Category Archives: Review

Review: Fenix UC35

The UC35 is my first experience with Fenix and the UC35 is a serious flashlight and may be my new favorite. AT about $90 the UC35 is priced as a premium light and it operates as one. The UC35 is a reasonable size, produces a very bright beam, has exceptional power options, and is easy to operate.

The UC35 is on the larger side and the machined aluminum body of the light fits in the palm of my hand and extends past my palm. This extremely rugged tactical light produces a 1,000 lumen beam with 17,700 candelas. A beam of this intensity is powerful enough to temporarily blind an attacker. The flat front bezel is a smaller diameter and would inflict damage on an attacker even without crenellations. The rear bezel has two raised area for attaching a lanyard but these would also increase the striking effectiveness. The finely knurled grip is easy to hold but I would prefer a larger knurled area with a more aggressive pattern.

Two areas that really caught my attention are the power options and the operation. The UC35 comes with a 18650 rechargeable battery and USB charging cable. The battery can be charged in the flashlight using the USB cable. It can also run on two CR-123 lithium batteries. Operating the light is easy and intuitive. The side switch selects the brightness level. The tail switch can provide momentary light or clicking the button provides sustained light. The tail switch turns the flashlight on at the level at which it was last powered off. Holding down the selector switch activates the tactical strobe at maximum brightness. The selector switch also has a battery indicator light.

  • Power: The UC35 includes a 3500 mAhr 18650 Li-ion rechargeable battery and it can alternatively use two CR-123 batteries. The 18650 battery can be charged in the flashlight using a USB connector on the head of the light.
  • Construction: The light is machined from aircraft grade aluminum and has a smooth front bezel and two raised areas on the back bezel. The threads are tight and very smooth and a O-rings provide additional water sealing.
  • Size: 5.5” (140mm) long, 0.9” (23.5mm) body, 1.0” (25.4mm) head. The diameter is large enough for my fingers to wrap around the flashlight when I grip the light.
  • Waterproof: IP68 waterproof to 2 meters.
  • Durability: Withstands 1-meter drop.
  • Features: Five light levels from turbo (1,000 lumens) to moonlight (1 lumen).
  • Light Output: (turbo) 1,000 lumens at 17,700 candelas for 2.25 hours, (high) 350 lumens at 6,400 candelas for 4.17 hours, (medium) 150 lumens at 2,400 candelas for 10.67 hours, (low) 50 lumens at 1,000 candelas for 28.17 hours, and (moonlight) 1 lumen at 25 candelas for 800 hours.
  • Beam Pattern: 50″ x 6″ at 3′ (Beam Scale)
  • Power Fail: Each time the light is activated the battery level indicator display2 the battery status for 3 seconds:
    • Green constant on: saturated
    • Green flashes: sufficient
    • Red constant on: poor
    • Red flashes: critical

    Note: There is no power indication when CR123A battery is used.

Before purchasing this flashlight my favorite lights were the Steamlight HL or HL -x and the Streamlight 1L-1AA. I used the Streamlights for years but I have to say that I now prefer the UC35 as a pure tactical flashlight. The modes are easy to operate and the tactical strobe is activated by merely holding the side button. The Streamlights require double tapping the tail switch. In an extreme situation it will probably be more difficult to activate the Streamlight strobe. The one HUGE advantage with the Fenix is the power indicator. With my Streamlights they will be working fine one day and have almost no light the next. If you have to use it tactically you need the light to have full brightness. The UC35 power indicator, in my opinion, is a critically important feature. The power indicator does not work when using CR-123 batteries but I plan on using the rechargeable 18650 battery almost exclusively and using the CR-123 batteries when I need emergency power.

I will still carry the Streamlight 1L-1AA because this small flashlight is very useful. It has a double-sided clip which is very handy in a small flashlight. I can quickly clip the 1L-1AA to the bill of my cap and have an instant headlamp. I can also use an AA battery which I can recharge using my solar panels. For these reasons the 1L-1AA will remain a component in my emergency kits. However, for a tactical carry light I prefer the UC35.

Additional Reviews & Information

Review: Leatherman Bit Extender

The Leatherman Bit Extender is a an accessory kit that adds a great deal of versatility to bit-compatible Leatherman multitools. The stainless steel bit extender connects to the interchangeable bit tool to give the bits more reach. It accepts Leatherman flat bits and standard ¼” hex bits. Carry it on the side of the nylon or leather sheaths. It seems much more secure in the leather sheath. It felt more apt to fall out of my nylon sheath. The flat bits fit cross-ways in the extender. The Leatherman multitool becomes much more versatile with the addition of the Bit Extender. My multitool case has room for one bit card. I took the extender bits and the bits included with the multitool and combined bits to create a bit card that works best for my needs.

Review: Leatherman Skeletool

The Leatherman Skeletool is a lightweight, minimalist, and very high-quality multi-tool. Most Leatherman multi-tools pack a large number of tools in a small package. The Skeletool takes a different direction and includes only the most critical tools. Removeable bits provide added versatility. It includes two bits with #1 and #2 square drivers on one and #1 and #2 Phillips bits on the other. In addition you can use the optional Leatherman bit extender which accommodates the flat Leatherman bits or standard drive bits.

The Skeletool includes tools in a compact, stainless steel body. The locking 2.6″ combination knife (smooth and serrated) is made from 420HC stainless steel and is accessible when the tool is folded. The large carabineer has a spring loaded closure and doubles as a bottle opener. The removeable bit and holder are accessible when the tool is open and the body of the Skeletool includes a space or an extra Leatherman double-ended bit.

The Skeletool includes:

  • Needlenose & Regular Pliers
  • Wire & Hard-Wire Cutters
  • 420HC Combo Knife with locking 2.6″ blade
  • Carabiner/Bottle Opener
  • Large Bit Driver with #1/#2 square bits and #1/#2 Phillips bits
  • Large removeable clip
  • Strong, nylon sheath
  • Weight: 5 oz
  • Length (Closed): 4.0″

The Skeletool includes the Leatherman 25-year no hassle warranty. This would be a very nice tool to carry in a pocket or pack since it is rugged, capable, versatile, and very lightweight. If you want even more versatility then consider adding the Leatherman Bit Extender and optional bits.

Disadvantages

The Skeletool has a bit holder and two double-sided bits. I would like to carry an entire bit card with the tool but it does not include a sheath.

Olight M2R Warrior Flashlight

The Olight M2R Warrior is a medium-sized, tactical flashlight that generates a 1,500 lumen (682′) beam. It can use either two CR123 batteries or a 18650 rechargeable battery. The M2R is 5.12″ long with a body diameter of 0.96″ (1″ at the head). It is a bit larger than most EDC flashlights and it is at the upper limit of what I would use as a concealable EDC (EveryDay Carry) flashlight. It has both side and tail switches and a magnetic coupler to recharge the 18650 battery.

Features include:

  • Beam: 1500, 700, 250, 15, 1 lumens
  • Runtime: 1 hour 50 minutes on highest setting
  • Construction: Machined from aircraft grade aluminum, mild strike bezel on front, tight/smooth threads, O-ring for water sealing.
  • Size/Weight: 5.12″ long, 5.26 oz
  • Batteries: Two CR123s or one 18650 rechargeable battery
  • Charging via a magnetic coupler that connects to tail
  • Waterproof: IPX8 waterproof
  • Durability: Unknown
  • Price: About $100
  • Switches: Silent switch and tail switch has momentary ON with instant access to strobe
  • Clip: Friction fit and removable double clip
  • Beam Pattern: 54″ x 13″ at 3′ (Beam Scale)

The M2R is a larger, high-powered, tactical flashlight that uses duel fuel (two CR123s or one 18650 battery), has a magnetic charger coupling, and machined aircraft aluminum body. The M2R can be used as an EDC light but it is at the upper limit of what I would want for EDC. The length allows the flashlight to be a good tactical choice for those with very large hands.

Advantages

The M2R would be a good choice for a larger everyday carry (EDC) flashlight.

  • Turbo beam of 1,500 lumens with almost 2 hours of run time
  • Low beam of 15 lumens with 70-hour battery life
  • Aluminum construction with front tactical bezel with mild crenellation
  • Larger but still concealable
  • Large enough to extend across the palm of those who have large hands
  • Instant strobe mode using tail switch

Disadvantages

  • Sleeve required when using CR123 batteries.
  • Complicated user interface but easy to use in normal light modes.
  • Larger than I prefer for a pocket EDC light.

These are minor disadvantages and should NOT dissuade you from purchasing this light.

Recommendation

I had the chance to briefly play with this light and I was pretty impressed. I liked the way that I could instantly access the strobe mode using the tail switch. I like the dual fuel option and the magnetic charger coupling. The M2R is larger and it is at the very top limit for what I would use for EDC.

Additional Reviews & Information

The Survival Handbook

Title The Survival Handbook: Essential Skills for Outdoor Adventure
Auther DK Publishing (Author), Colin Towell (Contributor)
ISBN
Pages

This is a very comprehensive book that covers equipment, techniques, and mental attitudes needed for survival. It contains practical advice for almost any situation that you might encounter outdoors. In addition to “normal” preparedness topics it includes sections for kayaks, canoes river crossings, making snow shoes, improvised camps, hygiene, fire, reading terrain and weather, and a host of other topics. I recommend this book as a good reference for survival topics and for exception situations.

From Amazon.com:

From planning an expedition, to packing essential kits, to discovering what to do on a trail, The Survival Handbook is an invaluable tool when you’re in the great outdoors.
Among a myriad of outdoor skills, it teaches readers how to make shelters, find water, and spot, catch, and cook wild food. And if there’s an emergency, it shows which essential first-aid techniques to use when, how to mount a rescue, and even how to get yourself found. Now in Paperback!

Review: Streamlight ProTac 2L-X

The StreamLight ProTac 2L-X is a medium-sized, tactical flashlight that generates a 500 lumen (6,800 candela) beam. It can use either two CR123 batteries or a 18650 rechargeable battery. The 2L-X is 5.14″ long and could easily be carried in a holster. The 2L-X is a bit larger than most EDC flashlights and it is near the upper limit of what I would use as an easily concealable EDC flashlight. It uses the standard Streamlight programming with High/Strobe/Low and also offers the TEN Tap programming to switch it to High only or Low/High only.

Features include:

  • Beam: 500 lumens at 6,800 candela with 165m beam
  • Runtime: 2.75 hours from two CR123s or 3.25 hours from 18650
  • Construction: Machined from aircraft grade aluminum, mild strike bezel on both head/tail, tight/smooth threads, O-ring for water sealing.
  • Size/Weight: 5.14″ long, 3.9 oz w/CR123 batteries, 4.4 oz w/18650 battery
  • Batteries: Two CR123s or one 18650 rechargeable battery
  • Waterproof: IPX68 dust/waterproof — waterproof to 2 meters for 30 minutes.
  • Durability: Withstands 2-meter drop.
  • Price: About $50.
  • Features: High/strobe/low by default and Ten-Tap Programming for High only and low/high.
  • Beam Pattern: 46″ x 6″ at 3′ (Beam Scale)

It is a larger, high-powered, tactical flashlight, that uses duel fuel (two CR123s or one 18650 battery), has high/strobe/low modes, and the body is machined from aircraft aluminum. The 2L-X is larger than the ProTac 2L but is still small enough to be used as an EDC light. The length allows the flashlight to be a good tactical choice for those with very large hands.

Advantages

The 2L-X would be a good choice for a larger everyday carry (EDC) flashlight.

  • High beam of 500 lumens with up to 3.25 hour run time
  • Low beam of 40 lumens with 30-hour battery life
  • Aluminum construction with tactical bezels on the front and back
  • Larger but still concealable
  • Large enough to extend across the palm of those who have large hands

Disadvantages

  • No low battery indicator: This light will work fine until the batteries get low and then it will stop working with very little warning. If you needed to light in a tactical situation and the batteries were low you may have a completely non-working light.
  • The light does not tail-stand easily. While this is a disadvantage if you want to tail-stand the light it means that the button is easier to press use to less material on the back of the light.

These are minor disadvantages and should NOT dissuade you from purchasing this light.

Recommendation

My favorite Everyday Carry (EDC) is still the ProTac 1L-1AA but the 2L-X is a good choice due to its size and brightness. Also consider the ProTac 2L-X flashlight. The 2L is a bit smaller, generates a 350-lumen beam, and uses two CR-123 batteries.

Review: Smith & Wesson CS-10

The Smith & Wesson® Delta Force CS-10 flashlight is a very small flashlight that generates 130 lumens using a single AA battery. It is billed as a tactical flash but at 4″ I consider it too small to be used as a practical, tactical flashlight. I prefer a flashlight that extends past my palm when held tightly in my hand. The CS-10 is a good choice for those who need a bright, rugged, waterproof, and very compact flashlight that uses a standard AA battery. It has high, low, and strobe modes available in both momentary and sustained ON. It also has a semi-aggressive front strike bezel. The CREE XBH LED generates a 130 lumens beam that lasts for nearly 4.25 hours.

  • Construction: Machined from aircraft grade aluminum, fairly aggressive front strike bezel (no rear strike bezel), hard anodized finished, and steel pocket double clip
  • Size: 4″ long, head 0.82″, 2.05 oz.
  • Waterproof: IPX7 (waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes)
  • Durability: Withstands 1-meter drop
  • Features: High/low/strobe modes in momentary or sustained ON
  • Light Output: (high) 130 Lumens for 4.25 hours, (low) 20 lumens for 9.5 hours
  • Beam Pattern: 41″ x 6″ at 3′ (Beam Scale)
  • Power: 1 AA battery

Recommendation

I prefer flashlights that are larger and fit across the palm of my hand. Advantages of the CS-10 include compact size, bright (130 lumens), very long runtime, and it uses a single AA battery. I would NOT use this flashlight as a tactical everyday carry (EDC) light but it would make a good utility or backup light especially if you need small size and light weight. This light has decent brightness, uses a standard battery, and has a long runtime.

Review: Leatherman Charge & Wave

I purchased my Leatherman Charge TTi almost by accident. I received a merchandise discount voucher and planned on buying a Leatherman Wave. I showed the last Wave to a customer who decided to buy it. A coworker was considering the Charge so I looked at it and it appeared to be Wave with a couple of added features. The price was higher and the Charge had a titanium body and better knife. The discount voucher expired that day and the Wave now out-of-stock so I bought the Charge TTi. I am glad that I bought the Charge TTi and it is the best multitool in my collection.

The Charge TTI features these 19 tools:

  • Needlenose and Regular Pliers
  • Wire Cutter and Hard-wire Cutter
  • Crimper
  • Wire Stripper
  • S30V Knife
  • 420HC Serrated Knife with cutting hook
  • Saw
  • Spring-action Scissors
  • Ruler: 8″ / 19cm
  • Can Opener and Bottle Opener
  • Wood/Metal File and Diamond-coated Files
  • Large and Small Bit Driver
  • Medium Screwdriver

All of the tools securely lock into place. You must manually unlock an individual tool to stow it. The Charge is lightweight, reasonably compact, and it has an extensive complement of tools. The Charge also uses interchangeable tools including bits for screwdrivers, torx, square drive, hex, etc. The bits are very flat and fit in a plastic holder that slips neatly into the sheath. You can also purchase a larger complement of bits and a bit extender. Other features of the Charge TTi include:

  • Comfortable titanium handles withstand 133% more squeezing force
  • Bronze bushings make blades smoother and faster to open
  • Locking blades with locks that are more than 50% stronger
  • Serrated blade with cutting hook
  • Multiple bit drivers and optional bit extender
  • Removable lanyard ring and pocket clip
  • Closed Length: 4″ (10 cm)
  • Weight: 8.89 oz (252g)
  • Primary Blade Length: 2.9″ (7.37 cm)

The Charge is one of the most expensive Leatherman Multitools but it is a serious tool. If you want a very complete, comprehensive, and relatively light (for its features) multitool then consider the Charge TTi. If you want a lighter, less expensive, and very capable multitool with fewer features then consider the Leatherman Rebar or Sidekick. Leatherman makes really good stuff and their quality shows in all of these tools.

If you purchase a Charge then be sure to consider the Bit Extender set. The Charge includes a number of double-sided bits but the extender kit comes with two more cards of double-sided bits. I took the bits that I am most likely to use and created my own custom bit card. With the Leatherman and those bits I have assembled and disassembled may different things. I also highly recommend the leather sheath and bit extender.

Leatherman Wave

The Leatherman Wave is very similar to the Charge. I was on the verge of purchasing a Wave but it was out-of-stock and I purchased the Charge instead. The Wave is a very fine multi-tool and you would not go amiss in purchasing the Wave. The Wave has a stainless steel body that is slightly more comfortable to grip than the Charge. It does NOT have a crimper on the needlenose pliers. It is slightly thinner than the Charge and weighs about 8.5 oz. The saw does NOT have a gut hook. The blade on the Charge is s30V steel and the steel type is not listed on the Wave (probably a slightly less hard/durable steel). Overall, either tool should serve you well and the Wave is priced lower.

Accessories

Review: Streamlight ProTac 2L

The StreamLight ProTac 2L is a medium-sized, tactical flashlight that generates a 350 lumen beam and uses two CR123 batteries. The 2L is 4.77″ long and could easily be carried in a pocket or holster. It uses the standard Streamlight programming with High/Strobe/Low and also offers the TEN Tap programming to switch it to High only or Low/High only. This flashlight is a good choice if you want a tactical light that is easy to carry and you have larger hands (tactical lights should be longer than the width of your palm).
Features include:

  • Beam: 350 lumens at 6,300 candela with 159m beam
  • Runtime: 3.25 hours from two CR123 batteries
  • Construction: Machined from aircraft grade aluminum, mild strike bezel on head/tail, tight/smooth threads, O-ring for water sealing
  • Size/Weight: 4.77″ long, 2.8 oz w/batteries, small enough to fit in my pants pocket, large enough to extend past the palm of my hand
  • Batteries: Two CR123s
  • Waterproof: IPX7 waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes
  • Durability: Withstands 2-meter drop
  • Price: About $45
  • Features: High/strobe/low by default and Ten-Tap Programming for High only and low/high
  • Beam Pattern: 43″ x 6″ at 3′ (Beam Scale)

It is a basic, tactical flashlight that is easy to carry. It uses two CR123 batteries, has high/strobe/low modes, and the body is machined from aircraft aluminum. The 2L is nearly the perfect size for a tactical flashlight. The length allows the flashlight to extend past the palm of my hand. The flashlight diameter is small enough to easily fit in one’s pocket.

Advantages

The 2L would be a good choice for an everyday carry (EDC) flashlight.

  • High beam of 350 lumens with 3.25 hour battery life
  • Low beam of 30 lumens with 35-hour battery life
  • Aluminum construction with tactical bezels on the front and back
  • Small size allows the flashlight to be easily concealed
  • Large enough to extend across the palm of my hand

Disadvantages

  • No low battery indicator: This light will work fine until the batteries get low and then it will stop working with very little warning. If you needed to light in a tactical situation and the batteries were low you may have a completely non-working light.
  • The light does not tail-stand easily. While this is a disadvantage if you want to tail-stand the light it means that the button is easier to press use to less material on the back of the light.

These are minor disadvantages and should NOT dissuade you from purchasing this light.

Recommendation

My favorite Everyday Carry (EDC) is still the ProTac 1L-1AA but the 2L is a good choice due to its size and brightness. Also consider the ProTac 2L-X flashlight. The 2L-X is a bit larger, generates a 500-lumen beam, and can use either two CR-123s or a single 18650 rechargeable battery.

Review: Smith & Wesson CS-20

The Smith & Wesson® Delta Force CS-20 flashlight is a very small flashlight that generates 215 lumens. It is billed as a tactical flash but at 3.5″ I consider it too small to be used as a practical, tactical flashlight. I prefer a flashlight that extends past my palm when held tightly in my hand. However, the CS-20 is a good choice for those who need a bright, rugged, waterproof, and very compact flashlight. It has high, low, and strobe modes available in both momentary and sustained ON. It also has a crenulated front strike bezel. The XPG2-R4 Cree LED generates a 215 lumens beam that extends to 120 meters and lasts for nearly 2.5 hours.

  • Construction: Machined from aircraft grade aluminum, fairly aggressive front strike bezel (no rear strike bezel), hard anodized finished, and steel pocket clip
  • Size: 3.5″ (88.9 mm) long, head 0.81″ (20.6 mm), 2.54 oz. (72 g).
  • Waterproof: IPX7 (waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes)
  • Durability: Withstands 1-meter drop
  • Features: High/low/strobe modes in momentary or sustained ON
  • Light Output: (high) 215 Lumens for 2.4 hours, (low) 25 lumens for 7.25 hours
  • Beam Pattern: 42″ x 10″ at 3′ (Beam Scale)
  • Power: 1 CR-123 lithium battery

Recommendation

I prefer flashlights that are larger and fit across the palm of my hand. But if you want a very compact and bright flashlight with a reasonably long runtime then the CS-20 would be a good choice. I would NOT use this flashlight as a tactical everyday carry (EDC) light but it would make a good utility or backup light especially if you need small size and light weight.