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The GL-11 is a very cute, very solid little aluminum keychain light which includes batteries and keychain.
The body of the GL-11 is very tiny. Crammed inside
is a 5mm LED and three S736S button cells. Around the
head you will find little ridges for twisting the head
which turns the light on and off. The body is smooth
and has a "clear anodize" which allows the
aluminum to retain its natural color but have some corrosion
resistance.
The front of the light contains the 5mm LED directly driven by the button cells. There is a clear plastic magnifying lens in front of the LED to help focus the beam into a relatively tight spot and protect the LED.
Output is in the form of a fairly tight "white"
beam with a distinct blue tint.
Beam at one meter at target center (enhanced for clarity)
Runtime Plot: Don't expect too much from this light
- the button cells powering the light just can't store
very much energy. In constant use our runtime to 50%
is only 6 minutes. The good news is that when you turn
it off the tiny batteries recover somewhat and provide
good output again. Use for short bursts of light only.
Runtime
completed with included "S736S" button cell
batteries. More information on runtime plots is available
HERE.
The head of the light serves as the switch. Loosen for on, tighten for off.
Water resistance is questionable, but the tight fit of the parts should provide adequate protection for splashes.
Ergonomics: It's tiny, just like a keychain light should
be. Despite its diminutive size I found it to be easy
to operate.
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
For power it takes three S736S button cells. A little
research revealed that the S736S battery is also known
by the following names by various battery manufacturers:
392, SR41W, V392, D392, S736E, 2478, K, 280-13, SB-B1,
SR41, AG3, D384, 247, 247B, TR41SW, SR41SW, GS3, SR41W,
SR736, 736, 547, SP392, S22, S736S, 1134SO. These cells
only have about 45mAh of stored energy, so don't expect
great runtimes or a long period of maintained high brightness.
It's a keychain light, so it's designed to light keyholes
and the such for brief periods of time. To change out
the batteries grasp the light by the middle and unscrew
the tailcap. Drop out the old cells and drop in 3 new
cells observing the same polarity as the old cells.
Reassemble the tailcap and you're done.
What I Liked: Water resistant (marginally),
Tough, Lightweight, Sufficiently bright for purpose intended
What I Didn't Like: Short battery life
Other Things I Noticed: Beam is very bluish tinted
Conclusions: A cool little keychain keyfob flashlight. Stylish and cute, pretty tough, and sufficiently bright for keychain purposes. Don't rely on it for a primary light, but great to have on your keys so you won't be left in the dark.
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