I have noticed recently a trend of cavers saying their
LED lights are Locklear-Approved.
To set the record straight, I have not yet formally approved,
rated, certified, nor validated any LED light.
However, as of today, I will put my stamp of approval
on the following LED mini-flashlight:
It is called the LED Pocket Light.
It is sold under the Eddie Bauer brand name
at Target stores. You will find it in the section
where they sell leatherman like tools, or other
Eddie Bauer gadgets.
It is imported from China by Coast Products
out of Portland.
This light would be considered a pen-light, so
it might be overlooked by cavers shopping for
a maglite or a a small flashlight.
I say it is a very practical tool. A good one
for the glove box.A good one for reading
a map.A good one to carry in your pocket
on a short evening hike.
It is ideally suited for a full-trip thru Airman's
Cave.With a good set of batteries you should
be able to reach the Poetry Room, and return
without ever changing the batteries.
( disclaimer: I have only been to the area just
before Sherwood Forest )
The lamp is rugged and can be easily rigged
to be drop proof, with a six inch piece of 5/8
diameter vinyl tubing ( sold at hardware stores ) which
will fit tightly around it.
I have 4 minor complaints about the light:
First, is that it
is not water-proof enough to take it into
a cave like Honeycreek Cave. You could
put it inside something, but it would be better
to just use a cheap waterproof flashlight.
Second, the switch is cheezy.
Third, the switch does not dim, or boost the light.
Fourth, it only comes in a dull silver color.
The good points are that it is readily
available, inexpensive ( $ 13 ), the light
last nearly 100 hours ( supposedly ),
and the light pattern is good, and it
fits comfortably in hand and pocket,
and could easily be rigged to the
side of a caving helmet.
I could NOT find this product on the web.
The Eddie Bauer number is EB7004CP.
It is cylinder shaped, smaller than a cigar,
and uses 2 AAA batteries.
It resembles the photo below, but twice
the size:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41VuNCT90NL._SS500_.jpg
In summary,
I recommend that on your next visit to Target, that
you purchase this light, and keep it
in your car for road-trips.
David Locklear
