Application to test Gerber Recon - Anthony (TJ) Smith

Please accept my application to test the Gerber Recon.

 

I have read the Test Report Requirements (Chapter 5) posted in v.1202 on
September 15, 2005 and agree to complete all report requirements for the
item I am requesting to test.  My test agreement has been completed and
submitted to Shane, and receipt confirmed by Stephanie.

 

Personal Biographical Information

Name - Anthony (TJ) Smith

Age - 30

Gender - Male

Height - 5' 10" (1.78 m)

Weight - 155 lb (70 kg)

Email Address - tjsmith1946@xxxxxxxxx

City, State, Country - Pensacola, FL USA

Date - September 15, 2005

Background - I have been camping for a little over 5 years now, mostly car
camping. I have recently begun backpacking, and I am constantly adding new
gear to my "collection" in an effort to get my gear list tailored more
towards lightweight backpacking. Most of my backpacking trips are short
duration, not more than one or two nights. I am planning some longer trips
in the near future.

My current pack weight is around 15-20 lb (7-9 kg) without food and water,
depending on if I'm solo camping or taking my son along, as I have to carry
some of his gear.  I am a dedicated hammock camper and have tailored my
personal gear to that aspect of camping.  

 

Test Locations/Trip Plans

If selected, the Recon will be tested in a variety of locations throughout
Northwest Florida and Southeast Alabama.  During the testing period,
expected weather conditions range from a high near or just above 90 F (32
C), and lows approaching or creeping just below 32 F (0 C).  I also
anticipate varied levels of precipitation, from bright sunny days with low
humidity all the way to torrential downpours (especially if this hurricane
season remains as active as anticipated.)  The terrain throughout the
testing area ranges from very sandy soil to old and new growth pine forests
as well as areas of marshy bogs.  

I currently have numerous trips planned throughout the testing period, and
will not have a problem meeting the two test nights in the FR phase and the
5 nights for the testing period.  

I currently have planned a 3 day, 2 night trip in October to attend the
regional Florida Trail Association conference in Northwest Florida.  This
will be held at a campground, with primitive camping facilities.  Weather
during this period is quite varied, and some years will be summer-like
(70-90 F (21-32 C) temperature range) and other years quite lower
(occasionally even dipping near freezing (32 F (0 C))).

I have also planned a backpacking trip for 3 days and 3 nights in November,
as well as 1 night in a campground at the end of this trip (a total of 5
days and 4 nights camping.)  Conditions during this trip are as varied as
the previous trip listed.

An additional trip the beginning of December will hopefully bring cooler
temperatures and more comfortable conditions for conducting a variety of
testing.

Also during the testing period I have planned a minimum of 1 day hike every
2 weeks, traveling in the same types of terrain previously described.

 

Test Plan

Among the items I intend to explore with the Recon are:

Durability

1.      How well does the Recon hold up to a variety of environmental
exposures?  Will it handle exposure to water (whether rain, high humidity,
or possible submersion in water?)
2.      How durable is the selection dial for choosing the LED setting?
3.      How long does a battery last with the light on?  Does one color use
more battery life than another?
4.      Does the clip maintain its hold even after frequent use?  Or does it
loose its spring?
5.      How well does the aluminum case resist scratching and denting from
use?

Function

1.      How easy is the dial to manipulate for choosing the LED setting?
2.      How well do the various LED colors work in relation to the listed
uses?
3.      How well does the clip hold on a variety of surfaces?
4.      How well does the light illuminate?  I'm not an engineer, but will
report on this aspect from the lay-user standpoint.

Construction

1.      How well constructed is this light?  I'm used to the rugged
construction of Maglights and Pelican lights (due to my job as a
firefighter), how well does the Recon compare to these lights?
2.      Does the light use anything to seal from moisture entering (such as
O-Rings, gaskets, etc.?)

 

Any other issues that arise during my testing will also be reported on.

 

Previously Written Reports

 

All reviews can be found at
<http://www.backpackgeartest.org/tester_reviews/tjsmith14>
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/tester_reviews/tjsmith14 or
http://tinyurl.com/brk9n.

 

Owner Reviews

Avia Nevado Greylock Light Hiker Boots  

Granite Gear Vapor Trail Backpack

Platypus Hoser 2L  

 

Current Tests

Victorinox SwissTool Spirit - Currently in Long Term Testing, ending Oct
2005

Vargo Titanium "Jet-Ti" Stove -Currently in Long Term Testing, ending Jan
2006

Spectrum Brand Insect Repellants - Currently in FR Phase (Awaiting reporting
dates)

 

Completed Tests

Ex-Officio Give-N-Go Skivvy

 

 

 



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



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