Review for Pelican 7610: Have been using tac lights for many years from many different manufacturers both on-duty in an official capacity and professionally in the private sector. Got out of using the expensive tac lights made in southern CA b/c that company just cannot keep up with advanced in LED tech and overcharges for what they have, based on what else is out there. Moved over to some of the import lights (most are) and just had a few nightmare experiences with faulty switches, poor microprocessors, limitations on beam function and lights just crapping out. Then discovered that Pelican makes tac lights. Was aware of Pelican from time in fire and EMS but did not realize they make tac lights. There is literally no bad to report with this light so here's all the good stuff: * Solid build quality. This light is not the smallest but it fills out and feels good in a size L glove-wearing hand, like something substantive and and well made. * Clicky cap is positive on and positive off. No mushiness or in-between setting. * Matte black finish is outstanding. * Multiple programmable settings (~5) are AWESOME. You can go bright-to-dim, dim-to-bright, strobe, whatever you want. You can completely customize the setting on this light. * The low setting (~5 lumens) is perfect for late at night around the house, in the yard, reading a map, whatever. * The in-between (~500-something lumen setting) is awesome for all around night use. Doesn't destroy your eyesight but still very bright. * The ~1000 lumen high setting will blind you or anyone looking at you. It is daylight-bright and can be used during those times you need to look into corners or under rocks during the day, even in high-contrast, sunny environments. * The light hue/color is on the blue side of the LED spectrum. Not ice cold blue but not a natural, warm color either. That may be an issue for some people. Pelican really nailed the color though as the bluish-tinge tends to make unnatural objects i.e. manmade objects, pop a little more from natural landscapes in dark settings. This can be helpful depending on what your purpose is for it. People who need warmer and more natural illumination may not find this light a good fit. * Running on one 18650 battery, this reviewer gets literally months of use out of it on ALL settings using high- quality Orbtronic batteries. This technology is insane and it's wonderful to be able to go for literally months not needing to worry about charging or installing new batteries. * No-questions-asked warranty on Pelican lights. If you have a problem with it call them and send it back. Pelican stands behind their illumination products. What could be done better: - The crenelated tail cap bezel can actually impede your thumb from activating the light. This is highly frustrating, especially for someone in self defense scenario. Pelican undoubtedly wanted the tail cap to match the front bezel and perhaps give the user a two-sided, crenelated bezel as a striking weapon, but ultimately the bezel crenelations on the tail cap interfere with turning the light on. - The light is long and fat, such that when stored in a support-side or off-side pocket, it takes up a lot of room and can be noticeable. Would be helpful if Pelican could take an inch off the length and maybe shrink the front bezel somewhat. Again, with all this said, it does feel excellent in the hand as it is well made and well balanced. - There is a battery strength indicator on the side of the light, a holdover perhaps, from Pelican's firefighter lights. That just needs to go away. Using an 18650 battery, you will get months out of one charge and can charge it when you feel the need to. You don't need to rely on an extraneous LED indicator on the tube of this light and the one owned by this reviewer never accurately displays the correct battery status anyway. So Pelican, if you're reading this, please make the battery indicator LED on the side of this flashlight go away! - Finally, these lights are made in China. If you are not there yet in your understanding of how China operates, you will be soon. US companies need to get out of China, as a matter of human rights, national security, and stop importing garbage to hard working American consumers. In this case, the Pelican quality is top-notch. Hopefully Pelican can bring manufacturing back to US shores but in the meantime, qualitatively speaking, this light is as well made as anything coming out of that aforementioned company in SoCal. Overall just an awesome light. This reviewer has stopped searching for new, handheld tac lights, and will remain a Pelican customer from hereon in.
