Pictures.

ABOVE: Left to Right, 2XWhiteLEDs w/GID top | 2XYellow LEds | 1XWhite + 1XRed flashing



ABOVE: Left, Pak-Lite Yellow with user applied Velcro lanyard system | Right, Pak-lite White w/ GID top

ABOVE: Left, Pak-Lite Yellow with user applied Velcro lanyard system | Right, Pak-lite White w/ GID top

ABOVE: Selective - Pak-lite Flashing Red & Constant White

©2005 Imago Media LLC.

Description.

The Pak-Lite series of 9V lights is a diminutive personal illumination device that depends for its 'handle' on the bulk that is provided when it's attached to a common 9Volt battery. As such it's the only flashlight we know of that does not have a battery compartment as such. Instead, it relies on the sturdiness of the battery casing to hold up against the elements as well as to provide enough surface area for a reliable hold. The head is the light and it holds up admirably well against all manner of use and abuse.
The two exposed emitters that are the standard array pattern of every Pak-Lite, provide enough close proximity illumination for a long enough period of time- to make the Pak-Lite one of few flashlight choices for Survival or Emergency situations when replacement batteries may be difficult or impossible to obtain. The lack of a native attachment point anywhere on the light or on the battery is a minor hindrance- as velcro systems- both OEM as well as user designed, are not difficult to obtain. Indeed, we used the Pak-lites extensively and found a home-made solution that uses a common shoe-lace, plastic clip, 'O' ring and velcro to be excellent for adaptability and cost containment.
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Evaluation Results & Conclusions...

Ease of Use

Excellent . Requires very little learning if any. Highly intuitive functional model. The key to the Pak-lite's appeal is it's simplicity. There are only two processes to remember- battery connection and switch position( Left, Center or Right). Nothing could be simpler in the world of flashlights. To power the light, the user need only to connect a common 9V battery into the corresponding contacts on the inside of the Pak-Lite. It's impossible to make an incorrect connection since the Male/Female to Female/Male interface rule must be followed or the battery simply will not attach. No screwing, locking or latching of any sort is required.Any child that is familiar with connecting Lego blocks can properly assemble a Pak-Lite. Since focus is fixed, there is nothing to adjust in the front end. One simply points the light in the desired direction. The rectilinear 'boxiness' of the battery allows for a natural upright or on it's side or back, hands-free posture.
5 points
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Task performance optimization

Excellent . The Pak-Lite successfully accomplishes the task of illuminating a path or searching for an object at close proximity for a long period of time. We liked it best for it's ability to stand upright and illuminate a 15'X12' room either at a modest level on High or at a 'Night Light' level on Low. Thanks to a an easy to use switch, the Pak-Lite makes a wonderful general purpose task light, It can go anywhere for immediate and effective illumination. With the use of velcro, it makes an excellent lanyard worn light for those that must frequently switch a light on and off at either High or Low levels. We enjoyed its omni-directional beam pattern inside of a tent (Yellow LED). The Yellow LED being protective of night adaptedness as well as being uninteresting to insects. On Low and hanging from the inside of the tent's roof, it allowed us to keep track of the 2 person tent from as far away as 50' and the range extended to 70' when set to High. On High the Yellow Pak-Lite makes a decent close range light for nocturnal hiking and other outdoors activities. A brighter light would be preferred for up-trail navigation - especially in treacherous terrain. The Glow in The dark version was an instant hit with younger users- especially for bedside use. Both the Low beam as well as the Chemilluminescent head add a lot of comfort when the High beam may not be used. The Combination (switchable) flashing Red Beacon and constant White version has found many uses including: Pedestrian safety, Biking safety, Automobile location beacon.
5 points
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Durability

Comprehensive torture tests have not been done, but the build quality is excellent for its price-point and intended purpose- general pocketable illumination. The fit and finish are satisfactory. Replacement frequency will depend on variables such as frequency of dismantling / re-assembly, roughness of use, exposure to physical abuse as well as other unpredictable factors.We wouldn't venture to predict how well the Pak-Lite would survive a deep dunking in water, but it would survive general splashing or a downpour very nicely. Based on trial use for four months we have provisionally given this product a durability rating of:
5 points
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Adaptability

Within the narrow functional constraint of a 9V light, the Pak-Lite is a suitable problem solver for a numerous end-uses. At the time of this evaluation we tested the constant White with Black head, Constant White with GID head, Constant Yellow and the combination Flashing Red/Constant white models. All our test samples performed admirably and attached well via Velcro to numerous objects - flat as well as convex in shape. We even managed to use magnetic tape to keep one handy on the side of a refrigerator . Another lived in our metal tool box, also attached with magnetic tape. The Yellow Pak-Lite was stored inside our 2 man tent bag for rapid nocturnal deployment during tent pitching as well as afterwards as a tent light. The Combination Flashing Red/Constant White was hung for three months from the outside of a Gym Bag and was used nightly for street crossing.
5 points
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Pros > 1)Simple to power up and very easy to use 2) Long runtime- especially on Lithium batteries 3) Effective at close range 4) Ideal Low level setting 5) Reasonably water resistant 6)Excellent Online retail channels7) Unimpeachable Warranty 8) Made 'Off Grid' In USA
Improvements > 1) Deserves to be offered with a Velcro-based lanyard and magnetic strip kit 2) Deserves a simple belt or strap holster or carrier 3) Stray light from the LED shinning into one's eyes may cause glare that will reduce field contrast and ruin darkness adaptedness- a partial shroud or 'hood' is highly recommended around the LED array. 4) Deserves to bemanufactured in a reflectored version for stronger forward throw.

4.95 Stars - Highly Recommended - Best In Class

Footnotes:
All Photographs © 2004 - Imago Media