I contacted GearLight to ask a few questions about their products and they generously sent a couple of items to evaluate.
I have not received any other incentive or compensation for this review.
I haven’t any fancy gear for taking light measurements so all observations are just that, my observations.
Upon reading that I harbored fevered aspirations towards becoming an unrepentant flashlight enthusiast, they did try to make clear to me their products are not designed for, or marketed to, the enthusiast community.
Rather, in the words of GearLight Customer Service Manager Tim, “our lights are ”valued” lights and are meant for the average household.”
First up, the S500 Headlamp, which is a 3 AAA light. The GL S500 and the Energizer HDD32E were both loaded with IKEA LADDA batteries. I tried to use IKEA LADDA AA in the Rayovac, but found they wouldn’t fit. So, instead, I used standard Eneloop batteries. Weight of each light is fully loaded with batteries.
Now, I own a Sofirn Sp40, an Energizer Vision HD+ Focus LED Headlamp HDD32E, as well as a relatively old and well-used Rayovac SE3AAHDLT-BX Sportsman Xtreme K2 1W LED Headlight.
So, my initial reaction upon handling it, might best be described as the mental equivalent of a mild shrug.
The Sofirn is obviously not a fair comparison as it is a much better light and is 18650 powered.
The Rayovac is a 3 AA powered light and I was quite surprised to find that the GearLight S500 is (to my eye) very similar in light output as well as the shape and color of the beam and spot. Though the Rayovac seems built for pseudo professional use or perhaps heavier duty sporting endeavors and is noticeably more robust. My digital scale confirms this, as the Rayovac comes in at 212 grams, the GearLight at 89, the Energizer at 91, and the Sofirn at 153.
The Rayovac offers a solid or blinking red light on the rear battery compartment only so it is not useful for reading or preserving night vision while worn.
This actually seqways nicely into the Energizer HDD32E comparison: both the S500 and the HDD32E have red light functions that one may select from the off position without the need of cycling through to red.
The S500 has a solid red, a blinking red and a rapidly blinking red light.
The Energizer 32E ONLY offers one solid red light; however, the quality and luminosity of that red light are far superior. In a dark room, I found the same book much easier to read with the Energizer.
I also found the Energizer 32E to have a noticeably more stable pivoting hinge that also offers 5 positions to the S500’s 3 position pivoting hinge. The 32E also offers higher lumen output that becomes more noticeable at distance. The color of the 32E is whiter and cleaner in my estimation as well, with the S500 having just a bit of bluish tint.
Now, at this point, you might think I would be unable or unwilling to recommend the GearLight S500…
Well, you just might be wrong.
I am happy to note that these lights provide a very good everyday value for lights that perform reasonably well, even against arguably better or more expensive lights. When you factor in the GearLight guarantee: “Avoid the hassle of shipping the product back. Contact us at support@gearlight.com within 1 year of the purchase date for a free replacement or full refund. We respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.” I find myself hard-pressed to think of a better, budget option that is readily available to all for basically $7 a light. The S500 is light, performs admirably, and offers one of the best and easiest warranty’s I’ve ever heard of.
By way of comparison the Energizer 32E is typically around $25 most places. Menard’s has if for $19.97 or $17.70 after 11% rebate. Rural King has it on clearance for $7.91 if you’re lucky enough to find it in stock near you. At that price, it’s a fantastic value but still doesn’t have the great refund/replacement guarantee of the GearLight.
Ultimately, these lights may not be for most of us around here, but just might be a great idea for friends, family and kids. Heck, they have utility as beater lights in all sorts of applications. Toss one in your trunk or glove box with a set of IKEAA LADDA rechargeable batteries and you need never worry about leakage.