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Reviewer's
Impressions:
The quantity of light produced by these flashlights is fairly
low and is best used when the eyes are partially dark adaped
or at close ranges. The advantage of using these lights is
that the batteries should last a very long time compared to
lights using incandescent bulbs.
The gen 2 lenses and reflectors distribute the light in very
narrow beams which pretty much precludes its effective use
up close. However, the light is so dim that is is of no real
use at a distance. This places the light in the unique position
of not being easily usable at any distance whatsoever.
The plastic cases of the lights themselves are pretty low
quality and have been proven to be very fragile. The bulbs,
however, are very useful and effective as an LED light source
that can be placed in any 2-cell flashlight that accepts PR
base bulbs. It would be literally worth the trouble of purchasing
the light just to throw away the body and place the bulb in
a better light body that distributes the light in a more effective
pattern for close range use.
Similar bulbs have recently become available from Technology
Associates, so you CAN get the bulb in the US without
having to purchase the rather poor quality flashlight. Here
is an update on those bulbs from Technology Associates:
It is my understanding that the Sino Union is not the same
[as our Versalux PR-2 bulb]. ... The inverter may look the
same but our partner has had a custom mold made by Nichia
for the LEDs and as he informs us, Sino Union is machining
their LEDs and may not even be using Nichia. The couple
of samples we have back up his claims. There is great inconsistancy
in the beam dispersion and brightness on the Sino Union
units compared to ours.
+ + + Pluses: Common batteries, LED bulb is very innovative
- - - Minuses: Very narrow beam with no spill light,
Fragile plastic body, Not water resistant
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