360° Coverage Joby Gorillatorch Blade Review
Filed under: News | I4U Gadget Reviews
Joby Gorillatorch Blade Review
Rechargeable and the tripod can be removed
Oct 14 2010, 1:45pm CDT | by Shane McGlaun
Today I am checking out the latest addition to the Joby line of Gorillatorch flashlights called the Gorillatorch Blade. The Gorillatorch Blade is different in a couple keys features from the other flashlights in the Gorillatorch line up and those differences make the Gorillatorch Blade one very slick light for all sorts of needs . Read on for all of the details.
Specifications
The Gorillatorch Blade has an ultra-bright CREE XLamp XP-C LED inside an aluminum anodized case that is black. The flashlight is water resistant to IPX-5 and the legs are articulating and made from ABS plastic. Like all the Gorillatorch flashlights, the legs have magnetic feet. The total light output is 130 lumens at its brightest setting and the battery inside the flashlight is rechargeable. The Gorillatorch Blade is available now for $59.99.
In Use
I have reviewed all of the Gorillatorch flashlights that have been unveiled so far. All of them have shared the same very cool articulating tripod legs with magnetic feet. This makes these things perfect for working by yourself since you can stand the light up and aim it where you need it rather than trying to work with one hand.
The downside to the design of all the other Gorillatorch flashlights is that the flashlights were attached to the legs permanently. That means it was a bit hard to use in tight confines like under the hood of a car or behind something large where space was tight. The Gorillatorch Blade fixes the issue of the light being too bulky in some instances. The flashlight slips off the tripod stand by pressing a quick release on the side and sliding the flashlight off the retainer rail.
The Blade flashlight slips off easily but it is held very snugly when on the rail so you can poison it in any direction without fearing that it will slip off the tripod. Another key difference in the Gorillatorch Blade and the other Gorillatorch flashlights is that the Blade has an internal rechargeable battery. A rechargeable battery can be both good and bad.
The good part is that you won’t need to buy batteries ever with this flashlight. The downside is that if the other Gorillatorch lights run out of power while I am working a new set of batteries gets me going again. With the Gorillatorch Blade, losing power means you have to plug the thing in to charge. Charging can be done via a PC USB port or from your AC outlet with an included adapter.
The brightest setting for the light is 130 lumens. That output is limited to a boost function where as long as you hold the power button in you get 130 lumens or a function where you have to hold the power button in for three seconds. After those three seconds, the Gorillatorch Blade will stay on 130 lumens for three minutes. The normal light output of the light is 65 lumens. Honestly, I don't get that feature.
I can understand Joby was trying to get more run time for the light with 2.5 hours being the max on 130 lumen setting and 6.5 hours on standard 65 lumen setting. However, I think the Gorillatorch Blade should have a setting that leaves the bright light on as long as I want it to be. I have needed more light on more than one occasions and I don’t want the bright light going off when I need it.
That said the 65 lumen setting is good enough for most uses and the extra flexibility you get with the Blade being able to come off the stand makes a big difference in how useful the Gorillatorch Blade really is and the flashlight works very well overall.
Verdict
Pros
- 130 lumen setting is very bright
- Comes off the tripod
- Magnetic feet and articulating legs are fantastic
Cons
- 130 lumen setting only lasts 3 minutes hands free
Conclusion
The Gorillatorch Blade is a great little flashlight with more utility than the other offerings in the Gorillatorch line thanks to being able to remove it from the tripod. This fantastic little flashlight has a few limitations with its bright setting and rechargeable battery.
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Shane McGlaun
Leading our review center, Shane McGlaun (Google) knows technology inside out. His
extensive experience in testing computer hardware and consumer
electronics enable him to effectively qualify new products and trends. If you want us review your product, please contact Shane.
Shane can be contacted directly at shane@i4u.com.
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