Our friends at Joby have stepped it up once again and sent us one of their newest products from their Gorilla Torch line. This time we were tasked with reviewing the Joby Switchback and we couldn’t be more stoked on the results!
Joby is known for their cutting edge designs and super functional products that are mostly based on their Gorilla technology; articulating legs that allow their products the versatility and ability to grip or stick onto almost anything. The first Joby product we were introduced to was the Flare. It packed quite the punch and made dawn patrol sessions a breeze to get ready for in the dark.
With their Switchback, Joby took functionality to a whole new level and added a few more options that put it at the top of must have’s for 2011. The Switchback is a multi function product and serves as both a lantern and headlamp!
As a lantern, the Switchback provides more light than I would have ever expected. This is greatly due to the newest advancements in LED technology and their new ultra-efficient holographic lens. A 5-LED array includes a 130 lumen spotlight, two white floodlights and two red LEDs as well as six brightness settings, an adjustable dimmer switch, a beam distance of 60 feet and a battery life of up to 72 hours on 2xAA batteries.
With a push of a button the adjustable headlamp conveniently pops out of the lantern housing and provides the same light options as mentioned above.
Testing took place on another chilly dawn patrol morning and I found that the lantern provided a perfect light to work under and it was softer on the eyes than most other LED lights I’ve seen. 
The small hook on top of the lantern housing allowed me to easily hang it from the rear gate of the car and it illuminated the whole trunk. I popped the headlamp on to put my fins in and it was almost better than doing during the day!
After this review I definitely put my stamp of approval on this new addition to the Joby family of torches and recommend it to anyone. Coming in around $60 bucks, you’re getting a heck of a lot of bang for your buck and can’t loose. Thanks for reading and as always, be sure to tell a friend…
Shaper
Materials
Lantern and headlamp: Rugged ABS plastic, nylon and polycarbonate with aluminum headlamp housing and 92% ultra-efficient holographic lens
Stand: ABS plastic with TPE grip rings and feet
Water resistance IPX-4
Light Engine
Bright CREE® XLamp® XP-G LED spotlight
2 white LED and 2 red LED flood lights
- Brightness: Min (5 lm); Low (20 lm); High (80 lm); Max (130 lm)
Beam distance: 23 m - Average Battery Life: Up to 72 hours
Batteries Compact and lightweight design with battery life up to 72 hours
Size Headlamp:
Lamp housing: 2.6 x 1.3 x 0.8″ / 65 x 32 x 21mm
Battery housing: 3 x 1.8 x 1.1″ /77 x 46 x 28mm
Lantern with headlamp installed:
Closed: 4.5 x 3.3 x 2.1″ /115 x 85 x 54mm
Open: 6.5 x 3.3 x 2.1″ /166 x 85 x 54mm
Weight 8.8oz/250g (lantern + headlamp + 2 AA batteries)
