I loved Icon’s Rogue 2 Flashlight. It was the most durable flashlight I have ever had the opportunity to use. It was bright and well designed and will last many years. Paul Kim, the designer of the Icon line of flashlights is a genius at designing flashlights that are not only very good-looking, but very functional. That’s why I jumped at the chance to review flashlights of another shape and size. Icon sent me a Link and a Solo LED Flashlight and they are the smallest lights that Icon makes.
First up is the rugged and handy Link. The Link is made from machined high strength aluminum. If this flashlight was a little larger, they could probably be used like brass knuckles.
The specs of the Link:
- High-strength aluminum body with carabiner* clip provides secure carry options
- Durable power-regulated LED maximizes output and runtime; never needs replacing
- Solid Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lens creates a smooth, focused beam
- Ergonomic “clickie” tailcap switch allows for easy switching between two output levels
- Sealed with O-rings; waterproof to one meter for 30 minutes
- Powered by one AA alkaline battery; included.
Of the two lights, this one is the brightest and most convenient. The built-in carabiner makes it really convenient to attach to a pack strap or a belt loop. The orange color is also attractive and makes it easy to see the light when hunting for it on your pack’s strap. It fits in a small pack pocket as well making it a handy tool to have.
The last light they sent me was the Solo. The Solo reminds me of the penlight flashlights I used to have when I was a kid that used a conventional incandescent bulb. This uses a white LED just like all of the other Icon flashlights instead of a regular bulb. The Solo is also much more solid in construction of any penlight I have ever used. The specs of the Solo are:
- High-strength aluminum body with sturdy pocket clip
- Durable power-regulated LED maximizes output and runtime; never needs replacing
- Micro-textured reflector creates a smooth, powerful beam
- Ergonomic “clickie” tailcap switch allows for easy switching between two output levels
- Sealed with O-rings; weatherproof
- Powered by two AAA alkaline batteries; included.
The Solo is an attractive, almost gun-metal like color. It’s also not as powerful as the Link, but still plenty bright. You could use this in your bag as a security light. It adds almost no weight to your bag and is extremely handy to have.
The Link is only $27.99 on Opticsplanet.com. The Solo is $24.99 from our friends at Think Geek.
What I liked: Both lights are very small and very handy lights to have. Quality construction that may last longer than you do.
What I did not care for: It would be nice to have some other colors.
