I’ve championed products from the H3 stable before and these new innovative H3 products are of the same high standard as those I’ve tested in the past.
The PALight is a small palm torch, only marginally bigger than the nine volt battery it uses for power. The version I’ve been using has four different modes. Mode 1 emits a very faint glow which allows you to locate the torch in the middle of the night with no fumbling around. This is basically the ‘off’ or ‘standby’ mode. When I first started using it I found it a little strange and thought it would sap power very quickly, but nothing could be further from the truth. I’ve been using this product non-stop on sessions since last November and the battery is still high on charge • I just place the battery in at the start of a session and take it out when I’m packing up. Mode 2 gives a soft beam which I’ve found ideal for use in and around the bivvy when I don’t want to light up the whole bank, whilst Mode 3 gives a powerful beam which I’ve found ideal for baiting up at night and general mid-range work. Mode 4 is a flashing light designed for emergencies or beacon use.
There are a few different versions of the PALight available, offering two, four, or six modes. I’ve found that the four mode is more than adequate for my fishing use. It’s also come in very handy for several jobs around the house as well as on the bank. The different versions retail between £17.99 and £21.99.
Again from H3 is the Inova MicroLight. This is an amazing piece of kit which I’ve also been using since last November – I still can’t get my head around how such a powerful and sharp beam can come out of such a tiny unit • and it is tiny! The unit measures just 4.5cm long, 2.5cm wide and 5mm deep! Despite this, the unit kicks out a sharp beam with an effective range of about 10m.
The unit has a handy lanyard attachment so I’ve been attaching it to the toggles on my ‘hoody’ top during sessions. This has worked really well as I’ve always got a torch at hand (around neck) whenever I need one. It’s very easy to use; you just squeeze it for intermittent use or just slide the little switch on the top for constant use. At night when playing fish I’ve found that I can dash out of the bivvy to hit the rod, then turn on the light and simply place it between my teeth to light up the whole swim whilst I net the fish • piece of cake, and much less hassle than a head torch.
The MicroLight has made night fishing much easier and the handy Lanyard means you can always keep it on your person. It’s become one of those little bits of kit that I’d be lost without – At £9.95 it’s worth every penny.
The other thing I like about H3 products is that you can choose the format that suits you best. For example the PALight and MicroLight are available in different colours. I’ve been using the green version which I find more subtle and less obtrusive on the bank.
The H3 Website is well worth a visit and both products above are available online via: http://www.h3products.com/ . You can also get a H3 brochure at: http://www.fishingbrochures.com
Julian Grattidge
