Gear Review: The Beacon Safety Light from Ruffwear

Value Rating: 10 Durability Rating: 9 Overall Rating: 10 Location of Test: The West Coast - Manzanita Beach Duration of Test: 5 months Product Name: The Beacon Safety Light Product Brand: Ruffwear Best Use: Going on afternoon walks-hikes, around the bonfire at night, even put it on you or your bicycle! -Solid or blinking LED in red, blue or green. -Waterproof! -Shell allows light to show from all angles. -Comes with a 15cm USB charging cord The Full Review: The Ruffwear Beacon Safety Light has not only been liked by me but fellow people walking past me and my companion Maya - we have received several compliments on how SAFE and GREAT her light is to have! The three light settings allow for better vision in different areas and activities! I use the red blinking setting when walking in the late afternoon when it begins to become dusk outside - allowing cars and passersby to have a clear and noticeable alert when getting close. The green setting is great in nearly pitch-black environments. For example, a couple of weeks ago we went to the coast and had a late night bonfire, only the moon and fire lit up our tiny circle, anywhere from five feet away it seemed like complete darkness, the brighter solid green setting, allowed my dog to run and play nearby with us being able to still have a eyes on her location. The Good: SAFETY FIRST! This light can be used for multiple situations and not only for allowing your dog to enjoy the outdoors safely, but you can also put it on your self, your backpack, or even use it as a bike light! There are many more creative ways but those are just a few! My only real time to walk my dog for long periods is at night after school or work. Being able to have that extra confidence walking at night with a handsfree-rechargeable light is FANTASTIC! I used to consider wearing a headlamp but those aren't the most fun to run in or best fashion statement or around the neighborhood. Having a light that can latch or clip to me or my dogs color/harness is a great option! The Bad: The light has been seemingly durable for me and my dog! She has swum in the ocean/river, has gotten filthy, and rolled around on many different surfaces and the light has stayed intact and bright! BUT the light is made of plastic and if left unattended your dog can possibly chew through the plastic covering. Or if dropped many times on a hard surface, you might begin to notice chips. FOR ME - the last 5 months have lasted without no noticeable damage or issues. The Bottom Line: Not every product is the same for everyone, but I have had a great experience with this item and it is a great price! I love that you can recharge the light and it lasts for a long time between charges.