The Vector Slimlight is available at Target under the name "Durabuilt". They did not try too hard to conceal the fact that this is a Vector light since the Vector sticker is still on the side of the case.

The Slimlight gives you two lighting options in a... well... "slim" package. You can use the three white 5mm LEDs at the front of the case for illuminating your path, or you can use the flip-up CCFT (Cold Cathode Fluroescent Tube) for area lighting. The CCFT tube is the same type of tube that is used in LCD monitors and laptop screens for the backlighting. The Slimlight runs on 4 AAA cells.

The body of the slimlight is designed to have a narrow profile. The entire body is silver plastic with a back bezel on one end and a black battery compartment cap on the other. Near the front and rear of the light are rubber protrusions on the narrow edges of the light to help with grip. The CCFT rests in the center of the light and can be pivoted until is sits 90 deg to the surface of the body in either direction. The base of the light has feet so that it can stand on end if desired.

The LED bezel is simply black plastic. Despite using the name "Durabuilt" I have questions about its durability. It's assembled like an inexpensive radio. The LEDs are covered by a protruding lip at the top and bottom of the bezel, affording some protection from impacts. The CCFT rests in a groove in the center of the light, again providing some protection provided it is not extended when dropped. At the end of the CCFT tube is a little black cap that has tabs on either side to assist with lifting it out of the groove. The tube ratchets outward in either direction and can be extended fully or stopped at any of the ratchet positions.

Output from the LEDs is a smooth flood of bluish tinted white light - exactly what you would expect from 5mm LEDs. Since the lips of the bezel extend over the top and bottom of the LEDs, the spillbeam is partially blocked in those directions. The result is a beam that is wider than it is tall. The CCFT sends a gorgeous flood of light in all directions when extended fully, but will operate at any angle or even without being extended from the body. When fully extended, the flat body serves as a very wide and stable base.

   
Beam at one meter (LEDs) at target center and CCFT in front of target.

Runtime Plot: Since the battery life of the CCFT will be shorter than the LEDs and I've found that more people are generally interested in how long the CCFT in a light like this one will last on a set of batteries, I am only running a test on the CCFT. In the graph you can see the normal "warm up" period that all CCFT lights go through. Peak brightness is reached in about 5 minutes.

Runtime completed with included Eveready "non-alkaline" batteries. More information on runtime plots is available HERE.

The switch is on one narrow side of the light. It is simply a black textured slider switch. Press forward for the LEDs, pull back for CCFT. Center is off. As is typical for a center-off switch it is easy to skip right past the off setting and over to the other light option when you are trying to turn the light off. There is really no protection from accidental activation, so be very careful when packing this light. You'll probably be best off removing the batteries (which is a bit of a pain...).

Water resistance? We don't need no stinking water resistance!!! Keep away from water. If it gets flooded, disassemble as much as possible without tools and let it dry before using again.

Ergonomics: This light is a little unusual to hold in the hand because of its low profile. It does, however, fit well in a shirt or back pocket. The little rubber nubs on either end of the light body do help with grip.

Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light

Four AAA cells power the light. Included with the light are four el-cheapo crapola Eveready non-alkaline "heavy duty" cells. Since that's what they gave me, that's what I ran the runtime test with. Nothing like skimping on the batteries... Sort of like a car dealership selling you a car and then only filling the tank half full with gasoline. Expect performance to be better with alkaline cells.

To change the batteries you'll need a US nickel (or other similar coin). Use the coin to unscrew the silver screw in the center of the bottom plate. Just keep unscrewing. Keep going. Yes, I know your fingers are getting tired, but keep going... Once you FINALLY get the screw all the way out the cap at the bottom of the light will come off allowing you to insert 2 AAA cells on one side of the CCFT slot, and two on the other. Now that your fingers have had a rest, go and get your power screwdriver and use it to put the screw back in so your fingers don't get cramped...

What I Liked: Bright, Two lighting options, Stands up

What I Didn't Like: Not water resistant, Durability questionable, Switch easy to accidentally activate, Difficult battery change, Cannot stand on end

Other Things I Noticed: CCFT does not stand straight up when fully extended, but leans slightly to one side.

Conclusions: An OK light for general use around the house or possibly for car-camping. The area light provided by the CCFT is very nice and the LEDs do a good job of lighting the way without consuming too much power. Not a total piece of junk by any means, but not recommended for hard use or wet environments.

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