Niteowl
Enlightened
I have here Dorcy's Metal Gear 1w LED 41-2091 supplied by Jamie at Dorcy International. In addition to the 1w luxeon, it also has a red 3mm LED. Powered by three "AAA" batteries. MSRP is $19.99-$24.99.
The mounting strap system is secure with one running over the head. The head pivots with eight positions totaling aproximately 170 degrees, more than enough. Operation is with a "reverse" clicky under a gray rubber cover. Push down completely and release to turn on the 1w function, repeat to turn off the 1w and turn on the red 3mm LED. One more cycle turns it off completely. It took some practice to use the switch as it is stiff and requires careful positioning of the fingertip.
As for the Metal Gear designation, the bezel appears to be the only aluminum body part. It is press fit and covers the threaded plastic lens. An o-ring seals the assembly. The two-piece plastic body is split down the middle, presumably glued as I saw no screws. One plastic end cap is permanently attached the other unscrews for battery access. The small red LED recessed into the plastic reflector does not seem to affect the 1w's beam much.
Removing the one endcap reveals the battery compartment, placement is rather straight-forward, molded dividers work nicely. Care should be used replacing cap as it cross threaded easily.
Output
The Dorcy has a hotspot about two feet and a nice even spill about 12 feet wide at nine feet. Tint was on the warm side, like my EOS. The beam was a little uneven with the emitter being off-center. For comparison is a PT EOS with about the same size hotspot but a six foot spill. The red LED had about a sixteen inch spread at arms lenght. I found it to be useful at close range with a reasonbly smooth pattern. The pics are on the dark side for the spill.
Dorcy Metal Gear
PT EOS
The 3mm red LED in action.
Overall I like this headlamp and regret promising it to a fishing buddy of mine. I sat on this review a little long as Cree and Seoul powered lights have been all the rage lately. However, I think this is a good light for the masses and would recommend it.
The mounting strap system is secure with one running over the head. The head pivots with eight positions totaling aproximately 170 degrees, more than enough. Operation is with a "reverse" clicky under a gray rubber cover. Push down completely and release to turn on the 1w function, repeat to turn off the 1w and turn on the red 3mm LED. One more cycle turns it off completely. It took some practice to use the switch as it is stiff and requires careful positioning of the fingertip.
As for the Metal Gear designation, the bezel appears to be the only aluminum body part. It is press fit and covers the threaded plastic lens. An o-ring seals the assembly. The two-piece plastic body is split down the middle, presumably glued as I saw no screws. One plastic end cap is permanently attached the other unscrews for battery access. The small red LED recessed into the plastic reflector does not seem to affect the 1w's beam much.
Removing the one endcap reveals the battery compartment, placement is rather straight-forward, molded dividers work nicely. Care should be used replacing cap as it cross threaded easily.
Output
The Dorcy has a hotspot about two feet and a nice even spill about 12 feet wide at nine feet. Tint was on the warm side, like my EOS. The beam was a little uneven with the emitter being off-center. For comparison is a PT EOS with about the same size hotspot but a six foot spill. The red LED had about a sixteen inch spread at arms lenght. I found it to be useful at close range with a reasonbly smooth pattern. The pics are on the dark side for the spill.
Dorcy Metal Gear
PT EOS
The 3mm red LED in action.
Overall I like this headlamp and regret promising it to a fishing buddy of mine. I sat on this review a little long as Cree and Seoul powered lights have been all the rage lately. However, I think this is a good light for the masses and would recommend it.
