True Keychain Light Comparison

[jbrett14]

I would like some input on the photon vs. Inova vs. 20/$20 lights vs. any other of same size/type only. Obviously the 20/$20 is the best deal, but are they acceptable as far as quality & reliability? The Inova is the only one of these that I own, but have been somewhat disappointed by switch failure on one of my units. Has anyone else had problems with the Inova? Please give recommendations

 

[Aten_Imago]

jbrett14

I've had a Photon 3 & Photon 3 Covert for 3 months now- can't complain, Though the new 'Freedom' from Photon looks to be a more intuitve switch yet. The Photon 3 is the best button-cell keychain light in the $20 class in my opinion- durable, easy battery changes and very bright for its size and price- but ask me again in 3 months from now ;-)

 

[paulr]

I have a detailed review of the $20/20 lights and the Photon II in the reviews section. Basically the Photon is small and looks real nice, the Countycomm is a terrific bargain. The Inova probably beats the Photon in functionality but it's bigger and uglier.

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Jbrett14,

I have no complaints with the $1 lights. My wife has one on her key chain and loves it. She feels it is better (for her) than the PT Pulsar II and the ARC AAA.

Tom

 

[jbrett14]

I assumed that because of the price of these lights, that they must me cheaply made, and that the switches would fall apart. But so far, most users tend to say good things about these lights, so I think I will get some. Thanks alot for your posts.

Jonathan

 

[kitelights]

I've purchased several of the Inovas as gifts and kept one for myself. No problems with mine nor have I heard of any problems from those that I gave one to, but in fairness, mine sees very little use (I have it on a keychain with an ARC AAA LE).

With the new generation CC $1 lights (locking switch), I don't see any reason to spend the additional money on other coin cell lights. The only weakness that I see in them is the connector from the light to the split ring.

I have a CMG 0-4 (the only waterproof coin cell light), a PT Pulsar II and others that I can't think of.

If I had to have THE most reliable coin cell light, for me it would be the Inova. I'm surprised at your switch problem, but Inova will replace it.

 

[jbrett14]

I was surprised as well. I looked long & hard at these little lights before buying 4 of them. I was very impressed with the design & quality. But like I said, I have one that will not turn off. The switch does physically turn off, but the light continues burning. This particular light is getting very expensive, having to replace those batteries every day (just kidding about this part). I think this is the one that I let the kids use. Not sure what they did to it, but they are little kids (8,6,& 3). Whatever they did, it happened while in their hands. It's not like they were throwing it or smashing it. I would think that these lights should be kid-proof to a certain extent. I have learned to use my kids as a great product testing resource for durability.

 

[Aten_Imago]

Remember that reliability and durability are important. he Photons seems to build like little tanks- requiring a hard sqeeze and nimble fingers to deal with- pointing to a solid build.

 

[Aten_Imago]

Remember that reliability and durability are important. The Photons seems to build like little tanks- requiring a hard sqeeze and nimble fingers to deal with- pointing to a solid build.

 

[BillBill]

If the LED moves within the Inova, the constant on switch may have problems. Just open the cover and adjust the LED. These are very good constant on switches though.

The momentary switches are reliable. I have two Microlights.

 

[Greymage]

The CC $1 lights are great for kids - no great loss when they get lost. That happens more than breakage for me.

 

[Bill.H]

[ QUOTE ]
jbrett14 said:
I assumed that because of the price of these lights, that they must me cheaply made, and that the switches would fall apart.

[/ QUOTE ]

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif Wait till you take one apart, there is no switch!

The button you turn it on with is the battery carrier, pushing that moves the batteries until they make contact with the LED itself. Nice little design.

 

[Josey]

[ QUOTE ]
kitelights said:

With the new generation CC $1 lights (locking switch), I don't see any reason to spend the additional money on other coin cell lights.

[/ QUOTE ]

What worries me about those super-cheap Chinese lights is the conditions under which they were made, both in terms of worker abuse and environmental harm.

 

[chalo]

Re: True Keychain Light Comparison - OT

[ QUOTE ]
Josey said:
What worries me about those super-cheap Chinese lights is the conditions under which they were made, both in terms of worker abuse and environmental harm.

[/ QUOTE ]

You should worry about *everything* made in China, then, unless you know otherwise from somebody who has seen the production facility in question.

Just because a Chinese-made product is cheap does not necessarily mean it was made by slaves. Just like with products made in the USA, surprisingly low pricing usually means that there has been very little human labor involved.

Likewise, that a Chinese product is costly does not indicate that any of its purchase price has gone to provide humane working conditions or mitigate environmental harm resulting from its production.

Your concern is most applicable to products you know to be handmade, like garments and shoes.

Chalo Colina

 

[UnknownVT]

[ QUOTE ]
jbrett14 said:
I would like some input on the photon vs. Inova vs. 20/$20 lights vs. any other of same size/type only.

[/ QUOTE ]

Did you see this thread?

20 for $20 LED Lights

compares the CountyComm 20 for $20 LED lights with the Photon 2 and Inova Microlight, with beamshots........

 

[Melven]

I have purchased over 1000 of the Inova microlights for the employees at the plant where I work. I have seen a number of them where the LED has moved so that the constant on switch no longer works. The squeeze switch has not failed on any that I am aware of. I believe they have a design issue that needs to be taken care of so that the LED's don't move and make the constant on switch no longer operate. Despite the problems with the constant on switches this is still the most succesful gift I have ever given the employees. Not a single complaint from them - like I always get with T-shirts etc.

 

[Josey]

I take your point, Chalo, which is why I expressed a concern rather than made an accusation.

But one of the things that attracts me to CPF is the willingness of members to support good companies like Arc and TigerLight and others that make truly innovative products and treat people with respect.

I think the quality of the company is a legitimate factor in our evaluations, in this case keychain lights.

So as not to highjack this thread, I'll leave it at that. \\Josey

 

[Aten_Imago]

"The 20 for $20 LED lights are very white in real life"
I know what you mean, but sadly,we're going to have to abandon perceptual statements about 'whiteness' of lights because the human eye compensates constantly and is very easily fooled into 'leveling' color balance and intensities. I'm really going to have to sit down and hammer out a test guide and reporting standard before I go nuts. By the way, I've recently discovered that Luxeons emitt at a different rate that Nichias, making them a different class of visual experience altogether. In effect, much easier on the visual system for comfort!

 

[jbrett14]

Curiosity did get the best of me, so I did get the 20/$20 lights. Just took one out to the dark garage with my Inova. Brightness was about the same with a slight edge to the $1 light, and a slight edge to the Inova in light quality (not enough to pay $9 more though). Switch on the $1 light is actually easier to use and has a very nifty little slide mechanism. Swivel ring loop appears to be very cheap, but I gave it a pretty good bend test, and it did not break, so looks can be deceiving. I am very impressed with what you get for $1. I only wish I could get back my $40 for the 4 Inova's that I had bought.

I do consider what Josey said, and that is always a good topic of debate. For me however, because so many of the items we buy are made in China, it would be hypocritical to simply rule out a Chinese-made light. Also, just because a company is based in America does not mean it is environmentally safe and ethical in it's employee relations. In fact, I would guess that most companies are unethical in this country, due to greed. I am not necessarily referring to flashlight companies but manufacturing in general. Since we do not usually have the complete knowledge behind the scenes of most companies operations, in or outside of this country, I make no assumptions, and tend to buy based on value. I have no knowledge of these lights being produced by abused workers.

Personally, where I work, we sell goods made in the USA, but I would not condemn other companies from using outside sources without knowing the facts or reasons why. The cost in which we pay for goods does not conclude to me whether or not it was manufactured in an ethical, moral manner. If and when I do know all the facts about a company, and it is clearly evident to support behavior against my belief, at that time I cease to support that company. E.g. When I learn of a company that supports gay rights, I make a strong effort to no longer support that company. This goes against my moral values. I personally would rather support a foreign company that has no unethical behavior to my knowledge, than an American company that supports immorality. This said, I will be buying an ARC one to these days.

 

[jbrett14]

ADDED BONUS: I just unpackaged all the lights, and I got 22/$20