Short Description:

The Vector 1 Million Candle Power spotlight (Model VEC137CO) is a general purpose spotlight from Vector Manufacturing. This particular unit was purchased at Costco. The spotlight has an interesting dual lighting system which includes the main spot and a secondary direction-adjustable low output light on the other end of the unit's body.

The body of the light is primarily made of yellow plastic. The handle can be rotated so the light serve as either a pistol-grip spotlight or a handheld lantern. On the side opposite the handle there is a pop-up stand that can be used as a tripod of sorts to support the light on the ground for directional lighting. There is an O-ring seal between the reflector and the glass, but the unit is advertised as "water resistant" only.

The unit takes an H3 55 watt automotive bulb for the main light. The lens is clear glass and the reflector has a smooth, mirror-like finish. The bezel has a removable protective rubber ring. The secondary light bulb type is not given. The lens is clear plastic and the reflector is faceted. The rear secondary light swivels in a ball socket allowing it to be adjusted for direction.

The switch is on the rear of the light just above the secondary (flood) light. You need to push in on the switch to slide it either to the right or left. This will turn on either the flood or spot light. Center is off.

The battery is a replaceable, rechargeable sealed lead-acid 12 volt battery. It can be charged from either a DC source or an AC outlet. The light comes with the necessary cords and adapters for both charging options. The DC cord can also power the light while it is charging from any 10 amp 12 volt DC source.

Reviewer's Impressions:

Put down the Surefire, step away from the lithium batteries, and don't look into the light! Wow this thing is bright. Well, what do you expect from a handheld automotive headlamp?!?!

For $17, this light really packs a punch and is actually quite well made! If you really need to light up the night, this thing will do the job. I took it out in the back yard, and as expected, color rendition at the top of a 30' tree was excellent, and lighting a subject at 100 yards is not even a stretch for this light. The beam is suprisingly narrow, allowing for a very long reach.

The light has a sealed lead-acid rechargeable battery inside which is advertised to last for about 3 years before needing replacement. It is basically a tiny little car battery and needs to be treated as such. It should be kept at a full charge at all times and it will not gain a "memory" like NiCad batteries. It requires 15 hours to get a full charge from AC and 3-5 hours from your auto DC with the engine running. It need not be left on the charger after achieving a full charge. During periods of non-use, the mfg. recommends topping off the battery every 2 months by running it through a full charge cycle.

After a 15 hour charge cycle (from AC) you will get about 25 minutes of life from the battery when using the main spotlight. The secondary light will operate about 15 hours on a full charge and provides a nice soft light for general lighting.

If you are using the light in the car, you can plug in the included DC cord and run it directly off of your auto power, thereby saving your charge for when you need it.

+ + + Pluses: Extremely bright main beam, secondary long lasting light, adjustable stand, 2 carry handle options, AC and DC rechargeable (includes cords), can power off of DC directly (automotive power outlet)

- - - Minuses: Heavy, switch can be temperamental, only 25 minute runtime on main beam, 15 hour charge time