LED Flashlights and Knife Reviews | DLK Blog » Flashlight Reviews http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog LED Flashlight Reviews, Hunting Knife Reviews and Industry News Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:49:07 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 Top LED Safety Lights for Winter Driving http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/top-led-safety-lights-for-winter-driving-2010-12-22 http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/top-led-safety-lights-for-winter-driving-2010-12-22#comments Wed, 22 Dec 2010 19:55:09 +0000 BenN http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/?p=1288 Driving during the winter months can be a dangerous venture, but driving without adequate safety supplies is even worse. Most people will remember chains, a first aid kit, and an extra sweater, but many people forget one of the most crucial elements of surviving a winter weather-related accident: lights. Powerful LED flashlights and lanterns can help avert traffic, alert rescue teams and find your way if you get lost. The following are the top three personal emergency LED lights you should always have on hand when driving during the winter.

Emergency Area Light
A powerful LED emergency area light is an essential tool to have if you get stuck in a snow storm. The Coast CE7124HGB features 125 lumen output, four lighting options, durable casing and a built-in battery life indicator. This lantern can last on only four D batteries for up to 100 hours.

Emergency Stretch Light
Featuring a 25 lumen output and a fifty hour runtime, an emergency stretch light is the best of both worlds – focused spotlight and bright area light. With a rear push button and a corrosion resistant casing, an emergency stretch light is a compact way to stay safe in winter weather.

X21 LED Light Cannon

An X21 LED Light Cannon is a great tool to have in case of weather-related emergencies.

X21 Light Cannon
If you find yourself stuck in a snow storm while driving, chances are visibility is going to be very low. That’s the time you will need this extraordinarily powerful LED flashlight. Featuring 1000 lumen output and effective at up to 1,500 feet, the X21 light cannon is perfect for finding your way or signaling for help.

]]> http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/top-led-safety-lights-for-winter-driving-2010-12-22/feed 0 The Joy of One-Handed Focus http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/the-joy-of-one-handed-focus-2008-02-23 http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/the-joy-of-one-handed-focus-2008-02-23#comments Sat, 23 Feb 2008 08:12:29 +0000 Colleen http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/the-joy-of-one-handed-focus-2008-02-21 P6Today, few Americans could imagine life without flashlights. From changing a flat tire to digging out the camping stove during blackout, you can’t comfortably get along without a trusty flashlight. But as long as you’re going to have one, why not choose the best? These days, flashlights aren’t just tubes with batteries in one end. You want an electric torch with the latest features that’s easy to use.

Well, if you fit the description above, you’re in luck. DLK has just added a new series of forward-looking LED Lenser HP flashlights with progressive features, such as the one-handed speed focus. This function allows you to change the area of the flashlight’s ray.

One hand speed focus is useful in situations that demand versatility, such as backpacking. Sometimes, backpacking requires wide swaths of light, like when you’re walking around the campsite. At other times, such as when you’re zipping up the tent or tying your food out of the reach of bears, you need focused light on one small area. The one handed focus feature allows you to change the size of the light smoothly and quickly.

One model with one hand speed focus is the lightweight P6, as shown above. Weighing in at just over four ounces, the P6 effectively provides light at a distance as far as 150 feet.

]]> http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/the-joy-of-one-handed-focus-2008-02-23/feed 0 DigiTac II – 2007 Wired Magazine Editors’ Choice for Best Gadgets and Gizmos http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/digitac-ii-%e2%80%93-2007-wired-magazine-editors%e2%80%99-choice-for-best-gadgets-and-gizmos-2007-09-13 http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/digitac-ii-%e2%80%93-2007-wired-magazine-editors%e2%80%99-choice-for-best-gadgets-and-gizmos-2007-09-13#comments Thu, 13 Sep 2007 13:14:26 +0000 Phil http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/digitac-ii-%e2%80%93-2007-wired-magazine-editors%e2%80%99-choice-for-best-gadgets-and-gizmos-2007-09-13 Coast’s DigiTac II flashlights have been selected as a 2007 Wired Magazine Editors’ Choice Pick for one of the best gadgets and gizmos on the planet.  Checking out this latest in flashlight technology from the Coast LED Lenser company is a must-do for any outdoorsman or gadget collector.

The Coast DigiTac II boasts a microprocessor system they call “Power Transformation Technology” that boosts the output of the single AA battery up to C-cell strength providing even more long-lasting power to the 1.25 watt LED light inside. The result is a deep, powerful beam of light that can be used in the car, while camping or around the garage. The DigiTac II LL7847 is just 4 inches long and is made of anodized aluminum (black or silver) making it sturdy, but incredibly light.  This easy to use flashlight with momentary and constant on/off switch at the tail has a limited lifetime warranty. It could be the perfect gift for someone in your family or a business colleague.

Review Coast LED Lenser Flashlights, including the DigiTac I and DigiTac II models.

]]> http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/digitac-ii-%e2%80%93-2007-wired-magazine-editors%e2%80%99-choice-for-best-gadgets-and-gizmos-2007-09-13/feed 1 V8 LED Keychain Torches | Add One to Your Key Ring http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/v8-led-keychain-torches-add-one-to-your-key-ring-2007-06-21 http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/v8-led-keychain-torches-add-one-to-your-key-ring-2007-06-21#comments Thu, 21 Jun 2007 16:59:18 +0000 admin http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/v8-led-keychain-torches-add-one-to-your-key-ring-2007-06-21 Keychains are often cluttered with memories of past summer vacations to Disneyland, small pictures framed in plastic cases, beat up bottle openers or colored ribbons pronouncing support for important charities.  These items are important to have with you. But just as important, in a more practical sense is a light source. A light on your keychain can come in handy when you are walking through a parking garage late at night or in those frustrating moments when you drop your wallet under the passenger seat.  No matter what situation you find yourself in, there are a number that can be better remedied with a flashlight or keychain torch.

The LED-Lenser V8 series of LED keychain torches has won the Design Plus 2001 & Innovations 2001, highly renowned design and innovation awards in the industry.  These keychain torches offer up to 200 hours of light with one set of batteries.  These V8s come with gold-plated contacts and are water resistant.  Whether emanating a red, green, blue, orange or white light, these compact lights give off enough light to become an essential item on your key ring.

I received mine as a gift (they come in a sturdy gift box) and have found it one of the best tokens of appreciation I have received because of its sleek design and overwhelming usefulness.  The Coast LED reflector tube system creates a bright and strong light for hunting around in the car or searching for your cat in the bushes outside your house (yes, I’ve had to do this once).

There are a number of styles of LED-Lenser V8 LED Keychain Torches to choose from.  Check them out.

]]> http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/v8-led-keychain-torches-add-one-to-your-key-ring-2007-06-21/feed 0 Biker Power Chip | Summer Night Biking Season is Here http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/biker-power-chip-summer-night-biking-season-is-here-2007-06-19 http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/biker-power-chip-summer-night-biking-season-is-here-2007-06-19#comments Tue, 19 Jun 2007 21:20:01 +0000 admin http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/biker-power-chip-summer-night-biking-season-is-here-2007-06-19 I was watching a group of 20-somethings play basketball in the park by my house at 9:00pm yesterday and it dawned on me that summer is really here. The weather was perfect, the sun was just starting to fall behind the mountain and the breeze brought the smell of flowers through the street. 

Summer nights mean late night barbeques, campfires, and night walks in the balmy summer evening. It also ushers in a large number of late night and midnight activities sponsored by local organizations.  One of the most popular activities is night bicycling.  The events take all sorts of different forms, from midnight cycling around local race car tracks to bicycling through neighborhoods and ending up at a park for a late night showing of E.T. 

Most don’t require much other than you bring your bike, your helmet, and have reflective clothing. For some of the more rugged activities, they also ask that you have some form of a bicycle lamp for better visibility as you work through forest trails or rural areas.  Coast’s Biker Power Chip with an LED light system is great for this as it can also be removed from the bike if you need to walk away. 

Whether you are an active cyclist or just love to bring the bike out when the sun in shining, I encourage you to look up night bicycling activities in your area or check out some of the opportunities I listed below.

Moonlight Classic – Denver, CO
August 18, 2007

Chicago Sunglasses at Night Bicycle Tour – Chicago, IL
Nightly, May 24 – September 8, 2007

Seven Hills Wheelman Night Bicycle Rides – West Boylston, MA
Wednesdays, March 14 – September 26, 2007

Lakeside Bicycles Monday Night Bike Race Series – Portland, OR
Mondays, May 7 – August 27, 2007

Moonlight Madness Ride – Sioux Falls, SD
June 30, July 29, August, 28, September 26, and October 26

]]> http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/biker-power-chip-summer-night-biking-season-is-here-2007-06-19/feed 1 DigiTac 1 Titanium Blue | You Can Never Be Too Careful http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/digitac-1-titanium-blue-you-can-never-be-too-careful-2007-06-08 http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/digitac-1-titanium-blue-you-can-never-be-too-careful-2007-06-08#comments Sat, 09 Jun 2007 00:29:48 +0000 admin http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/digitac-1-titanium-blue-you-can-never-be-too-careful-2007-06-08 Ladies – Listen Up.
There is something to be said for being strong and independent. Women have worked hard to get, and be able to be just that. But being smart must also go along with this power. Women are 10 times more likely than men to be victimized (www.now.org). Women have succumbed to kidnapping for not being alert while in parking lots or running in the evening through city parks. There are easy things you can do to ensure your safety in these situations.

One easy step is to take someone with you if you are shopping or exercising late at night. Don’t be shy to ask for a friend or buddy to ensure your safety.

Another great solution is to carry a flashlight in your purse or workout bag so that if you do get caught alone at night, you can shine a path between you and your destination and deter potential criminal. Kidnappers will be less likely to approach you if you have a light source that allows you to see faces and cars easily. The light will also cause others in the area to take notice of you should anything go wrong.

The DigiTac 1 Titanium Blue is the perfect size and strength flashlight for this purpose. The blue aluminum, light-weight flashlight emits a strong 1.25-watt LED light that is just as strong as a regular C cell flashlight. It is only 4 inches long so it will fit discreetly in a purse or waist belt without weighing you down. It comes with a sheath and lanyard as well, perfect for running. Because it is an LED flashlight, the single “A” battery will last for over 100,000 hours. You will never need to worry about the flashlight failing just when you need it most. Now that’s security.

Women should not live in fear but they should always consider safety. Take the opportunity to add a small flashlight, like the TT7843, DigiTac 1 to the contents of your bag. It may save your life.

]]> http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/digitac-1-titanium-blue-you-can-never-be-too-careful-2007-06-08/feed 0 Led Lenser’s Rechargeable Car Torch http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/led-lenser%e2%80%99s-rechargeable-car-torch-2007-05-17 http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/led-lenser%e2%80%99s-rechargeable-car-torch-2007-05-17#comments Fri, 18 May 2007 00:44:47 +0000 admin http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/led-lenser%e2%80%99s-rechargeable-car-torch-2007-05-17 The number of regular smokers is diminishing in the US (or so they say).  State and city legislatures are limiting the number of smoke-friendly establishments across the US making it harder and harder for smokers to enjoy the past-time.  The pressure as a kid is lessening to some degree to even start up the habit. Yep – ash trays and car lighters may be a thing of the past (this author is leery of such thinking but we’ll let time tell).

In the meantime, you may want to consider using that car lighter for other uses which may or may not be considered healthier.  We all know you can plug in your mp3 players into the lighter these days.  As a kid, my mom plugged in a little 10 inch TV into ours when we did a road trip to southern California (yes, this was before mini-vans with built in DVD players).  You may also want to consider keeping a rechargeable flashlight in your car’s emergency kit like the LED Rechargeable Car Torch. 

Always energy efficient, Led Lenser’s Nichia “moon” lenses enable the torch to produce more useful light with fewer LED’s than other torches and also enhances the light produced resulting in a broader, deeper and more powerful beam of light.

The car torch is an easy to carry pocket size (1 7/8 inches) and has a sleek, stainless steel finish.  The Led Lenser’s Automotive Rechargeable provides 3000 hours of light in its lifetime which is approximately 3 hours per charge.  This handy addition to your car’s emergency kit or your camping gear is sure to be a great use for that under-used and sometimes unappreciated cigarette lighter in the dash of your car.

“We cannot hold a torch to light another’s path without brightening our own.” ~Ben Sweetland

]]> http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/led-lenser%e2%80%99s-rechargeable-car-torch-2007-05-17/feed 0 Zipper Pull with Compass, LED light and Thermometer Review http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/zipper-pull-with-compass-led-light-and-thermometer-review-2007-04-27 http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/zipper-pull-with-compass-led-light-and-thermometer-review-2007-04-27#comments Fri, 27 Apr 2007 20:06:08 +0000 admin http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/zipper-pull-with-compass-led-light-and-thermometer-review-2007-04-27 This Zipper Pull is a handy gadget thatoffers an LED light, compass and thermometer all built into one. This is primarily considered a hunting device but is also ideal for hikers and campers.

It has 3 top quality LED lights providing a powerful white beam. It also has an easy to read compass with a thermometer on the back. This is all protected by a durable rubberized casing which is drop proof and waterproof. It also has a claw like clip providing easy access while hunting or hiking.

It’s small, it’s inexpensive ($9.60, € 7.29) and it’s easy to use. The LED lights that are built into this device would be perfect for campers who find themselves fumbling to retrieve items from their tents in the middle of the night. This device can be easily clipped to a belt or vest so that is at your side when you need a little light. The small LED also ensures that you don’t disturb your neighbors or camp mates.  The compass that accompanies it is also a must have in any outdoor adventure situation.

Overall, a really useful device for those that don’t like to carry a number of different devices while out in the wilderness.

]]> http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/zipper-pull-with-compass-led-light-and-thermometer-review-2007-04-27/feed 0 DigiTac I Review http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/42-2007-04-27 http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/42-2007-04-27#comments Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:56:36 +0000 admin http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/42-2007-04-27 The DigiTac I is a truly amazing flashlight! It’s made out of stainless steel, is a good value for the money, and has 100,000 hours of battery life without a replacement. That’s over 10 years of continuous use without replacement! It also comes with a lifetime guarantee just in case something the flashlight sustains some damage.

This is a really quality piece at the top end of the market. One of the best things about this product is its price. It only costs $47.99(€36.44). It’s just about perfect in every way possible.

The stainless steel casing makes it really hard wearing and resistant to the occasional drop. Usability wise, it’s also perfect. Its 4 inches in length which makes it really compact and easy to store in your backpack while hiking.

It has a high-intensity 1.25-watt LED which really gives you a high quality beam enabling heightened search capabilities in the dark. It also has a prism reflector system built in adding to the quality of the light.

In addition to a low price, LED light and usable size, the DigiTac 1 also includes:

  • stainless steel casing
  • sheath & lanyard included
  • (1) AA battery included

It’s a really quality piece flashlight with lots of possibilities of use not to mention the price. I’d recommend you look into purchasing if you are looking for a hiking flashlight.

]]> http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/42-2007-04-27/feed 0 V2 6 Chip Flashlight http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/v2-6-chip-flashlight-2007-04-24 http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/v2-6-chip-flashlight-2007-04-24#comments Tue, 24 Apr 2007 17:48:50 +0000 admin http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/v2-6-chip-flashlight-2007-04-24 The V2 6 Chip Flashlight is a budget level must have piece for any hiker or mountain biker. It’s an affordable, high quality piece of equipment with 6 high quality white LEDs, Cloverleaf 6-Reflector System which is all contained in a black aluminum case.

The flashlight is easy to use, lightweight and causes no hassle when you need to put it away. This is a perfect piece of equipment for any hiker who is first starting out or anyone looking to minimize the amount of kit they carry.

This piece of equipment is currently located in the featured items section of the website and is currently listed at $24(€18.23). On a side note the flashlight comes with batteries so you don’t need to worry about purchasing batteries to take with you on your trip.

Although it doesn’t have to be used on a trip, It can be used for general needs around the home,  and would be a good addition for younger children who need a lightweight, easy solution to a flashlight.

]]> http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/v2-6-chip-flashlight-2007-04-24/feed 0