Short Description:

The Quiqlite Pocket Light is made by Quiqlite and is intended as a clip-on utility light for police and security personnel, or anyone who wants a hands-free light for working in dark conditions at arm's length. The body of the light slips into the pocket while the head of the light sits outside the pocket on a vertical swinging arm so that the light can be directed on a notepad in the hand.

The body of the light is black plastic with a taper at the base for easy insertion into the pocket. The head swings upward independent of the clip that holds the light in place in the pocket. Only a small part of the entire light is exposed outside of the user's pocket. On the back of the light is a plastic panel held in place with 3 screws which conceals the batteries and a microprocessor. The body of the light is not sealed from the environment in any way.

The bulb is a single wide-angle white LED. This LED is a much wider angle than the standard white LED found commonly in keychain LED lights, but since the light is designed to work at about a distance of 1 foot, it is appropriate for its application. The beam produced is a wide flood of light with some slightly noticeable rings.

The switch is a simple press-on press-off switch which is actually located behind the material of the user's pocket. After being turned on, the microprocessor shuts off the unit automatically after it has been on for 5 minutes.

For batteries, the unit utilizes 2 CR2032 lithium coin cell batteries (included and installed) for an advertised runtime of 40 hours. To change the batteries you must remove the 3 screws from the back panel and remove the panel. Inside you will find the 2 batteries which are easily removed. When the rear cover is removed, the spring behind the switch on the front of the unit pushes up on the small circuit board that houses the microprocessor. If the entire unit is inverted, the spring falls out, being easily lost. Caution should be taken not to invert the unit while disassembled. Care should also be taken to ensure that the circuit board will seat down in its recess in the case when the case is closed again.

No accessories accompany the unit.

Reviewer's Impressions:

The Quiqlite is a very special purpose light designed for uniformed individuals who need a dim flood of light for working directly in front of them. Police officers writing reports on the scene, medical techs who want a hands free light directly in front of them, etc. will find this to be an exceptionally handy light to clip onto the breast pocket of their uniform. The light is not very bright, but in the dark it provides a very convenient source of illumination for the area immediately in front of the user at arm's length. Perfect for writing in or reading from a notebook in the dark.

Fit and finish are adequate for its purpose. The seams in the construction are large and obvious with clear gaps. There appears to be no sharp edges and it functions as designed.

Quality / Durability / Construction are a little questionable, but the Quiqlite seems to function well for the most part. I wouldn't expect this light to take a beating, especially with the lighting element on a pivoting stalk which would probably be broken off in a tussle. The wires that lead to the LED are exposed at the base of the pivoting arm and will rub on the top of the pocket as the unit is worn and used.

Output is good for a dark environment at 1 foot or so. It illuminates the area it is intended for and no more.

Beam quality is good enough for its intended purpose. For illuminating a notebook in the hand directly in front of the user, it's just fine.

Water resistance is nonexistent. I would avoid getting this unit too wet for fear of damaging the electronics inside.

Important things to note: The auto off feature of the unit I tested shut the unit off after 7 minutes, not the 5 minutes advertised on the package. This really doesn't matter, but you should be aware that the auto off time may vary.

Improvements: None are really necessary, as it does exactly what it is intended to do.

+ + + Pluses: Lightweight, Does exactly what it is intended for, Good battery life

- - - Minuses: Not water resistant, Dim but adequate for close work, Difficult battery change

Quick Facts Table: