Customer Reviews

Smith & Wesson Galaxy 28 LED Flashlight (20 White, 4 Red & 4 Green LEDs)

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Pros:
-Very nice construction
-2 button system
-pleasantly diffused white light (not as large a zone as I'd prefer though)
-anti-roll barrel
-able to stand flat on end
-comes with case, batteries
-comfortable grip
-intermittent off by half-pushing button (but intermittent on would be more practical)
-convenient one-hand button switch

Cons:
-relatively large and heavy when compared to similar lights
-lack of intermittent on (see above)
-not nearly as bright as comparable Cree or Luxeon type lights
(note: Cree and Luxeon are types of high intensity LED's, Luxeon LED's are manufactured by Philips and Cree is a semiconductor company. Their bulbs can be found in a variety of products.)


If you're interested in this light, be sure to check out the Coleman Max. It comes with a 115 lumen Cree LED, and has a very innovative Red/Green (or Red/Blue) switching system.

The S&W is 228 grams and 160 mm tall
The Coleman Max is 150 grams and 125 mm tall
The Coleman has intermittent on (good), but rear-mounted switch harder to operate one-handed
The "dim" modes (red, green) on the Coleman are MUCH dimmer. This can be a pro or a con, depending on your use.
I own both (the S&W in the red/blue version), and would recommend the Coleman Max
(model # 2000001578 purchased at Wal-Mart for approx $30)

What a great flashlight! It's not a spot light, but a great flash light for up to 50 ft. with a max range of about 75 ft. An excellent light for the car and around the house. The red and green light feature allows checking on the little ones while they're in bed without disturbing them. The red light also works great with the 0 lux video camera.
The light is extremely well made and very impressive for the price. The only improvement I could recommend would possible be a focus ring for greater distance if that's possible with an LCD flashlight.
I cannot see anyone being disappointed with this 28 LCD flashlight.

I reviewed LED flashlights extensively before settling on this one. The Amazon reviews played a part in my decision since I've found them quite reliable. In fact, I post reviews as a way of giving back.

So I was quite disappointed by this flashlight. Perhaps my expectations were too high. I was looking for a flashlight that I could use outdoors in the yard, if I broke down on the side of the highway, was camping or hiking and so on. From that perspective, this does not compare to a $15 mag-lite. While incandescents are typically brighter than LEDs I had hoped that with so many LEDs and so much power and such good reviews, this would be great. I took it outside at night with some light rain falling. Couldn't see more than a few feet; illumination was weak at best. Forget about trying to point it into the trees further away. Might as well try flying a kite in a hurricane.

HOWEVER, as a work light inside my truck or for walking around inside the house this is great. BUT, I already have a work light - a head unit that is easier to use than this one in some ways. But this can provide good general-purpose illumination. At short range, this is extremely bright and the green and red leds are a great feature.

So, perhaps my expectations were too high. Bottom line: I would not buy this again.

Here is one POWERFUL Light! You have 20 White LED that are BRIGHT! There are very few LED lights on the market that have 20 white LED! This is one blindingly bright light (and it does not use much power for 20 LEDs lit)!!! Four Red light LED which are great for night viewing as the red will not mix up your night vision, and four Green LED also for night viewing and which I think is better than the red (personal preference).

The feel of the light is smooth and polished. Ends are squared so that the light does not roll when you lay it down.

It also comes with a carrying case you can clip on your belt via velcro closure. On the outside of the case is an area you can put three extra AAA batteries for the light (flap keeps them in secure).

Batteries (included) go in a small tube that comes out of the end which you screw off. And it's a tight fit as you can hear the "whoosh" of the cap screwing on (waterproof).

And compared to other LED lights I've had (I've had quite a few), this one lasts longer than most! Using the red or green use less power than the white, and when the white is dim or out it's likely the red or green will still work.

Hello,

I would strongly warn to avoid this particular flashlight, and related models.

I purchased this light 9 months ago for a camping trip with my daughter, and it
has seen very little use. I pulled it out the other day and when I turned it
on the main switch malfunctioned. It feels like some sort of physical "jam",
and it will no longer operate.

I have contacted Smith and Wesson, who referred me to the manufacturer
of the light (PowerTech Inc). I am waiting for feedback on whether they
will fix it. The seem to require a receipt before they will do so.

Unfortunately, I don't keep receipts for every small purchase,
so I'm afraid I'm out of luck (I can't believe I'm the only one
who doesn't keep receipts for such items).

UPDATE: Company is standing behind product and offering replacement.
They are not requiring original receipt. They offer a lifetime
guarantee, which makes me more comfortable about their products.

regards,
s.

Best light in such a small package I've seen -- makes my 4 D-cell maglite obsolete! I can't believe the amount of light possible from 3 AAA's.
The red and green are great for preserving night vision but I haven't quite decided which is better while stargazing. Green is definitely easier to see by but red just feels right. Nice to have the option.
The case provides easy storage for extra batteries and the small package fits neatly on a belt or backpack strap for quick access without being in the way.

I bought this flashlight after doing extensive research. When I unpacked it, my first reaction was that this light just exudes quality. It's precisely machined and has a very solid feel. The switches have a crisp, quality feel to them as well. The included nylon case is also a nice touch. It even has a compartment for spare batteries. For those of you not familiar with LED flashlights, you should know that they are not designed to project a narrow beam of light at great distances. The 20 white LED's produce a very bright, yet diffused, even light. This flashlight is perfect for use in cars, boats, airplane cockpits and for general use around the house. If you need to spot deer 100 feet away, buy a flashlight with a Xenon bulb and an adjustable beam. LED flashlights are designed for moderate range. Apparently, the few people on this site who complained about the lack of brightness don't understand this concept. The main advantage of LED's is their efficiency and the elimination of bulb replacement. Expect to get about 10 times the battery life over a Xenon bulb or high intensity LED flashlights. Load this with Lithium batteries, throw it in your glovebox and you'll be prepared the next time you get a flat tire at 2:00 A.M. in the dead of Winter. You can't beat the quality/cost ratio of this one. I highly recommend it.

I am a stagehand at a venue and my boss tried to persuade me to buy a surefire, but I wasn't ready to part with $100 for a flashlight. I ordered this and have not regretted the decision one bit.

It is much better that some flashlights more than two and three times the cost! The brightness on it is actually quite astonishing, and the two other colors work great for when you need a dim light (both of those are switched on by the same button, first press gives you red, second press gives you green). I like the holster, which has an extra compartment for spare batteries. This thing seems to be built like a tank, without being terribly heavy (I wear it on my belt with no problems).

The only real problem that I have had with it is that I have occasionally switched it on by accident with it in the holster, placing an intermittent 'on' button on the back of the light would fix this.

Overall, great choice though!

I like the separate button for the green and red vs white light.

It is not too big. bright enough.

but one of the white lamps was not working.

Good strong white beam. Red and green lights were brighter than I expected. Very sturdy and good size for travel.