Energizer 1AA Helmet Light - Military
3.7
5
3
3
Excellent Product
I had to do a bit of wheeling and dealing to get one of these lights while deployed to Afghanistan as they weren't issued to my unit, but it was well worth it. First of all, AA batteries are easier to come by than CR123 batteries because everyone uses those. Second, the battery lasts forever. I went through an entire 12-month deployment on one battery. Granted, I rarely used the white light which would have sucked up a lot more power, but due to light discipline that was out of the question for the most part. I've used the light in pouring rain and in the snow with zero issues. It's great to see a helmet light with a blue LED, as it does allow you to see blood. The IR illuminator is great, and works much better than the illuminator built into our NODs (NVGs). The light attaches securely to a helmet, and its ability to swivel is indispensible. The buttons are difficult to feel through even thin gloves, and I did find that I sometimes hit the wrong one, so I ended up covering the light itself every time I went to press a button, just in case. I can't speak much to the MOLLE mount as I didn't use it, except that I found the rare earth magnets in the folding base to be useful quite a few times.
March 20, 2013
Don't waste your money!!!
The "pros" about this flashlight are that the battery is easily replaceable with common AA batteries, which are MUCH easier to find than those expensive Sure Fire batteries. Plus, the batteries will last much longer too. The illumination that the flashlight produces is pretty decent, both white and red lights. Not as well as the Sure Fire lights, but for the price of these flashlights, you can't complain.
Even though the flashlight is pretty durable, it has some significant flaws in my opinion. The so-called "Integrated IR and IFF with lockout switch" is anything but a flawed design. The so called "lockout switch" doesn't prevent the slightest brush of your hand or other object from moving the selector lever. If you actually use the IR or IFF and the selector moves to regular mode, you'll have a "bad day" to say the least.
Therefore, you are left fumbling in the dark, trying to feel the selector level through your gloves. Long story short, you end up stopping what you're doing, take your glove off, and fumble with the light.
My other issue is with the light switches themselves. It's difficult to distinguish the red and white light switches apart. Unless, you memorize which switch is the correct one.
Furthermore, I had one of these lights attached to the front of my IOTV. It seemed to catch on the seatbelt almost every time I dismounted the vehicle. I know that's minor, got it.
Additionally, the light switches, once again, turned on the light with the slightest brush of hand or contact with the seatbelt.
I implore Energizer to go back to the "drawing board" and fix these flaws. With the necessary upgrades, I feel that this product will be outstanding.
May 2, 2012
OUTSTANDING
Last year before I deployed I needed a helmet light. I didnt want to spent the outrageous amount on one like the competitors but i did want the quality of a " high end " helmet light. I bought this one and was simply amazed by the performance this little light had.
When I deployed my entire platoon wanted the same light I had. So we got them and none of them have had such a versatile and awesome light. To any soldier deploying I highly recommend you get one of these. The competitors are no where near as good as this light.
April 6, 2012