eGear Jolt USB Mini Light
Reviewed by
chaos in motion
+24
May 28, 2013
eGear's Jolt USB Mini Light is a key chain size, USB rechargeable light with a decent beam. It has three modes: on, flash, and off. The hard plastic case may not hold with a fair amount of abuse.
Pros
- Easily recharged with a common USB power source
- 0.6 oz
- 25 Lumens *advertized*
Cons
- Advertized run-time of 120+ min per charge
- Charge time is 2hrs
- Bulky for key chain light
Why I bought this light:
This was a spur of the moment grab versus my more typical well thought out and researched buys. I prefer lights with a commodity power source and attempting to stick with AA for my gear to reduce redundancy and weight. This does mean making some sacrifices with weight and brightness. I have a hand crank power supply that is equipped with USB so I thought the Jolt may make sense as a light weight torch that is well over the 4-10 Lumen range for key chain lights..
Dimensions:
The Jolt is 2" x 0.7" with a weight of 0.6oz (17 grams). I have a Fenix E01 so it is best to compare the two lights as a point of reference.
Jolt compared to a paper clip
Jolt compared to E01 and paper clip
Beam Shape:
More diffused than focused with a soft white tint.
Brightness:
The Jolt had some charge out of the box and seemed to compare well to the E01 (except the E01 is advertised as 10 lumen versus the Jolt 25).
Jolt on left, E01 on right
I then allowed the Jolt to fully charge and did another comparison.
Power Source:
This can plug into any USB charging port. When charging the Jolt gives off a red light. When fully charged the red light turns off. Out of the box it took ~15mins to charge.
Best For:
This will probably be better used as an every day carry light versus one you take on the trail.
Take Away:
I am not very impressed with the light and will stick to my E01 with rechargeable batteries though it is heavier (with batteries 37grams). The E01 was visible brighter up close and 10 meters away.
Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $8
Reviewed by
Don P
+9
February 17, 2011 (original Jan 26, 2011)
Very cool, mini light. No batteries required!
Update: February 17, 2011
Last month, I rated this eGear Jolt mini Llght and gave it 5 starts. It's a great light but don't use it on a key chain. The plastic screw on is flimsy and does not hold the light well. Mine unscrewed and is lost in the woods.
I wish I could get a replacement.
Price Paid: gift
