H3 PALight

This is described as an LED 4-mode emergency light, which it is, but we think it offers far more.

The unit measures 7.5cms by 3.5cms, is fully encased in rubber, bar for the LED and a metal securing clip for access to the battery. The LED is quoted as a lifetime bulb, so no need to carry spares bulbs etc. The battery is a 9-Volt giving up to 200 hours on low beam. The whole unit weighs less than 4ozs, so is easily carried.

The four modes include a permanently on minimum drain locator light making for instant identification of its whereabouts in the dark, which is quoted to last up to two years. A low power beam easily bright enough to read with, navigate from maps with, and even walk with but creating minimal light disturbance to others.

The main beam has true torch output with light enough to change a car flat tyre, be used as an illumination source inside a tent, to tie knots with, and to be used as a path or walkway light when walking home in the dark. The PALight also offers an intermittent flashing light designed to act as an attractor or in need of assistance light either at the roadside or in a back country emergency. There's a plastic cone supplied with the light that fits over the LED increasing the flashing light area for others to easily home in on.

The unit has a key ring attachment, so you could have your car or house keys attached to the PAlight and be able to find them instantly, or it comes complete with a tough lanyard for securing to a bag, around your neck, or pocket clip.

We think anglers will find this light excellent, particularly as a lightweight ultra reliable back up light in case their main headlight or base station light fails. Anglers targeting sea bass, sea trout and other shy feeders will also find this light well capable of being their only light source, with the varied light intensity beams giving you any choice of light output from minimal to tie knots close up and to replace flies, lures and rigs with, yet without scaring nearby fish. The full beam has the power to navigate you back across water filled beach gullies at night, and down the darkest of paths, or act as work light around camp.

Retailing at just £19.99 in the UK, we feel this light offers outstanding value for money and is a must addition to a car glove box or emergency medical kit, for fishing tackle boxes, walker's rucksacks and anyone needing a reliable, compact torch.

The PALight is available from H3(UK) Ltd, Magnolia House, 19 Stour Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1PL, England. Tel: 01202 487757 Fax: 01202 483836 E-mail: sales@h3products.com website: h3products.com