I'll certainly give it the benefit of the doubt. I love the size compared to my Streamlight Key Mate, and now I want to downsize everything on my key chain. I've recently gone from a Gerber Clutch to Leatherman Squirt P4, and now I also want to switch from my Zebra F-301 pen to a Pico Pen. Anyone know where I can get one cheap? (Maybe I should open another thread for this topic?)

Anyway, as long as the exposed LED isn't an issue, everything else seems great on this little light. The clasp is good quality and the metal housing is certainly superior to plastic.

The biggest problem I had with the Photon is the high risk of the button getting pushed - and the light turned on - while it is packed in the PSP.

Doug gave a procedure for putting his Photon into a demo mode (though that link to how to put it back in demo mode on http://www.equipped.org/dr_photon.htm appears to have died ... it told the user turn demo mode on by pressing the power button while inserting the batteries), which made it turn off after a given time.

The Photon demo mode is kind of a pain, plus a big risk of not working as expected when under a high-stress condition. This would include not realizing its in demo mode and/or not remembering how to take it out of demo mode.

This might be a silly question, but what about pocket lint? I received a non-brand LED flashlight as a gift a year ago and it is/was really bright, but I've found that the little depression in front of the LED is almost always filled with fuzz. I always remember to blow that out before using it, but there seems to be a constant layer that needs a damp paper towel to remove. It's just one thing that's a bit annoying.

Why not just build them with covers?

Doug's version of the Photon light sold by Aeromedix includes a slim little plastic clip that pops onto the light for use as a detachable lanyard. Take the lanyard string off, attach the clip to the switch-side of the light, and now it cannot be switched on. Pop off the clip when needed and you can switch on the light. This is how I carry the yellow Photon in my pocket.



I realize the Pico Lite approach was mandatory to maintain a reasonable price on the new PSP. However I prefer the Photon's slim profile, adjustable beam, easy 1-hand operation and (most importantly) lithium cells, so that's what I'll be toting for an ultra small light.

I'm not trashing the Pico, I just wanted to point out that it is easy to carry the Photon and protect against switching it on accidentally. This approach would certainly be a PITA for an EDC light, having to constantly remove & replace the clip. But for a dedicated kit light, I like it.

I do the same with my photon except I use the smaller clip that came with it. The one that mounts to the hat clip.

Ordered three Picos (one for each family member) from Lifeview last week and received them yesterday. Great service. I have been carrying a Gerber Tempo for nearly a year used it quite often. Lately it had been giving me problems though and I would have to stretch the contacts so they would work properly. Anyway, the Pico came out and I had to have it. My DW and DD thought it was cute so I got them one too. There is no comparison between the two. The Pico is much brighter and definately easier to carry. I am amazed at how small it really is. Great job on the design. Now lets see that knife!

I have not had a chance to review this Pico light yet, so I still carry the Photon. The problem with the Photon is that it can accidentally get turned on. The "demo" mode is not real useful, but you can easily set it to momentary on by pressing the switch a few times fast. It will then on turn on when it is pressed and turn off when released. If you hold the switch down for a few seconds it goes back to normal mode. I know this does totally alleviate the problem but it minimizes it.

I just got my Pico the other day...I love it. It is MUCH smaller than I expected! It is now around my neck. I am going to order a few more of these..they are nice little unobtrusive lights. And bright!!! I cannot believe how bright these things actually are! This is my new favorite toy!