Review: DITO Feng Bird Stainless Steel Pocket Flashlight (1 x AAA)

As far as LED flashlights go, the selections are close to endless, but with regard to keychain lights, the selections are much fewer. To be counted among those that are truly pocketable and good quality is the DITO Feng Bird, utilizing an XPG2 emitter and in 1 x AAA format.

The light is small enough to easily fit into the skimpiest pocket on the smallest, most ill-fitting pair of pants you have. And while it isn’t the lightest light in its class in terms of weight, it will resist key-jingling and pocket change scratches like few or no lights you've handled. The lens is glass and is as resistant to wear-and-tear as the rest of the well-made stainless steel body.

The switch…well, there is no switch…just a head twisty, which for pocket lights can be quite useful. I’d prefer a clicky with a good lip that offers the clearance necessary to prevent accidental activation, but this is even more secure (if you don’t mind using two hands to turn the light on, although it doesn't take much practice to learn to twist it on with only one hand). By way of output, my sample seems to go well with better quality cells (think: Eneloops, Tenergy) as opposed to non-namebrand cheapies, but light output is nearing normal for a light like this one, which is made to nibble on the teat of low-yield batteries.

I measured output at a less than enthusiastic 19.3 lumens at startup, but throughtout the next 4 minutes, seemed to occasionally spike brighter when turned off and on again. Regulation of the light is good. No visual dimming could be spotted. Granted, this is a FAR cry for sure from the claimed 105 lumen rating we get from the manufacturer. This, however, may have been due to the cheaper cell on which I performed the test. An Eneloop may well have performed better. My test sample exhibited a bit of flickering in and around startup. This caused me concern. I can't tell if it's an issue with the spring or driver (probably the spring which just sits in the end cap and is very thin). Shaking and movement did not always appear to affect it.

The beam is smooth and flawless, one of the most artifact-free lights made. The stylish-looking clip on which the light hangs is neat and cool, even serving as a type of keychain if one is wanted. The light is one-mode with enough of a turn to the head to enjoy a sort of lockout feature (turn left to activate - right to lock out). The ridges in the head are stylish, as well as useful. The light feels stout and secure--very unlike most budget offerings.

After a few days of carrying the Feng Bird, I noticed several things; 1) How big my SIPIK SK68 was that I've been carrying around since 2011! 2) The differences in machining, and 3) Overall thread construction. Now that the old SK has survived several dunks in pools, two washes in hot water, countless drops, and years of use, I was used to it. But it only took 1 day of carrying the Feng Bird around to notice just how much lighter and less bulgey my left pant pocket felt. And then there's 4) Light output, which could have been improved upon, but at the expense of runtime and could have been in vain due to its competition (pictured), which uses a magnifier lens and an Eneloop AA. Not exactly a fair comparison.

And let's not forget that when dealing with alkaline cells, we start the game at a distinct disadvantage anyway. We are limited on current, but have one leg up by way being able to hit any corner drugstore and grab a set of batteries for low-light situations. With the Feng Bird, you are wanting pliable, accessible usefulness, and it delivers on that.

My sample passed the quick "under running water" test I subjected it to. The light is rated at IPX-3 on the waterproof standard, which I have no reason to doubt. But obviously, no one of sense would think to treat it like a diving light. Those looking to upgrade to a size-efficient, go-everywhere keychain torch may ought to consider giving the Feng Bird a shot.

3.5 out of 5

This light was graciously provided by GearBest for review. Item can be purchased by going HERE.

BEAMSHOTS BELOW...





FENG BIRD (ABOUT 12 FT FROM DESK)

FENG BIRD (LEFT) VS SIPIK SK68 (RIGHT)

FENG BIRD (14 INCHES FROM DESK)