Smith & Wesson Galaxy 13 LED Flashlight (10 White LED & 3 Red LED) Reviews

• blinding light

  
  By A3PQ4PT3AI0OI5 on 2006-11-01
  There are flashlights and then there are FLASHLIGHTS. The S&W Galaxy is a real must have!Powered by 3 AAA Batteries it beams a bright white light out that can be seen for hundrets of yards and the red light function is perfect at night. The price is hardly beatable, unless someone wants to spend 300 bucks for a flashlight (vortex luxeon).
  I hve been a fan of Mag Lights for years, which cost the same as this one but I had to alter my opinion. After I bought one for myself and tested it I gave one to my wife, have one at work and tell everybody who's looking for a Flashlight about this one.
  If Amazon would allow more than five stars to give, I would always give the max!
  
  

• Great Flashlight

  
  By A2UTU1T0P7YTSG on 2007-05-10
  I bought this to replace the 2 D Cell mag light flashlight that I keep bedside. This light is nice and bright, plus much more compact than my old mag light. The red lights are much brighter than I expected, and you can easily navigate your house or a hiking trail with the red lights. LED flashlights are well worth the extra money, and this one is a good one.
  
  

• Great flashlight for camping

  
  By A3N4VTNFPMTHEF on 2007-08-18
  I bought this flashlight to take on a camping trip. It's small enough to easily fit into a large pocket or backpack, and the holster that it comes with can easily attach to a belt or a backpack.
  
  The ten white LEDs are bright enough to help you find your way around the campsite at night time. They won't light up the whole campsite, but the beam is bright enough and just wide enough so you don't trip over something in the dark.
  
  The three red LEDs are significantly dimmer and much less blinding so they work great when you need to look for something in the tent at night. They're definitely bright enough to illuminate everything in front of you in a tent, but they won't blind everyone. I used red LED setting to look around my corner of the tent to find my water bottle or my glasses and it worked perfectly.
  
  

• Defective

  
  By AIH66TLUAZB5B on 2007-10-18
  A vividly bright white and red light is what this flashlight projected the first night and a half of its use. On the second day both lights began to fade from dim to bright at random and periodically the buttons would not work. New batteries were tried with the same effects and the flashlight was gently handled the two days of its use.
  
  Reading the reviews of the other cheaper LED flashlights idetical problems can be noted. This leaves me to wonder if the same manufacturer in China also created this flashlight. On the package it shows that a Chinese based company made the light not Smith & Wesson.
  
  

• Great Camp Light

  
  By A14DVUHR6N7WRF on 2007-03-17
  Small size is a big plus. More than ample light to use at night on pathways. Red LED's are handy for use at night for reading maps/directions or just finding your way around without waking others who might be sleeping.
  
  
• good general light, great viewing light
  By A7BM65YMLMDSM on 2007-08-09
  this flashlight is bright enough to provide general light for any pathway or dark street ahead. for trying to see what you're doing, it's the best flashlight I have ever used. reading, cooking, just looking at stuff- this light's great. viewing area spreads out quickly but not too quickly so as to hold the aimability we're used to with classic flashlights. all 13 lights are bright enough to leave a perfect image of their arrangement and color burned into one's vision for several minutes after taking a full hit from this flashlight's light, even from a distance. a single red light is just as bright as a white one.
  
  the whole item is decently lightweight, but has that thick well-built gunmetal feel. it feels strong enough to use as a hammer (though I wouldn't test this). the bulb glass remains clean easily and is highly scratch resistant. the diamond-grip handle is not too "pointy," but helps tremendously, especially if you have sweaty palms. matching ridges (though they may be offset depending on how tight you screwed the battery cap) near the LED's and on the end cap keep the light from rolling when you set it down.
  
  the lights are arranged with 10 white LED's in a circle that can be divided 5|5 down the middle, and three red LED's in a pyramid at the centre. the red lights actually bring back much of the color robbed by bluish-white LED's, and make it easier to shine your light around a sleeping campsite without disturbing anyone. no more putting a hand over the front to limit light! the main lights do not dim when the red lights are turned on or vice-versa. no brightness is lost from power drainage until the very end of the battery life.
  
  the case is sealed tight. it almost seems waterproof. the top does not screw off because the bulbs do not need replacement, but the bottom cap does for the 3 AAA batteries. the batteries are placed in a slide-out compartment about the size of a C battery.
  
  button placement may seem odd at first, but makes sense as the tip of your thumb rests on the white light button while holding the flashlight and the red light button is big enough to press without moving that same thumb. both buttons can be turned on then depressed slightly to break the circuit again, presumably with the intent of signaling. it's very easy to control without worry of accidentally deactivating one of the light sets.
  
  it is possible to activate the light even when it is in the the black woven-nylon case, so be careful when putting it away not to accidentally turn and leave it on. accidental activation once the case is snapped with the light inside is not much of a concern. the case is the perfect size for the flashlight and contains a very small but adequately sized side compartment for 3 AAA replacement batteries. it has a belt loop and a velcro strap over the loop to secure the case around any other equipment or backpack strap.
  
  overall, this is a well thought out and well built flashlight. usage for general area lighting is good but not great where it's dark, but anything closer up (~10 feet or closer) can be ablaze with super bright light. the red lights are bright enough to take away night vision if you're not careful, but come in handy a surprising amount. battery life is good. a product for anybody who's ever needed a flashlight, this device could ride at your hip for the rest of your life and make it through easily, with durability to spare.
  enjoy.
  
  
• Great flashlight, not so great button switch
  By A3NOBH42C7UI5M on 2008-03-13
  I love the flashlight. It's really bright and I'm getting good battery life. So far I haven't had too much trouble getting the white light to come on when I push the button for white light, but the red light button doesn't work most of the time (you can see in the photo that there are two buttons, the one closest to the light is the white light button and the one under that is for the red light). The flash light is about the size of my small mag lights, in length, but considerably wider. It feels good and solid. I'd love the flashlight if the switches weren't so difficult to use. I push them in, but nothing happens, no light. I have to keep pushing until I get it just exactly right, which is fine when I'm not panicked or in a hurry.
  * * * * * * * * *
  Update:
  WOW, when the manufacture learned about the problems I've been having with the switches on this (otherwise) beautiful flashlight, they told me; the LED lights are warranted for life, as are the switches. They offered to send me a brand new flashlight, no charge, no questions. Now talk about service!!!
  When a company is willing to go to such lengths to stand behind their product, then I say it's money well spent. How can you go wrong?
  
  I've also read some reviews that the light isn't very bright. I think this flash light is quite bright, though not as bright as some. This is a lot more comfortable to carry around and hold than most of my other flashlights, because it is more solid feeling and has the tectured grip. The case comes with a place to store an extra set of batteries, which I've not seen on any other flashlight. A nice feature, especially if you want to carry this in a car or emergancy kit.
  
  I GOT MY NEW FLASH LIGHT!!! The switches work perfectly.
  
  
• Best flashlight I ever owned
  By AAXG160ES9P7G on 2007-10-07
  This flashlight is both well-built and performs as expected. My biggest complaint: I wish you could focus the beam (you can't). You can only do that in LED flashlights costing a lot more.
  
  My only other criticism: if you're not careful, putting the flashlight into its holster can turn the flashlight on - even though you want it off when carrying it. In other words, I wish the carry case was designed as nicely as the flashlight itself.
  
  But for the money, this is a great deal.
  
  
• Smith & Wesson Galaxy 13 LED Flashlight - Great Product
  By AJWFM1KZ8CV6Y on 2007-09-18
  I do appreciate a well build flash light and Smith & Wesson Galaxy 13 LED Flashlight is one of tham. I'm very happy with this product, the only think, it can be improve upon is the on buttons, that is cover with a layer of rubber that if my 5 year old boy get his little hands on I know that the first thing he will do is nail it off, just he did with my other LED flash lights. but other then that it's a heavy duty and bealtiful metal black finish, and most important it does a excellent job iluminating. I recommend!!! SK, NYC
  
  
• All it's advertised to be
  By A3G5SJ0OYGTFXE on 2007-09-19
  I was impressed with the quality for the price. Great attention to detail and, for a flashlight housing 3 AA batteries, I was surprised how much it felt and handled like a "real" flashlight. The white LEDs are very bright and clear. I only wish I had the option to dim them and narrow the beam. The red LED's are surprisingly ample in lighting up an area. I'll be purchasing several for Christmas gifts.
  
  
• Ir Really Works!
  By A3ENVHXOY03P5B on 2007-12-07
  After having read so many positive reviews for this flashlight on Amazon, I was very much impressed. My husband and I had always wanted a flashlight with red light, so we each purchased one. The positve reviews on Amazon mirror our esperience with the Smith & Wesson. We really are enjoying our new flashlights. They are not large, bulky and really heavy like some other LED flashlights I have come across. They fit nicely into your hand and give off just enough light to find an object by your bed in the middle of the night or lead you down a path in the dark. The carrying case that comes with the flashlight is really nice too. I haven't had my flashlight long enough to tell how long the batteries last.
  
  
• What a LED LIGHT!!!
  By A1A535TCGNMVPI on 2008-01-11
  This s one great light! For those in Law Enforcement, Security, or other Public Safety jobs, here is the light you want! Other than it's big brother the S&W 28 LED flashlight (also sold here at Amazon), this light is what you want! It comes with 3 AAA batteries, and a holster to keep it in (belt adjustable). One button is for the 3 red LED, the other for the 10 white LED.
  
  One thing (I don't know where my brain was) when I took the cap off to put the batteries in, I thought the batteries just slid in the back. I'm looking for where to put them in, then turned it around and out falls the little piece where the batteries go! Luckily it did not crack on the floor.
  
  And the end is a waterproof! When you unscrew it, you can hear the air whoosh with the tight fit. Plus the ends are flattened so it does not roll when you put it down. And the flashlight has a good polished feel in your hand.
  
  The white lights are bright! The red not as bright, but the red does not screw up your night vision as white light does.
  
  
• Great Flashlight!
  By A1IULRNWNO7VXQ on 2007-10-27
  I really like being able to switch between the white and red LED's, or have them both on at the same time. This is definitely not a light for really long distance lighting, but is great for inside buildings and close areas outdoors.
  
  The case is very rugged and the size of the flashlight is fantastic. I would definitely recommend this flashlight to anyone that needs a reliable multi-function light.
  
  
• Super bright, small, and durable
  By ALNE7Q71JFC0F on 2007-11-30
  We bought this because of the higher than normal LED wattage.
  
  It is exceptionally bright and my husband loves it.
  
  Very compact and durable.
  
  Would definitely buy again.
  
  
• Not that great.
  By AH9YI2OJ3GDN0 on 2008-05-03
  Smith & Wesson Galaxy 13 LED Flashlight (10 White LED & 3 Red LED)First, I have to admit that light light output is great, and that 3 red LEDs, and separate switch for white and red light are nice features. After saying that I have to point out that the size and weight are ridiculously big for a flashlight powered by 3 AAA batteries. The diameter of flashlight's body looks like you could fit a D cell in there or at least couple of AA's.... AAA batteries for something this big is just a wrong choice. Position of switches on a side of lamp is really convenient if you want to play with them, once you have the lamp in your hand. Otherwise, their position is a poor choice, and they can easily be accidentally turned on while lamp is in it's carrying pouch or in a bag.
  Overall: It has some nice features but it just seems like it was designed
  by a person who never ever used and had to carry a flashlight outside of his home.
  
  
• Solid light, but a little big for 3 AAA batteries
  By A3TCMJ6GKZJFBQ on 2007-08-01
  This is a very nice solid aluminum light that offers plenty of light for LEDs and only three AAA batteries. The diameter is about what I expected (stubby), but it's about twice as long as I expected. If you're looking for a compact pockatable light, this isn't it. If you're looking for a good household or vehicle light, this is it!
  
  
• Galaxy Flashlight outshines the rest
  By A264KKOUHTGO8O on 2007-08-06
  OK, so maybe it isn't quite that bright, but it has already been used many times in both white and red mode. It's helped us to find missing Legos under the sofa when in white mode and is very good for reading maps with in the dark when in red mode. Red mode is a night vision saver!
  
  
• Like the first one, so I got another
  By ANDL664IDIQ05 on 2007-09-29
  I was looking for a good flashlight to keep in a car for safety and convenience purposes. I found it. It's lightweight, stores easily and is bright enough to illuminate the cargo area or tool box to find what is needed. I haven't taken it hiking yet, but the sturdy case should keep it safe & secure. The second one is for the other car.
  
  
• EXCELENT
  By A1ZXL1GHO0S5UR on 2007-11-29
  I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH GOOD THINGS ABOUT THIS PRODUCT. IT WORKS JUST FINE ALL THE TIME.
  
  
• LED flashlight
  By A1LAHY03H7T1FQ on 2007-12-12
  Up front I am a big fan of LED lights, since my first one in 1999, lets say I have a few, this one the Smith & Wesson is the best of both worlds, what I mean by that is the white and red led's, the technology has come so far since '99, this light has 10 very powerful white led's but the red light from 3 led's is what I am talking about the advancement in light output from just 3 small led's.
  
  The housing is very impressive alum the two button switches is a vast improvement over the more simple single button to select either white or red, which makes one cycle through the light you may not want or need, I keep this model next to my bed, if I have to get up anytime at night, I reach for it, knowing the bottom push button is the 3 red leds, it's great not to grab your eyes when switching on a electric bulb and holding a hand over your eyes while finding your way down the hall, there is so much light out of those 3 red leds one can see anything in one way, great for outside at night to keep one "night vision" but also just a touch switch away for more white light just in case, a great light for people walking a dog, using the red light you have enough to see and the benefit of not blinding the dog when the dog looks up at the owner and gets a face full of white light.
  
  Powered by just 3 small "AAA" alkaline batteries, I am still on the first 3 I got with the unit ! it's been months of course that is the other benny of LED's very long battery life.
  
  It you want this kind of light with a choice of white or red, in a very well built unit, and the fit and finish was a surprise when I first opened it, and with a outstanding price, go for it.
  
  
  cj
  
  
  
• Very very good for the price.
  By AD5LYB6XE1MQR on 2007-12-03
  Metal case, rugged, good quality, and the red leds is very usefull in some situations.
  
  
• Excellent!
  By A2MSHCTSQSJCWY on 2007-12-22
  This product delivers on all counts! And, it costs much less than comparable products out there!!
  
  1) Brilliant LEDs
  2) Neat red LEDs which come in handy for looking at a map while assisting a driver at night
  3) Design prevents the flashlight from rolling when set on its side on the floor
  4) It has weathered the abuse of a 2 year old for several weeks now without any visible signs of damage!!!
  
  
• LED flashlight
  By A25A3DGE5095H3 on 2008-01-07
  excellent light. If red leds light and white do not there is nothing wrong with light, you need to replace batteries. Takes more current to light white leds than red ones, because there are 4 times as many.
  
  
• Great Light, Great Value
  By A1Z8MYN20G2J4W on 2008-01-20
  This is the first LED light I have owned. I'm use to 3D & 4D cell Mag Lights. This light is about 6 & 3/8th's inches long, outer tube about 1 & 1/4 inches wide and the head about 1 & 3/4 inches wide. It works off 3 AAA batteries and lite weight. I new it was not going to put out the light of 4D cell mag when I bought it. I was looking for something small, easy to carry for close up too 30 or so feet out and with a long run time on the batteries.
  
  I like the light a lot! It does everything I was hoping for and I do intend on buying another.
  
  
• Clunky feeling and soft wide beam. Other reviews seem to be bogus.
  By A1P2R637QJEGU2 on 2008-04-10
  Light is weak, relative to other higher end flashlights that can be bought for just a few dollars more. I owned the Swiss Army LED but my 3 y/o lost it so I decided to try the Smith and Wesson based on great Amazon reviews. Sadly, the reviews are misleading.
  
  Ergonomically, this light is a failure. It's a little to fat and a little too heavy considering it takes AAA cells, sorta stubby-ish, and it doesn't have a lanyard or provisions for one. On first use, you'll notice that this flashlight falls short of the sensuous tactile quality of a mag light or the Swiss Army Light. It's sorta well made but just not quite satisfying to hold -- not bad but not quite right.
  
  The light quality is not the dazzling and almost blinding light that I expect from an LED. The beam's focus is very broad but it seems to sacrifice brightness and distance for breadth. This is a frustratingly "soft" light. You just don't get a powerful illumination and you can't get a focused or pointed illumination.
  
  I guess the red light option is neat but I haven't needed it yet and I don't expect I will. If you just want a decent flashlight at a decent price. This will be OK but don't expect anything special or especially satisfying to use or hold. Overall it's OK but disappointing.
  
  
• Okay, but not great!
  By A2IR2KN3XFMJXR on 2008-05-18
  It does the job, although my expectations where higher...
  
  Pros: Well built, sturdy and with a good holster... Good customer support, when you are in the US...
  
  Cons: Not as much light as I was expecting. No adjustable beam.
  
  At first I was very disappointed. When I got my fist flashlight it turned out to have used up batteries and after I changed those the light was somehow dim. I talked to the customer support to find out, if this was normal and I first got the impression this was normal indeed, but after insisting they had me send in the flashlight and replaced it with a new one without problems. This one was much better and works well for me. It seemed the first one had some electric issues, so LEDs did not get the full power of the batteries. If you don't expect a longe range and adjustable beam, they work great, but are certainly no tacticle ops lights...
  
  
• Pretty Good Flashlight for Random Use
  By AU3KAOBPEEE3Z on 2008-06-23
  I was pleasantly surprised by this flashlight. Smith and Wesson makes a good product, but sometimes quality manufacturers just slap their names on underachieving new products (case in point: Wusthof Emerilware knives). Anyways, I was in the market for a random-use flashlight -- one that I could grab when I needed it and not worry about the batteries being drained. I wanted something durable (not plastic), versatile (not a big honking Maglite or lantern), and energy efficient (LED). As you've probably noticed getting to this page, there are a lot of options. Here are my key points:
  
  PROS: LED uses very little battery power and is fairly bright. The light is a crisp white and is picked up well by reflectors. The casing is a solid metal, with a screwed on end-cap lined by a rubber/plastic O-ring to keep water out. The metal casing is so durable I don't think I'll ever have to worry about chipping or damaging the flashlight. Switches are raised and easy to find in the dark. I've been told the red LEDs are useful for wanting to maintain night vision.
  
  CONS: You're not going to land 747s with the beam. If you're looking for something with a higher light output, you might want to try the Streamlight Scorpion LED Flashlight #85010. The raised switches can be turned on accidentally when holstering the flashlight in the nylon sleeve (It's not a big deal, but it is what it is). My only regret was I didn't get the 28 LED S&W for only 8$ more.
  
  I use it most often when taking the dog out at night and snooping around the attic. It's small enough to be used for examining the crevices in my engine. I guess when you consider the Smith & Wesson brand, I'm using paramilitary gear for walking the dog!
  
  
• S&W Galaxy 13 LED Flashlight
  By A1CTH20BBYOL7H on 2007-03-20
  Solid design, no complaints. I was a little leary of the red only having 3 led's. But it did its job and then some..
  
  
• I love it
  By A3U2RDZGXJ8H8M on 2007-05-30
  Nice aluminum casing, and extremely bright in such a small package. Don't have much use for the red led lights.
  
  
• A nice flashlight for pilots.
  By A16XHUORHJDG47 on 2007-06-27
  This is a very useful flashlight for a pilot. It has separate on/off buttons for white and red LEDs. It is compact, yet has heft.
  
  It would not be great for general outdoor use because the white LEDs do not throw off enough light, compared to a normal outdoor flashlight. But it is great for close work in a small area.
  
  

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