Leatherman Monarch 500-typed with an iPhone!

[getpower]

I just received the newer (not the "Costco" stainless steel one) Leatherman Monarch 500.

I'll tell you guys that this is the brightest light that I have ever used that runs on only two alkaline AA batteries.

I ordered it because I broke my flashlight that I used for work recently. Actually, it stll works I guess. But the batteries shake around really badly-which means that they don't alway make contact and sometimes the light goes out. Well, this was really beginning to be a huge problem because I work at night.

Anyway, this thing is pretty nice. First impressions are that it's really bright-like I said, it's definetly the brightest light I have ever seen that runs on two very easy to find batteries. Also, when I ordered it, I was under the impression that it was going to be the same size as a Mini Maglite.
I am delighted to see that it's a little bit more compact.

Although, it seems like it may later have the same issues that my previous at-work light has (as far as the batteries shaking anyway), I'm sure it'll at least be a little bit better. Time will tell on this one.

But, just in case anyone wanted to know what my previous light was-it was a Streamlight pro-polymer one that took 4 AAs-and I'm sure that this new one is brighter.

Batteries at work are free, so I don't really care about battery life. But if you guys want, I'll try to keep you updated on how it is- just let me know.

So, that's all I have to say for now. Like I said, I have been typing this on an iPhone, so please excuse the errors. I have big fingers and as far as I can tell when you are on the Internet, you can only type with the phone held vertically.

[Freudian Frog]

Runtimes please.

[getpower]

Will do on the realistic times.

But jut for a reference, Leatherman claims that the battery life will be 1 hour.
It is also just a single position on/off switch, so your only choice is max brightness.

I will also take some pictures of it before I take it to work.

[getpower]

Here are some pictures:
This is how it was boxed for me:

Box slid open:

Out of the package. It comes with the light, an instruction manual, and two AA batteries:




Heres my pitch black wall:

Heres the Monarch 500:

My comparison-heres the Rechargeable Streamlight Stinger LED:

And finally, heres the comparison-the Monarch 500 on the left (and a bit lower), and the Streamlight Stinger LED on the right:



Now, remember, both lights are said to get an hour of battery life on the brightest setting (and the Monarch only has one), and the Streamlight only is said to put out 80 Lumens, and it costs around $140 depending on where you find it.

I think the Monarch 500 was around $35 on amazon including shipping.

I have them both, and IMO I'd rather carry the Monarch 500 because the lights are really pretty comparable in real life.

[getpower]

Good news.

I would have to say that the battery life is a little more than an hour.

Any other questions about the light, ask me.

[getpower]

Can't give a realistic time, but I work in the dark for around 4 hours a night and I have been using the light for a week now.

I would have to say that I use the thing for at least a total of a half hour per night. Plus it's constantly on and off.

Like I said, it's been a week now and it's still bright as heck.

[Shane769]

Good write-up and pictures mate.