Quirky little Flashlight.

[Mr. Whippy]

During the Christmas shopping season, I put the Fenix MC10 into the cart to consider with a few other flashlights as gifts.  Somehow, it was one of the lights that was rejected but never removed from the cart.

When it showed up, I realized my error, but somehow couldn't bring myself to send it back. 

I've been using it for a while now and have a few observations.

Look up!


It is a cute little thing. It uses one AA battery and has a pretty decent interface.  3 levels and memory for the last level used.  Good light levels and pretty decent battery life

Look down!


It excels at tail standing and so is good for camping or working at night.  There is a diffuser for it, but honestly, I don't think it does a lot.

Look all around!


The clip is actually quite good and the wire bale is very strong.  The weakest point of the light is the switch.  It is very easy to accidentally turn on or off.  Additionally, shaking the light vigorously can shut off the light.

Look at my thumb!


Here's the bottom line:
It is a pretty reasonable light, that is not all that pocket friendly, but does have a convenient clip.  It is a pretty decent light, but isn't a general purpose style light.

While I like it, I'm not sure it's worth the price.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Thanks for the review Nate

It's still on my "list" so I'd been keen to hear your thought about it further down the road

[Gareth]

I'd kinda looked at this light as well but I've got to be honest and say that I'd be more likely to spend my money on a Zebralight.  Thanks for your thoughts though Nate.

[zepla]

It is on my "list" as well. But the price put me down so far. And the remark about the switch does not make it sit more high on the list. Still love the concept though...

[Mr. Whippy]

Thanks for the review Nate

It's still on my "list" so I'd been keen to hear your thought about it further down the road

I've been carrying it a bit more and I've been trying to figure out what it is about it that doesn't excite me.

The output is fine, and I love the light level memory.

However, the "clickie" switch isn't great. It is easy to accidently turn on or off.  Additionally, a strong shake will shut it off.

Finally, the shape is not very pocket friendly.  Overall, it's pretty big for a 1XAA light.

I'm going to look around for a headband and see if it works better as a headlamp.

[Mr. Whippy]

Just an update:

I've found the niche for this quirky little light.  Because of it's shape, it's a very good nightstand light.  Virtually CANNOT roll off.  It is also very good to use when bringing in horses after dark.  Because it can be clipped to a pocket AND can have the beam pointed down, the horses don't get all snorty and jumpy, like they do with a typical flashlight.

So, in bad weather, find them with a high power thrower, then switch to the MC10 when approaching them.

[ryan1835]

are there any better torches out there with a similar design?

[PyroJames]

Nice review and pics, Whippy.    I've always liked crookneck lights and this one looks intresting.

[zepla]

are there any better torches out there with a similar design?

No experience myself with them but I read good things about those (i believe they are called) Zebra lights..

[NutSAK]

are there any better torches out there with a similar design?

No experience myself with them but I read good things about those (i believe they are called) Zebra lights..

I have a few Zebralights and they are excellent.  The headlamp models are basically anglelights like the MC10, but much smaller.

[ryan1835]

yeah but you cant change the angle on them right?

[NutSAK]

correct. 

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

I would have gotten one of these when they first came out last year, but they don't offer a neutral version, so it was a no-go for me.

I like the idea of being able to angle the head independently of the body... would make use on the bill of a cap much more effective.  Trying to clip a ZL on the bill of a baseball cap is a haphazard undertaking at best...