The Pelican VB3 is a cool little light.
I've had mine for over two yrs now.
I've given them as gifts (new) and handouts/gifts (used w/new batts – "Oh, that's nice". "Here, take it, it's yours.") and people are always happy to receive them.
They have an integral clip that can be clipped to a cap brim, a hip-belt or waist band, pack straps, or even a book for use as a reading light.
So then, why just a 3 rating?
Compared to its three main competitors, the single-LED Photon Freedom MAXX, the twin-LED PT Scout, and 3-LED Petzl e+LITE, it's just NOT as good as any of them.
Since it runs on Li coin cells, it doesn't have much battery life. Since it has 2-LEDs and only one brightness setting, it's going to go through batts faster.
It's not as bright as the e+LITE, or the MAXX, or the Scout – all on their highest output, nor does it have the battery life of the Scout and e+LITE, and if the Photon Freedom MAXX is used sparingly on HIGH output, the VB3 doesn't have similar battery life.
It's also heavier than a Photon (even with a clip), as well as the Scout and e+LITE (w/o their bands – they still have integrated clips). However, at these weights, we're talkin' fractions of an ounce!
All that said, i do like it and still can't part with my one remaining one.
However, my advice to anyone who needs a small microlight powered by Li Coin cells, is to go with one of the others, depending upon what your primary needs are:
1) lightest possible weight – Photon Freedom MAXX
2) longest burn time – Scout (on LOW output)
3) brightest initial output – e+LITE
© Beartooth Media Group Inc.
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