01-27-2003, 08:00 PM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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The Best Little Light Ever: RoadWired Sapphire Elite Micro-Light
If you're anything like me, you love cool gadgets. But even better than a new cool gadget is one that you can carry with you all the time - because a tool is only useful if you happen to have it on you when you need it! The Sapphire Elite Micro-Light from RoadWired, one of my favourite gear companies, is just such a gadget. In fact, it's so small and useful that I've gone through three of them in under a year - why you might ask? The illuminating truth awaits...
RoadWired has some of the best "geek gear" out there, specializing in bags, pouches, and useful gear for people who love gadgets of all types. I've reviewed several of their products in the past, but their Micro-Lights have always been one of my favourites. It's easy to see why!
Hey Buddy, Got a Light?
The RoadWired Sapphire Elite Micro-Light (hereafter referred to as the Micro-Light) does one thing, and it does it remarkably well: it provides light. I can't tell you how many situations I've found myself in where I thought "You know, if only I had a bit of light". I've used my Pocket PC as a flashlight in a pinch, but without any way of focusing or directing the light, it's not an ideal tool.
Figure 1: The Micro-Light has a piercing blue beam
The Micro-Light is bright. No, wait, let me rephrase that - the Micro-Light is painfully bright. So bright that it could be used to drive away attackers if you were out jogging! :wink: That said, the range is limited - this is, after all, a close-range lighting device, not a long-range spotlight. The light itself is a blue sapphire LED that can easily be seen from far away - and the light it casts for the wielder is unlike a normal flashlight. The light is blue, and has a wide angle - it's good for seeing what's in front of you or underfoot. And although it may look like a laser pointer, it's not - the light is more like a strong glow than a focused beam. They've created a perfect implementation.
Multiple Modes
What makes this "elite" version different than the previous ones I've used is the support that has been added for three different modes:- Constant mode: the default mode. This turns the light on, and it keeps it on.
- Alert mode: By holding down the on button for five seconds, this mode puts the light into a repeating flash, perfect for getting attention in an emergency or while night jogging.
- S.O.S. mode: By pressing the button three times rapidly, the Micro-Light will go a mode where it flashes S.O.S. in Morse code!
Small, But Long-Lasting Power
I've never had one of these long enough to use up the power, but according to the RoadWired specs, the included coin-sized battery is good for 30 hours of power and a ten-year shelf life. Not bad! Additional power packs are available from RoadWired for $4.99 US each.
Figure 2: The Micro-Light is available in four body colours: black, red, grey, and blue.
Physically, the Micro-Light is a mere 2.75 inches long, 1 inch wide, and 0.25 inches deep. It weighs in at 0.4 ounces - so light you won't even notice it (and that's part of my problem - see below). The body of the unit is made from a molded chassis with aluminum body panels. I've used these Micro-Lights heavily and haven't had them break on me - if one does happen to fall apart under normal use, the factory will replace it.
Other physical features include a spring clip that makes it easy to attach the Micro-Light to a bag, zipper, key chain - or almost anything else.
Gotchas
The only problem with the Micro-Light is the user: me. I find these lights so useful to have that I put them in that little change pocket most jeans have - you know, the one you never use? Now here's the embarrassing part: I've gone through three of these lights in the past year because I consistently forget to take them out of my jeans before washing them, and (you guessed it) the Micro-Light isn't water resistant. I'm sure you could splash some water on one and it would keep working, but a washing machine? No way. The "problem" isn't really a problem per se - the Micro-Light is so light and small you'll forget you even have it on you, and that might result in a triple-play accident like I've had. It would be great to have a water-proof version, but I can't blame the product for my own forgetfulness!
Where To Buy
The RoadWired Sapphire Elite Micro-Light can be purchased for $17.95 directly from RoadWired (affiliate).
Conclusions
The Micro-Light is one of the best all-around gadgets I've ever owned - all three of them.  ops: My night vision has never been very good, so I've found countless uses for a small light that I can always carry with me. It also makes a great gift (who couldn't use a small, carry-anywhere light?) and if you're a corporate-type looking for a useful gift for your clients, RoadWired has an option for custom laser-engraving in quantities of five dozen or more. Hey, I wonder if they could fit "Pocket PC Thoughts" on there...
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01-27-2003, 08:09 PM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,264
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I have a light just like this from another company. Bought at target for about $8. Carry it with me for geocaching all the time. I like the fact that the one you have has the three modes and a user replacable battery.
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01-27-2003, 08:13 PM
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01-27-2003, 08:32 PM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by DrtyBlvd
Nice idea for a giveaway Jason? What's the question?? :lol:
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Nah...sometimes I like to actually let the vendors SELL their products rather than have me give them away. :lol: This is definitely worth the price - I love the little things in case you couldn't tell... 8)
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01-27-2003, 08:32 PM
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Sage
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 779
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I have one of these (or a similar one), but with white light, rather than blue. The first one I bought had the blue light, but I was using it in the car one day to read a plastic fold-out road map, and all of the blue route signs don't show if you're using a blue light.
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01-27-2003, 08:35 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 194
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Thanks for the review Jason. I have been a longtime Photon II user but have been too lazy to buy new batteries. I love the clip design and flat shape of the Sapphire so I may just have to pick one up... (I still don't get how these LED microlights are so darned pricey considering that I usually have 2 or 3 in use...)
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01-27-2003, 08:35 PM
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Pupil
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 14
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I will have to second you on the fact that these lights prove more useful than you would ever think. My wife owned one for a long time till it was lost off her key chain. We never knew what brand it was, so I replaced hers with a Photon Light and bought two more for myself. I think the pressure switch is easier to use on the Elite Micro type light my wife had, but the Photon Light does have versions with both a pressure switch and a fixed off/on switch. Photon lights also have several colors of lights to choose from including UV and Infrared. The Photon Lights are used a lot by ravers and I believe have some military uses; not sure why anyone else would really need non-visible UV and Infrared flashlights. ;-) At any rate my biggest complaint about photon lights, if I really had a complaint is their small size and they are not free.
One other note, I think that some of the photon lights are actually water resistant, so they might survive the wash.
Any rate here is the web site for www.photonlight.com. I am not trying to sell them over the Elite Micro. They are both great keychain lights and a very useful tools.
Thanks�
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01-27-2003, 08:38 PM
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Neophyte
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 7
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The Photon Micro-Light (www.photonlight.com) is another good one; tiny enough to keep on your keyring but incredibly bright, about $20.
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01-27-2003, 08:42 PM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by David27
Any rate here is the web site for www.photonlight.com. I am not trying to sell them over the Elite Micro. They are both great keychain lights and a very useful tools. |
I've used the Photon lights before, and for me at least, I didn't like the fact that the bulb was exposed on their normal units, and I'm not too fond of the design (the RoadWired units are stylish - I find these a wee bit chunky). Just my personal opinion though. :-)
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01-27-2003, 08:47 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 194
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Jason, second your opinion on the design of the Photons. Originally I passed on the Sapphire as the previous design did not have a continuous-ON function, i.e. the light would only light when you actively pressed the switch. Now that that issue has been addressed I'm all for it.
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Linear Mode
