The Vector 2-Way light is a multifunction LED flashlight that has 2 bezels - one on the front with 5 lensed white LEDs and one on the base with 3 lensed red LEDs. Various modes are available by clicking the switch in series. This light is currently on clearance at Target stores, but is available at other retailers as well.

The body is silver plastic with a black rubberized shroud around the front bezel. The switch is just behind the head and is simply a click switch under a rubber cap. The batteries are inserted in a compartment inside the handle.

At the front of the light you can see the large plastic lens which has 5 convex lenses molded into its face. These lenses sit just over the top of the white LEDs and help focus the light into a coherent beam. At its base, under the light where the handle is located you will find 3 more LEDs, red this time, also behind a clear plastic lens molded with convex lenses.

Output from the white LEDs is in the form of a fairly coherent bluish tinted beam. The red LEDs produce a very coherent beam as well. By clicking the switch in series you move through the following modes: 3 white on, 5 white on, 3 red on, 3 red blink, off. The lower level white setting provides decent light with long battery life. The higher white setting provides a little better light. The red setting could help preserve your night vision, but the beam is really too concentrated for close work. The red blink mode can serve as a directional emergency beacon. To facilitate this purpose, the light can be stood on its front bezel with the red LEDs pointing outward.

   
White beam at one meter at target center and red beam (enhanced for clarity)

Runtime Plot: Runtime test completed with light on high mode (5 LEDs on). Not too bad, but not too great either for only 5 LEDs. 50% at 3¼ hours, 25% at about 8 hours. Of course the manufacturer included crapola "heavy duty" non-alkaline batteries, so performance will probably be better with alkaline cells.

Runtime completed with included "Panasonic Heavy Duty" (non alkaline) batteries. More information on runtime plots is available HERE.

The switch is a simple series click switch with a rubber cover. Click through the modes one at a time. Easy to use.

The unit is not water resistant to any degree. Indoor or dry outdoor use only, please.

Ergonomics: Well, it is pretty big, but most of it is plastic surrounding empty space so it's pretty lightweight. Since the batteries are in the handle grip the weight is right in the palm of your hand and it is therefore comfortable and easy to use. The switch is easily activated with a thumb press.

Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light

The light is powered by 4 AA alkaline cells. El Cheapo "heavy duty" (non-alkaline) cells are included with the packaging. To change out the batteries, unclip the handle grip with your fingernail using the catch tab. This is the common battery compartment plastic tab system used in cheap toys. I have already received a report from a third party that the tab is easily broken, so be careful unless you want to hold your light together with the official geek glasses repair kit (white masking tape.) The batteries easily pop in and out. Follow the polarity diagram found inside the compartment.

What I Liked: Multiple modes, long battery life

What I Didn't Like: Not water resistant, Fragile battery compartment, Bigger than it needs to be

Other Things I Noticed: Crappy batteries included.

Conclusions: An OK light. Get them on clearance for the kids to use. It'll take a long time for them to wear out the batteries since the LEDs don't draw all that much power.

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