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Item 769769
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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Reviewed by 15 customers
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Gerber Omnivore Flashlight:
Pretty good light. Beam is bright and travels a good distance. I like the fact that it can be powered by three different types of batteries. Throw what you got into it and it goes. The switch needs to have a larger surface area. This makes it good for not turning on accidently but it is difficult to press the pad of your finger into the switch. If you have large fingers this flashlight would be difficult to turn on and off.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Gerber Omnivore Flashlight:
Fits well in the Rainbow of California Large Knife Case ($7) sold at REI also. Perfect size for one handed operation, thick enough that it doesn't slip out of grip easily. It's execution of multiple battery use is quite simple and elegant, with nothing to adjust, no moving parts. While not adjustable, it's beam is not lacking and generally works without need of adjustment. My only (very minor) gripe is the lanyard hole is far too small and poorly placed, i've had a lot of trouble finding a good leash that will fit it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Gerber Omnivore Flashlight:
I love this torch! I never leave home at night without it. I have used it daily for about 6 months. I used it in the Amazon jungle on a night hike and it outperformed all the other lights, including our guide's. I used it to spot Caimans on the Cuyabeno river in Ecuador and it threw a bright enough beam to illuminate their eyes at least 100 meters from the canoe. Runtime seems great with AA batteries, I keep them fresh though, and haven't run one down yet.
The body of the flashlight is durable, and well designed. The tailcap switch is perfectly sized and goes off and on easily with the thumb, no fumbling required. The tailcap button has a protective rim, and the lens is recessed to protect the bulb.
I live in a fairly dangerous city in South America, and have been mugged multiple times. The best defense against an attack at night is loud noise and a bright light to the face of the attacker, this flashlight works wonderfully for the purpose of temporarily blinding would-be muggers at night! If this technique were to fail, the flashlight fits the hand perfectly to function as a "fist-pack", and would be strong and light enough to allow quick and effective strikes.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Gerber Omnivore Flashlight:
This light has a decidedly outdated LED emitter compared to those found in most current flashlights, meaning the beam is comparatively weak, though somewhat compensated for with quality optics, and run time is inferior. Ergonomics are not a strong point, either; the tail cap switch is small and recessed so that a man's thumb does not always find it the first time, which is annoying. The flashlight body is not very grippy, either, with neither a knurled pattern nor rubber, but at least there is a lanyard.
On the upside, the Omnivore is very strongly built like the other Gerber lights and will happily take abuse that will kill the cheap hardware store lights. This is the kind of flashlight you dig out of a mud puddle and turn on after a truck ran over it. It is this unusual ruggedness--and the multiple battery options--that make this a particularly good light to have on hand in one's junk drawer, tool box, or vehicle.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Gerber Omnivore Flashlight:
I like the fact you can use 3 different types of batteries in this flashlight, that it doesn't cost a $100.00.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Gerber Omnivore Flashlight:
Bought this to use for night time geocaching. Worked better than my expectation.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Gerber Omnivore Flashlight:
As it states, it is able to use one of any of the following in order of run-time (max run-time approx 7hrs): AAA, CR123, AA
Initially bought for a backpacking trip almost 3 years ago. Has been used for everyday, outdoor, and emergency use. Not yet used for self defense. I never go anywhere without it.
Bulb is recessed enough that in most cases, dropping will avoid direct contact with lens. May also potentially be used as a Koga Baton? Thankfully not yet had to try the latter of the two.
Light is still blindingly bright (literally, ask my friends, they don't appreciate not being able to see) even with just a AAA battery. It's worse than looking into the sun.
Beam is visible 50m away in low light. Also can light up an entire room during power outages when pointed upwards to a white ceiling. (Useful when in the middle of a shower and the lights go out). Can also light up the interior of a tent with ease.
Is semi-waterproof due to rubber O-Ring behind the bulb assembly & when maintained with WD-40 or similar waterproof lubricant. Can survive submersion in shallow water, but since not labelled waterproof, would not recommend use underwater.
Light-bulb assembly is screw-on & has never come loose.
The black finish has faded due to 3 years of wear but adds to it's 'rugged' look.
My only con is that without anything tied/secured to the lanyard loop, the flashlight will roll easily on flat surfaces. Not being perfectly cylindrical however, it never rolls far. (Front end is wider in diameter than the back) Unfortunately the landyard loop is only 1/8th of an inch big.
Other reviews mention that the switch is hard to press. I disagree. Switch can easily be pressed with nail of thumb or forefinger, depending on how you choose to hold it. Complete depression of switch also not needed to turn on the flashlight, which is nice if you only need a brief flash of light.
Also, ergonomics are fine. The middle 1.75 inch section is actually narrower in diameter than the front & back, with ridges on the wider front and back ends that circumference the flashlight, preventing lateral movement when held & when back button is depressed.
How much more do you expect from a flashlight only 4.5in long x 1.2in wide and able to consume AAA, AA, & CR123 for under $30.00?
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Gerber Omnivore Flashlight:
Great it uses AA, AAA and cr123
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Gerber Omnivore Flashlight:
The Gerber Omnivore is one of those gadgets that you think "why didn't I think of that". It will take 1 of 3 types of batteries and lasts a really long time (6+months for me w/ an AA type).
550 cord w/ the innards removed fits through the 2 holes at tail cap so you can dummy-cord the flashlight.
Not exactly sleek nor light (no pun) for keeping in your pocket.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Gerber Omnivore Flashlight:
I have been using this for backpacking for a couple of years now. It is very durable and reliable. Convenient to be able to us AA, AAA, or CR2 batteries. Also, a nice feature to show off to fellow backpackers. Pretty bright for it's size.
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