GearLight M3 Mini LED Flashlight - 2 Bright, Small Tactical Flashlights with High Lumens and Pocket Clip for Camping, Outdoor & Emergency Use  - Black

I wanted a bright mini flashlight to use at my desk to offset my vision loss from Macular Degeneration so I purchased a Aohoyaca brand mini flashlight from Amazon with a rechargeable, supposedly lithium battery, which turned out to be a very substandard version of a (non)long lasting battery. It worked fine for the first couple of months that I used it, only requiring recharging every 3 or 4 days. Then it started going dead after recharging with only a few minutes use, so it wouldn't hold a charge, something unexpected from a lithium battery that had only endured a couple dozen charge cycles. So I went looking for a better alternative when I found this GearLight unit. I have a couple of larger GearLight tactical flashlights with removable 18650 rechargables that have performed well and lasted over 4 years, so I knew them to be reputable. One thing I like about the minis is that they use a regular AA battery rather than using a cheap rechargeable. So I ordered two and after 4 months, they're still working perfectly and the batteries are lasting long than I thought they would. I would highly recommend the GearLight if you're in the market for a small-form flashlight. At roughly $12 a piece, the price is fair and the build quality and performance are solid.

I have another flashlight review on a larger model where I mentioned that I collect them in different sizes for different uses. This time, however, I went flashlight shopping with a particular goal in mind. I've been looking to mount a tactical light on my AR but didn't like the high prices for them. So, I thought why not create one? The first step was to find a way of mounting the flashlight to the rifle. After looking at various flashlight mounts that either attached to a Picatinny rail or an M-Lok handguard, I decided to get a Picatinny mount so that I could remove it for range time. I got the flashlight adapter, "Monstrum Tactical 1" Offset Picatinny Rail Mount for Flashlights," for $8.95 on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JQNCMJO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1. Since the interior diameter of the flashlight ring that hold it is 1" in diameter, I needed to find a small but powerful flashlight having a body diameter of 1" or slightly larger. I found one called the "J5 Tactical V1-PRO Flashlight" whose body diameter was listed at 1.02" which meant it would fit. It also had 14,756 reviews which meant it was also extremely popular. The price at $13.95 seemed reasonable enough. But, before buying it, I decided to look around to see if there were any better deals on others that were similar and that's when I spotted the GearLight M3. I compared it to the J5 and the two looked identical. They almost had identical measurements as well: the GearLight is 4.25 x 1.00 x 1.00 inches while the J5 is 3.70 x 1.02 x 1.02 inches. They were also similarly-priced at under $14 so, I decided to take took a closer look at the GearLight. That's when I realized the price was for two identical M3 flashlights! When the flashlights arrived, I loaded both of them up with batteries to test them out and they were about 80% as bright as my large flashlight of comparable design. I put one in my car's center console and the other one inside the Monstrum flashlight mount. The only issue I had was that the center of the flashlight body was smaller than 1" but its collar measured out to 1.02" meaning I needed to slide the flashlight forward until collar was inside the mounting ring. Once I did that, it fit perfectly and had a more flush look with the handguard. I will add a photo to show you how it looks mounted and how I access the on/off button using the thumb on y support hand. The bottom line is that I now have a nice, rifle tac light that cost about $23 but one that also came with a duplicate flashlight! Don't wait another minute to buy because the lights may soon be gone.

These are great for what they are; cheap,, compact, bright, adjustable, and only one AA… very practical. However one of the flashlights would only light up very dimly. I thought it was a bad battery (they come with a battery BTW) so I changed batteries and it would still only light up very dimly. I was about to start a return through Amazon but noticed they had a warranty card inside. I contacted Gear Light via email and had a response within minutes and a full refund within a couple hours, no return necessary. The lights are good if you get a good pair, if not the customer service is absolutely excellent! Buy with confidence!

Update 9/2/2020: I've used this flashlight for over 2 years now, and I'm happy to report that mine did not have the problem with defective on/off button mentioned below. Original review: I bought this GearLight flashlight to replace a similar flashlight with a different brand. There are many vendors selling what appears to be the exact same flashlight design under their own branding. This flashlight is manufactured in China (regardless of the branding). I replaced my other flashlight because it had a defective on/off switch. Many people have reported this same problem with other brands of this flashlight design. It appears that some units are reliable and some are not. I've not had my new GearLight branded flashlight long enough to confirm whether or not it has the quality control problem with the faulty on/off switch. If I experience a problem, I'll update my review of this GearLight flashlight in the future. Reliability is important when it comes to a flashlight. It needs to work 100% of the time. Potential reliability issues aside, I REALLY like the features of this flashlight. PROS: The light is bright enough. You can zoom in/out for a wide or narrow beam. It's made of solid metal. It doesn't roll off the edge of a table when you set it down. The on/off button is conveniently located. You can stand it up on either end. It takes a single AA battery (rechargeable is ok). Battery lasts a reasonable amount of time during usage. The high and low power settings are useful. It's got a belt clip. You could attach a lanyard (not included) if you want. It generally turns on at the HIGH setting (if you haven't turned it on/off within less than 10 seconds). CONS The strobe mode is a minor annoyance. I don't like having to toggle through that mode. But other people might have a legitimate use for this feature, so I admit this isn't really a con. I'm really hoping this flashlight doesn't have the on/off button problems that I've experienced with other brands of this flashlight model. If it ends up being reliable, it's a really great flashlight.

Feb 1, 2021 Update Both flashlights are still working beautifully, and I'm totally satisfied. > SEVEN MONTH UPDATE: Both Gearlights still work just 'as advertised', and I remain totally satisfied. These are a little bigger, a little heavier, and a bit brighter than the red Pocketman lights, but I consider both to be good values. I am impressed with these flashlights. They perform as advertised, with no ifs, ands, or buts. They're also small and light enough to hold in your teeth while using both hands. The Spotlight feature is real, not just a smaller version of the Floodlight, and all three modes (Bright, Dim, and Flashing) work independently of the Zoom feature (from flood to spot). On & Off: Press the red button fully to hear and feel a click. Modes: Half-press the red button to cycle through Bright, Dim, and Flashing. Note: Switching the light Off and back On quickly will also change modes. But if left Off for 10 seconds or more, it defaults back to Bright when turned on again. There is no lanyard included, but there's a slot on each side of the red button to attach one if you wish. Each light came with a battery, but the end with the red button needs to be unscrewed to allow removing a small insulator pad that protects the battery from discharge during storage & shipping. A pocket clip is attached, which helps prevent the light from rolling. Durabiity: Not rated. I've only had the two lights one day, and I've no intentions of dropping it throwing them for test purposes. I noted this morning that the price has changed since I ordered. (I paid $11.99 for mine.) And herein is my only doubt. Are these little lights worth the higher price? I certainly do like the features, and I need a few lights that use AA batteries instead off AAA, so I guess I'm satisfied as long as the lights last a while. I give ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ because they perform exactly as advertised, and I've no complaints whatsoever.

Good and bright

this is the second purchase for me , the first one lasted about 6 years of constant use and abuse. Great light that can be adjusted to wide or on point. Metal and easy to carry .

I bought the S2500, the S1000, and the M3 models. The S2500 is a good, bright light, but the weight and length made it impractical for my purposes. The S1000 did not have as good light as the S2500, but its lighter weight and shorter length works well for me. Now, the M3 does not have as good of light as either the S2500 or the S1000, but it provides enough light to see your keys in the dark, and to see your door's locks in the dark. It has a built in clip that makes it easy to clip onto a belt, trousers, a shirt pocket, a handbag, a book bag, etc., so it can always be in easy reach anytime you need it. It requires only 1 AA battery, and it is quite short; thus, it is also quite lightweight. I decided to return the S2500 even though it is a good torch for a good price. I will keep the S1000 even though I wish it had the S2500's lumens. Not sure about the M3. I will probably keep the M3, though because it is so small and handy for so many situations. Before you buy, be sure to think about whether lumens are the most important thing. If weight and length are very important, too, you will probably opt for the S1000 over the S2500. The M3 is a great choice if you only need minimal lumens to see your way around a dark room, to find your keys, or to see your door's lock in the dark. The M3 is not a particularly good choice for walking at night or for seeing from a good distance away. The S2500, S1000, and the M3 are all good products for the right applications. Assess your needs well before you order.