Peak LED Solutions "McKinley"

 
 
4½ Stars
Very Good/Excellent
         

Light Type: 5mm LED
Light Class: Outdoor / General / Rough Use


Available from PeakLEDSolutions.com

This light incorporates a "Snow white" LED and uses a regulator circuit in tandem with a single 123A cell to produce good output for 1½ hours. Two output 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, 7 LEDs, and a regulating circuit to provide constant energy to the LEDs over the usable life of the battery. The LEDs sit in recesses which result in a distinct round beam with a star-like pattern to 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 gives you a pretty good idea of how it looks. Beautiful eye-pleasing white output.


Beam at one meter at target center.

Runtime Plot: About 1½ to 50%, with another hour diminishing. Still, not too bad considering the volume of light produced, and good regulation during that time.


Runtime completed with included "Sanyo/GE" 123A 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 123A lithium cell powers the light (included). As always, I'd recommend getting them from an online retailer such as BatteryStation.com where they can be had for 1.25 each. If you want to pick them up at a retail store, go ahead, but be ready to pay $10 for a pair! 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, OK battery life, Bright, Easy battery change, Lightweight, Removable lanyard lug

What I Didn't Like: Nothing

Other Things I Noticed: Nothing

Conclusions: Great little pocket light. Bright, long lasting good output, and built pretty tough. Extremely lightweight. Very handy size to keep in your pack, briefcase or purse.


Quick Facts Table:

Item Reviewed.......................... Peak LED Solutions "McKinley" (ultra power)
Review Date ............................. July 2005
Case Material ........................... Type III anodized aluminum
Case Features .......................... Removable lanyard lug, knurled for grip
Case Access Type .................... Unscrew bezel for battery change.
Switch Type ............................. Tighten/loosen bezel for on/off
Reflector Type ......................... Smooth silvered - material unknown
Lens Type ................................ Polycarbonate
Bulb Type ................................. 7 x 5mm "Snow white" LEDs
Beam Type ............................... Wide spot
Beam Characteristics ............... Very smooth, bright spot and corona
Throw (Lux) at 1m (click for description) ~ 220 at beam center. (14.83 Comparison Chart equivalent)
Overall Output (click for description) ~ 1520 (15.20 Comparison Chart equivalent)
Battery / Power Type................ 1 x 123A cell
Battery Life (advertised) ........... 2½ hours to 50%
Battery Life (test results) ........... 1½ hours to 50% + 1 hr diminishing.
Environmental Protection ......... O ring seals
Weight (oz.) with batteries ....... 1.8 oz.
Special Items of Note ............... None
Warranty .................................. 1 Year
Retail Cost ................................ 49.95 US$ at time of review from PeakLEDSolutions.com
 

 

 
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