Selinas Blog

Cyclops CYC-S6X Thor X Scout 6.5 Million Candle Power Rechargeable Halogen Spotlight Description:

THOR RECHARGE SPOT 2.5 MCP
Rechargeable spotlight with dual recharge, either by AC/DC adapter or 12V DC car plug adaptor (both included).

• Bulbs: 2.5 MCP- quartz Halogen 6V 55W, 6 MCP- Philips 100 H3 Watt Halogen.
• Light output: 2.5 MCP- 20 Min +/- 15%, 6 MCP- 40 Min +/-15%.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1277 in Home Improvement
• Color: Black/Yellow
• Brand: Cyclops
• Model: CYC-S6X
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 7.80″ h x 8.30″ w x 12.00″ l, 6.90 pounds

Features

• 12V operation using car adapter
• Dual recharge, either by AC/DC adapter or 12V DC car plug adapter (both included)

Customer Reviews:

Will Light Up Your Life!
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R24O9C0RBRAIF This is a very powerful light. In fact, the video I have uploaded really does not do the spotlight justice to just how bright this thing is! You may wonder why you would have a need for such a bright light, but it really can come in handy. I have it in case our dog gets lost at night, or if we think there is a potential threat (aka potential intruder) in our yard. However, the light is also a great choice for camping or possibly marine applications.

Pros-

- Very direct beam - the light is narrow and penetrating
- Charges fully within 8 hours
- Has a car adapter
- Not too heavy
- Affordable

Areas for improvement

- Other spotlights have two settings - Ultra-bright and one that is less intense that is handy for saving the battery.
- Need to keep an eye on how long it charges - charging for over 24 hours can ruin the battery.
- Like all powerful Halogen lights - it generates heat. Be careful leaving the light on an unattended.

Final Verdict - Great light- I am very happy with its performance.

5 stars

Bright Up My Life
This halogen spotlight is just what the doctor ordered, and at a great price. My older spotlight died after 8 years, and I did the research on Amazon to find this one; super power, great price.
And let me tell you; it does not disappoint…..with 6.5 M candlepower, it lights up my woods and stream (in the dead of night) like it was daytime!!!
The only thing I don’t like about it is that it doesn’t have an led to let you know when the thing is fully recharged….you just have to wing it yourself. Which is not all that terrible….I plug it in to recharge about 10pm and then disconnect it at 6am the next day. So far this has worked just fine.

Worst Customer Service Ever
My unit (the 10 mil one) stopped working. I have been trying for over a month to get a response, any response, from Cyclops. Nothing. They don’t answer emails and the two times I have called they disconnected me after 5 minutes on hold. I know they got my emails because they now send me special offers at my email address for new products. With all the great flashlights out there, I wouldn’t waste time or money with this Company. Regardless of whether they stand behind their product, they should at least answer the phone. I bought a Xenonics light at a flea market and it didn’t work. I sent it back to them, they called me with a quote, repaired it quickly and returned it with a copy of the missing manual. Xenonics understands, Cyclops doesn’t. Cyclops should not, in my opinion, even be sold on Amazon.

From the Manufacturer
The Cyclops Thor X Scout rechargeable spotlight features 6.5 million candle power and a Philips 100 H3 Watt halogen bulb. Equipped with two 6V 4.2 Ah sealed lead acid batteries, the stand swivels for multiple position flexibility.

Baden MiniStar Micro Mini Size 1 Rubber Basketball, Orange Description:

Basketball Sizing & Age Group Guide: Official Size 7 (Size: 29.5″; Age: Men 15+), Official Size 6 (Size: 28.5″; Age: Women, Boys & Girls 12-14), Junior Size 5 (Size: 27.5″; Age: Boys & Girls 12 and under), Mini Size 3 & Micro Mini Size 1 (Fun and/or Promotional Use)

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1067 in Sports & Outdoors
• Color: Orange
• Brand: Baden
• Model: BR1-3000-F
• Released on: 2009-09-07

Features

• High quality rubber construction
• Fun size for kids

Customer Reviews:

AKROwheels Total Body Functional Training System Description:

Akrowheels are a complete, whole-body toning system in a lightweight package. The brainchild of two fitness trainers and competitive athletes who noted how using the athlete’s own body weight resulted in killer bodies. These tools provide an amazing core workout, improve flexibility with unique dynamic stretches, and dramatically sculpt the upper body. The wheels allow for more push up variations and hit the abs from more angles (read: more results) than any other tool on the market. They are equally suited for women and men of all fitness levels.- No more crunches: roll your way to trim, flat abs and a strong core - Total Body Workout in minutes a day- Quicker, better results: tone all of the muscles of the midsection at the same time- Navy SEAL approved exercises- Instructional DVD includes 3 full workouts

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1 in Sports & Outdoors
• Brand: AKROwheels
• Model: A101
• Released on: 2009-04-13
• Dimensions: 7.00″ h x 7.00″ w x 10.00″ l, 3.00 pounds

Features

• No more crunches: roll your way to trim, flat abs and a strong core
• Total Body Workout in minutes a day
• Quicker, better results: tone all of the muscles of the midsection at the same time
• Navy SEAL approved exercises
• Instructional DVD includes 3 full workouts

Customer Reviews:

Excellent product
I have been using this product for a couple of weeks now, and I can already see the results. My only regret about this product is that I didn’t know about it sooner. The ab exercises are amazing with this product, and you can work all the muscles with different movements. I have never been able to work obliques effectively, however, with this product, I can target them directly. Two weeks only, and I can already feel the results.
Short version: this is one piece of equipment that is a must-have for a home gym.

Akrowheels
Works great for pushups, flys, ab rollouts and much more. You get a great core workout and it is fun to do.

Fun & Easy New Work-out Product
Where have these been all of my life?
This product is great. The DVD and brochure gave me the direction I needed, but since I started using a couple months ago, I now have an Akrowheels exercise “library” of at least 100 moves… and it’s so fun! The sky is the limit with these and the flexibility it provides lets you really be creative. For me, the Akrowheel is a throw back to the days when it was actually “fun” to work-out… you know, think hula-hoop, jump-rope, or skip-it. I am a yogi, and the wheels are great for yoga moves too, like downward dog, upward dog, and side stretches because you can stretch farther with the wheel. It takes just about 20 minutes a day I would say, and is portable which is a plus. If you don’t have room to store a big exercise machine like I don’t, the wheels take up less room than a folded yoga mat. I think that beginners through advanced levels of fitness can find a program with these that suits their fitness level because they are pretty adaptable. My goal was to get rid of my “love handles” tone my arms into a womanly shape & within 2 months I am already seeing the results. The instability of the wheels have really helped my abs. I don’t think that it is too dangerous because you can always modify exercises on different surfaces, only use one wheel, or even use a wall. Thank goodness I found these and that I didn’t spend more money for a bulky and less effective, more restrictive project. I would definitely recommend these.

Amazon.com Product Description
With exercises suitable for all fitness levels, AKROwheels bring strength and flexibility training to a new level. Used by the US Navy Seals, top yoga instructors and fitness professionals, they provide a whole-body toning system in a lightweight package. an amazing core workout, improve flexibility with unique dynamic stretches, and dramatically sculpt the upper body. By controlling the ergonomic rolling handles, you engage your core with each movement, providing measurable results in weeks. The wheels allow for more push up variations and hit the abs from more angles than other similar products. With over 10 simple exercises, AKROwheels are a versatile, highly effective and inexpensive way to get in shape.

Vega XT Half Helmet Description:

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7978 in Automotive
• Brand: Vega
• Model: 7000-011

Customer Reviews:

Victorinox Swiss Army Rambler Pocket Knife Product: Victorinox Swiss Army Rambler Pocket Knife Discount. List Price: $28.00 Amazon Price: $16.68 Click Here To See Amazon Sale Price Add to cart to see low price@ Availability: In Stock Usually ships in 24 Hours Free Shipping Available

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Small blade. Scissors. Nail file with screwdriver tip. Cap lifter with magnetic Phillips screwdriver tip & wire stripper. Toothpick. Tweezers. Key ring. 2.3” (58mm) long.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3350 in Sports & Outdoors
• Color: Red
• Brand: Victorinox
• Model: 54031
• Dimensions: .10 pounds

Features

• Compact Swiss Army pocketknife for campers, hikers, and all-around users
• Includes small blade, set of mini scissors, and plastic toothpick
• Nail file with screwdriver tip; bottle opener with magnetic screwdriver tip
• Enclosed in stylish red housing made to exacting Victorinox standards
• Measures 2-1/4 inches long; lifetime warranty

Best pocket knife
The problem with most pocket knives is that they really aren’t that pocket friendly. Even when I have all sorts of pocket competition, ipod, cell phone, car keys with fob, LED flashlight and maybe a bluetooth headset too, I still have room for the Rambler. It is is just like a Classic except it opens beer bottles and has a Phillips screwdriver. Really it is the perfect pocketknife. I have many knives from Leatherman micras to huge multi-tools to Spyderco liner-locks but I keep coming back to the Rambler as the most practical daily carry knife around.

Absolutely love this knife.
I own and have owned several Victorinox Swiss Army Knives and this one is far and away my favorite. It’s a good size for keeping in a pocket or attaching to a key chain. I find the minichamps to be a little too big in that regard and I kept my Delux Tinkerer in my jeans pocket so regularly that it wore a hole in the demin on several pairs of my jeans. This knife also has the tools I tend to use most often. The scissors come in more handy than the blade, and can be used for personal grooming as well as cutting pesky loose threads from clothing. The phillips screwdriver is very handy for taking apart small electronic devices and similar items. The bottlecap opener, built into the phillips, is also handy in a pinch. It also has a flathead screwdriver on the nail file, which is pretty useful. I’d definitely recomend this knife. Be careful, though, because it is unobtrusive in the pocket you must take pains to remember to check it when you fly or you’ll end up making the same mistake I’ve made several times by donating it to airport security. In general, the victorinox line of knives are excellent.

Great upgrade from the classic
I have owned several of these, since I have lost several when forgetting to move it to my checked luggage when flying. The Rambler is a great upgrade from the normal Classic version, but adds the very useful phillips screwdriver and bottle opener, but is the same length of the Classic and only slightly thicker so it still fits well in a pocket or on a key ring for every day use. I have gotten great use out of the addition of the phillips screwdriver, from a constantly loosening screw on my sunglasses, to various computer repairs at work. I have found it to be a great upgrade to the classic with an almost imperceptable growth in size. I definitely recomend the Rambler over the Classic.

MAGLITE AAA Solitaire Flashlight Description:

The mini design of the Maglite Solitaire allows you to take it with you wherever you go! From one of the most trusted names in quality handheld flashlights, the Maglite Solitaire features the same durable construction of all of its larger peers. Its made of high strength aluminum alloy. The Solitaire is so small and lightweight it comes with a lanyard key ring, so you can keep it with you at all time. This mini flashlight is presented in a black gift box with one AAA battery and a lanyard key ring.

• Brand: MagLite
• Fabric type: steel
• Number of items: 1

Features

• Includes One Solitaire Flashlight, One AAA Battery, and a Lanyard Key Ring Packaged in a Black Gift Box
• Maglite Solitaire Length: 3.19 Inches / Weight: 24.38 Grams
• Made of High Strength Aluminum Alloy
• Features a Maglite Solitaire Bulb
• Output: Up to 213 Candle Power / 2.3 Lumens

Customer Reviews:

Solidly built battery burner that doesn’t really fit well to its intended function
The construction of this Mag-Lite Solitaire is really quite good. It’s very sturdy and I’ve had one run over by my truck and had a 150 pound (68kg) Television drop on another without much visible damage (scratches).

I have received this as a gift and as a corporate tchotchke as well as having bought one and they do come in handy. The problem is that it runs through batteries pretty quickly if you use this for anything more than looking for your keys on the ground or the deadbolt on your door when you forgot to leave on the porch light. The lens cap tends to turn itself on in your pocket or bag… draining away the power. I haven’t ever used it as a keychain device as I don’t like a lot of bulk.

I haven’t ever experienced the reported problem with the end cap loosening. The best task I’ve found for this light is to hang it on the keyring holder in my laptop bag. It’s simply not well suited to a pocket or to a keychain, and I believe that was its intended purpose.

I found the light, itself, to be fairly bright at full power, but with a more robust LED, it would probably be a better unit. It does have a better light distance than an LED would produce, though. All-in-all, a bit of a miss, but I’m a flashlight hound, so I still like it. If you are looking for a good keyring light, get a smaller LED with an on/off switch. This would probably make a good light for a purse or in a glove compartment. I would recommend pairing it with a Lithium Battery (Technuity L92BP4 Battery, Lithium Aaa Photo Battery for example) - especially if storing in car or bag for long periods. Make sure you tighten the lenscap well so it doesn’t accidentally turn on.

Well built, but useless
The Solitaire is relatively well built, but the poor beam makes it useless. Its not bright even with fresh batteries, and it QUICKLY dims. There is almost no sidespill, even when adjusted to wide beam. It eats up batteries, and has very poor beam quality.

This is the only Maglite model that I rate as below satisfactory. It flat out fails.

There are better options out there. Arc flashlights are very bright for their size, reliable, and have a good beam. They use LED bulbs that never burn out. Plus, they are semi-regulated so that they maintain their brightness for longer periods than the Solitaire. Other pocket lights worth looking at are Photon Microlights and the CMG Sonic (both use LED bulbs). Shop around, decide what works best for you and is in your price range.

That said, I cannot recommend the Mag Solitaire regardless of price. Its poor beam and dim output make it all but useless.

Well made, but…
The Mag-Lite Solitaire is well designed and well made but simply isn’t bright enough. However, if all you use a flashlight for is looking for your keys under the seat of your car or assisting with reading menus, it may be OK. It has a sleek design, and it’s appeareance won’t draw attention on a keychain. It functions like any other (large) mini mag light, by twisting the end where the light comes out to turn it on and off. Change the battery by unscrewing the other end. A spare bulb is concealed within the end cap.

Pros:
-It’s small.
-it’s well made, with all components fitting together smoothly, and a clean simple appearence.

Cons:
-it’s just not that bright. Some of the newer LED flashlights are of a similar size but much brighter.

Overall, I’d have to give this one a pass, unless I developed a fetish for small, well designed gadgets (like watches, watches are SOOO cool! and miniature sextents, those things are SOOO neat!). OK, so I have this fetish, and this would explain why I have a Solitaire in my toolbox.

Schwinn Volare 700c Flat Bar Men’s Road Bike Product: Schwinn Volare 700c Flat Bar Men’s Road Bike-Retail $299.99! Sale Only $249.97! List Price: $299.99 Amazon Price: $249.97 Click Here To See Amazon Sale Price Add to cart to see low price@ Availability: In Stock Usually ships in 24 Hours Free Shipping Available

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Schwinn 700c Men’s Volare BikeWith its 21 speeds and aluminum flat bar road frame, this road bike is perfect for any adventures. The Volare Bike features a Shimano TX-50 rear derailleur with EF-29 shifters, alloy linear pull brakes, Suntour alloy 28/38/48t crack, and a high profile wheel set.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4171 in Sports & Outdoors
• Color: Gun Metal
• Brand: Pacific Cycle
• Model: S2744
• Released on: 2008-01-01
• Dimensions: 52.00″ h x 7.90″ w x 28.00″ l, 35.30 pounds

Features

• Schwinn Aluminum Flat Bar Road Frame
• Shimano TX-50 Rear Derailleur with Shimano 21 Speed EF-29 Shifters
• Schwinn Road Fork
• Promax Alloy Linear Pull Brakes
• Suntour Alloy 28/38/48t Crank

Solid bike for the money
Overall, I am satisfied with the bike. I would also recommend it others. Many of my follow-on comments here appear on other bike reviews, but are worth heeding. To judge how similar you are to me, I was looking for a relatively inexpensive bike that I could use to commute to work when desired (10 miles each way) in the DC metro area. I also wanted a bike for sidewalk/street use to tote my children around (pulling a trailer). The bike works great for those tasks. I am not a fitness nut, and haven’t regularly exercised for a few years due to “life” (job, kids, laziness, etc…) but with a job change wanted to ease into exercising again while minimizing time lost from work or family. My bicycling experience goes no further than my first driver’s license. I wanted to learn the basics in biking (minor maintenance, normal riding, etc…), not train for an iron man.
The little bit of assembly required is simple enough for those that aren’t scared of mechanical objects - but be warned - some patience and learning is required (as with any bike not from a bike shop). I embraced that and have enjoyed the learning. Also be warned that there will be small additional costs which I will detail shortly, but realistically, some are completely unavoidable regardless of bike in this price range. This is because it is an inexpensive bike made with some inexpensive parts. My additional costs included a new bike seat that wasn’t like a wooden board on my behind, different tire inner-tubes, and better rim tape (most of this I never knew existed a short time ago). The new bike seat was a huge difference. The stock rim tape failed early and would not allow the tire’s inner-tubes to get full pressure without catastrophically popping (part of my “learning”). Remember, some of the more benign stock parts are also cheap. Bike seat: The bike is lighter than I imagined and rides great after some tweaking. Then again, within reason, I didn’t need to spend extra dollars here and there to save a few ounces of weight. This was for leisure riding and exercise, afterall. Will the gear shifter and brakes need some tuning? Probably. Either your local bike shop can do it, or hop on the web and find out how to do it yourself. An allen wrench and/or screwdriver is all it takes. After a few rides and some tweaking, everything seems perfect.
For size: I am 5′10″ and I have the seat up fairly high. The bike frame seems to be on the slightly smaller side, but please note that I have no expertise or reference in this regard. That said, I feel like it fits me just fine. Michael Jordan would probably not fit so well.
The bike looks sharp and rides well with just a little bit of effort, and has otherwise been a joy. With gas prices the way they are, honestly, this bike will have paid for itself within a few months - not to mention meeting my goals of bike education and exercise. Will I upgrade? Maybe in a while. But for now, this bike is more than adequate and I am rather happy with the purchase and the time I spend both on it and with it.

Awesome Bike
I really love this bike. It’s a very nice ride and seems quite durable. Also, it is VERY lightweight for a bike.

A few things:

1) No shocks. This is a characteristic of a true road bike, however even on bumpy road surfaces there can be some shock in your wrists/arms. It’s not too bad though- I’d definitely still buy the same bike again.

2) Some assembly required. You’ve gotta put the front tire, handlebars, and seat on. It’s not too bad a job. Just turn the bike upside down when you’re ready to put the wheel on- it’ll be easier. I set it up, and everything came out true. I tightened the nuts and bolts (you’ve gotta have a multi-tool, or hex wrench #5) and took it for a ride.

3) After riding for the first few times, you’ve gotta re-tighten all the nuts and bolts, or the bike may fall apart on you. It’s not just this particular bike though–you’d have to retighten on any bicycle that you self assemble, and that is brand new.

4) Schwinn makes a good product. The logo on the front even says “Schwinn Quality.” The components seem sturdy and I haven’t had to replace any of them.

5) Get a bell and a light.

6) If you don’t get a rear fender, get a basket or a rear rack. Since fenders don’t come standard on this bike (similar to most), you’ll want something on the back to protect you from getting wet should you ride on rainy days.

7) The flat bar system is really good, and the shifters are super easy to use- not like those cheap mountain bikes where you have to twist the thing in the handlebar. This bike has separate fixtures which shift the gears (quality Shimano stuff), and they work well.

The tires come from the factory pumped to about 20 PSI. You’ve gotta pump them to 100 PSI. You’ve gotta pump REALLY HARD and use a hand guage to measure every so often until you get there. I recommend using a floor pump w/ gauge for this, because a small portable pump doesn’t work well.

9) The bike comes with extra long reflectors attached to the wheel spokes- it’s a nice touch.

10) The seat is a bit uncomfortable at first, but once you’re used to it it’s not bad at all.

11) The 700C tires are very nice. They seem to be good quality tires for standard on a new purchase. They roll nice and easy, and it’s much easier to get going quick on these 700C’s than on fat mountain/hybrid bike tires. Along with that, however, you must be careful not to go around corners too fast on a rainy day, or brake too hard going down a hill on a rainy day.

This bike has really worked well for me. I plan to continue using it for commuting and daily errand running.

commuting and excercise bike
I ordered this bike after visiting a few bike stores and looking at the Target bike which was the Schwinn Hybrid. I switched from a heavy mountain bike which I used to use for commuting to this.
I love this bike. It offers a light comfortable ride. It did not take long to assemble this. For the price this has been a great value. A similar bike this would be > $450. The gear shifts are very smooth. The seat is comfortable. All in all very pleased. Also could not beat the free shipping!

Under Armour Mens HeatGear Performance Polos Product: Under Armour Mens HeatGear Performance Polos Lowest Price! List Price: $44.99 Amazon Price: $32.97 - $44.99 Click Here To See Amazon Sale Price Add to cart to see low price@ Availability: In Stock Usually ships in 24 Hours Free Shipping Available

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Under Armour Mens HeatGear Performance Polos Feature:

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6442 in Apparel & Accessories
• Size: One Size
• Color: *
• Brand: Under Armour
• Fabric type: polyester

Features

• Loose fit
• 3 button placket
• Under Armour logo buttons
• Stretch
• Wicks moisture away from skin

WHAT A SHIRT!!!!!!
My 93yo father in law will only wear Under Armour Mens Polos now! For everythihg from playing bridge at his country club to play golf every day! Yes I said playing golf every day! We had to buy enough for him to wear outside and inside. They are the best! They wear great, wash beautifully, and don’t stretch out of shape like those other polo shirts!

comfortable shirt
My son has dress code for school but doesn’t like the trendy muscle shirts in style now. This shirt was in stylish enoough for him with the underarmour logo and very roomy with comfortable soft material.

My husband loves these.
My husband loves these shirts so I was looking for a good deal. I found this to be the best value for the same shirt that retails for $45-$55. I got it for $32. Good Quality, GReat Value. These keep him cool in the summer.

InTech Shag Bag Red Description:

Reduces back strain from picking up multiple golf balls

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3169 in Sports & Outdoors
• Brand: Intec
• Model: I99006
• Released on: 2006-03-22

Features

• Red shag bag for picking up golf balls
• Reduces strain on back when golfing
• Hook grabs balls and sleeve holds them
• Makes it easy to deposit balls in golf bag
• Lightweight and durable; 1-year warranty

Customer Reviews:

Savior of my back
Timely shipment - well made product that does the job AS ADVERTISED
What else could you ask for. The balls get picked up and I don’t have to bend over at all.
Quality bag and hardware - NO PLASTIC parts involved in the mechanics of the unit either except for the zipper

Shag Bag
For the price, the Shag Bag is a great value.
Service, (shipping & handling) excellent.
Would not hesitate to order from this merchant again.

Shag Bag
This is a great product. I like the metal shaft used instead of the plastic ones. It’s durable, easy to use, and no assembly required.

Amazon.com Product Description
Reduce the strain on your back while golfing with the InTech shag bag. Rather than requiring you to reach into the cup to pick up your ball, the shag bag does it for you, with a hook that grabs extra balls and a sleeve that holds them. Once you’ve picked up the balls, you can easily deposit them in your golf bag. Lightweight and durable, the red shag bag carries a one-year warranty.

Kaito BT409 Anti-Shock Hiking Pole with 9-LED Flashlight Description:

Made of strong lightweight aluminum, the newly released Kaito hiking pole BT409 is specially spring loaded to absorb shock and reduce stress to joints, muscles, and ligaments, whether you’re strolling through the park or traversing more rugged trails. An easy-lock telescoping design offers an ergonomic EVA foam grip with hard plastic handle, which features a 90-degree rotatable 9-LED super-bright flashlight. A wearproof carbide tip is mounted at the end; Adjustable from 22 1/2”H up to an impressive four feet, the stick adapts to hikers of different heights. A pair of watch-band mini-compass and thermometer is mounted on the wrist strap. Also included are rubber tip for paved surfaces, snow disc and attachable nylon wrist strap. 10.80oz.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1572 in Consumer Electronics
• Size: Compact
• Brand: Kaito
• Model: BT409
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds

Features

• 22 1/2″ - 48″ extendible, fits in a carry-on luggage.
• 3-section extendible
• Thermometer & compass included
• Light weight with ergonomic design
• 90-degree rotatable 9-LED flashlight

Customer Reviews:

Not Your Average Walking Stick…
I have been having trouble with lower back and some knee pain, especially when I have to be on my feet for a long period of time or out walking longer distances. The thought of buying a cane or a walking stick wasn’t sitting all that well with me. I heard about this particular hiking pole on “No Agenda”, the podcast featuring John C. Dvorak & Adam Curry. I was surprised at how reasonably priced it was and decided to give it a try. I have found that it has met and surpassed my expectations. It is completely adjustable, has a nice shock absorbing feature, and the built in flashlight, while a little bit geeky, has already come in handy on more than one occasion. If you are looking for a little extra help getting around that doesn’t make you look old and out of it, this is definitely worth the price. And, while I haven’t exactly been out hiking with it yet, the totally adjustable nature of this hiking pole makes it very easy to go from a walking stick to a full fledged hiking staff in just a few twists. This same feature also makes it easy to completely compact the staff for easy packing and traveling. I have two of these now, one that I keep in my car at all times, (in case I underestimate the amount of walking I am going to have to do on an outing), and one that I have at home for those “bad days”. I highly recommend this to anyone who needs a walking stick/hiking pole. I hope that you will find it as useful and as helpful as I have.

great for mountain hiking
Used this pole for the first time while hiking fourteeners in Colorado and found it to be extremely helpful. The handle design lets you grip it two different ways. Hold it like a ski pole on steep climbs or like a cane when descending. It made climbing easier and provided an important balance point (and shock absorber!) when descending. Proved to be durable and useful on all surfaces (hard rock, loose rock, dirt, snow). Lightweight and easy to adjust length. Never used the little gadgets on the wrist strap.

The LED light turns on or off by twisting the light — just make sure you have the battery in the right way. However, that might make the light a bit loose when turned off. To keep it secure during rough handling on day climbs, I just reversed the battery (to keep it from coming on) and then tightened the light all the way.

User manual? How do you turn on the flashlight?
I just got my Kaito BT-409.

Likes: Lightweight and yet seems very strong! Good telescoping feature. Very height-adjustable. The anti-shock feature might be handy.

Dislikes: My package did not contain a user’s guide or owner’s manual. Did anyone get basic owner’s manual or a simple sheet of directions??

I can’t get the flashlight to work. Maybe my little battery pack is exhausted? How do you turn the flashlight on and off? Is it permanently “on” anytime the pack of four little LR44 batteries is installed? Why isn’t there a simple on/off switch?

I can’t find the Kaito company on the web to ask some basic questions. Like, for example:

1. In which direction do you insert the battery pack?

2. Do you use all four batteries at once?

3. How do you turn the flashlight on and off?

Can anybody help me out?

Thanks in advance!