As an outdoorsman, one thing that I use often, but never put much thought into is a flashlight. Yep, I own several and carry one in my truck, but in the past it has always been just an after thought. Recently, I received a Dorcy model 41-4299, rechargeable flashlight and have been field testing it for the last two months.

Upon arrival, the first thing I noticed was that this was a full sized light. This Dorcy flashlight measured just under ten inches long and is constructed from aluminum. It is black in color with a generous head to provide lots of light. The upper (head) portion has a series of “fins” or grooves around the outside, which I imagine is to dissipate any heat. Right below the head is the rubber covered button switch.

Just below the switch is the cover for the power supply charger. This is very unique in that Dorcy incorporates an aluminum ring that rotates (screws) down to allow access to the charger port. This is a pretty ingenious idea and a good way to prevent debris from getting into the charging port. Another great idea that Dorcy incorporates into this flashlight is dual power. By this I mean it can be charged via the typical 110 volt outlet or by using the 12 volt car charger, both of which are included in the package! I have never, ever seen a flashlight come pre-packed with both car and home chargers at no additional cost! What a great idea!

Okay, next is the shaft of the light. The handle or shaft is very thin, but covered with checkering for a sure grip even in the rain. It’s very comfortable and a real change from the big, old handles we all are accustomed to seeing on full sized flashlights. At the very end of the handle is a grooved tail cap which unscrews for access to the internal components.

The entire light appeared well constructed and with a retail cost (online) of about fifty bucks, it is priced well below its competitors. I charged it up overnight and began to put it to use daily. The first time I used it, I noticed the slight blue hue of the light produced from the L.E.D. bulb. No big deal, it had no affect at all. There was plenty of ambient light produced to see very well and at good distance. Brightness is rated at 220 Lumens, which is significantly brighter than most typical flashlights incorporating standard bulbs. The package states that the light beam can be seen for three hundred meters, but I had no way to test that. Dorcy also claims that the flashlight will produce light for up to two hours of continuous use with a full charge. Again, I did not test that theory.

What I did was probably what most users will do. I put the light through several tests over the course of two months. I used the light on its original charge off and on for weeks. I drug out a deer using this light, re-set a faulty circuit breaker, and used it to work under the hood of my truck. The Dorcy light found a home between the edges of my truck seats and stayed there through the extreme cold we faced in December and early January. I never noticed that the cold temps had any effect on the productivity of this light. In fact, the light ran well over a month on its initial charge. I simply plugged it back into the truck’s cigarette lighter and four hours later it was fully re-charged.

As far as durability goes, the light is warranted to withstand shock from up to one meter high. I can attest to this strength as I accidentally knocked it numerous times from the radiator of my truck onto a concrete driveway with no issue. There is no assurance of waterproof and I did not test for this. I did have the light out in light rain and snow, but it was never submerged. I would suspect it is more of a water resistant nature than water proof, but I never (purposely) submerge any of my lights.

Over the course of sixty days I was able to use the light in a great many environments. It never let me down in any aspect. There is only one item I would like to upgrade and that is the size of the rubber button/switch. I would like to see Dorcy make it slightly bigger, so that it is easier to feel with gloves on. Otherwise, the flashlight is as close to perfect as any I have ever used and I carry a light every day at work. The price is outstanding, and I love the fact that should the charge die out, I can re-charge it in my vehicle should I be out in the field somewhere! Any home owner, outdoorsman, police or security officer, vehicle owner needs to take a close look at this flashlight. Believe me if you are tired of picking up a light just to find out it is dead, then this is the flashlight for you!