The Gelb "Oval" personal lighting device is one of those rather uniquely designed flashlights which, although odd looking at first, excels at its intended purpose. Designed specifically for walking at night, it has 4 forward facing LEDs to give you an idea of what is coming, and 2 wide angle downward facing LEDs that allow you to see the ground at your feet. The light can be operated with either all LEDs on for walking, or just the 4 forward facing LEDs on for "regular" flashlight use. 3 AA cells power the light and it is regulated to maintain constant output for a large portion of the life of the cells. Molded "feet" are built into the bottom of the light so it may be (carefully) stood on its base.

Body: The Oval is molded of a high impact polymer and comes in either dark gray or yellow. It looks sort of like one of those retractable dog leashes with a handle on top and the main body below. On one side is the battery compartment lid which is opened with the protruding thumbscrew (no tools needed.)

Bezel/Head: Because of the unusual shape, there really isn't a head or tail to the light. The front is where the 4 LEDs are, and they are recessed in a molded pocket for protection. Below the 4 LEDs you will find the other two in line and also recessed for protection. The bottom two are wide angle LEDs and produce a gentle flood of light at your feet when the light is held by your side, facing forward.

Output description: Output from the forward facing four narrow focused LEDs is in the form of a medium smooth flood-like spot of light. The downward facing LEDs provide a wide wash of light. All of the LEDs produce high color temperature light with a bluish tint which is much more noticable in the forward facing LEDs. Note that this device is not designed to produce the illumination of a coastal lighthouse. It provides a soft light which is sufficient for the designed task. You won't be illuminating a street sign at 100 yards, but you will see a puddle on the sidewalk in front of you so you can avoid stepping in it.

   
Forward beam at one meter at target center and downward beam at one meter at target center.

Runtime Plot: WOW! Yes, you're reading the chart right - 17 hours to 50% starting output. And look at that regulation! It doesn't even really dip until about 11½ hours constant-on time and even then it maintains slightly lower regulated output for about another 5 hours. This is really nice. You could walk constantly for two full 8 hour nights with this light without significant dimming. A ½ hour dog walking session every night? You'll get a full month of them in before a battery change is needed.

Runtime completed with Energizer batteries. More information on runtime plots is available HERE.

Switch: The switch is very simple - it's a rocker switch positioned about where your thumb would be when holding the light by the handle. Click forward for both the front and downward LEDs, click backward for just the front LEDs. Center is off.

Seals: This is the one place where the light falls a bit short. It is not designed to be waterproof and has no rubber seals. It should be fine if it gets sprinkled upon lightly, but I'd do my best to keep it dry. If it does get wet inside, disassemble as much as possible without tools and let it dry before next use.

Ergonomics: Very "ergy". It has finger grooves molded into the handle, it is very lightweight and naturally lights your path when held in the hand down by the side. No special positioning needed. Just walk normally with it in your hand. The switch is super simple to use and right where you would expect it to be.

Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light

Batteries: 3 AA alkaline cells power the light. To open, unscrew the yellow thumbscrew on the side and remove the battery panel. The thumbscrew has fine grooves to facilitate grip, but it could be a little tough to grab since it is so small. Be aware of this if the light is for a person with arthritis or someone who has trouble manipulating smaller objects. Batteries are included but one of the cells is put in backwards (the top one) so you have to open the compartment and reverse the cell for the light to work. To replace the cells go though the same procedure and remove all the cells, replacing them with proper polarity direction. Replace the side compartment and you are ready to go. The compartment thumbscrew has a metal shaft and fits into a brass connector on the body so you don't have to worry about wearing out a plastic connector.

Accessories: A nylon wrist lanyard is included in the package and there is a lanyard hole molded though the body for attachment.

What I Liked: Very comfortable and lightweight, Generally tough/impact resistant, Regulated and long battery life, Adequate output for intended task, Easy battery change, Lightweight, Stands up

What I Didn't Like: Not water resistant, Thumbscrew a bit small.

Other Things I Noticed: none

Conclusions: Great runtime and regulation, good output, and easy to use. This is a great little walking light that can be used for just about any other close to medium range task as well. Since it illuminates the ground at your feet, it provides a very good margin of safety in preventing stumbles and trips when out walking. Since it is lightweight and naturally casts light right where it's needed when simply holding the light in your hand by your side, it helps prevent fatigue and the elbow-aches that are common from carrying larger lights.

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