to the founders’ reported farewell message, they planned to retire because of complicated health issues, concerns about continuing manufacturing in China and family priorities (SlashGear). The message indicates a deliberate step back rather than an immediate failure after the television appearance.
Gene Palusky’s death
BGR reported that Keidy Palusky announced Gene’s death on or around June 28, 2025, after ongoing health problems. BGR also reported that XTorch was placed on hold and that a possible future sale was mentioned (BGR). Because the underlying social-media posts were not independently accessible in the available reporting, those details should be treated as reported statements rather than confirmed corporate filings.
Taken together, the retirement message and subsequent “on hold” report explain why the company appears to have stopped normal operations. There is no verified evidence that XTorch was acquired, resumed manufacturing or returned to ordinary retail distribution.
Rank #3
- 【360° Lighting Coverage】Adopts 6+1 high-intensity LED chips, energy efficient/with wide range of visibility. Doubles as both a lantern & as a flashlight, adjust the brightness by how high up you pull up the lantern, providing tons of light at full open, easily light up an entire room.
- 【Lightweight & Portable】Collapsible design, as small as a phone when collapsed, easy to carry. With folding handle, can be hang it on tents or tree, free your hands. The extremely lightweight design also fit for young child, everyone can have a reliable light to access when needed.
- 【Durable & Waterproof】Made of high quality ABS material, ensures a long-time durability and water resistant, heat-resistant, freeze resistant, trouble-free in tough environment. More than 25 hours Long Last Lighting when fully charged, perfect for indoor or outdoor activities.
- 【Two Charging Methods】Built-in 1600mAh rechargeable battery, the upgrade led lantern with two charging methods: Solar charging and USB Charging. Automatic power-off protection, Don't worry about overcharging.
- 【Multipurpose Use】A necessary Survival Equipment for outdoor activities, great kit for camping, hiking, fishing, hunting or night walking. A perfect emergency lights for home power failure in the Hurricanes, Storms. No matter where you live, everyone needs this reliable light.
Can you still buy an XTorch?
There is no dependable new-product channel verified as of August 18, 2026:
- Original XTorch website: Reported inactive or apparently unclaimed by BGR.
- Amazon: The XTorch product page is reported unavailable.
- Rural Renewable Energy Alliance: Its X-Torch page lists a $65 price but marks the product “Out of Stock” (RREAL product page).
The RREAL page is evidence of a live listing, not proof of a relaunch. It could represent remaining inventory, a transferred listing or a mission-related resale arrangement. It should not be treated as an orderable recommendation while it remains out of stock.
If you find a used unit
Used XTorch devices may still appear on resale marketplaces, but age creates practical risks:
- The internal rechargeable battery may have lost capacity or failed after years in storage.
- Solar charging is inherently slow and depends on strong sunlight.
- A failure of the shared battery can disable the flashlight, lantern and phone-charging functions at once.
- USB output, charging time and weather resistance may no longer match historical product claims.
Test any secondhand unit under load before relying on it for emergencies, and do not make it your only source of light or phone power. Verify the seller, return policy and warranty status; stale retailer and affiliate pages can remain indexed after inventory disappears.
What did XTorch claim about performance?
Shark Tank Blog repeated a historical claim of up to 48 hours of lantern runtime and about one hour of electrical charging time (). These are product claims reported at the time, not current independent laboratory tests. Actual runtime would depend on operating mode, battery condition, charging source and usage.
A multi-function design trades specialization for convenience. A dedicated flashlight may provide a stronger or more focused beam, while a dedicated power bank may deliver more predictable phone charging. Humanitarian durability goals and a donation program do not, by themselves, establish superior brightness, battery capacity, waterproofing or long-term serviceability.
Bottom line: was XTorch a Shark Tank failure?
XTorch was not an immediate post-show failure. It received a substantial order surge, navigated supply shortages, remained active for several years and reported charitable distribution. But it never secured a Shark deal, and the business now appears to be closed or indefinitely on hold following the founders’ retirement and Gene Palusky’s reported death. As of August 18, 2026, no verified official channel is offering new XTorch units.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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