mini review- Dorcy Metal Gear

SilverFoxKnows

SilverFoxKnows

Joined
Sep 25, 2002
Messages
3,179
Having read reviews on other Dorcy products I figured this would be a pretty good value for a poor guy like me. Surefires are way out of my price range. So without too much trepidation I plunked down $18 and change at Wally World for the silver model. The black looked cool but would show scratches. I did have to look at a few before I found one with a perfectly centered bulb so keep that in mind if you're looking at one. Made in China, go figure. For some reason I though they were made in Taiwan. On to the light itself.

At 5 and 5/16" it's about as long as a 2AA light. It's kinda chunky, however. The head is 1 and 7/8" the body right at 1 and 1/8". But I was looking for something that was easy to hold on to and could be used as an impact tool. It feels lighter than the six ounces the postal scale read.

The 3AAA sit side by side in a carrier instead of going end to end. The tail cap button is only 1/16" from being fully recessed (won't quite stand on end) and makes a positive click. The pocket clip could be a little more robust but hey, it's a $20 light.

This isn't my first LED but it is my first Luxeon. Holy cow! I didn't think a single LED could put out that much light. It puts out a better beam than the little Princeton Tec Attitude and that's a 4AAA/ 3LED light.

All in all I give it thumbs up. If you are cheap or poor but want a new toy this may be worth a look.

Frank
 
If you still have the packaging and inserts, do they say whether lithium batteries can be used? I live where it's cold during the winter months, so I always check for that. I recently stocked up on lithium AAA for my other lights.

Thanks, man.
 
I got one of these Dorcy's a few months back.
I too am happy with it ,although it's not really "pocket friendly" hehe.
The thing feels like it's built like a little tank !
I like it far more than the comparible Garrity I got about the same time , the light output is much better and it isnt focused on a tiny little spot.
I like a little spillover on my lights.
Silverfox , at least I'm not alone in not being able to afford really costly torches :)

Hey you might want to check out this little guy too , I got one a couple months back and it is my EDC , I absolutly love this little light ! Perfect size for pocket and puts out a wonderful beam for it's size. I do wish though that it ran on a AAA or AA.
http://www.theledlight.com/keymate.html
 
I guess I must classify as poor, I got a Dorcy some months back. I was looking for a small pocket/keychain light, and an ARC AAA was a bit hard on the monthly social security check. I picked up one of those little AAA Dorcy 5.95 jobs from the 'mart. Its been a great light. Small and light enough it fits in the same nylon belt pouch with my sak, and takes common batteries. Put out enough light to find my way around the house to the circut box or walk the dog in the woods out back at night.

Dorcy makes a very good product at a good price.
 
Tarsier, I tossed the insert. It was clam packed and only had a cardboard insert. No little info booklet so I don't know if it will handle lithium batteries, sorry.

Rebeltf, I've had a Keymate on my keys for about a year now. Those tiny batteries last a while and put out a lot of light for such a dinky light. Good call.

To all the "monetarilly challenged" guys (like me) what are some other inexpensive lights you've tried?

Frank
 
If you can go up to $25 + shipping, the I`d definitely recommend the Streamlight ProPolymer 4AA luxeon. Runs on AA for quite a few hours of intense space eating light. Not pocket friendly or cute or sexy, but one you`ll be glad you have it. I got mine from the place linked below.

http://www.fox-intl.com/item.asp?id=338
 
Well, depending on the Vf of the Lux, it MIGHT handle lithiums (since there is no regulation in it), but if it's too efficient, it'll blow too (or be VERY BRIGHT)
 
I don't have as many flashlights as I do Knives, but here are my favorites.

Pentagon L2 LED tac light with 65 lum and haIII finnish
arc aaa -p best keychain light I have found
Pelican recoil 2410 for the diving and nearly as bright as the L2

They aren't the cheapest in the world but there alot more aforable than Surefail lights and are onpar with the quality.
 
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