Reader Reviews

Rating: 5 / 5

Pelican VB3-LED

http://www.pelican.com/lights_detail.php?recordID=2220

-6 lumens / 0.6 watts
-2 -three volt lithium batteries
-1.7 oz (48 grams)
-2 led lights
-clips to things 1/2" thick
(ball cap / pocket / rope / branch / collar)
-can attach a lanyard
-pivots 180° for aiming light where you need it
-they say 100 hours duration
-only one speed

A cool little light.



Doug


.

Rating: 3 / 5

The Pelican VB3 is a cool little light.

I've had mine for over two yrs now.

I've given them as gifts (new) and handouts/gifts (used w/new batts - "Oh, that's nice". "Here, take it, it's yours.") and people are always happy to receive them.

They have an integral clip that can be clipped to a cap brim, a hip-belt or waist band, pack straps, or even a book for use as a reading light.

So then, why just a 3 rating?

Compared to its three main competitors, the single-LED Photon Freedom MAXX, the twin-LED PT Scout, and 3-LED Petzl e+LITE, it's just NOT as good as any of them.

Since it runs on Li coin cells, it doesn't have much battery life. Since it has 2-LEDs and only one brightness setting, it's going to go through batts faster.

It's not as bright as the e+LITE, or the MAXX, or the Scout - all on their highest output, nor does it have the battery life of the Scout and e+LITE, and if the Photon Freedom MAXX is used sparingly on HIGH output, the VB3 doesn't have similar battery life.

It's also heavier than a Photon (even with a clip), as well as the Scout and e+LITE (w/o their bands - they still have integrated clips). However, at these weights, we're talkin' fractions of an ounce!

All that said, i do like it and still can't part with my one remaining one.

However, my advice to anyone who needs a small microlight powered by Li Coin cells, is to go with one of the others, depending upon what your primary needs are:

1) lightest possible weight - Photon Freedom MAXX

2) longest burn time - Scout (on LOW output)

3) brightest initial output - e+LITE