I used to be by no means a Boy Scout, however I’ve at all times embraced their “be ready” motto. Once I depart the home it’s by no means with out my on a regular basis carry equipment that, amongst different issues, consists of wi-fi earbuds, a small battery, additional glasses — and a flashlight. The truth is, I’ve lengthy been on the hunt for what I contemplate to be the proper flashlight, and in consequence I now have extra of them than anyone particular person might ever want. However the $25 Wuben G5 could possibly be my final, due to a compact design that pairs intelligent performance with a lot of illumination that’s simple to regulate.
I purchased the G5 as a substitute for the Nitecore TINI 2 keychain flashlight I used to hold. Nitecore’s is surprisingly vibrant given how small it’s, however the lock choice that forestalls the flashlight from turning on by chance is way from foolproof. In actuality, the TINI 2 would commonly activate by itself whereas bouncing round inside my sling bag, draining its battery with out me realizing it. You may’t successfully “be ready” with a lifeless flashlight.
The G5 additionally features a locking mechanism, however within the type of a sliding swap on one aspect that doubles as a canopy for the flashlight’s USB-C charging port. After a few months of carrying it round, the G5 hasn’t turned on by itself, and at this level I don’t count on it to. It’s not fairly as small as my outdated Nitecore, however it’s simply barely taller than a Zippo lighter, and nonetheless very pocketable.
What I like much more in regards to the G5 is that it’s superb at simply being a flashlight. As a substitute of stepping by way of brightness presets, the flashlight has a wheel for rapidly dialing in precisely how a lot illumination you want, from simply 2 lumens to as much as 400. I discover its lowest setting greater than vibrant sufficient to find one thing dropped in a darkish automotive, or for trying to find one thing that rolls underneath the couch, and preserving it dim boosts the flashlight’s battery life to as much as 65 hours.
The G5 shouldn’t be restricted to simply white mild. It has a second LED whose colour could be adjusted by turning the brightness dial which cycles by way of the spectrum. Utilizing a mix of double faucets and lengthy presses on the facility button, the G5 also can flash particular person colours or multicolor patterns which might, in some conditions, be a helpful strategy to sign you’re having an emergency.
Different performance I’ve come to understand features a clip whose place could be adjusted to the entrance, aspect, or again of the G5, and that its LEDs are positioned on a head that may rotate 180 levels. The bottom of the flashlight even has a built-in magnet so you’ll be able to mount the G5 and use it hands-free. Briefly, it looks like Wuben put loads of thought into the G5’s design to maximise its performance.
I’m not going to faux that everybody can be thrilled to discover a flashlight of their stocking on Christmas morning, however I’m betting there’s one or two folks in your purchasing listing who would respect a really helpful addition to their very own on a regular basis carry kits.
