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NOTE: Peak sent a second Matterhorn
after the results from the first seemed very unusual.
The new results are posted and it does appear that the
first one was defective. Throw and Overall Output on
the new unit are about double the original readings,
and runtime is about 1/3.
Available from PeakLEDSolutions.com
This light incorporates a "Snow white" LED
and uses a regulator circuit in tandem with a single
AAA alkaline cell to produce good output for 4½
hours. Two power levels are available for purchase -
high and ultra. This is the ultra model. Three body
materials are also available - Type III anodized aluminum
(reviewed), Solid Brass, and Solid Stainless Steel.
(packaging example - unit shown is not the same as unit
reviewed)
The body of the unit is machined aluminum with a Type
III anodize finish - very tough stuff. Three bands of
checkering surround the body. There are 6 flat facets
machined into the side of the head that serve as anti-roll
stops when the light is placed on its side. At the tail
end of the light is a removable keyring/lanyard attachment
post. It can be unscrewed from the body to provide a
flat bottom for tailcap standing. Two body types were
provided for review - one with the keychain/lanyard
attachment, one with just a flat bottom which is shorter.
An O-ring provides resistance to prevent the tail post
from unscrewing by itself, but the body is sealed regardless
of whether the post is in place or not.
The bezel contains a reflector, one 5mm LED, and a
regulating circuit to provide constant energy to the
LED over the usable life of the battery. The polished
aluminum body serves as a reflector and it provides
a nice beam with only 2 slight rings around the periphery.
Output is in the form of a smooth spot with a wide
corona. The color temperature of the LED is high, but
it does provide for good color rendition across the
spectrum. This unit uses their special "Snow"
white LEDs, and the picture doesn't do it justice. Beautiful
eye-pleasing white output.
Beam at one meter at target center.
Runtime Plot: 50% at about 3 hours, declining throughout.
Runtime
completed with included "Varta" AAA battery.
More information on runtime plots is available HERE.
To turn the light on and off, simply twist the bezel.
Tighten for on, loosen for off. Turning resistance is
provided by a single O-ring in a groove which is quite
sufficient to prevent accidental turning.
The light is completely sealed with O-rings and other
rubber seals for water resistance. I'd classify it as
dunkable. Shake it off and keep going.
Ergonomics: It's a tiny little light but easy to use. Easy to grip, easy to operate.
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
Flat bottom body shown in middle (no head on body) for
size comparison
A single AAA alkaline cell powers the light (included).
To change the battery just unscrew the head, drop out
the old cell, and place a new one in negative first.
What I Liked: Water resistant,
Tough/impact resistant, Semi-Regulated, Good battery
life, Bright, Easy battery change, Lightweight, Removable
lanyard lug
What I Didn't Like: Nothing
Other Things I Noticed: Nothing
Conclusions: SWEET! Bright, good
runtime, and built pretty tough. Extremely lightweight.
Since it uses inexpensive AAA cells, it won't break
your budget. Small enough to put on your keychain so
you always have it with you.
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