NEBO 6666 Big Cryket 300 lm LED Flashlight (3 AA Batteries Included)

I confess, I have a flashlight fetish. I'm sure I have at least 50 (maybe 100?) in various sizes and shapes, from tiny zipper pull clip-ons to massive 5D-cell tactical "persuaders". I have plenty of high end metal-bodied LED spots, with features like focusing and flashing and dimming and bending and recharging and lithium batteries and multiple colors and so on. I've been searching for years for the "perfect" flashlight, which is why I have so many; a never-ending quest.But this NEBO Big Cryket is the closest I've come so far, currently my FAVORITE FLASHLIGHT, without a doubt. In fact, there's only ONE thing I'd change, so we're 99% there.Here's what it has, that I love: Bright white LED spot, bright white LED flood, bright red LED night mode, articulating head (from straight to 90-deg swivel), wide magnetic base (strong enough to anchor the light to the side of a refrigerator), dimming of the white lights (by holding down the PWR button), dimmer memory, direct-to-red (by holding the PWR button for 3"), two-way belt clip (clever design clips from either end, so you can hang it upright or inverted), 3xAA batteries (easy to find and replace, good longevity), and a sturdy metal body with a rubber grip, giving a nice look and feel.Here's what it doesn't have, that I've realized I don't need: Flashing modes (I've never used one yet, and they just wear out the switches on my other lights), blue and green output (a nifty gee-whiz on some of my other lights, but again, never really used), and rechargeable and/or lithium cells (I just don't want the complexity or expense; carrying spare AAs is easier, quicker, cheaper).Here's the one thing it doesn't have, that I wish it did: Dimming for the red mode. The red light is BRIGHT, which is sometimes just what I need, but other times a little too dazzling (I really do like to preserve my night vision, as I'm both a pilot and a sailor). So NEBO, add that feature and you've done it: perfection!Meantime, still the best flashlight I own, or ever have.UPDATE: Still my favorite flashlight, and has stood up well to 18 mos of road use. But I have recognized another minor flaw I'd like to see addressed in the next gen: No battery-low warning in the red mode.When the red light is done, it's done! It abruptly cuts off when the battery gets low, leaving you in the dark (because where else would you be using a red light?)Dimmable LED lights can extend battery life by using the dimmer. They can also reduce brightness (like the venerable incandescents) as battery voltage decreases, alerting you when it's time for fresh juice. I assume the Big Cryket will do both these things in white mode (though I honestly haven't noticed, and NEBO's website doesn't say), but it definitely can't in red mode.Bottom line: Needs dimming in red mode for night vision, battery life AND low-battery warning.

When I received the Big Cryket last night I turned it on, but it would stay on for only a second or two, then shutoff. I figured that the batteries that came with the light were dead, which was disappointing because I've heard NEBO batteries usually last longer than average batteries. Once I swapped out the NEBO batteries for fresh AAs, the Big Cryket worked as it should.I like the ratcheted swivel head, the magnetic base is a big plus, the rubberized handle provides a good grip on the flashlight and the heft of the light gives me the feeling that it's well-made. I also like the fact that the light has 3 different modes: the spotlight and floodlight are bright, both at 300 lumens, and I'll give the red light a try tonight to see how well it works in the dark. The belt clip gets in the way sometimes (especially when trying to reattach the base after a battery change!), but it's detachable which is a good feature, too.So far so good (with the exception of the batteries), overall I think this a great small flashlight and will recommend it to others.

Nicely made flashlight. Made in China, but NEBO has been making stuff there for years and has the quality control issue nailed down. Rotating head is nice and the action is smooth. The spot, flood and red light choices are perfect on a boat. If only it was water proof. It does look well enough sealed to hold up fine to rain, but you never know when you are going for a swim.UPDATE: After using the flashlight for a while, if the red light turns off after a second (in red light mode), that appears to be a low battery warning. There is nothing in the manual, but replacing the batteries solved the problem, and the flashlight was noticeably brighter on all modes. Also, the description mentions “direct to red” but does not explain it. Hold the on/off button down for 3 seconds, and the flashlight will come on in red, bypassing the spot and flood mode thus preserving your night vision.

This is replacing my regular Cryket. Not that anything was wrong with the regular Cryket; I just gave it to a friend in need. Having the larger one with larger batteries makes a HUGE difference in the usability of this as a work light. I can use the Big Cryket for longer periods without worrying about it running low. The heat generation is solid and never seems "too hot" while using it for long periods of time. This one has saved me working in my attic, computer cases under desks, and the red light is very useful when getting up in the middle of the night and not wanting to blind yourself with a bright white light.The only reason I don't give this a 5 star review is because it cannot be used with rechargeable AA batteries; The battery holder and flashlight body are slightly too small to accept rechargeables. The specific rechargeables I use (Duracell rechargeables) also have the negative terminals wrap around the side of the battery case, so they contact the aluminum battery housing, shorting out! Any rechargeable that has a similar design would also short out, even if there was room for them to fit.

The big benefit with this torch over others is that it has two types of LED and two colors. You can have a normal torch type spot which isn't to spotlike so can be used as a semi wash as well. The other ring LED is a washtype light which is great for walking to illuminate a track or footpath. With the tilting head you can walk comfortably without twisting your wrist. It also has a red light for safely walking on roads or if you wish to retain night vision. Both the white LEDs are dimmable as well to save battery life. Another bonus is the batteries are AA so a reasonably priced battery. Construction is aluminium so well made. Its showerproof not waterproof and has an o ring on the battery compartment. An excellent torch with a great feature set and reasonably unique as well!