Varilight LED Flashlight on Kickstarter

IMO This is such an epic fail, The VarlLight LED Flashlight on Kickstarter. I can't find a single redeeming thing about it. They want $20K for unspecified reasons. The driver sounds like a Shining Beam from DX. The host is some uninspired hunk of bored aluminum. The head has a focusing element of no unique design. They don't specify the LED type or the power levels. Apparently they're going to come up with a 2xD cell and a single(?) AA cell with less modes... They're very very excited about the color wand cones which are " available for specific Aircraft Marshaling and Law Enforcement uses, among others." Specific -and- among others! It's a desert topping -and- a floor wax!

Edit: In the specs they seem to imply that there will be two switch modes. One for the intensity (drive) level and another for the 'stream'. The video seems to show some tricky multi-click mode setting. I couldn't tell if she was having problems with it. Like the problems she was having keeping the beam in the shot. Or whether it really was some programming/selection sequence. I've asked the project that question and will see what I learn. Maybe this is what they need the $20K for and it's not a SB driver from DX. *snicker*

But really, can anyone help me be a little less insulted by this? The Hexbright looks better and better all the time. What with the Surefire Patent[ly absurd] lawsuits it makes sense to have 'open source' public licensed patents and copyrights. in either case the problem IMO lies hubris and ignorance.

What do y'all think about this VariLight? What do they need $20K for?

About this project

Thank you for your support! The VariLight LED Flashlight is the brain-child of Engineer and Inventor Rene Teo. It is designed to offer the flexibility for working individuals and families alike.
Features:
3 Light Intensity Settings:

• 450 Lumens for 4 hours continuous use
• 100 Lumens for 20 hours continuous use
• 20 Lumens for 80 hours continuous use

3 Stream Output Settings:

• Continuous
• Strobe
• SOS

Adjustable Focus Beam

• 6 degree to 60 degree Angular Light Dispersion

Easy to Replace and Reliable Batteries

• 2 D-Cell Batteries

The VariLight Flashlight measures 7.25 in (184 mm) long and has an estimated weight of 18 oz (510 g) with batteries. Color Cones (shown below) are available for specific Aircraft Marshaling and Law Enforcement uses, among others.

Our goal is to offer this water resistant flashlight to the Law Enforcement, Aircraft Marshals, and Search and Rescue agencies, as well as a safety tool for families, adventurers and more! The adjustable focus beam allows for sight at a greater distance in the dark and the light settings allow for functional versatility.
Thank you again for your support of the VariLight Kickstarter Project. We just recently finished the prototype and testing and are grateful for your help bringing this to market.

You could ask them if they know that there already are flashlights out there that are way more reliable than "maglite TM"s.
The text sounds much like either they don't know or they don't want the reader to know that decent multi-level lights in all kind of sizes and more reliable than any (incan) mag already exist.

Here's the 'elevator pitch' video;



This video shows what appears to be a very purple tint and PWM at all levels. Could be the camera's fault though...?



And here is a comparison with what would appear to be flashlights of the 19th century. I say that because that the makers have decided to entitle The VariLight 'The Flashlight of the 20th Century!" in this video comparison with less fortunate flashlights from the dark era of man which preceeded the VariLight.

Imagine what flashlights will do in the far away future of the 21rst century! (hahahahaha, oh my this is funny stuff)



Finally, here's a link to their wordpress blog where there are more gems like this;

"LEDs are becoming more common in flashlights. They have a great battery life-some up to 100,000 hours, and are very durable."

Momma always said, "If you can't say something nice, then say nothing at all."

Therefore I say: "nothing at all".

I'll second what Borrower said. Good thing their blog doesn't allow comments...

They just seem like some average unspecialised people who know little to nothing about flashlights/LEDs and think they've come up with a great idea, when really it's all been done before, and better.

Time will tell for them whether they actually start learning some useful information and come up with a decent end product, or as seems more likely, they learn that what they are trying to do is nothing special and move on to another idea.

egrep said:

[...]
And here is a comparison with what would appear to be flashlights of the 19th century. I say that because that the makers have decided to entitle The VariLight 'The Flashlight of the 20th Century!" in this video comparison with less fortunate flashlights from the dark era of man which preceeded the VariLight.

Imagine what flashlights will do in the far away future of the 21rst century! (hahahahaha, oh my this is funny stuff)

Click to expand...

I would have missed that one if you didn't mention it!



The ONE thing they have different is that it would seem this flashlight is made especially for traffic wands (or as they say, cones), but they put the switch in the back... :thinking: I'd like to know which Police department will issue 5-10 of those per car to replace disposable flares...


I ain't gonna waste popcorn on this one but we'll see what comes out of it. I'm ready to be mesmerized...:ironic: