BackpackGearTest.org - Seattle Sportz LEDHedz Russell Curry

Tester Biography:

Name:                            Russell Curry
Age:                           58
Height:                           6'0" (1.83 m)
Weight:                        182 lbs (83 kg)
Email:                      mrqcace@yahoo.com
City, State, Country:       Orange, Texas, USA

Backpacking Background:

My hiking experiences began in the 1960s. My travels include hikes in Europe, the Mediterranean, Canada, Alaska, and most Eastern and Western states in a variety of terrain. I hike in all seasons, in temperatures as low as 5 F (-15 C) to as high as 110 F (43 C), in rain, shine and snow and from desert to forest to mountain. My pack weights vary from 25 lbs (11 kg) to 10 lbs (5 kg).

Product Identification:

Item: Micro Hat Lamp Model Cruizer 10
Manufacturer: Seattle Sports
Website: http://www.seattlesportsco.com
Year of Manufacturer: 2005
Warranty: 90 day limited warranty to repair or replace unit, at manufacturer's choice, and only to original purchaser.
MSRP: $7.95

Product Description:

Rubberized housing
Super Bright lamp
Hands free design
Bulb: 0.4 in (10 mm) LED
Weight: 0.5 oz (14 g)
Batteries: Two 3V Lithium Cell CR2025 (included)
Total Weight: Light with keychain 0.8 oz (23 g)

For a more detailed description of this light and other comments please see my Initial Review and Field Report.

Long Term Testing:

I carry this light with me every day. I have used it on 4 different hikes varying from an overnighter to a week-long trek in the Rocky Mountains. Temperatures have ranged from 30 to 95 F (-1 to 35 C). I also use it around the home and in other situations when I need a quick beam. On my hikes, I have found it to work well as a tent light, to find items at night in my gear bags, to check a stake and other type activities that do not require me to walk around in the dark. It excels when I use it at night to review my maps. While the beam is sufficient for me to use at night inside my camp area, I have found that the beam is just not as bright as I desire for making nature calls at night into the woods or camp privy. I have found at night the light is more like a miniature flood light, and while it does light up a general area, it does not provide me with the focused beam at a distance long enough that I like to be able to discern tree roots, potholes, or other similar type obstacles. The light excels for what I feel it was designed for, a quick light for short distances, for emergency type situations where a quick beam is required, for reviewing maps or similar data in a darkened tent, car, or around the campfire. It works on most, but not all, of my headwear. It causes the wide brim of my hiking hat to droop, and does not work with my balaclava that I wear around camp and sleep in.

I have not had to change batteries on the light. For the things that I use it for, there is still plenty of light when needed. I have not used the light in the rain, but I have exposed it to considerable dampness and high humidity conditions and have not noticed any degradation in the light, switch or other parts. The button on the light has stayed secure and shows no signs of wear. The light has held up very well considering I have carried it around on my keychain almost since the first day of receiving it. The key chain attachment has worked well with no failures.

I have found the LedHedz Cruizer 10 lamp to be a versatile, lightweight, durable light that excels for quick uses, emergency lighting and for general use around my campsites. It is easy to carry and will adapt to certain types of hat brims. It provides sufficient lumination for short-term and short-range use. It is sturdy, adaptable to my keychain, some hats, as a jacket zipper pull or to just keep in my car. Overall, this is a great little lamp to take on any trip or excursion, or to keep in my car or pocket for unexpected situations.

Reviews > Lighting > Flashlights - LED > Seattle Sportz LEDHedz > Russell Curry > Long Term Report

Reviews > Lighting > Flashlights - LED > Seattle Sportz LEDHedz > Russell Curry > Long Term Report