List Price: $29.99
Sale Price: $19.00
Today's Bonus: 37% Off
Note: See 2nd update at end of review. Bottom line: This flashlight WAS great, but is no longer worthwhile. However, I found a decent replacement, see the end of this review for the link.
For archival reasons, here is my review from when this WAS a great flashlight:
Here are the criteria I used for shopping for this flashlight (general use around the house and garage):
a) Reasonable cost, around $20.
b) Bright, 80 lumens or more.
c) Uses a tail cap switch to aid in one handed operation.
d) The tail cap switch should have "momentary on". That is: press switch slightly and the light comes on, but release and it goes off. You don't have to press entirely to turn it on and entirely to turn it off. There are times when I want to turn it on and off quickly and I didn't want the switch to be a hindrance.
e) Just ON and OFF functions. I didn't want blink or dim or anything else.
f) I also wanted it to be smaller, as the storage space I had in mind wasn't large.
g) Doesn't easily roll when you set it horizontally (it has nubs that help resist rolling). This is a pet peeve about flashlights that could be easily fixed by manufacturers.
h) Use easy to find batteries (AAA, AA, etc).
This light does all this perfectly for me. It is my new favorite flashlight, which is saying a lot.
Very minor cons:
a) Can't focus beam.
b) Battery installation is marked, but faintly.
c) Can't remove the lens end for "candle mode" (but I didn't need that feature).
d) Not made in USA (Maglites are supposedly 100% USA from what I've heard).
e) There is no easy lanyard hole, but I rigged one up under the rubber grip. I've posted a picture on the Amazon product page under customer images. My lanyard will not be as strong as if the manufacturer provided a hole.
f) It can be submerged 1 meter according to the ANSI FL1 standard icon on the package, but the enclosed instruction sheet says the light is for "dry locations only". Hmmm. While I haven't tested it, it looks like it can take some rain or minor liquids.
g) Won't sit on tail cap on table and aim straight up.
Some added pros:
a) The light is very bright for its size and cost. It says 140 lumens and I don't doubt it. For comparison it is brighter than a 2xAA LED Maglite.
b) It says it is reinforced nylon, not plastic or aluminum. Some cheaper plastics can be stinky; I didn't find this one to have any odor.
c) Seems pretty solid construction and rugged.
d) Regarding this particular light and its tail cap switch, I suppose you could accidentally turn it on by accidentally pressing the switch when putting in your coat/bag. However, I think the switch is pretty well protected for casual use. Granted there are pricey lights out there that completely shroud the button and have lockouts, but then it wouldn't be as easy to turn on for general use. So I guess it depends what you want it for. If you wanted it for storing in your coat, those pricey lights might be better.
e) The lens is glass, but is not removable.
In all of my research here are some similar lights and reasons I discarded them for my general use purpose:
a) The Maglite model 2xAA LED at 69 lumens for $18: no tail cap switch and not as bright.
b) The Fenix model LD01 at 85 lumens for $40: almost double the price.
c) The Rayovac model SE3AAAMN-B at 80 lumens for $14: this one was a close contender but the tail cap was multifunction (low, then high; not just ON).
d) Maglite model XL50 LED at 104 lumens for $26: no momentary on, multifunction switch, it rolled, and no lanyard hole.
Update April 2011: These are 3 other inexpensive flashlights I like:
a) Nebo CSI Luma LED flashlight, 35 lumens using 1AA, inexpensive and useful in a car or bike. See my review by Spiced Rum: CSI LUMA Flashlight Assorted Colors
b) Nebo CSI Edge Flashlight, 35 lumens using 1AA, also inexpensive and useful. See my review: Nebo CSI Edge Flashlight Assorted Colors
c) Another low priced ($7) LED flashlight, 80 lumens using 3AAA, with so-so quality (like for a car toolbox or etc), you might want to look at my review of this: GSI Super Quality Stylish Flashlight 1 Watt Bright LED Bulb Light Beam Adjustable Zoom Function Pocket Size, Great For Travel
Update August 2011:
Quality has gone down and it's discontinued.
Discontinued:
It appears that Brinkmann has discontinued this model since it is no longer on its website. While there still seems to be some supply around, since you can still buy it, some of my usual haunts that once carried it are starting to run out and not replenishing it.
Junky switch:
The later models since I first reviewed this light appear to have had the tail-cap switch changed to a less "solid-feeling" one that does not perform as well.
Equivalent product:
The good news is that I have found a similar light (Amazon link below). I have reviewed it too and the bottom line is that it is a close replacement with similar performance to the original version of this flashlight.
Energizer High Intensity LED Flashlight with 2AA Battery
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
As the 1st reviewer of the product, I originally gave it a 5 star rating. Most of that review follows. However, as they've changed it over time, this review makes note of that.Very under-rated light. Outstanding in every respect with perhaps the one marketing-appeal exception that it doesn't look "weaponized" like most of the others this size do. The new generation LED that is used truly is a delight in illumination abundance. (DO NOT LOOK INTO THE ILLUMINATED LAMP) With the tiny LED current-drain the standard AAA batteries are inexpensive and easy to replace when they finally get low. It's small enough to fit from jacket/vest pocket to tool box to night stand to glove box, and with the rubberized grip it feels great in the hand. After using one for over a year on the job with absolutely no problems, and watching the mechanics go and buy one after they've borrowed mine, I have no hesitation what-so-ever in recommending this light.
Reasonably Low price.
Very bright (120 Lumens) with a Cree LED.
Low currant draw equals prolonged battery life.
Readily available replacement battery size (AAA).
O-ring sealed with glass lens.
Convenient size.
Indestructible metal-lined nylon case with very good rubber slip-fit grip.
I bought six, over several different times, at sale prices to use for myself and give as gifts. There's no need to spend suggested retail prices during this engineered Greatest Depression.
07/2011 update. I've bought a couple more since the first review and Brinkmann seems to be making them with a different batch of on/off switches. They don't feel as solid or as predictable as the original ones. They sit in the light housing somewhat flatter than the original ones, which is fine, however, in their operation they feel as if they're on their last leg even though they're new. From my perspective it's not an improvement, it feels more like a cost savings corner cut. Maybe I'm wrong.
07/2011 update. Brinkmann seems, based upon web-page inventory deletion, to have discontinued this model while keeping the similar 1 watt version. If it ever needed to be replaced, assuming that it has been discontinued, this reviewer would have to look to a different manufacture product. There are companies selling them online but they seem to be Brinkmann seconds? or something as the last two that I've obtained I had switch and battery problems with. I don't know what's up.
09/2011 update. I tried to contact their Customer Service and I found it to be an automated obstacle-creating fluster-cluck. Some people still prefer human contact in our ever-cooling, ever-darkening and demoralized world. Their machine did, after several tries, get the phone number correct and "called back" once as if I wanted a call back to begin with, only to leave a message to repeat the same process. There is no offer to connect to a real person at either of their numbers. It's a shame that they foster (at least in their phone connect process) relational failure in the name of efficiency "excellence".
After several days they did return my email follow-up contact requesting a RMA number (per their web-sight process') to send one of the lights back and have a switch replaced. Instead of giving me the requested RMA number in the returned email they simply informed me that they would send a new replacement light. It was delivered 3 days later by FedEx postage paid. While that replacement response was a very impressive (A+), I wonder if it has the same switch problem.
09/2011 update. After charging a set of Ansmann Energy AAA Rechargeable Batteries 1100mAh NiMH 1.2V rated batteries as-opposed-to the normal 1.5V 1175 mAh rated alkaline batteries to use in the newest version of this LED flashlight for evaluation, here's what happened. After about 5 minutes of use and getting very hot, the LED light source went out. Having to open the light about 5 minutes later, in order to diagnose and diminish an increasing radiant heat source, I noted small but significant pressure release (Catastrophic battery failure). Not good!
One of the three batteries leaked causing the internal pressure build-up. As there is apparent heat degradation (melting) of the plastic battery pack sub-assembly, primarily concentrated in the rear-facing area (switch facing as-opposed-to LED facing) a suspected precedent electrical short and heat build-up seems to have triggered the battery failure and melted front end of the switch sub-assembly housing containing the questionable quality on/off switch now used in the product.
After locating one of my earlier purchased lights and doing a reasonably comparative analysis on the two switches, I discovered that these flashlights use two sub-sets of different components in their final assembly. They have different lamp sub-assemblies as-well-as different switch sub-assemblies. From a consumer perspective, the earlier batch units that I purchased had no problems.
On conclusion to be accurate and as fair as possible, I'm not sure if it's because I used these batteries in what I now suspect to be a Brinkmann flashlight with a sub-standard (perhaps clearance batch or lower-cost supplier/vendor?) defective Chinese switch, or if it's because of a sub-standard made battery (as only one leaked) or both.
09/2011 update. The latest one purchased also has a bad switch that does not fully disconnect and shut off the light. One can observe a slight illumination of the LED in the off mode as a result of the short.
The new switch's are inadequate for the application. Perhaps this is why they've discontinued it. I don't believe that they should have clearanced-out this current batch of lights. Rather, they ought to be offering a tail switch recall and replacement.
On a more positive note, the robust LED and micro board sub-assembly held-up fine and continues to work well in substitution/verification tests. The inside of the metal-lined light housing as-well-as the end-cap sub-assembly that screws onto the end of the light assembly also held-up fine under heat and pressure.
For the price, size, feel and function, it use to be the near perfect flashlight justly earning all of the initial 5 star reviews, including one from me. Reluctantly, from my perspective that's changed now. And so it goes Maybe Brinkmann will address (correct) it and publish it as positive P.R.
Best Deals for Brinkmann 809-1085-1 Armor Max LED Flashlight
I bought this at Menards it is a Very Brite with a well balanced beam and surronding light. Ive owned this for about one year, My twin boys have dropped it ,thrown it ,dipped it in water, and it still works great. I carry mine most of the time, now my wife is starting to use it more. I ended up taking the rubber gripps off and painting it yellow then I reinstalled the rubber grips, it looks like a yellow jacket, but it is much easier to find. If I ever do break this light or loose it I will by another it is my favorite tough flashlight the others do not even come close. Ive had several people say its the brightest light they have seen ,then they buy one.............Honest reviews on Brinkmann 809-1085-1 Armor Max LED Flashlight
This is a great flashlight, I use this light for police/security work. It's just as bright as most of the other guys lights that paid $130 for theirs.The Pros: Price, Lumens very brightly streamed spotlight, charge lasts a long time
The Cons: triple A batteries, No changing of the settings, and no strobe (none are really necessary in the day to day use. I rate this 5/5 stars!
If you have any questions comment on my review.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Brinkmann 809-1085-1 Armor Max LED Flashlight
Wow ,what a flashlight!It is not just a flashlight, oh no. This is something you will always want in the dark . It will light up your life .
Battery life = 5 stars
Light brightness = 5 stars
Value = 5 stars
Had this for nearly a year ,dropped, dragged, wet and dry , It works great.
Another year it keeps working great,no issues with switch or any other thing with this light.
Many have tried to get it from me , I am not going to give it up without a fight! It is just simply a damn good flashlight.
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