Need opinions on Signature Lite

[Rodion]

I'm considering replacing the Photon Freedom on my keys with a SAK - that would have the triple advantage of scissors, pen and a Cross and Shield thrown in. However, it is my understanding that red LED on SAKs are a joke. Is the new white LED bright enough to replace a dedicated keychain light? (at least until I find it in myself to get an Arc)

[Blackbeard]

I have the midnight mini champ with the red led, really only good for opening locks at night. Also have the spartan lite w/ white led which is definently brighter, but it has a weird home plate looking silouette to the beam and is usefull, but not overly bright as well.

[Freudian Frog]

Someone reviewed the Silver Tech Signature Lite awhile back, lemme see if I can find it.

EDIT: Nope, tried and got lazy.

[Rodion]

No sweat. Hopefully, Tim will be along shortly.   

[felinevet]

No sweat. Hopefully, Tim will be along shortly.   

Yes the new white LEDs are significantly better and brighter than the reds. I have Midnite MiniChamps in stock with the white LEDs but not Signature Lites.

[Rodion]

Let me be more specific. Would you say the new LED is significantly inferior to the Victorinox Microlight, or is it about the same?

[felinevet]

Let me be more specific. Would you say the new LED is significantly inferior to the Victorinox Microlight, or is it about the same?

Microlight has a larger battery and is brighter. Depends on what you need. If a stand alone LED is ok then I would go with the Microlight. I find the new white LEDs in the 58mm to be quite good and sufficient for my needs.

[Neil]

Let me be more specific. Would you say the new LED is significantly inferior to the Victorinox Microlight, or is it about the same?

Microlight has a larger battery and is brighter. Depends on what you need. If a stand alone LED is ok then I would go with the Microlight. I find the new white LEDs in the 58mm to be quite good and sufficient for my needs.

As Tim says, not as bright as a keyring torch running on a couple of CR2032s but still a handy light and quite sufficient for the tasks that most people would use a photon/fauxton for.

[Rodion]

I see. Well, it's to be expected. Thanks for the feedback. Another question: I know how to change the batteries in big SAKs; is the 58mm line field-serviceable? I've never seen one with an LED, so I'm imagining some sort of scale removal is necessary. 

[Neil]

No scale removal required.  There is a tiny hole in the side, you push a paper clip into it and it opens a door on the other side of the scale and the battery slides out.  You can then slide a new battery in and close the door.

[Rodion]

Well, I'm convinced. 

[Black Rose]

No scale removal required.  There is a tiny hole in the side, you push a paper clip into it and it opens a door on the other side of the scale and the battery slides out.  You can then slide a new battery in and close the door.

I figured there was a door for that area.

I bought a used red translucent one (Sig Lite) on eBay and the battery door is missing.
The red LED is rather useless IMHO.