Brinkmann 809-1085-1 Led Polymer 120 Lumen Flashlight

Note: See 2nd update at end of review. Bottom line: This flashlight WAS great, but is no longer worthwhile. However, I found a decent replacement, see the end of this review for the link.For archival reasons, here is my review from when this WAS a great flashlight:Here are the criteria I used for shopping for this flashlight (general use around the house and garage):a) Reasonable cost, around $20.b) Bright, 80 lumens or more.c) Uses a tail cap switch to aid in one handed operation.d) The tail cap switch should have "momentary on". That is: press switch slightly and the light comes on, but release and it goes off. You don't have to press entirely to turn it on and entirely to turn it off. There are times when I want to turn it on and off quickly and I didn't want the switch to be a hindrance.e) Just ON and OFF functions. I didn't want blink or dim or anything else.f) I also wanted it to be smaller, as the storage space I had in mind wasn't large.g) Doesn't easily roll when you set it horizontally (it has nubs that help resist rolling). This is a pet peeve about flashlights that could be easily fixed by manufacturers.h) Use easy to find batteries (AAA, AA, etc).This light does all this perfectly for me. It is my new favorite flashlight, which is saying a lot.Very minor cons:a) Can't focus beam.b) Battery installation is marked, but faintly.c) Can't remove the lens end for "candle mode" (but I didn't need that feature).d) Not made in USA (Maglites are supposedly 100% USA from what I've heard).e) There is no easy lanyard hole, but I rigged one up under the rubber grip. I've posted a picture on the Amazon product page under customer images. My lanyard will not be as strong as if the manufacturer provided a hole.f) It can be submerged 1 meter according to the ANSI FL1 standard icon on the package, but the enclosed instruction sheet says the light is for "dry locations only". Hmmm. While I haven't tested it, it looks like it can take some rain or minor liquids.g) Won't sit on tail cap on table and aim straight up.Some added pros:a) The light is very bright for its size and cost. It says 140 lumens and I don't doubt it. For comparison it is brighter than a 2xAA LED Maglite.b) It says it is reinforced nylon, not plastic or aluminum. Some cheaper plastics can be stinky; I didn't find this one to have any odor.c) Seems pretty solid construction and rugged.d) Regarding this particular light and its tail cap switch, I suppose you could accidentally turn it on by accidentally pressing the switch when putting in your coat/bag. However, I think the switch is pretty well protected for casual use. Granted there are pricey lights out there that completely shroud the button and have lockouts, but then it wouldn't be as easy to turn on for general use. So I guess it depends what you want it for. If you wanted it for storing in your coat, those pricey lights might be better.e) The lens is glass, but is not removable.In all of my research here are some similar lights and reasons I discarded them for my general use purpose:a) The Maglite model 2xAA LED at 69 lumens for $18: no tail cap switch and not as bright.b) The Fenix model LD01 at 85 lumens for $40: almost double the price.c) The Rayovac model SE3AAAMN-B at 80 lumens for $14: this one was a close contender but the tail cap was multifunction (low, then high; not just ON).d) Maglite model XL50 LED at 104 lumens for $26: no momentary on, multifunction switch, it rolled, and no lanyard hole.Update April 2011: These are 3 other inexpensive flashlights I like:a) Nebo CSI Luma LED flashlight, 35 lumens using 1AA, inexpensive and useful in a car or bike. See my review by Spiced Rum:  CSI LUMA Flashlight - Assorted Colors b) Nebo CSI Edge Flashlight, 35 lumens using 1AA, also inexpensive and useful. See my review:  Nebo CSI Edge Flashlight - Assorted Colors c) Another low priced ($7) LED flashlight, 80 lumens using 3AAA, with so-so quality (like for a car toolbox or etc), you might want to look at my review of this:  GSI Super Quality Stylish Flashlight - 1 Watt Bright LED Bulb - Light Beam Adjustable Zoom Function - Pocket Size, Great For Travel Update August 2011:Quality has gone down and it's discontinued.Discontinued:It appears that Brinkmann has discontinued this model since it is no longer on its website. While there still seems to be some supply around, since you can still buy it, some of my usual haunts that once carried it are starting to run out and not replenishing it.Junky switch:The later models since I first reviewed this light appear to have had the tail-cap switch changed to a less "solid-feeling" one that does not perform as well.Equivalent product:The good news is that I have found a similar light (Amazon link below). I have reviewed it too and the bottom line is that it is a close replacement with similar performance to the original version of this flashlight. Energizer High Intensity LED Flashlight with 2AA Battery

The Good: Bright light! Long distance coverage is very good.The Bad: Had issues with the light actually coming on. I kept messing with it and finally found a spot where the connection was made. I felt this would be pretty simple but I was wrong. It's working now but if I turn the front section the slightest bit, it will lose connection.The Ugly: It stopped working again until I once again messed around with it. It's a flashlight for Pete's sake!

I have one of these that is 5 years old. I looked in stores for another one when I thought I lost it and could not find one any more. I love this flash light and it is my first pick go to flash light. I live in the country and use flashlights daily, walks in the back woods, bonfires, use it as a quick light for working in the garage, on the trailer, replaced parts in the furnace tonight, etc.... In addition, I hunt and this is a very bright light when you need to see a 100 yards and illuminate everything. Fits nicely in my hand and the rubber is nice since I have dropped it 100 times, even when hunting from a tree, it road around for two months under the hood of my garden tractor that I mow my lawn, and it never let me down. .Glad I bought two more and they exceed my expectation.

This model was good, but the other one with 200 lumens was better and at a good price too. I rate this good flash light --3 stars, and great for a "Bug-Out Bag." -- Tom Schuckman, Vietnam Vet: 68-70.

I received flashlight put in batteries and it worked. Later on that evening took it work and tried to turn it on and it didnt work? I checked flashlight and it seems to have a short would turn on and off very disapointed in this flashlight my partners at work have the same flashlight with no problems I got a LEMON.

I bought one of these 5-6 years ago and that one is still running strong!Just bought another and it's awesome too. What I like about it:Small compact/fits right in your hands or pocket.Simple on&off with momentary if you want a quick flash.Strong! My old one has been dropped. Stepped on it,had it under water, and out in -40 below!!Shoots a bright beam out approx. 70 to 100 ft but better for closer work like 20-30 ft.The grip is made of rubber, sticks in your hand well with or without gloves, does not get cold like the metal ones.Just buy good AAA batteries and it will be fine.

Stopped working, Junk!

Wow ,what a flashlight!It is not just a flashlight, oh no. This is something you will always want in the dark . It will light up your life .Battery life = 5 starsLight brightness = 5 starsValue = 5 starsHad this for nearly a year ,dropped, dragged, wet and dry , It works great.Another year it keeps working great,no issues with switch or any other thing with this light.Many have tried to get it from me , I am not going to give it up without a fight! It is just simply a damn good flashlight.