Wherever You Are, Let There Be Light

Product: VersaBrite.

Description: A seven ounce, three-inch long, 1-3/4 inch wide, 1-7/8 inch high hand-held flashlight with 6,000 candlepower Xenon bulb. Comes with two AA batteries. Available in black only.

Pro: Long burn time for the light which averages between four and five hours depending on store-bought battery strength and outside temperature. With the elastic headband, you can wear the light easily and comfortably either directly on the head or on a hardhat, helmet or hat. The spotlight beam head swivels 180 degrees meaning you can virtually position the beam where ever the light is most needed.

Using the magnet mount, the flashlight attaches securely to almost any metal surface, including the side of a car or the lid on a two-burner Coleman stove. The built-in clip allows the flashlight to securely stow in a shirt or pant’s pocket with the light still shining brightly illuminating the path ahead.

The night vision lens is a great boon when trying to read maps at night without destroying your night vision. It also is a great idea if you are working with a stove or around camp at night and aren’t in the mood to attract insects from miles around. Water-resistant and very durable polycarbonate case.

Con: While it has accessories, there is not easy way to keep them all together unless you go out and find a mini stuff sack to carry your VersaBrite in. Consequently, the tendency will be to leave a desired accessory behind, a bummer if you find a need for either the magnet mount or night vision lens.

Creating a tiny pouch that attaches to the belt clip or, when the belt is in place, to the belt itself would be a super addition.

Also, while not a major problem, having to remove the main lens to attach the night vision lens can be a pain, especially if it is dark. The bulb pops out too easily, dirt is attracted too readily to the O-ring each time the lenses are changed, and it is too easy to lose the main lens or misplace it when it is no longer attached in some way to the main unit. A far better solution would be to create a night vision lens which attaches over the main lens by easy slipping on or screwing into place.

Comments: This great little package offers the versatility of four or five flashlights in one very affordable unit. A great buy for any outdoorsperson who needs to shed some light in a darkened corner of the world.

Suggested retail: $20.

Company: Pelican Products, 23215 Early Ave., Torrance, CA 90505; (310) 326-4700.