Quick Pak-Lite Review (Updated)...

[bucken]

Won't appeal to everyone, but definately interesting.

Snaps on to a 9-Volt battery (lithium is recommended, and one is included). I tried it on a regular alkaline 9-Volt battery and couldn't really notice much difference in brightness. Probably runs longer on lithiums, though.

Has a little recessed lever switch on the side. Switch left for low power, right for full power. Advertising states 200 hours run time at full power, and 1200 hours at low power. Cannot confirm run time, but if it even runs a fraction of the published time, that's still a lot.
Here's the back of the package with an Arc LE shown for size comparison.

Here's a beam shot (only a few inches from a wall) comparing an Arc LE to Low power...

And here's a shot with Full power setting...

The C. Crane company had them on sale last week (for $29.95), but I see that the price has now returned to normal ($34.95). Pak-Lite

Would probably make a good reading light, or tent light. BOTH LED's light up at both power settings. The Low power setting is MUCH dimmer than Full power. The Full power setting has about the same "throw" as an Arc LE. Even though the beamshots show the Pak-Lite (at Full power) to be much brighter than the Arc LE, it's only brighter for the first few feet. Beyond that, they appear about equal with maybe just a very slight edge going to the Pak-Lite (2 LED's versus only 1 for the Arc).

Seems to be made pretty decent, although probably not waterproof. Be forewarned that 9-volt lithium batteries are EXPENSIVE. Saw one recently in a local Batteries-R-Us store, and it listed for over $12. But, if anyone needs a very compact light that will run for a LONG time, I would give it a thumbs up.

(Edit) The little switch has 3 positions, Left-Low, Middle-Off, Right-Full Power. You can easily work the switch with only one hand by using your thumb to change switch settings. Here's a closer pic...

Also just noticed the Pak-Lite website listed inside the product card pak-lite URL You can buy the light directly from their website for only $19.95 (without battery), and can get lithium 9-volt batteries for $9.95/each. Shipping is $3.95.

 

[Moat]

Great review and pics, bucken - thanks! I've been waitin' to see what someone had to say about the Pak-Lite - very neat, compact little light for pocket, reading or camping, it seems. I've got a pile of slightly used 9v's that I need to get rid of - this thing might just be the ticket! One question - am I correct in assuming the switch has an "off" position in addition to "high" and "low"? I can ALMOST read that on the package photo, but not quite. Anyway, thanks again.

Bob

 

[Charles Bradshaw]

Excellent review, Bucken!

Someone needs to move this to reviews forum.

 

[Sigman]

Looks good, I'd like to get a few, but why sooooo expensive? That's something I'd like to see Ben (?) at Island Lighting make up and sell.

I guess I could throw a few together, but they'd probably look like "I threw them together"!

 

[Wits' End]

Palights are larger but not a whole lot. They have more power levels and the constant-on locator feature. Unless size is really an issue go with a PaLight. By the way Palights can be had for less even allowing for the $12 battery.

 

[JJHitt]

That was my first take on the Pak-Lite: a two-headed PAL with it's clothes off.

What I would be interested in knowing is how the two light levels of the Pak-Lite compare with the Constant-Low-High levels of the PAL.

I also would tend to lean towards the PAL (seeing how I already own five of them), that toggle switch looks like a potential point of failure.

But, knowing me... I'll probably buy a Pak-Lite in a week or too...

 

[geepondy]

Just took a quick look and the lithium 9V batteries are $9.85 at Radio Shack. Did someone once post that lithium 9Vs don't fit well in a PAL light?

 

[Moat]

Thanks for the update, photo, & URL, bucken!

Bob

 

[webley445]

For what they are charging for one I'd rather make one of my own [which I have to an extent], unless the switchable settings was an issue.

 

[lemlux]

The comparison to the ARC LE with the Pak-Lite on full power appears attractive. I'm looking forward to seeing how it works with my new 200 mAh 8.4 V NiMH Tysonic rechargeables.

Although I'm disappointed that the Group buy fizzled, I decided to pay $19.95 @ plus $4 shipping for a pair from the OEM website.

 

[Doug Owen]

[ QUOTE ]
lemlux said:
Although I'm disappointed that the Group buy fizzled, I decided to pay $19.95 @ plus $4 shipping for a pair from the OEM website.

[/ QUOTE ]

I too got the short end of the Group Buy but think it's neat enough to buy direct. Even though it's a bit cheaper, I guess I'm still kinda raw about the deal so I only ordered one, not the two I had reserved on the GB.

I too am intrigued by the performance. Li 9 Volters are 1200 mAH, meaning that we only get 6 mA if we need 200 hours run time on high. This is effectively the same light as a single LED with 12 mA. Very interesting indeed. FWIW, I'm tempted to replace one LED with a wide angle one......

Fun stuff for sure.

Doug Owen

 

[Fusion]

Yeah, why so expensive?? It only cost them 5 bucks to make. Also from past conversations, their cost is going to get even lower. So all you who want to buy them wait a couple months. They will offer the lights in Radio Shack, Albertsons, and other local stores for a much much lower price. Haha 35 bucks at ccrane(wink wink)....... no wonder the group buy at a little more than ten bucks didn't happen....