Long Term Review - Eternalight (Chatty)

Joined
Dec 2, 1999
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I'm not going to focus on the technical aspects of the light very much, there are others that do that better. I'm going to instead talk about why I chose to get the light, and how it's worked for me. When I think about things in this way I make better buying descisions and consequently am more satisfied with what I choose to get

I picked up an Eternalight (base model) last fall. My bottom line reason for purchasing was to use it as a toy. In this respect it has worked out very well. It sits on my desk during the day, and nightstand on many evenings. As you are probably aware it has several modes [timer, dim, flasher, strobe, dazzle, SOS, momentary]. I generally use the timer and the dazzle modes.

The timer mode comes on first, and I use this whenever I need light because my use will usually be less than the time it takes to turn off automatically. Then I can turn it off if I want, or not, as it shuts off by itself.

I also use the "dazzle" mode a bit, usually just because it's cool to see and I'm bored. I've played with the flasher, strobe and SOS modes a little, but not much. The momentary works fine, I suppose if one was using the unit to light something up briefly it would save some buttom pressing over turning it on and off and staying in timer mode.

I also used the "DIM" mode when we had a power outage during one evening, I need a "marker" on a table so I wouldn't run into it while navigating in the dark. I adjusted it so only two of the four diodes where on at a reduced lighting level. It worked great.

Let me make some summary statements. Would I buy it again? Probably, especially when at least one place recently listed had them at a good discount over what I paid. As a LED toy I think it was worth it. On purely performance, I'm not sure. Why? Basically a white Photon II, even with one led, is almost as bright, and enjoys a large cost saving. A PAL light is simpler, also costs less, and covers a almost all of my "real use" needs.

If I had my way, I'd drop some of the modes (and probably drop one of the buttons as well ), lower the rpice a bit to make it more competitive, and make the LED's brighter.

Is this kind of chatty review useful?

DaveH
 
I liked the review. I agree with you on most of what you said. I have yet to find myself using the Eternal as a "flashlight". I also have used it as a room lightening light and as a marker light, and the obvious "toy" factor.
Here is my summary on the most used lights I have. I find myself grabing the infinity if I just have light my way in the dark. I will use the lightwave 2000 if I actually want to light something up. If I know I am going to leave the light sitting on for a while, like working on a car, I take the Quantum 2000, it has a wider beam and uses rechargables, it is also easy to aim at a given object and doesn't roll away as easy. The Quantum isn't as easy to hold in your hand for walking at night. My next step is my Surefire D2 (newer 6P), but this is only if I really want to see something far away, handy when you hear that stange sound outside and go to investigate what it is. The most often used light I own is the Photon narrow white on my keychain. Since it is so handy and almost as bright as the lightwave 2000 it is darn handy and probably my favorite.

Brock - http://www.uwgb.edu/nevermab/led.htm
 
Dave,

That kind of review is very useful. I've read technical reviews of all the features, it's great to see how someone ends up using it (or not).
thanks!

Joe
 
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