Editorial Review

Here's a nice little light in a tough little package. It's perfect for quick, occasional use, say, to shed some light on a dark keyhole. The built-in key lanyard is long enough to let you use your key and the beam at the same time, and the beam width adjust with an easy turn from spotlight to flood. It's compact enough for a pocket and tough enough to tumble around in a briefcase, backpack or handbag—-it's corrosion-resistant, too. We especially like the extra bulb packed right in the end compartment, so you won't get caught without a light. Granted, the beam could be beefier, but for its purpose, it's a great little flashlight.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Limited lifetime warranty
• High intensity adjustable light beam
• Sealed O-rings for water and shock resistance
• Precision-machined, high strength aluminum alloy case
• Spare lamp in the tail cap

Reviews (13)

The worst product from Maglite
This is easily the worst product Maglite has ever produced. It's bright allright -- right out of the package. Carry it a few days on your keychain, and the output is dim and flickery. Reseating the tail cap gets rid of the flicker, but you have to do it every time you want to use it. And it stays dim. My advice: Go to the nearest Wal-Mart and get a Dorcy 1-AAA LED. It's slightly larger than the Mag Solitaire, but for $4.99 you'll get a light that's more reliable, brighter and has longer battery life. And you'll never have to change a bulb, too.

Good light, but limited uses
This light is decent for the cost and what it does. I keep mine in the car in case I need to fumble around in the seat looking for something.

Beyond that, the light is really limited though.

Archaic technology-Go LED or CF.
Conventional flashlights like these are archaic; I have one of these Black AAA Mag-Lites I got as vendorware, but I wouldn't pay for it.Any battery-operated light you buy these days should be LED or flourescent.
Otherwise, the light is far bulkier than it need be.
LED-based flashlights have bulbs (LEDs) that virtually never burn out, and can use smaller batteries, as batteries last about 3x as long, so they can be smaller and lighter.
(The only exception I can think of for flashlights with conventional (incandescent or halogen bulbs) is for those that are used as batons, like the ones police officers carry, where the weight is an advantage.)
Portable fluorescent lights can use much smaller batteries, as batteries last about 5x as long, so they can be much lighter, and about the same size, as the bulb takes up the space the batteries used to take up.

LED and flourescent battery-operated lights are are available at low prices now - far less than conventionals when you factor in the convenience, costs of batteries, etc, but about 2x the price initially, if you shop around.I have a couple of each.Often they're not stocked with the conventional flashlights; I often see portable fluorescents in the closet sections - made to be put in a closet and run off a battery. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. (Flash Lights)    2. Home Safety    3. Flashlights   

Features

• LED headlamp featuring 7 white LEDs and 3 levels of lighting.
• Constructed yellow, water resistant, lightweight thermoplastic with rubber headstrap
• Up to 120 hour run time using 3 AAA alkaline batteries
• Weighs 5 ounces
• 2.75" long

Reviews (4)

Great Product
This items is as advertised and works very well. I love LED flashlights and this is my third. I use all three. The battery savings are phenominal. The three settings for light intensity are very nice. It is great as an extra photo light in low light conditions. It is great for computer repairs, trimming mustache, fixing car engine, looking for something in a drawer. I love it, but I agree that one needs a hat on or it will pull hair out. Highly recommended.

This is the hardhat model, not barehead model.
Pros: Switch functions solidly and easily. Construction is solid and durable. Brighter than expected. Beam is fairly even/smooth.

Notice: Streamlight makes two models of the Septor. The 61008 is for hardhats and has a rubber strap and head plate with two connection points (this model is NOT good for wearing directly on your head/hair). The 61007 has an elastic cloth headband, including a top strap, and a head plate with three strap connection points; designed for wearing directly on your head/hair. ...(Streamlight Customer Service said that the head plate with three strap connection points is not currently available as a part that can be ordered from service.)...

Two problems
This light has two problems. 1st, it has the rubber hardhat strap rather than the three point elastic head strap.Putting it on your head without a hat is like putting on a SCUBA mask with a dry head - it pulls your hair out.The solution is to wear it with a baseball cap, but it would be better if it had the elastic straps.

2nd, the light is not as bright as I had thought it would be.Don't expect it to equal a full size Maglite.

That being said, it is a wonderfully light headlamp that runs a long time and is fairly bright for close up hands free work. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Flashlights    2. (Flash Lights)    3. Lighting    4. Lanterns    5. Work Lights    6. (Jobsite Lights)    7. (Job Site)    8. Camping Accessories   

Features

• Made in the USA
• Brilliant blue crystal
• Visible over 1-mile
• Can be clipped to keys, jacket, or purse
• Battery and crystal guaranteed for life

Reviews (4)

plastic broke after two months
After two months, the plastic clip broke, making this clip light useless.I would not recommend buying this product.All of lights have plastic clips, and will undoubtedly break the same way.Since the product is trashed, there is no way to evaluate whether the light/battery/switch will actually last.A metal clip or more durable mechanism is advisable...but the manufacturer has continued to make it this way for a long time.

Highly recommend this light
I bought some of these lights after seeing one a friend had.The bulbs come in several colors, but I like the blue one the best.Amber, red, and green are not as bright, and the color is distracting.Those colors would be okay for something like concerts or signaling or something.The white light seems to have a hot spot like most flashlights.The blue lights up the dark the same way a bright moon does on a clear night.It's bright enough to see very well in the dark, but without the hot spot that white flashlights give.

As far as lasting a lifetime, I don't think they mean that it will actually last a lifetime, but they do offer to replace battery and/or led free for your lifetime--with the standard handling fee, which ends up being about what it costs to buy a new one.I've had mine for several years now, and use them constantly.Mine are just now beginning to be hard to light; either the switch is getting worn or battery is getting low.I plan to send them back in, or just replace them with new ones, because I like them so much. They're well worth the price.A couple of mine have even been through the washer and dryer and still work (although the dryer deformed the plastic case a little).That's good to know if you plan to use yours in the outdoors--if you drop it in the water, it'll still work.The one thing that would make this light perfect, and the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars, is that it needs some way to turn it on permanently.As it is you have to keep the button pressed down to make it light.A great tool.Highly recommended!

Great light
I bought one of these in October 2000. It is still going strong. I am not sure about lifetime, but so far it is still shining bright and doesn't show any signs of giving out. Like the other reviewer, I am going to buy a couple more to keep around the house. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Flashlights    2. (Flash Lights)   

Features

• 15 amp
• 300-volt polar solar cord
• 50 feet
• 14/3 gauge
• 125-volt rating

Reviews (2)

coleman solar extension cable
American made, good quality cable. The color makes it stand out outdoors so it is easy to spot, the clear connecting end is lit when power is present, so you know if it is plugged in.

Great cord for all uses.
This cord is really helpful.The way the end glows when plugged in is a timesaver, especially if you have several lines plugged into one another.All you have to do is look and the end, and if it is lit, you know you havejuice.And it will deliver plenty of power so you know you won't burn upyour expensive tools and equiptment. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Electrical    2. Extension Cords    3. (Extention Chords)    4. Power Supplies   

Features

• Compact, powerful tactical flashlight featuring an ultra-bright, super high-flux, Luxeon LED
• Black machined aluminum with tailcap/rotary on-off, removable pocket clip and adjustable wrist lanyard
• Two 3-volt lithium batteries provide up to 4 hours of high brightness and 50 hours of declining brightness
• Weighs4.33 ounces
• .9" D x4.9"L

Features

• Detachable mounting bracket to use with no tools
• Spring loaded, retractible, industrial grade ABS plastic reel
• 15 amp circuit breaker with push button reset
• 50' of 12/3 SJTW cord at your disposal
• Clear molded tri-source with power indicator light

Reviews (4)

Works as Advertised
This reel extension unit works just like I had envisioned.It's heavy duty 12-gauge for multiple power tools, good length to get around my shop and driveway, and extends and retacts just fine.Yes, it is big, but that's what a 12-gauge 50ft reel is going to be in footprint.Now, you could make this setup cheaper with a 50 or 100ft cord and manual reel, but I needed to hang mine on a 10ft. ceiling.This product works, it's big, and no problems noted on quality or mechanics.

Great Product!
Works as advertised.Unlike the first poster, I have had no problems with this unit.I have it mounted on the ceiling, and the retract function works flawlessly.It is a welcome addition to my workshop.Highly recommended.Oh yeah - the thing is BIG.

Frustrating
I bought this reel as a gift, but after inspecting the retract funtion, there was no way I was going to give this as a present. The retract function rarely worked, and once we got it to lock the cable out it wouldn't retract, we tried the directions and mounted it in the horizontal and vertical positions, nothing worked. For the time it took to get the cable to lock out I could have un-coiled an extension cable and coiled it back up. End result: for $100 it just isn't worth it. If you need 12 gauge cable the get a Reelcraft, if you don't buy the cheap $40 reel. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Electrical    2. Extension Cords    3. (Extention Chords)    4. Power Supplies   

Features

• 15-Ft. cord
• 16/3 size wire
• Round vinyl construction
• Indoor and outdoor use
• UL listed

Features

• More receptacles than a standard cord
• 30' cord on a reel with locking mechanism
• 3-Conductor, 16-gauge wire, 10-amp rating
• Molded 3-way power outlet
• Molded on Trinector 3-way receptacle

Reviews (2)

It was black
This cord reel works very well.The cord easly locks in place and with one pull it reels back up.

The only complaint I have is that it was not white.It was all black and did not look as nice.

It was black
This cord reel works very well.The cord easly locks in place and with one pull it reels back up.

The only complaint I have is that it was not white.It was all black and did not look as nice. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Electrical    2. Extension Cords    3. (Extention Chords)    4. Lighting    5. Temporary Jobsite Lights    6. Work Lights    7. (Jobsite Lights)    8. (Job Site)    9. Cord Reels    10. (Chord)    11. (Reals)   

Features

• Limited lifetime warranty
• High intensity adjustable light beam
• Sealed O-rings for water and shock resistance
• Precision-machined, high strength aluminum alloy case
• Spare lamp in the tail cap

Reviews (9)

Great light for the price
There are lots of better lights out there. But for less then $20, you can't beat the price for this flashlight. Especially if you just need something to have around the house.

The only real problem I have with this light is that the switch tends to come off fairly easy. It's not too hard to put it back on, and if you lose it, it's fairly cheap to replace (less then $2). But still annoying.

Simply the Best.
Though this 2D model is slightly smaller than the 4D model that many people are familar with, this model is just as useful. In fact, I prefer the 2D model because it's easier to handle and not as awkward to carry as the longer 4D model. The light in this baby shines bright enough to almost completely illuminate a small room. If you so desire, you can focus the beam or let it spill out. The bulb hardly ever has to be replaced and even if you use the inexpensive batteries, they don't need to be replaced as often either (the light sucks ALL the juice out). Besides just being a great flashlight, the Mag-Lite 2D also works well as a club--you can actually knock someone out cold. A great tool; one that every home should at least have one of.

Long-time customer'sfirst time warranty claim ignored!
3 weeks ago, I contacted Maglite for a replacement switch for my 4-D flashlight, in which the switch failed.The customer service rep asked me for my serial number, which I gave her and she assured me that I could get a replacement switch.I gave her my name and address and she said that a shipment had just gone out, and it would be in the next shipment.That was fine with me.Days turned into weeks.Still no part.More days went by.STILL no part in the mail.

Hmmmm.Is this how long time customers are treated?I previous owned a variety of their flashlights, from an AAA Solitaire to a 5-D flashlight, at least 5 in total.My dad has purchased in the neighborhood of 15 or more himself, starting in about '86 when someone else turned him onto Maglites.

Customer support is as important to me as the product itself.Has customer support become a casualty of a tough economy?

This long-time customer will have to look at alternatives the next time he's buying a flashlight. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. (Flash Lights)    2. Camping Accessories    3. Flashlights   

Features

• LED/Incandescent combo headlamp with 3 white LEDs and xenon bulb offering 3 levels of lighting
• Constructed green, water resistant, lightweight thermoplastic with elastic headstrap
• Up to 120 hour run time using 3 AAA alkaline batteries
• Weighs 5 ounces
• 2.75" long

Reviews (3)

Awesome.OR SO I THOUGHT!!!THIS REVIEW HAS BEEN EDITED!
I will leave my original review posted below, to see how I felt BEFORE the "event".The event unfolded as thus:

I have had the headlamp for about 3 weeks.I have used it about once a week, when, on Thursday nights, I walk the dog when I get home from work late.Tonight was walk #4 since getting the headlamp.Each walk lasts no longer than 45 minutes, usually 30.About ten minutes into tonight's walk...the batteries died.

Yep.We're talking 2-3 hour battery life, MAX.From 5 stars to 2, just like that.What a huge disappointment.

___________________________________________________________

This headlamp is great.Not only a comfortable and snug fit, but THREE different light settings.

The green light setting is for the kid in my 30 year old body-I love running around with that on while I walk the dog.And, hey, it works extremely well.

The super bright white light is great for close-up, its almost like daytime within a few feet of your head.

Finally, the "regular flashlight" setting is powerful, and you can see very well far away.

If you are getting a headlamp, there is no doubt this should be your choice.

Great Headlamp
I highly recommend this. The green single LED mode works well for most things, so the battery life should be good. I haven't had it long enough to replace the battery. It is comfortable to wear, very small, and not heavy at all.

My only (small) critisism is that it doesn't hold it's vertical angle as well as I would like.

This Headlamp is Great!
I realy like this headlamp.It works great.Very comfortable and it is adjustable.It has a bright green night vision setting, a bright white setting, and a super bright xenon bulb for long distance.It looks cool and is water resistant.I highly recomend it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Flashlights    2. (Flash Lights)    3. Lighting    4. Lanterns    5. Work Lights    6. (Jobsite Lights)    7. (Job Site)    8. Camping Accessories   

Features

• 5.25¿ long
• Compact flashlight featuring 3 ultra bright White LEDs, pocket clip and tailcap switching
• Constructed of yellow, waterproof, non-conductive thermoplastic, Class 1 Div 1 listed
• Run time of up to 120 hours on 3 N cell alkaline batteries
• Weighs 2.1 ounces

Reviews (1)

Good light, nice size, brightness, weight
This is, so far, a good light. The size, weight, brightness, functionality are excellent. Very bright light, though slightly blueish in hue. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Flashlights    2. (Flash Lights)    3. Work Lights    4. (Jobsite Lights)    5. (Job Site)    6. Camping Accessories   

Features

• Flashlight without Charger
• Note:Image may not fully represent product.

Reviews (2)

Well worth the cost
I love this lamp!I did a lot of cross stitch and had just about given it up (with lots of uncompleted projects) because I could no longer see the higher count threads on the linens that I loved to work with. With this lamp, I can see everything so clearly and because of the florescent lighting no more mixing up the colors. I really like that it sits by itself on the table rather than clamping onto things and potentially falling over.Compared to other magnifying lamps on the market, this is very reasonably priced and well worth every penny.I can stitch again!!! Thanks

Fixed Base Magnifying Lamp Is The Best
I was pleased with the quick service when mail ordering this lamp and found the Lamp itself well worth the cost. It is extremely stable and adjusts to suit just about any angle you can come up with. The lighting is amazing. "I have even had neighbors come over to use it to pick slivers out of their fingers." Being an older person you'l find even this simple feat a major task without a Lamp like this. I give this lamp a 5 star and this company a 5 star for customer service. ... Read more

Editorial Review

For those who enjoy "ex" words in product names, Vector steps up with the Xtremefx Sport Spot, a corded/cordless rechargeable spotlight with a powerful ultrawhite light that penetrates rain, smoke, and fog. With its 2-million candlepower beam and computer-designed parabolic reflector, the Sport Spot beam carries up to two miles. The spotlight runs cordless for up to 30 minutes of continuous light when fully charged, or corded on a 12-volt DC outlet for extended use and charging. It also comes with a replaceable 12-volt, 3 amp/hr battery pack that recharges from home or vehicle. The rugged, weather-resistant Sport Spot even features a comfortable pistol-grip handle with an on/off trigger. This unit will light up even the darkest roads. ... Read more

Features

• Includes 12-volt DC outlet for extended use and charging
• Corded or cordless spotlight
• Shines with the brightness of two million candles
• Beam carries up to two miles
• Rugged, weather-resistant design features a comfortable pistol-grip handle with on/off trigger

Reviews (3)

vector
after using infrequently for 6 months the switch broke , rendering the light useless.Have not been able to track the company down for a replacement.

Great and powerful 'candle'.
This is a greal spotlight.I can not attest to it being seen 2 miles away, but it does light up a room in a cave from no light to no need for your flashights powerful.As the other reviewer I also give this 4 stars only due to its very extended charge time, more than half a day.After all that time being recharged, you get only 30 minutes of use.But I still like this spotlight very much, it is, was, one of 3 I had in my duffle bag.It does have a stronger ,brighter brother that I like better only for it being waterproof.

One extremely bright light!
I have to say that this light is extreme, it's so bright that it lights up the entire block when I turn it on!! The only bad thing about it is the extremely loooooooooong charging time, it has to charge 18 hours for only 30 minutes of use! Over all it's a very good light if you don't mind the charging time, I gave it 4 stars because of the charging time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Flashlights    2. (Flash Lights)    3. Lighting    4. Temporary Jobsite Lights    5. Camping Accessories   

Features

• Ultra slim, waterproof, White LED penlight with 7" flexible cable extension
• Black, aluminum body with ridged grip, pocket clip and insulated PVC cable extension
• Run time of up to 60 hours on 3 AAAA alkaline batteries, included in purchase
• Weighs 1.7 ounces
• 7" long (folded), 14" long (extended)

Reviews (2)

Tough, versatile, small and bright...
If you've ever worked in confined spaces (under a car's dash, behind a sink, inside an appliance, etc.), you know that at times even small flashlights are too big. Sometimes you need a small light that can wrap around obstructions and light obscured areas.

Until now, in these situations I have used a "Bend-A-Light" that is similar to the Stylus Reach.The standard Bend-A-Light retails for about the same price as the Stylus Reach, so a comparison of the two is useful.

The Bend-A-Light is larger and slightly heavier.Its flexible neck is longer than that of the Stylus Reach (9.5" vs. 7.5" from bulb tip to flashlight body).However, the effective reach of the Stylus Reach is greater because its body is only slightly wider than its flexible neck (owing to its use of super-small "AAAA" batteries).The body of the Bend-A-Light houses "AA" batteries and is over twice as thick.

The Stylus Reach also features an aircraft aluminum casing (vs. the Bend-A-Light's plastic body), a MUCH more flexible neck that is shielded and insulated with PVC, up to 60 hours of run time on one set of three "AAAA" batteries (included), momentary "blink" or constant-on switching, and it's waterproof!Moreover, it has an unbreakable LED light that burns cool and is as bright or brighter than the Bend-A-Light's fragile, incandescent bulb.

[I should mention that there is a considerably longer (24"), brighter Bend-A-Light called the "Krypton Pro Bend-A-Light."However, I have no experience with it.]

I am exceptionally impressed with the brightness and quality of the Stylus Reach.It is one of those items that nobody knows they need until they have it.It would make a great gift for any do-it-yourselfer or tech geek.

If Streamlight would make a version of the Stylus Reach with a longer neck, I'd happily buy it, too.

usefull
Great light. Brighter than expected, and small head doesn't block view in small places. Very good in confined places under dashes and fits in shirt pocket so ready to use any time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Flashlights    2. (Flash Lights)    3. Work Lights    4. (Jobsite Lights)    5. (Job Site)    6. Camping Accessories   

Features

• True Value, 25', 14/3 SJTW-A, Orange 3 Outlet Extension Cord
• Outdoor
• 15A, 125V
• UL Listed
• Made In The USA...

Features

• Limited Lifetime warranty
• High quality rugged aluminum case
• Spare bulb conveniently placed in tailcap of light
• Light adjusts from flood to spot with just a twist of the head
• All joints sealed with O-rings to prevent moisture

Reviews (8)

The company ignores their warranty requests.
3 weeks ago, I contacted Maglite for a replacement switch for my 4-D flashlight, in which the switch failed.The customer service rep asked me for my serial number, which I gave her and she assured me that I could get a replacement switch.I gave her my name and address and she said that a shipment had just gone out, and it would be in the next shipment.That was fine with me.Days turned into weeks.Still no part.More days went by.STILL no part in the mail.

Hmmmm.Is this how long time customers are treated?I previous owned a variety of their flashlights, from an AAA Solitaire to a 5-D flashlight, at least 5 in total.My dad has purchased in the neighborhood of 15 or more himself, starting in about '86 when someone else turned him onto Maglites.

Customer support is as important to me as the product itself.Has customer support become a casualty of a tough economy?

This long-time customer will have to look at alternatives the next time he's buying a flashlight.

You couldn't break it if you tried.
You could use this thing as a baseball bat and it would still shine bright and strong EVERYTIME. Hands down the best flashlite, period.

Carry this for a few years & you'll walk like John Wayne too
Mag Instrument S6D016 Black 6D Cell MagLite Flashlight. Over the years, I just needed and "HAD TO HAVE" that bigger flashlight! It's a guy thing. This is the one light that lots of law enforcement carried. It was effective as a flashlight and as a tool if the use of force needed to be escalated in subduing a BG (Bad Guy) - Orders given with confidence and with commanding voice, physical force including night stick or Mag Light, side arm, shot gun).
There is a lot going on within the technology of flashlights recently. LED, Lithium batteries, focus bezels, etc. The Mag has fallen from grace a bit technologically, but is still a great flashlight for police / emt INCLUDING looking for and if need be using the light defensively as a weapon on criminals, cockroaches / terrorists or signalling for a chopper pick up. The Mag Instrument S6D016 Black 6D Cell MagLite Flashlightis very durable and they are proven reliable. But even the police and emt and military are switching over to more tecnologically advanced products and techniques to go along with the new equipment.. They have to. Their lives and the lives of others depend on the best equipment available. And for a long time that was Mag Light.
Don't get me wrong. I've depended on Mag lites of all sizes for years. But head to head , theSurefire brands have quickly surpassed Mag lite in every important aspect of flashlights - usable light power, smaller size and lighter weight.
TheMag Instrument S6D016 Black 6D Cell MagLite Flashlight is a good value and I have several in the house and the larger trunks of some of my vehicles. But they're being replaced by Surefires as they wear out.

John Row ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Flashlights    2. (Flash Lights)   

Features

• Battery status indicator
• 3,000,000 candle power
• Amber "CCFL" area light
• Durable anodized aluminum housing
• Use single or double beam

Reviews (4)

A great spotlight with several minor flaws
Before I start, I should advise that my version of this spotlight has a grey metal body with black plastic trim.There are several other variations I have seen; (red/black, "safety yellow", blue/white, camo).The functional differences appear to be these:
The position of the area light feature.
The grey model is aluminum; I think the others are all plastic.

I am writing this review after my initial inspection of the spotlight.The light is currently on its initial charge cycle; I will come back and complete the review when I have had an opportunity to examine the bulb performance and battery life.

First, let me say this this thing is _huge_.The pictures simply do not express the monster size of this lamp.The dimensions, as quoted from the owner's manual:

Height: 12 in (base to top)
Width: 7.4 in (across front of beam reflector assembly)
Length: 9 in (front to back of spotlight head)

This lamp is probably larger than most automotive emergency kits can accomodate.Still, I can think of no better lamp to have in a roadside emergency, and that makes it worth working around the bulk.I keep it in my car's trunk, in a large rubbermaid storage bin that accomodates both the lantern and several essentials for emergency repairs (fluids, a toolkit, etc.).

Some users may find the weight an annoyance.This lamp weighs in at a hefty 7.8 pounds, and may be uncomfortable to hold for extended periods.Given that most of the weight comes from the two lantern batteries, I will be disappointed if the lantern does not boast considerable battery life (I will return to report on battery life after the first charging cycle).

The spotlight is powered by two rechargeable 6V lead-acid lantern batteries.The first resides in the spotlight's base, adding weight where it's needed to maintain freestanding stability.The second battery is in the top, and while this does lend the unit a semi-topheavy balance, I don't think it would fall over except in a high wind.

The spotlight body is made of aluminum, which I found particularly impressive (as I expected plastic).Although this adds to the spotlight's already considerable weight, I think it's a great trade off for a heavy-duty lantern like this.The front and back of the spotlight are molded plastic "safety caps" (as they are called by the owner's manual).These I am not impressed with, as a "safety cap" should protect the unit.Cheap plastic offers no significant protection, and given the weight of this unit, the "safety cap" will undoubtedly break if it is ever dropped.I think these provide more marketing hype than they do actual safety.That being said, no lamp like this will survive unscathed if dropped from any significant height, so just don't drop it.

The big lens at the front of the lamp is surrounded by a protective rubber bezel.I think the bezel is hefty enough to absorb most normal shocks, and provides the best protection possible without compromising beam projection.This light would be made far superior if Vector exchanged the plastic "safety caps" for more rubber like the excellent front bezel.

The spotlight can be held by the pistol-grip style handle (I prefer the basket-style handles of some of the competing lamps, but it's a small compromise for what is overall a much better lantern).The spotlight also comes with a shoulder strap, which may make the weight a bit easier to cope with.Of course, it can also be left freestanding (though there is no way to angle the lantern up or down to illuminate a higher or lower work area).

The lantern has a 12 V receptacle in the front for running anything that can be plugged into your car's cigarette lighter (cell phones and the like).The safe current limit of this receptacle is 10 amps.A small rubber boot closes over the receptacle when not in use.This boot could have used a redesign, as it does not fit tightly inside the receptacle (it merely flops in and out with no insertion or removal force).This reduces the weather resistance of the spotlight; hardly an oversight one expects in a light advertised by Vector to be "water resistant".Annoying, but fixable with a bit of weatherproof sealing tape.

The back of the light has a three-position switch:

1.area light
2.single (one bulb lit - 1.5 million CP)
3.twin (both bulbs lit - 3 million CP)

The area light is more of a gimmick than a useful accessory.It's not bright enough to light up an area of any meaningful size.This fact means that anyone who needs both the spotlight and area light functions will end up buying a separate area light anyway, thus making its inclusion here redundant (though its inclusion does not detract from the quality of the excellent spotlight).

The spotlight is activated by sliding the rear selector switch to "single" or "twin" and squeezing the trigger.Sadly, the trigger does not lock "on" and "off"; as soon as you release it, the spotlight goes out.This is particularly disappointing, as the owner's manual advertises this as a "simple two-position lock trigger".The diagrams in the manual even show a lock switch on the side of the pistol grip that is mysteriously absent from my model.If this trigger locks, I can't figure out how (and the manual doesn't specify).The primary benefit of having a freestanding spotlight is the ability to ignite it, point it at your work area, and walk away.This frees both hands to work while the light provides illumination.I plan on resolving this by strategic application of a plastic zip tie.Not a perfect solution, but better than trying to change a tire with my right hand while balancing an 8 pound spotlight in my left.

The spotlight may be recharged by two methods:

12V / 500mA AC adaptor (included)
12V DC car cigarette lighter adaptor (included)

The instructions indicate a full charge cycle requires about 24 - 30 hours, and warns not to charge for more than 36 hours.This suggests that no overcharge protection circuitry was included in the AC adaptor's design (bummer).Fortunately, the base of the lantern has four LEDs that progressively indicate the current battery charge level.When all four LEDs are lit, disconnect the charger.The charging instructions repeatedly offer the dubious advice to recharge the batteries after every use (even on a partial discharge).What I know of Ni-Cad rechargeables tells me they should be drained completely prior to recharging, but I don't know if the same principle applies to lead-acid batteries.

Curiously, the AC and DC adaptors each use separate connections on the back of the spotlight.I assume this is attributable to 2 factors:

1.The AC adaptor is a trickle charger (a full charge takes over 20 hours).The DC (cigarette lighter) adaptor charges in 3 - 5 hours.
2.The AC adaptor can only recharge the batteries, while the DC adaptor can recharge the batteries and simultaneously power the spotlight (if your car's cigarette lighter can pump out the required 15 amps -- enough to nuke most cigarettes).

Both of the recharge connections are exposed to the elements (no rubber caps to speak of).This is another unfortunate oversight in a lamp that claims to be "water resistant".Vaguely annoying, but again, correctable with a bit of weatherproof sealing tape.

The lamp bulbs are a pair of automotive fog lamps (type H3 quartz halogen - 12V / 55W), easily found at any auto parts store.I purchased a pair of extra bulbs at Wal Mart for $8 (though you can spend up to $40/pair if you want the fancy blue ones).Unfortunately, changing the bulbs cannot be done without a Phillips screwdriver, which may be inconvenient if a bulb dies when no tools are available to disassemble the lamp housing.Consider it just one more reason to keep a toolkit in your car.


Pros:

Cool LED charge level indicator.
Solid aluminum construction.
12 total amp-hours of battery capacity.
Freestanding.
Handy 12V DC accessory charging receptacle.
Includes convenient carrying strap.

Cons:

Trigger does not lock, despite manufacturer's claim.
Not as water-resistant as advertised.
Portability is limited with a lamp this large.
No way to angle the lamp head up or down in freestanding operation.
Apparently useless area lamp feature.
No toolless bulb replacement.
AC adaptor has no overcharge protection circuit.
12V charging receptacle boot cover is a poor fit.

Despite the numerous minor complaints I have about the design of the Sport Spot, I am still very satisfied with my purchase.All of the flaws I've observed are either minor or easily corrected (or both).I have examined the competitors carefully, and I am confident this is the best lantern to stow in your car's emergency kit.

I will review the following aspects of the lamp's performance, and I will return to complete this review once I have gathered more info on:

1.Brightness
2.Battery life
3.Cost of replacement batteries
4.Support (yes, Vector offers a toll-free support line; and I intend to try it out)

-sean henning

Fantastic
Better and brighter than I ever expected. It makes my car headlights look dim in comparison. I couldn't find a tree far enough away that I couldn't illuminate!

The earlier comments about it being like a helicopter spotlight - absolutely true! 10 out of 10.

this is like carrying a piece of the sun around!
very solid and brightest light i have ever used ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Lighting    2. Lanterns    3. Camping Accessories   

Features

• 1.28" D x 8.54" L
• 3 LED/Xenon bulb combination flashlight offers super brightness and long run times
• Constructed of black machined aluminum with knurled grip and push button switch
• 3 AA alkaline batteries provide up to 80 hours of run time for the LEDs and over 2 hours for the xenon bulb
• Weighs .42 pounds