More Information
 On: 2006-01-10
There are good reasons why I make Garrity one of my favourite flashlight companies. Those reasons are the lights that they make. Now, not all of them come out as winners, but they still have a good track record.
This combo kit came out around the mid to late 90s. These are known as part of their Rugged Line of flashlights. The ribs, or ripples around the impact resistant plastic body makes it easier to hold the light. Another cool thing is the rubber heads and butt ends that help make them resistant to shock in case you drop it. The variety of colours theyre available in (blue is the best, also safety yellow, green, orange) will make a Smarties fan smile, and will help anyone find them fast. You cant miss these bright colours.
Now, heres something to keep in mind. Lately, every flashlight company boasts krypton bulbs. They are brighter than regular (yet still adequate) halogen bulbs. The thing to watch out for is what you would watch out for in everything else. Companies may share products (food, hair gel, cars, etc.) that have similar features, but they may have a different level of quality. The Garrity Rugged Line has really bright bulbs, but with such great brightness, does the flashlight itself deliver that brightness properly?
Yes.....and no.
The 2D has a bright center spot thats very useful, and a fair overspill. Its AA partner, I find, has a thin, feathered center spot that looks more like a small line or slash (instead of a more rounded spot) thats not very accurate or focused, and a thin overspill. Its not that bad. Its just not that good. The fact that it boasts a krypton bulb will keep it away from the garbage bin.
A hidden goody that brings a smile to my face is the spare bulb holder in the butt end of these lights. These guys can take a good amount of rain and water. They cant be classified as waterproof, but I dont think you should ever worry if you drop it into the water for a few moments. The heads have enough buoyant rubber in them that I dont think theyll be taking any kind of immediate dive to the bottom of the pond.
So, are these good lights? Well, the 2D is. Since they are older versions of Garrity lights, you may find them on sale in a lot of stores. Are they worth picking up? For about $13 Canadian or less? Sort of. Sorry, its that AA light thats bugging me. These lights are both plenty tough, but this combo deserves a better AA flashlight, and the 2D is the the one to consider. In case youre interested, the 2D was sold separately, and you may still find it out there somewhere. As for this combo, if you buy it, you might consider taking the 2D on a camping trip. But Id leave junior home, and take a different AA flashlight as a backup. Sorry there little squirt.
|
|
