Pulsar II Keychain Flashlight Won’t Leave You In the Dark

Once upon a time I was using the facilities in the ladies room at O’Hare airport when all the lights went out. Pitch black. In one of those stalls where the door goes from the bottom of floor to practically the ceiling. That’s when I became a flashlight junkie. Since then, I’ve been on a quest to find the perfect keychain flashlight. I used to carry the MagLite Key Ring Solitaire which is an excellent flashlight, but it was still too big for me. With the Pulsar II from Princeton Tec, my search is over.

Product Description
Princeton Tec manufactures this fine device. They use the slogan “From Atlantis to Everest” since they make flashlights and headlamps for scuba and outdoor use. I would tell you more about them but their website loads slowly and there weren't any press releases.

The Pulsar II is roughly the size of a quarter in width and about a half inch in thickness and contains an ultra bright L.E.D bulb. The manufacturer claims the product is water-resistant but fortunately I haven’t had to test that feature. To operate, pinch it between your thumb and forefinger for short-term use, or move the switch for hands-free light. I keep one on my keychain and another on the zipper of my carry-on bag when I travel (I’m not falling for that old “turn out the lights in the bathroom” trick again! Nope, not me.) The product literature claims you get 14 hours of light, so when storing it make sure yours isn’t stuck underneath something that could pinch it in the on position.


Impress your friends! Look like you have your act together!
Have you ever tried to walk into a movie late and the aisles aren’t lit up? Just pull out your trusty light and presto – instant usher. That happened to me yesterday and boy was my friend impressed with how ready-for-anything I looked. I suppose you could use it to check out who you’re going to be sitting near, but they might not appreciate the merits of this very bright light. I’ve also used it to look for things in the bottom of my purse, but if you do that in front of someone else it cancels out the “have it together” impression (oh well). Let’s not forget the safety features of having a flashlight when getting your car after dark. Heck, there’s a boatload of reasons to have a small, reliable flashlight.


Where to Buy
I found my Pulsar at an actual REI store for right around $11 USD. You can also find it at other fine merchants by following the links in Epinions.com. I got replacement batteries (2 lithium coin) at Savon Drugs, but they are a standard if unusual size.


Specifications and Descriptions
Details from the www.princetontec.com website were sketchy. The Information listed below was obtained from REI web page www.rei.com
Weight: 7 grams
Batteries: 2 lithium coin cells
Battery life at 70 degrees 12 -14 hours (I’m assuming this is degrees F not C)
Focus type: Fixed 20-degree
Material: Plastic

Available Colors
The actual color of the light emitted by the flashlight is blue, green, red or white, depending on which bulb is included in the flashlight you choose. The outside of the unit is called the case, and is available in black, blue, green or red. If you plan to go to a bricks and mortar retail establishment it’s a good idea to phone first and ask if they have what you want and see if they will put it on hold for you. I have the blue case/white light version which does the job for me.

Changing the Batteries – 2 Coin Batteries
It’s hard to believe a flashlight this small isn’t disposable, but at $10.95 USD I’m glad it’s not. Changing the batteries takes patience, and it can be a little (ok, a lot) tricky. I’ve had two Pulsar IIs for about a year and have only had to change the batteries once on one of them.

1. Remove Pulsar II from any and all keychains.
2. Carefully pry the two sides of the unit apart using a small slotted (flathead) screwdriver, keeping in mind that this thing is made of plastic. Be especially careful of the lightbulb – I don’t think it’s replaceable.
3. Try to memorize the placement of the batteries so you can do it yourself later. Remove batteries. BRING AT LEAST ONE BATTERY TO THE STORE WHEN YOU GET REPLACEMENTS. These are a weird size and you want to be sure you get the right replacements. If possible, dispose of dead batteries in an environmentally appropriate manner.
4. Place the two new coin batteries between the two thick metal wires inside the case. I had to experiment with them to get them in the right position since I didn’t memorize the placement of the batteries as in #3 above. If the batteries and wires are in the right position, the bulb will light up even though the unit is open.
5. Carefully snap unit back together and replace the keychain.
6. Go on your merry way.


Similar Products
Please note: I do not have direct personal experience with the products below; they are listed as a convenience to the reader desiring to do additional research. All info and prices are from REI.com unless otherwise noted.
-Princeton Tec Pulsar ($7.95) is slightly less expensive and does not claim to be water resistant but otherwise appears to be identical to the Pulsar II
-Princeton Tec Eclipse ($14.95) offers 3 brightness settings and optional flash mode
-CMG 04 Mini LED Task Light ($10.95) “ABS/polycarbonate construction is water-tight; rubberized grip is easy to hang on to in wet conditions”
-Photon I 2000 ($9.95) Made of glass-filled polyurethane and available in blue, white, red or yellow.
-Photon Micro Light II ($15.95)Includes sliding on/off switch
-Photon Micro Light III ($21.00) "Select from three different light intensities and three different strobes," "Light shuts off automatically after one minute."
-The Sharper Image Super Bright LED Mini Torch (14.95) “Shockproof, water-resistant ABS Plastic Case” (from package)

Final thoughts
The Pulsar II would have received a 5 star rating if the batteries were easier to change. All in all, this is a reliable little flashlight that has proven its value and durability over time.