The Characteristics
(Bloomberg Businessweek) -- Pelican, a manufacturer in Torrance, Calif., known for making cases for waterproof cameras and laptops, got its start in 1976 by making sturdy underwater flashlights for scuba divers. The 1.5-inch ProGear 1810 LED keychain light is a small but mighty evolution from there: The 16-lumen bulb is more than enough for simple household chores, and its beam, powered by four coin cell batteries that can last up to eight hours, travels 75 feet. It’s got a solid aluminum construction, comes in three colors, and has a lifetime warranty.
The Competition
Although flashlights in the Pelican portfolio, such as the tactical 7060, can run as high as $160, this tiny electric torch is only $12. MagLite’s Solitaire is $17, but at 3 inches long—double the length of the nubby Pelican—it’s an awkward keychain accessory. The $10 Streamlight Nano is also compact, uses a similar twist-to-operate mechanism, and has an LED-lit battery life of eight hours. But it puts out only 10 lumens.
The Case
Sure, your smartphone has a flashlight, but try clenching a Samsung Galaxy S7 in your teeth while unclogging gutters in the middle of a downpour. Brighter than most lights of its size, the ProGear 1810 easily locates phones and pens that have slipped between car seats, and it’s an invaluable tool if you’re changing a flat after dark. Other notable design features, such as Tic Tac-size indentations that provide an easier grip for your fingers, make this flashlight more useful than a full-size one. $12
To contact the author of this story: Ami Kealoha in New York at amikealoha@gmail.com.
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Chris Rovzar at crovzar@bloomberg.net.
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