It's been a few years since we last looked at LED flashlights and a lot has changed in that time. Originally, they were ideally suited for taking over the key-chain, carry-anywhere flashlight market. But the improved quality and reduced prices have now positioned LED technology to start taking large chunks out of the general hand-held flashlight market. A prime example of this is the Photon Fusion.

Photon Light Email: custservice@photonlight.com Within USA/Canada: 1-877-584-6898 Outside USA/Canada: (541) 684-8704   PhotonLight.Com 200 W. 38th Ave. Eugene, OR 97405

The Fusion is a rugged, multi-purpose flashlight with a small form factor and excellent battery life. Check out its list of features:

• Powerful full-spectrum beam of white light using six LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). Four are focused straight ahead, while two provide peripheral illumination, resulting in a very useful beam pattern.
• Eight operating modes: four levels of brightness, three levels of strobe frequency, and auto shut-off.
• SMASH protection circuit prevents the battery from being drained if the Fusion's power button is accidentally held down (not uncommon when stored in a tightly-packed backpack).
• In addition to the white LEDs, there is a seventh LED that is either red or yellow. This separately controlled LED provides a lower-level source of illumination that enables you to preserve your night vision.
• Rubber bezel surrounds the impact-resistant, easily replaceable lens. The unit is weather resistant and extremely durable.
• Power can be supplied by three Carbon, Alkaline, NiCad, NiMH, or Lithium AA cells. All contacts are gold-plated.
• Advanced circuitry means that the light will not dim as the batteries lose power. The selected level of illumination will be maintained until the batteries are almost completely exhausted. Once that happens, you can switch to a lower light level to squeeze the last bit of use from the batteries. The auto-off mode provides a rough visual indicator of the batteries' condition.
• Heavy duty head strap that provides reliable and comfortable hands-free use.
• Belt/pocket clip that provides an alternative to the head strap. This clip is equipped with a extremely strong spring to ensure that the Fusion will never fall off.
• Swivelling, removeable head that allows for using the Fusion as a head lamp, hand-held flashlight, or self-standing lamp.
• Large, glow-in-the-dark on/off switch makes it easy to find and operate the Fusion when you're already in the dark.
• Optional bicycle bracket, turns the Fusion (particularly the Red Light version) into an extremely powerful rear bicycle light, or use it as a bicycle headlight.
• Comes in a variety of beam colour combinations:
  1. White Light w/ Red auxiliary light
  2. Blue Light w/ Red auxiliary light
  3. Red Light w/ Yellow auxiliary light
  4. Infrared

Obviously, this isn't your father's Mag-Lite. It's smaller, lighter, and has a much longer battery life than any Mag-Lite even close to its size. I mention Mag-Lite because that's what so many fourwheelers have in their vehicles. And while I agree that a Mag-Lite is useful as a blunt weapon, a tire iron has more reach while the Fusion is more versatile for illuminating the things we fourwheelers need illuminated.

An array of six LEDs provide plenty of light. As you can tell from this photo, the four centre LEDs aim directly forward, while the remaining two angle sideways to provide peripheral lighting.

The seventh LED is red which can be used when preservation of night vision is required. Just like the white LEDs, its brightness level is easily adjusted.

My most common use for a flashlight is when camping at night. Attached to the head strap, the Fusion's beam can easily directed by me while both my hands are free for setting up my tent, cooking dinner, and seeing my plate when I'm trying to eat. If I'm wearing a hat with a long brim, the head strap might not be very useful but in that case I can use the belt/pocket clip and attach the light to my jacket pocket or collar. As a tent light, I can set it to a lower power level to maximize battery life and provide a comfortable reading light. The Fusion is also light enough that I can hang it from the top of the tent which is an ideal place for this purpose.

Traditional hand-held flashlight mode.

Vertical mode which lets you stand the flashlight on the ground or attach to your belt or pocket.

Horizontal so it can be mounted to a head strap.

My second most common use for a flashlight is for trailside repairs. Once again, the Fusion's head strap and clip provide hands-free alternatives that are crucial particularly when you're working underneath your 4x4. The fact that it can also be placed on the ground and its swivel head aimed at the work area adds to its versatility. The Fusion's water resistance means that I don't have to worry about mud, snow or running water. And its various power levels mean it'll keep working when I need it...even if the job takes all night.

The fusion comes with (clockwise from top-left) a storage bag, battery pack, head strap, light module, and belt-clip.

The head strap is a very robust piece of equipment and I found it to be my favoured method for using the Fusion.

This is the very heavy duty belt/pocket clip. The Fusion's light and attachment methods can be re-configured quickly, without the use of tools.

Besides being versatile because of its functions, it is also versatile because of its diminutive size. A tool that you have in your pocket is always more useful that is in your truck, especially when your truck is in Vancouver and you're on holiday in, say, Hawaii. The Fusion is small and light enough that it would be a shame for me to leave it sitting in my Jeep. So it came along with me on my recent trip to the Big Island. It was an invaluable tool for exploring dry and flooded lava tubes, and helped immeasurably when our hikes in the tropical growth went past sunset.

Admittedly, the Fusion is more expensive than your average flashlight but its high quality construction, its durability, and its features make its price worthwhile. And if you think you can't afford it, then start dropping hints for Christmas, your birthday, Father's Day, Mother's Day, St. Patrick's Day...whatever works. This will be the best flashlight you'll ever own.

If you're interested in the Fusion or any of the cool LED flashlights from Photonlight.com, click on the banner below to help support BC4x4.com.