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The In2theLight S-21 is similar to several other inexpensive
21 LED lights out on the market right now. The difference
is in the seller and the quality of the product. In2theLight
states that they test all of their lights before shipping,
load them with Duracell Procell batteries, and back
their products with a 30 day return policy (minus shipping).
They also communicated that they have shopped around
extensively to find the best quality lights of the type
they sell. There are many knock-offs made with inferior
quality parts, but from the outside they may look the
same. From what I have seen, these actually ARE a much
better quality compared to similar lights that look
almost exactly the same. They're still inexpensive LED
lights, but they're not "cheap quality".
The body of the S-21 is anodized aluminum, and is available in
several different colors. The anodize finish is smooth and
well done. Around the center of the body is a checkered area
to improve grip. At the very front is a polished metal guard
that protects the 21 recessed LEDs. At the other end is the
tailcap with ridges to facilitate its removal and a clickie
switch at the very end.
One of the first things I noticed when I opened up
the S-21 to have a look inside is the fact that it was
CLEAN inside the body tube. No dust, no machining remnants,
no grease or grime, no corrosion on the metal parts.
Everything was nice and shiny. For those of you who
don't know, in my experience it is unusual to get inexpensive
LED lights from the Orient in this condition. Usually
they're really nasty inside. It seems to me that the
folks at In2theLight.com really did look around to find
manufacturers that consider quality a priority.
The bezel consists of the polished metal LED guard in the
front and the 21 recessed LEDs inside. The head is sealed so
I couldn't get a look inside past the contacts at the base
of the head, but the contacts were also polished, clean, and
free of debris.
Output is in the form of a purplish tinted spot of light. The
recessed holes that the LEDs sit in tend to reduce the spread
of the beam, so you get a fairly clean spot of light.
Beam at one meter at target center
Runtime Plot: The runtime shows that there is no regulation
involved, but hey, with 3½ hours before 50% output and
over 7 hours to 25%, it really isn't necessary.
Runtime
completed with included Duracell Procell batteries.
More information on runtime plots is available HERE.
The switch is on the tailcap and is recessed to the
point that the light will stand on end. The switch cover
is a rubbery plastic and has a nice texture. It is a
clickie, but is a reverse clickie, meaning that it turns
on during the upstroke of the switch after it clicks.
After it is on, you can blink the light by pressing
the switch partially.
As for seals, there is an o-ring at the tailcap, but not between
the head and the body tube. I'd give it a splashable, but would
avoid submersion. If it gets wet inside just disassemble as
much as possible without tools and let it dry before using again.
Ergonomics: It's small, but not so small as to be awkward to use.
The texture on the body and the variations in the surface contour allows
for a good grip. Using the switch is not difficult and requires no special
effort.
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
Batteries: Included with the light are 3 AAA Duracell Procell alkaline
batteries in a special carrier. To change out the batteries, open the
tailcap (unscrew) and drop out the carrier. Remove the cells from the
carrier and replace with new ones, placing the negative side of the
battery toward the coiled springs. Replace the full carrier into the
light and reattach the tailcap. Note that this particular carrier
is designed to protect against accidental shorts as the positive contact is
recessed in the plastic carrier (hole in top center). A spring inside the body tube makes
contact with the recessed positive plate.
Accessories: Other than batteries, a nylon wrist strap is included
with the light.
What I Liked: Water resistant,
Generally tough/impact resistant, Good battery life,
Bright output, Fairly easy battery change, Lightweight, Stands up
What I Didn't Like: I really don't like
the use of battery carriers - one more thing to lose or break.
At least this one seems to be pretty good quality.
Other Things I Noticed: Better quality
and more attention to detail than many other inexpensive
LED lights from the Orient. Beam is quite purplish.
Conclusions: Considering the effort the
seller goes through to bring you a "better" quality inexpensive
LED light, and the fact that it really does seem to be higher
quality than many other inexpensive LED lights out there, I'd say
this light should be near the top of your list if you need an
inexpensive multi-LED light for general use.
Kudos to In2theLight.com for searching out a good supplier, backing their
product with a 30 day refund guarantee and including high quality
batteries as well. Sometimes it's the little things that make all
the difference.
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