Flashlight Followup: Part 2

My SpotX runs on batteries so the newest addition to the Curmudgeon adventure kit is a Tactical Flashlight Portable Power Bank Cree LED 1865. I like it. I’m including links to Amazon. (I swiped the photo from their ad too.)

Let me be the first to say the name is dumb. I avoid buying anything with “tactical” in the name (on budgetary reasons if nothing else). Also ad copy is strange and mis-translated. Check out this disaster:

“I’m sorry that I don’t know if I should call myself a flashlight or a Portable Charger . Thanks to my great designer daddy, I have both excellent functions of power bank and flashlight. I can stay with you always. When you need electricity, I will supply you. When it is dark, I can lighting for you. When you are bored or anxious, I can playing with you, take me in your hand, it will relif you . Maybe you are not in love with me at first sight, but you will like me more and more.”

What. The. Fuck. Is. That?!?

I think we can all safely say we don’t want any flashlight to “relif” us! I shudder to think  what someone in a factory in China thinks I’m going to do with this flashlight. Ugh…

I’m not going to explain how a charger works. Y’all know that. Here’s a picture proving that it works with a SpotX. It’s a 2600mAh battery.

A few more details. It’s only $17 so it’s not going to break the bank. The waterproofing is probably good but the tail end has a rubber “boot” that could get damaged. I assume the boot is part of the waterproofing. So far it’s fine for me. The on / off switch is a bit small and it could get activated in your pack.

There’s a high beam which is very bright, a low beam which is adequate, and a flashing setting that will induce seizures. Don’t look at it when you’re clicking through modes! You can change the beam focus in case that makes you happy. It’s not a feature I need but it’s there and works. It’s solid like a brick, it’s not too heavy, and it fits in a pocket.

It charges in through USB and charges out through USB. You can use the same cable for both purposes. It has a little “I’m charging” indicator light.

I charge it and the SpotX in my truck via cigarette lighter so it’s always read to go. I leave on the trail with both devices freshly charged; every time.

Incidentally, this is possibly overkill. When used judiciously the SpotX has very good multi-day (and possibly even a full week or more) battery life. I just tend to use it injudiciously and wanted a backup. I can also use it to charge up my GoPro.

As always YMMV. Happy Camping.

A.C.

P.S. If you buy anything (no matter what it is) thought an Amazon link, I get a tiny kickback. It doesn’t cost you a dime. I promise this is stuff I’ve used myself and found it to work well for me… but if you’re worried I’m just a shill for Amazon… well ya’ got me. I do take a buck when I get a chance.