First the Atmos.
$29.95 CAD at Canadian Tire.
Gerber Atmos Light
Lightsource Type: L.E.D.
Lightsource Quantity: 1
Lightsource Life: 50,000 hours
Output Color: White
Output Lumens: 18
Distance: 50
Housing Color: Mossy Oak
Housing Material: Plastic
Battery Type: CR2
Battery Quantity: 1
Battery Life: 4 hours
Weight: 1 oz.
This is an extremely handy little light. You don't even notice it's there until you have it turned on. One push on the button on top turns the light on and another push turns it off. It's very easy to turn on and off so it's better to keep it clipped to your hat brim or in a loose pocket so it doesn't accidentally get turned on.
It throws a nice wide beam ahead of you and really lights up the trail. Just the ticket for walking in to your tree stand in the dark or for those 0-dark-thirty trips to the latrine.
We used these for approximately an hour and a half per day for a week without having to change the battery. The lights use a CR2 lithium photo cell. According to Gerber the battery life is four hours, but we definately exceeded this.
When I first bought it I looked at the camo case and thought. "Gee, if I drop this in the bush I'd better have it turned on or I'll never find it." Then I actually did drop it.
This was in daylight so I didn't have the light turned on. After sitting in the tree stand for a while I noticed that the light was gone and had no idea where I'd lost it. I looked down from the tree stand and immediately saw it lying at the bottom of the ladder amongst the duff, moss, leaves and other detritus so I guess mossy oak camo ain't the best for around these parts.
When I pulled the rifle sling over my head to leave my hands free to climb into the tree stand it must have pulled the light of my hat brim and it fell to the ground.
I highly recommend this light.
Now the Gerber Carnivore.
$69.95 at our local gun and hunting supply store.
Gerber Carnivore Light
Lightsource Type: 1 xenon lamp, 8 5mm L.E.D.s
Output Color: White, Blue/Red
Output Lumens: 45
Distance: 325
Housing Color: Mossy Oak® Break-Up™
Housing Material: Plastic
Battery Type: AA
Battery Quantity: 4
Battery Life: 3.5
Water Resistance: yes
Weight: 7 oz.
I didn't get much of a chance to use this light a lot, but it seems to perform well. The light comes with a sheath with a belt slide and also a vest clip.
The xenon light is quite bright and throws a nice wide beam. The (4) red and (4) blue LED lights combine to illuminate blood. It appears to me as a kind of purplish red that almost seems to flash. It doesn't work well in dusk conditions. It needs to be completely dark before it illuminates the blood well. I didn't get a chance to try it in moonlight.
We tried it on deer and ruffed grouse blood. I'm still not sure about this one. It's a pretty expensive liht and I'd like to try it during an actual tracking situation before I make a decision on whether it's a worthwhile investment or not.
To turn the light on or off, push the button behind the main xenon head. To toggle between the LEDs and the main light push the button just below the LEDs. You can focus the main beam somewhat by turning the bezel.
There is also a three LED battery satus indicator just below the red and blue LEDs. When the green LED is on the batteries are good, the amber indicates the batteries are weakening and the red indicates the batteries need to be changed.
There is also a new version out with the xenon bulb replaced by a white LED.