Short Description:

The Mini-FlashLED is made by LEDtronics, Inc. The Mini-FlashLED has a single LED behind a large convex lens which protrudes from the bezel. The LEDs come in various colors, including "special" colors such as UV, IR, and Darkroom Film Safe colors. The sample tested had a white LED.

The light body itself is about the size of a standard penlight, but with a larger head. It is made from machined aluminum and has an anodized finish that matches the LED color provided. It comes with a pocket clip and a nylon sheath. The tailcap contains a push-button momentary switch or can be twisted to provide constant light. The head is removable, and the LED is removable/replaceable as well. The tailcap can be removed to replace the batteries. The body of the light is smooth, but the tailcap has ridges to make it easier to turn the light on and off.

The Mini-FlashLED takes either 3-N cells or 2-AAA cells. Using the 2 AAA cells results in reduced light output. No adapters are required to make the switch from one battery type to another. Simply remove the 3 N cells and replace with 2 AAA cells.

The light has O-ring seals on the head and tailcap, but the momentary switch on the tailcap does not seem to have very good environmental protection. The light should be water resistant, but not waterproof..

Reviewer's Impressions:

The LEDtronics Mini-FlashLED is an excellent replacement for that tired old penlight you have been carrying around for years. When loaded with N cells, it produces much more light than you would expect from a package this size, and when loaded with AAA cells, it's great for walking around in the dark without destroying your dark adapted vision.

Boy! That just about says it all! This is a handy little nightstand light for finding your way to the bathroom or for that midnight snack. At only 5 Lux at 1 meter using AAA cells, and its nice directional spot, you can move around a dark house without bashing your shins, and at the same time, not awaken your spouse/cat/dog/etc. with a bright light.

It is, however, best used indoors or in dry conditions. Water leaks quite well around the tailcap momentary switch, so you'll want to use caution if you get caught in the rain. Be sure to open it up and let it dry once you get inside.

A great bonus is that the LED is removable and replaceable. You don't have to do anything special to the LED you will be placing in the light, just cut the leads to the correct length. If you put it in the wrong way, it won't light. Just remove it and turn it around.

As for durability, the light withstands drops with no problem. I would be cautious, though, with the lens sticking so far out of the bezel. The lens is exposed to damage by scratching and drops. Also, the light cannot stand on its bezel as a result. LEDtronics would do well to redesign the bezel so that it extends just beyond the lens for protection. This would have the added benefit of making the light less noticeable from the side when turned on.

+ + + Pluses: 2 battery configurations, replaceable LED, momentary and constant on, nice spot, sheath and clip included

- - - Minuses: Not waterproof, cannot stand up at all.

Update from LEDtronics: I have noticed in your reviews that you keep saying that the product does not stand up on its own and you mark it off for this. You should note that Maglite has a very tough patent on that feature, LEDor incandescent flashlight, and they will go after you if your product does stand-up on its own.

After further use and review of this light I find it necessary to downgrade the light by one star. The construction is fairly low-grade and the light is large for the output. I'm less and less impressed by this light the more I use it.