For the more serious astronomer, who views from dark sites and wants to protect every bit of night vision, this flashlight has two problems. It is too bright, and the "red" appears closer to orange. You eyes will not be fully dark-adapted for viewing faint galaxies and nebulae if you use this light.
However, for casual observing or student use in light polluted settings, or non-astronomical use, this flashlight is sufficient. It is well made and is a handy size, and for the price is hard to beat.
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I purchased this flashlight for night-time astronomy, because red light does not have much effect on night vision. It works as desired. The output is fairly strong and collimated, enough that I've used it to walk in the dark and avoid obstructions on the ground, and maybe a little bright close-in to the telescope, but not intolerably bright. A bit painful if you look straight into the beam, even in daylight.
Let me assure you that it does put out only red light; like others, I saw the picture on Amazon showing clear LEDs and worried about what I was getting, but when turned on they emit red light. The light is "red enough" for night use, not orange.
The beam is bright and quite collimated, but this did not seem to be too much of a problem when used with our telescope. The front is 1 inch in diameter, with a flat piece of clear plastic protecting the nine LEDs. It doesn't appear to be a focusing lens; the LEDs themselves are fairly collimated, and all aligned, and project light in one direction. You could conceivably tape some sort of diffuser over the front. I found that the translucent cap from a small bottled plastic water bottle was the right size and would diffuse the beam, but didn't bother to try this. I'll try it next time, to soften and spread the beam for astronomy use.
At a distance of 1 foot, the brightest part of the beam is a uniform 3.5 inches. At 3 feet it's about 12 inches in diameter. Outside these circles there's still light but much weaker.
Th flashlight is metal with a large pushbutton at the rear covered with a flexible rubber-like material 5/8 inch in diameter, and it appears reliable and sturdy (although I've only used it for a few weeks). The rear unscrews to open the battery compartment, and this cover is sealed with an O-ring the keep out water. The front 1 inch cylinder (with the the LEDs) also unscrews (also sealed with an O-ring), and the battery holder will slide out this way as well. I certainly wouldn't use it underwater, but it seems fairly sealed against occcasional moisture.
There is a slot at side of the rear with a removable 5/8 inch metal ring (like a keyring) that holds a 2 inch lanyard. You could attach something longer, e.g., if you wanted to wear it around your neck. It's fairly lightweight with batteries.
I've noticed a spate of flashlights with very similar metal construction and on/off rear pushbuttons. The battery holders are identical: a cylindrical assembly that holds three AAA batteries and has an arrow on the side to show the insertion direction. This also seems well-made. Because LEDs draw little power, I'd imagine it lasts a long time on these batteries, but I haven't tested this.
Because I have five very similar flashlights from different sources (normal, UV, with embedded red laser, etc.) with very similar metal bodies, on/off buttons, and battery holders, I'm guessing that there's one manufacturer (or a few; in China?) producing all of them to slightly different specs. They all seem reliable; I've never had an issue with the pushbuttons, although you might get the occasional lemon.
I think these similar flashlights vary a lot in retail price, but my purchase (from LEDWhilesalers and fulfilled by Amazon with Prime shipping) cost $15 9 red LED Light Flashlight Aviator AAA Torch Astronomy, 7301 blue, and that's a pretty good deal. So overall I'm very pleased, and would recommend this item.
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I purchased this flashlight for a night time volunteer project I was on. It was purchased along with the Maxxima flashlight I have also reviewed. I anticipated that this flashlight, having MORE led's than the Maxxima would be brighter. NO. It's not bad and it has a compact size which works well when you want to just slide it in a pocket. But if you are looking for distance, you won't have it. This really is about up close, need to read something and don't want to lose my night vision.
It's a decent, well made product though.
Honest reviews on LEDwholesalers 9 red LED Light Flashlight Aviator AAA Torch
I received this "red LED light flashlight" and saw that the LED's were clear (white). Without even trying it out, I immediately responded with bad reviews----and as a last minute thought, decided to put batteries in it. To my surprize, it projected a RED beam as promised. My previous review hopefully will be removed and replaced with this one. The product is exactly as described. The seller was quite prompt and the entire transaction was flawless...except for my own ignorance. I apologize to Amazon and the seller. This is a great little RED BEAM flashlight that will work wonderfully for my astronomy hobby.
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I use this on the beach at night to watch sea turtles. It's chinese made, so the build is not like american flashlights, but they used o-rings at both ends to seal out moisturevery cool. I doubt you'll find a better red led flashlight at this price.
