Wrist Light

[kraghack]

There has to be a more affordable version of the Surefire 2211 somewhere!
It's even rechargeable... drool...

I know you get what you pay for, but unfortunately I can't get what I can't pay for. I don't understand why headlamps are so common yet something as obvious as a wristlight is like finally being invented in 2012. :duh2:

 

[Norm]

Search of CPF for Wrist Light.

Norm

 

[kraghack]

I did, the posts were all more than 4 years old or so. The most comprehensive one was in 2002 and that had all broken links. I was hoping tech had changed enough since then that there might be something out there that's half-decent looking.

 

[fyrstormer]

A wrist-light isn't obvious to me at all. I have to twist my wrist to point in the direction I need the light to go, instead of changing my grip on a handheld light, and if I'm using a headlamp I don't have to do anything at all -- it always points in the direction I'm looking. Furthermore, depending on the light's position on the wristband, my hand might block the light as I work. A headlamp makes much more sense than a wristlamp because your head does nothing other than observe while you work, whereas your wrists are occupied with moving your hands into the proper positions to get work done.

 

[kraghack]

A wrist-light isn't obvious to me at all. I have to twist my wrist to point in the direction I need the light to go, instead of changing my grip on a handheld light, and if I'm using a headlamp I don't have to do anything at all -- it always points in the direction I'm looking. Furthermore, depending on the light's position on the wristband, my hand might block the light as I work. A headlamp makes much more sense than a wristlamp because your head does nothing other than observe while you work, whereas your wrists are occupied with moving your hands into the proper positions to get work done.

Well that was enlightening! All true.

I suppose my reasoning was coming from a different angle. For me, it's not the ability to have a hands free light in situations when I need to be using both hands, since as you have clearly stated, a headlamp would be far more effective for that. For me, it's more of a desire to have a light as accessible as possible on a more EDC basis. Something that doesn't require being pocketed nor is as obvious and rather 'unfashionable' as a headlamp. Something on my wrist, similar to a watch, would be ideal. I've seen some odd looking wrist lights where it just looks like a regular flashlight attached to a strap. The 2211 actually looks cool and wearable throughout the day (albeit a bit on the bulky end).

Heck, if it were far enough in the future, I'd get some discrete biotech in the sides of my head that emanated light using my body heat as power. But that's just crazy.

 

[fyrstormer]

Heh. Well, I also don't like wristwatches, and I prefer to use a pocket watch. Whenever I work on something that requires sticking my hands inside a piece of machinery, I end up having to move the wristwatch to my pocket anyway, and by using a pocket watch I avoid getting arm hair caught in the wristband or getting a skin infection under the wristband. (both issues happened several times before I gave up on wristwatches completely.) So, since I don't carry my watch on my wrist, it's not a natural thing for me to consider carrying anything else on my wrist.

The Surefire 2211 does look cool, and I can see how it might be useful if the primary thing I'm using my hands for is carrying stuff, instead of operating tools. But a headlamp would work just as well in that circumstance too. So I think a headlamp is still a better option overall.

 

[reppans]

Bit pricy eh?

If you want to do something like that, I simply make an elastic wristband for a traditional single cell flashlight - then you could alternate it between normal pocket carry and normal flashlight use. Twofish Lockblocks could also work.

I personally run dislike proprietary batteries... when it dies (from age, or while off-grid) its can end up being a paperweight.

 

[Illum]

USB to 4.2V li-ion charger = Easy
3.6V 1A LED driver = Easy
High efficacy LEDs = Easy
So how does Easy + Easy + Easy = $500?!
:shrug:

 

[idleprocess]

I find it difficult to imagine many situations where you'd routinely need a light on your wrist and the numerous utility compromises would be deemed acceptable. Someone working in a dark environment can usually manage a headlamp or a work light. A police officer or soldier can typically manage a handheld tactical light or a weapon light. I suppose it might find a niche with LEO's alongside the pocket light. For casual EDC it would be both bulky and painfully nerdy.

From a practical perspective, if it's something you intend to point in any one direction, you're likely going to want it somewhat long-ish with a fore and aft attachment point so it remains stable - but this will be clumsy: gross movements required with your forearm relative to the ease of using your hand/wrist. If it's a diffuse area light, that will be less of a concern, although flashing your eyes with the primary beam becomes a concern.

They often used wrist lights on newer Star Trek series:
In use in scene on Voyager - was in this thread
One of the original props from Next Generation
This was apparently designed for one of the movies, but got some screen time in a Voyager episode instead (bottom of the page)
As a side note, you will get some weird results searching google images for "Star Trek The Next Generation wrist light"

They always looked awkward in spite of the producers' ability to choreograph each scene. I would guess that some realities of filming dictated that choice - a handheld flashlight wouldn't seem high-tech and would limit some of the actions the actor could perform; a headlamp would wash out the camera if the actor looked into it. Funny how more modern sci-fi pretty much sticks to maxabeams, thinly-disguised surefires, and stuff apparently sourced from DX.

 

[idleprocess]

USB to 4.2V li-ion charger = Easy
3.6V 1A LED driver = Easy
High efficacy LEDs = Easy
So how does Easy + Easy + Easy = $500?!
:shrug:

Because Surefire
Also because complex aluminum housing

 

[fyrstormer]

Sci-fi shows use headlamps regularly on space helmets, without blinding the camera. The trick is to make the light uselessly dim, so the viewer can see the light is on but that's it. Studio lighting will make up for the lack of actual usefulness.

 

[idleprocess]

Sci-fi shows use headlamps regularly on space helmets, without blinding the camera. The trick is to make the light uselessly dim, so the viewer can see the light is on but that's it. Studio lighting will make up for the lack of actual usefulness.

Ah yes. I often forget the reality of well-illuminated Hollywood darkness, which often ruins suspension of disbelief - How can they not see that?!. Another trick (not used so often any more) is filming during the day with a heavy blue filter over the camera (just nevermind the surprisingly detailed clouds and stark shadows). Then there's the inexplicably backlit helmet that every series set in aircraft, underwater, or space uses - seemingly for the sole purpose of being able to see the actor's face (must be aggravating for the user).

 

[AnAppleSnail]

Wasn't there a wrist light with 5mm LEDs about a year back? It was marketed to mechanics, I think.

 

[idleprocess]

Wasn't there a wrist light with 5mm LEDs about a year back? It was marketed to mechanics, I think.

Illuminated gloves? They seem to be a novelty/niche product that comes and goes. Given that those are for extremely close-up work and probably need not operate for terribly long they seem like they'd have some utility, but I've not heard any glowing reviews (har har har) of what's been put on the market.

 

[Mr Floppy]

Wasn't there a wrist light with 5mm LEDs about a year back? It was marketed to mechanics, I think.

There was also the finger light. Marketed to kids now but previously the military/pilots. The nighthawk had a clip so you could clip it to your watch or WWJD wristband. Only problem was the button cells

 

[idleprocess]

There was also the finger light. Marketed to kids now but previously the military/pilots. The nighthawk had a clip so you could clip it to your watch or WWJD wristband. Only problem was the button cells

Ah, I remember the finger light 15+ years ago in catalogs like US Cavalry - featured an amber LED if I recall. Was back when LED's were first starting to hit brightness levels exceeding that or indicators but before anyone thought they'd do anything like general lighting. Went for something like $40 around 1995 if I recall.