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Nite Ize lightup dog collar

Gavin’s Top Ten Battery Junction Gear Wishlist

Gavin Reeves Leave a comment

Hi, I’m Gavin, and as I have worked at Battery Junction over the years I have come across more than a couple of products that I wish I had myself. In this blog post I will go through the top ten products (in no particular order) that have caught my eye.

1.

First up on the list is the Maxpedition Thermite Versipack. Being a huge skiing, biking, and hiking fan this handy pack caught my eye pretty quickly. This pack can be attached to the waist and leg, or held sling style over the shoulder. When skiing the waist/leg attachment is great for making sure that the pack stays firmly attached. When biking or hiking this pack can be more casually carried over the shoulder for a more comfortable and less movement restrictive method of carrying. Like most Maxpedition products, this pack is made to withstand some of the toughest conditions out there. With water and abrasion-resistant lightweight ballistic nylon fabric, as well as double stitched stress points I am confident that this pack would stand up to any rigors I might put it through.

2.

Next up on the top ten list is the Ultimate Survival Technologies Reusable Handwarmer. This product is perfect for anybody who goes out in the cold for extended periods of time. Living in Connecticut and being a frequent Vermont skier I have used many (probably hundreds) of disposable hand warmers over the years. This product is a great alternative that both helps my wallet and my conscience by being environmentally friendly. It is super easy to reuse the hand warmer, all that is needed is to place the used warmer in a pot of boiling water for about 15-20 minutes, or until the gel turns from orange to clear. This neat device is super affordable and has saved me big money that I would have otherwise been spending on hand and foot warmers.

3.

Next up on the top ten list is the Wiley X Nerve Goggles. These goggles are made and tested for military use so it is safe to say that they will stand up to anything I could put them through. The top down ventilation system is a great feature as it keeps that sealed goggle area from becoming too warm. Also, there is an anti fog coating on the goggles that importantly makes sure that the vision field never gets clouded. I have been eyeing these goggles for skiing purposes but they also could easily (and would probably be better) used for off-road biking/ATV track racing. They are a bit pricey at ~$85 but there is no doubt that these goggles will last for a couple of years and have the quality to be worth the price tag.

4.

Next up on the list of my top ten products is my favorite pet accessory the NiteIze NiteHowl light up dog collar. I personally use this product on a daily basis with my two dogs at home and love it. The collar is made of a plastic/rubber material that can be cut to fit any dog’s neck in the diameter range of 12″ – 27″. I use this all the time when walking my black lab mix at night because without it I have trouble seeing her any further than 5 feet away. The collar is great for making sure cars see your dog when walking on the roads, or even for when you want to keep an eye on your dog while they go for a nighttime run in the yard. As a dog owner and enthusiast I cannot say enough good things about this light up collar.

5.

Coming in at 5 (even though order doesn’t matter) is the very useful NiteIze HandleBand Smartphone Bike Attachment. This is just one of a couple of smartphone bike attachments that we have at Battery Junction. However, I prefer this one over the other options because of its universal fit feature. Because it can fit such a range of phone sizes I would have no problem getting a new iPhone, or changing to an Android because the bike attachment will work regardless. This attachment keeps the phone face up which is great for when you are using a GPS feature to get around, or are trying to track your fitness performance in an app. For just ~$15 this is a no-brainer bike/phone attachment.

6.

Being an outdoor person I would have to go with a headlamp for my flashlight pick, and the Petzl Tikka R+ Headlamp wins easily. This headlamp is rechargeable (USB compatible) and can have an output of up to 170 Lumens. However, the main draw for me is the Reactive Lighting Technology which allows the headlamp to make hands-free adjustments to the lighting pattern and strength. This feature is great because the main draw of headlamps is that they are mostly hands-free and this headlamp takes that into account by making it truly hands-free. The headlamp can also be connected with an app on your smartphone to allow for customization of lighting preferences. I have yet to come across a headlamp that is smarter or more hands-free than this lamp.

7.

The Tenergy Dual Port USB Power Bank is up next on my top ten list. As a college student and full-time smartphone addict I am a big fan of portable power banks. This one from Tenergy is one of the best options on the Battery Junction site because of its compact design mixed with large energy holding capacity. With two outbound ports for charging, this device can charge multiple devices at once and has a 8000mAh capacity for enough charge to go around. The slim design and built-in flashlight make this the best portable charger available at Battery Junction (in my opinion).

8.

Next on my wishlist is the Wagan 6L Thermo Electric Fridge/Warmer for car use. This one is on the wishlist because car trips are a pretty common occurrence for me and it would be a great convenience to have a fridge/heater for food and liquids. This unit plugs into any car charger and is compact enough to fit in between the driver and passengers seats for quick access while driving. This food container is the perfect companion for keeping coffee warm for an early morning ski drive, or for keeping beverages cool on the way to the beach over the summer. At a competitive price of ~$55 this cooler may be my next purchase.

9.  

The Leatherman MUT EOD Multi-Tool is an all-encompassing tool that is also in my top ten. This multi-tool from Leatherman is top of the line as far as multi-tools go. The MUT features 15 tools which can fulfill a range of functions. I would likely not need all the tools on any one trip, but my philosophy is that if you’re going to bring a multi-tool you might as well bring a multi-tool that has it all. I would bring this tool with me on pretty much any outdoors trip because it has the potential to help out in so many situations. I’m not a big multi-tool person but the wide range of tools and the 25 year warranty make this an easy top ten contender on my wishlist.

10.

Last and definitely least on my top ten wishlist is the NiteIze GetLit S-Biner Flashlight/Bottle-opener. As a college student of drinking age I always have my eyes out for cool and interesting bottle openers. This one may be neither but the price, light, and goofy name are enough to make me wish I had it. This may feel like a cop-out for the tenth spot but I honestly couldn’t choose because there are so many good products on Battery Junction.

If you liked any of the products in my top ten or are interested in coming across some of the products that just missed out, then come by Battery Junction and check out our selection of products!

Guide to LED Lights

Gavin Reeves Leave a comment

In this blog post I will talk about the reason your flashlight has so many colored LED options, and what situation each color is useful for.LED1

Red LEDs:

If your flashlight is going to have any extra colored LEDs, it is most likely going to be red. This color is useful for a couple reasons. Firstly, red is the universal color signal for caution. It also works well as an attention-getting color if you need to get help. Red LEDs also help to preserve your night vision. In a situation where your eyes are adjusted to darker surroundings the red LED will require less light adjustment than a white LED. This difference in color between white and red will help illuminate your surroundings while allowing your eyes to continue to see more clearly outside of the flashlight’s beam area.

hog_hunter_800x800__91742.1441049334.1280.1280-660x660Green LEDs:

Green LEDs are useful for hunters and fishers when they are outdoors. Fish, deer, and other animals have a harder time seeing green light than white or other colored lights. This advantage allows people who are in nature to illuminate their surroundings with a reduced risk of alerting nearby animals to their presence. Green LEDs also tend to have longer run times than other color LEDs which can be useful in a survival situation where saving battery power is important.

s2ee83Blue LED:

Blue LEDs are great for multiple applications ranging from nighttime map reading to easily identifying bodily fluids. They are often used for reading maps in dark conditions because they do not blend out the red colored lines on maps. Law enforcement and hunters use this light color because the LED illuminates blood and other bodily fluids. Blue LEDs accomplish this better than a red or white LED, but not as well as UV, which we will look at in a moment. Blue lights are also useful for low visibility situations because they cut through fog more effectively than other LEDs.

Infrared/Night Vision Green:

Infrared lights are used for seeing at night. The infrared beam will illuminate a relatively short distanceNightvision ahead of the wearer in most situations, and is great for remaining undetected as it is invisible to the naked eye. The green color that you see through most night vision goggles is due to the fact that the human eye is more sensitive to green light. When images are converted through night vision goggles they appear in black and white, but a green filter is applied because human eyes can look at green for a longer amount of time. (This is one of the reasons that many early computer screens used green text.) The combination of the two is common and leads to the best visual results at night, here is an informative thread with pictures of the differences.

Ultraviolet Lights:

Ultraviolet lights are common and can be used for a variety of applications. One of the most common uses is the ability to authenticate IDs, money, and any official document that uses a UV-sensitive watermark. Ultraviolet lights are even better than blue LEDs at identifying blood and other bodily fluids, making them a favorite of law enforcement and crime scene investigation workers. In an odd but potentially life-saving usage, UV lights can be indispensable if you live in a climate where you need to watch out for scorpions. Believe it or not, scorpions’ shells react brightly under UV light, making a UV LED a piece of helpful safety equipment. UV lights are also good for quickly recharging watch faces, compass needles, or other glow-in-the-dark items when the sun is down.

Hopefully the information on the different LED colors and their individual uses can inform your next flashlight purchase, or introduce the potential you didn’t know your current flashlight possessed. And as always we have a large selection of LED flashlights at Battery Junction, so come by with your newfound knowledge and see what products we have to offer.

Boat Light

Must-Have Boat Essentials

Gavin Reeves Leave a comment

Take a Real Good Look at the Gear on the Boat

Going out on the boat can be a fun time, but can also turn dangerous depending on the weather or boat malfunctions. In order to ensure that everything goes right on your day out on the water, we have put together a few must-haves for your next boating trip.

UK Protective Cases:

UltraBox
UltraBox

Underwater Kinetics is mainly a brand servicing divers, however many of their products are also very useful for casual boating functions. Specifically, the Underwater Kinetics Weatherproof UltraBox is a great device for keeping your electronics safe from water damage. The UltraBox is available with or without a padded liner, is waterproof, moisture proof, dustproof, and is submersible to depths often exceeding 16 feet. This UltraBox is a great place to put your phone, keys, or other small electronics while on your boat to keep them safe.

Titanium Innovations Fender Friend:

Fender Friend
Fender Friend

This handy light accessory is a perfect item to have on your boat when in low light situations that require use of both your hands. The Fender Friend features a magnetic tripod and a flexible neck, allowing for hands-free illumination. While intended for use with cars, this accessory is great for fixed lighting around the boat, for late evening fishing, or map/book reading assistance. Simply pair the Fender Friend with your preferred spotlight and prepare for all the hands-free lighting you can handle.

TI Spotlight
TI Spotlight

 

 

UK Super Q: 

Super Q
Super Q

The Underwater Kinetics Super Q is a high quality waterproof light with a USB rechargeable power source. Another product made with divers in mind, this light will stand up to as much water as you can throw at it and more. Made of ABS high-impact rubber and a stainless steel frame, this light is durable and dependable. There is no more better light to have with you on your boat, and it can even be used to go underwater should you drop something off the boat. The Super Q has a 90 lumen output for 4 hours and comes with a USB charging cradle.

These are just a few of many boating excursion products that will greatly improve your maritime experience. If you are looking to upgrade your next fishing trip or are just trying to find a quality flashlight to keep on your boat, Battery Junction is the place for you!

 

Olight H05s

Olight’s Newest Product Releases!!!

Gavin Reeves Leave a comment

The new Olights are here! This blogpost will highlight a couple of the newest and best Olight products that are available hot off the assembly line.

Olight Headlamps: 

First up are the brand new Olight H05 and H05s LED headlamps.

H05:

Olight H05
H05

The Olight H05 Active is the perfect headlamp for a late evening bike ride, nighttime hike, or for just navigating in the dark with your hands free. The powerful 150 Lumen LED light features high, medium, and low lighting levels, as well as two red indicator lights which help keep you easily visible to others. Living up to its Active name, this light will withstand drops of up to 1 meter and also has a IPX-4 water resistance rating. The H05 will light will illuminate your surroundings up to 55 meters away, and runs on only 2 AAA batteries which are included with a purchase. The H05 comes in Orange, Purple, Green, and Blue colors.

H05s:

Olight H05s
H05s

The Olight H05s is the H05’s older, more serious brother. The H05s boasts an increased 180 lumen output, 3 brightness outputs, and red lights for when you want to keep a low profile. Coolest of all, the H05s can be activated by waving your hand in front of the light in addition to the physical power switch. This light features a run time of 8.5 hours on medium, and an impressive 24 hours on the low setting. The CREE LED light has a beam throw of 60 meters, and also features an indicator light for when battery power is getting low. For an extra $10 when compared to the H05 this light is a no-brainer upgrade whose only drawback is it’s lack of vibrant color options.

 

Olight Every Day Carry:

S2A Baton:
Olight S2A

The Olight S2A Baton is a great option if you are in the market for a dependable everyday carry flashlight. This pint-sized light is just over 5 inches and weighs less than 2 ounces, but still produces up to an astounding 550 lumens of light. Cased in a hard-anodized aluminum body, this light can be submerged under 2 meters of water and will withstand drops of up to 1 meter without taking any damage. The S2A boasts some impressive light outputs as well, with 4 constant brightness settings and a strobe function for self defense or distress signaling. This light has the potential to illuminate targets up to 110 meters away and can run on a pair of AA batteries for 100 days on the lowest output setting. Available in black, gray, yellow, or fluorescent blue, this light is a great everyday illumination device to have with you for most any circumstance.

Olight High Performance:

R50 Seeker:Olight R50

Need some high lumen outputs from your flashlight? Then check out the Olight R50 Seeker. Capable of producing a blinding 2500 lumens, this flashlight can light up the darkest of spaces. This light is equipped with a USB rechargeable Lithium Ion battery pack making re-powering convenient, cheap, and environmentally friendly. The Seeker is also built to hold up to some tough beatings. The R50 features a body made of aircraft grade aluminum, is IPX-8 waterproof rated, and can be fully submerged underwater without breaking. A true powerhouse for your next search and rescue mission, with this Seeker you won’t have to look low and high.

These new Olight products join an already robust catalog of great flashlights and headlamps, come take a look at Battery Junction today!

Effective Self Defense With Your Flashlight

Gavin Reeves Leave a comment

When people think of self-defense tools items like pepper spray, whistles, or weapons come to mind, but not flashlights. This blog post will explain the possible benefits that a flashlight can give you in a situation where self-defense is required.

Bezel:

Crenelated Bezel
Crenelated Flashlight Bezel

The bezel is usually found in the front area of a flashlight in a ring around the lens. Some bezels are more specialized for striking would-be attackers. These are known as crenelated bezels with the word “crenel” coming from the rocky outcrops seen on the top of the battlements of old castles. Bezels come in varying sizes and shapes with the more weaponized bezels being larger and sharper. Crenelated bezels are good for smaller tactical flashlights because they’re discreet and portable. The majority of flashlights make removing and replacing bezels simple, with most simply screwing on to the lens cap.

Using the Light:

There are a multitude of ways that you can use your flashlight’s standard functions to help ward off attackers.

Identification:

The majority of muggings and assaults occur at night, so simply having the ability to expose an assailant before they get close enough to attack you may be
all you need to defend yourself. Using the light to properly identify your attacker should also double as an attention grabber for others to help you if you’re in a populated area.

Stun/Blinding:

Another function that can be used for effective self-defense is the strobe or high mode on your flashlight. Shining a strobe or high-powered beam into an attackers eyes is a great way to stun or blind the assailant. Stunning your attacker can give you the crucial few seconds needed to either escape, or fight back while they are unable to defend themselves. Low kicks or jabs are effective as the attacker will most likely raise their hands to cover their eyes leaving the lower half of their body exposed. Also, if your flashlight has a crenelated bezel attachment, this is the perfect opportunity for you to use it. Your flashlight should be sufficiently bright (over 100 lumens) in order for it to be truly effective in disorienting an attacker.

Use with a Gun:

Using Light with a GunMany people exercise their right to carry a firearm to defend themselves, but in dark situations, gun use may be dangerous or ineffective. Having a small tactical flashlight on your person is an easy fix to this problem because it allows you to light up your surroundings with one hand and use the gun with the other. It is important to note that you will not want to have your flashlight and gun pointing together, like on TV, or you may accidentally fire your gun if you are startled by something that your light beam uncovers.

Take it with you Anywhere:

Another big advantage to carrying a flashlight for self-defense is that you can take it with you almost anywhere, which cannot be said for other forms of defense like firearms and knives. The only situation that might cause you trouble is if the flashlight is fitted with a bezel that is deemed too dangerous, but this rarely happens if the bezel teeth are within reason. Most flashlights are small enough to be carried on your belt or in your purse and if you never end up needing to use it for defense, you will always have a high quality light source when you need it. Come visit our tactical flashlight section at Battery Junction and see what flashlights interest you!

November 2015 Email Newsletter Header

November 2015 Newsletter

Jennifer Leave a comment

The time has come; November is here and brings with it a perfect storm of gigantic sales the likes of which no one has ever seen before. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are set to converge to form a super-cell of savings, and in its midst is a hailstorm of hot new products. This month we’ve got big entries from some of the biggest names in LED flashlights: Nitecore, Klarus and Olight. Particularly of note are all of the great holiday edition flashlights that are sure to make great gifts or stocking-stuffers for your beloved flashaholic friends and relatives. So kick back, relax and prepare to weather this storm of great new deals from Battery Junction!
Nitecore Tiny Monster TM26GT Flashlight
The Nitecore TM26 is back and this time it’s not pulling any punches. This new version is the TM26GT, a throw focused hand-held searchlight that is pushing boundaries with an incredible 4000 lumen output and 704 meter beam distance! Using 4 individually-mounted CREE XP-L HI V3 LEDs, the TM26GT may be the most powerful hand-held light we’ve ever seen, and with its impressive output and throw we can’t wait to see it in the hands of serious flashlight enthusiasts, search and rescue teams and outdoorsmen.

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Bike Spokes Lights

Choosing the Best Accessories for Your Bike

Gavin Reeves Leave a comment

As the weather gets nicer and you begin to use your bike more it might be time to think about what accessories will make your rides better, and safer.

Working your bike rides around your work schedule and obligations can be difficult and usually leads to early morning or evening bike rides. Many prefer biking at these times when it is cooler and there are fewer people on the road. The only problem is that biking at these times of day can present safety problems in poor lighting conditions that may make it difficult for you to see the road, and for others who are driving to see you. Fortunately there are many lighting options two of which are the See’Ems spoke lights and the Fenix Bike Light.

 

17db_see_ems_mini_led_bicycle_spoke_lightsThe See’Ems are an inexpensive and easy to use way of being certain that you are visible to drivers. All you have to do is attach the See’Ems to your bicycle’s spokes and give them a twist to turn on the lights. These lights are very eye catching as they create a glowing circle of light while you pedal. You can also combine different colored LEDs to make yourself even more noticeable with multicolored rings.

 

 

 

 

The Fenix Bike Light is a high quality bike light that mounts to the handlebars of your bike and is rechargeable. The light features a dual beam system, one that stays at the handlebar level and illuminates the area ahead of you, and another that is pointed downward to make sure you can see any obstacles that may be on the ground. The light is also made with durable aluminum alloy,201552017261967518__30716.1432141887.1280.1280 and is IPX-6 water resistant which means is can be used in any type of weather conditions. This light is great for people who live in cities or who are riding bikes on main roads at night. The Fenix is also more than strong enough to make up for areas that are low on lights such as side roads or bike trails. The light also features a back-lit display of the remaining run time left on the battery. If you truly do plan on riding in the early morning or late evening then this light is a must have.

 

Navigation:

If your looking to try new bike routes, or are biking in unfamiliar territory Nite Ize has come up with the perfect product for those situation. The HandleBand is a handlebar attachment for smartphones that makes exploring new areas easy and stress free with the ability to use GPS navnihdb02r3aigation. The HandleBand has the ability to fit almost all smartphones, and can even be used for strollers or shopping carts if need be. This product is great for helping to track your biking distances and progress as well as providing a much safer means of using your smartphone while you are riding your bike.

These are just a few of the many great bike accessory products that are available, all of which will make your early morning and late evening bike rides much more enjoyable and safe.