PUPFITTERS DOG LEASH FLASHLIGHT
What Is It?
The PupFitters Mini dog leash flash light is a lightweight, high output light emitting diode (LED) miniature flashlight. The light is designed as a safety device allowing you and your dog to be seen in low light/no light conditions. The light easily attaches to any PupFitters leash or any dog collar, key ring, etc. The light is also designed to be used as a conventional flashlight.
Design Background & Philosophy
For several years we had been looking for a high quality, light weight dog leash flashlight. We wanted a beacon to attach to the “D” ring on our PupFitters dog leashes so that passing motorists could see us walking our dogs at night. We also wanted a flashlight for lighting our path in the woods or just finding the lock at the back door. The light had to be small and lightweight. Of course it also had to be a superior quality piece of equipment that would be highly reliable.
After months of research and testing we finally found the solution. The lighting pros at LRI, Inc. manufacture a light that, with minor modification, satisfied our operational requirements. The PupFitters dog leash flashlight is an ultra-compact, high output LED light that can be used to both see and be seen.
Product Description
The light consists of a single high intensity light emitting diode (LED) powered by two common watch batteries. The PupFitters dog leash flashlight is about the same diameter and weight as a U.S. quarter. The light intensity is fully adjustable and has three beacon modes. When used as a safety beacon the fully exposed LED bulb is readily visible at ¼ mile (minimum) on clear, dark nights. When used as a flashlight the beam is good for illuminating pathways and scanning objects at a distance of 25 feet (minimum) on clear, dark nights.
On fresh batteries the PupFitters dog leash flashlight has a guaranteed minimum run time of 3 hours with the light set at maximum output. The battery life will of course increase with lower power settings. The light features single button operation, fully adjustable output and flash/strobe modes.
The unit is built to withstand the rigors of the great outdoors. The case is made of glass filled polyurethane for toughness and shock resistance. Removable parts are a close tolerance fit to help prevent water and dirt contamination. The light is very reliable even in hostile operating environments. The batteries are widely available (model # CR-2016) and can easily replaced without special tools.
An (unmodified) version of this light is used by pilots in the U.S. Air Force and astronauts at NASA. PupFitters dog leash flashlights are shipped with batteries installed and the unit ready for use. As with all of our products the light is backed by the PupFitters 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Compromises & Limitations
The PupFitters dog leash flashlight is a great piece of gear with few drawbacks. However we always alert our customers to any significant limitations and design compromises.
During cold weather testing we found the light difficult to operate while wearing bulky gloves. Of course this is due to the light’s diminutive size and low weight. In very cold conditions we just left the light on at its highest power setting to avoid having to repeatedly remove gloves in frigid temperatures to adjust the light intensity. Another limitation is the exposed bulb. If the unit were to be used strictly as a flashlight we would have installed a collar around the base of the LED to help protect the bulb from shock/drop damage and reduce beam scatter. But because the PupFitters dog leash flashlight is also designed for use as a safety beacon it was important that the bulb be exposed for maximum visibility. We had to ensure that the light could easily be seen from any angle and at long distances. Testing revealed that the unprotected bulb is still sufficiently rugged to withstand fairly hard use in the field.
The other major compromise is cost. There are dozens of mini LED lights that look very much like this unit. Some of these are available for under a buck. Note however that the cheap units have nowhere near the performance and durability of this light. If you only need a small flashlight to find things in the back of the closet and the like, then of course a cheap knock-off makes perfect sense. The PupFiitters dog leash flashlight is made for those who rely on their gear to protect themselves and their dogs. As always we chose safety over cost.
Specifications
For further information please see the individual product page.
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Dog Leash Flashlight |
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