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Detailed
Information:
The Bright
Star Responder 4C light is the personification of
"tough". I can see why rescue personnel are
sometimes seen with these things clipped on their turnout
gear. I gave the unit I received a fairly serious beating
with no significant damage occurring.
The body of the light is made from a high impact polymer
and has molded fingergrips on the side. There are also
two lanyard holes near the base. On the back is a nice
wide stainless steel clip and a stainless steel split
ring is included. The light can be clipped to belts,
pockets, straps, or gear. It is shaped so that the batteries
are loaded in a side-by-side configuration in two stacks.
This gives the light body a flat profile. On the back,
behind the clip, is the pressure vent in case of gas
buildup inside the light. On the front and bottom of
the light are glow in the dark stickers to help locate
the light and the bottom sticker has areas where you
can write in your name and dept. if desired.
The bezel is very large and is set at a 90 deg. angle
to the body. As a result the light can be set upon its
flat base with the light projecting forward. The light
is very stable in this position. The bezel is surrounded
by an rubber shroud which has grip ridges built into
its outer surface. A convex polycarbonate lens covers
the smooth silvered plastic reflector. Removing the
bezel and reflector will expose the 4 Watt halogen bulb
and two spares carried in the light. An O-ring helps
seal the bezel from water entry. Output is in the form
of a very tight, pre-focused beam with most of the light
directed into a narrow spot.
The switch is found on the light's right hand side
and is oversized for use with gloves. It is also sealed
with an O-ring internally. Simply press in until the
very audible click is heard and the light comes on.
A second click turns it off.
The 4C Responder is designed to use either a rechargeable
NiCad battery pack or alkalines interchangeably. It
can be purchased with the charger and batteries or by
itself for alkaline use. Alkalines were included with
the unit evaluated. If the NiCad (2 hour runtime) goes
flat while on a call, it can be removed and 4 C cells
(5 hour runtime) can be placed in the light for immediate
use with no conversion necessary. The light can be placed
in the charger with alkalines still installed without
any harm. The charging circuit is disconnected when
alkalines are inside.
The battery plate on the bottom is sealed with an O-ring
and requires a regular screwdriver to remove. Two screws,
one on either side, need to be loosened and the plate
will drop off. If conventional tools are unavailable,
a "swiss army knife" or other similar implement
can be used. The use of screws instead of a latch or
other catch mechanism allows for very secure retention
of the batteries which is an important consideration
when working in hazardous atmosphere environments. Plus,
dropping the light won't cause the battery compartment
to pop open with the batteries skittering off into the
darkness just when you need them most. The screws are
retained by small C clips and screw into brass inserts
in the body to prevent stripping. The Responder 4C uses
a very different type of battery contact. Inside the
battery cover is a metal fabric covered rubber foam
block which acts as the contact for the batteries.
Depending on the particular model, the light can be
ordered with UL Division 1 or Division 2 hazardous ratings.
What I Liked: Very tough, well
built. Water resistant. Comfortable in the hand. Good
battery life with alkalines. Large stainless steel clip.
What I Didn't Like: Need slotted
screwdriver or similar tool for battery change, although
the security provided by the screws does allow for improved
safety and dependability. Beam is a bit ringy - not
as smooth as it could be with a partially textured reflector.
Other Things I Noticed: The bezel
and reflector are very large, which is responsible for
the very tight beam produced. It is surprisingly comfortable
in the hand and very easy to operate.
Conclusions: Solid light built
with a purpose in mind. Designed for Emergency Services
personnel and should serve well in that role.
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