Last September, we did a review of the Cardsharp2® credit card-sized folding knife from Iain Sinclair, and were impressed with the clever design and origami-style folding. When they sent us their Eon Classic credit card flashlight, we were equally impressed by the highly functional, yet simple design, again in a very compact package.
The light itself utilizes an injection molded chassis containing the LED bulbs, switch, and batteries. To lend it a bit of extra durability, along with a lot of style, it’s encased in two thin layers of stainless steel. Inside, there are a pair of Nichia superbright LEDs, which put out a clean, white light. They’re powered by some CR2025 batteries, which unfortunately are not replaceable. The upside is that the run-time for this 20 lumen light is expected to be 168 hours. Given that it’s designed to be used for only short periods at a time (the switch itself is a momentary switch, not an on/off switch), you can expect a very long service life. If you used it two minutes per day, it should still last over ten years. Actual length and width dimensions are the same as that of a standard credit card, except the nominal thickness is 2.2mm, with a bulge of about 5mm to accommodate the two bulbs.
Although the Eon Classic actually fits in the credit card slot of my wallet, I suspect it will be more at home in a pocket, purse, backpack, or briefcase. Because it’s so light weight, and takes up very little room, there’s no reason to not take one with you wherever you go. That includes work and travel, indoors and out. Whether you’re fumbling with your house keys, reading a map, or searching for that M&M you just dropped under your desk, a small flashlight like the Eon Classic always comes in handy. Because there is no switch, at least, not in the normal sense, we thought it might be somewhat difficult to use in the dark. But the slight bulge at one end makes it easy to determine which way to point it, and the “power button” icon etched into one side provides just enough tactile feedback, minimizing our concerns in that area. The actual force required to activate the switch is a bit on the high side, but that also keeps it from being accidentally engaged. Even then, it would only light up as long as sufficient pressure is applied, and the bulbs don’t put out any heat, so the only worry would be a shortened lifespan. Output is sufficient for such a small light, effectively illuminating objects close up without being overly bright, yet powerful enough to see something across a small room.
Aside from the functionality, there’s a certain “must have” cool factor to the Eon Classic. While women will see it as a practical accessory, men are of course going to be drawn to the design (anything with stainless steel that lights up is pretty sweet), as well as the exclusivity. I’m willing to bet that owners of the Eon Classic share it often, as it’s certainly an interesting conversation piece. Unfortunately, it’s a bit hidden on their website right now, since the introduction of the 230 lumen Eon Extreme, but you can still find it here. For the rest of Iain Sinclair’s compact wonders, check out their website – www.iainsinclair.com.
– Brian
If you have recently lost or broke a flashlight, or if you are in the market for a new, better brand, then you are probably facing a lot of decisions about what kind of flashlight to purchase, and what will work best for your various needs. LED flashlights have risen in popularity, as have batteryless flashlights. ;”
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