Loop Gear SK-07 reviewed: EDC flashlight with an unusually classic design

Loop Gear officially launched the SK-07 today. This new EDC flashlight produces up to 2,800 lumens and has a beam distance of 1,690 ft or 563 yds. Its long throw comes from a fairly bright, tight hotspot, although the reflector is also designed to provide some surrounding spill.

The locking mechanism is particularly interesting. A rotating ring at the rear completely blocks the switch, preventing it from moving at all. The lock is also very discreet, and we did not initially recognize its purpose. The ring clicks gently into each position, making accidental unlocking less likely, although it is not held as firmly as the locks on some Nitecore flashlights. Locking the SK-07 is important because the main switch is easy to press and could quickly be activated accidentally inside a bag.

The controls work well but are unconventional. The main button has two stages and supports a half-press. The design is also unusual, particularly the deliberately worn finish of the yellow version. Its bright color should make the flashlight easier to find in bushes if dropped. Loop Gear has also not previously been known for such a traditional flashlight design.

The SK-07 indicates a low battery in an unusual way because its status light is normally hidden. Instead, the flashlight itself begins flashing when the battery is running low. Charging takes place via the USB-C port beneath the flashlight head, where it is well protected. In order to expose the port, the ring must first be rotated and then pulled downward.

A red charging LED next to the USB-C port pulses while charging. It also lights up briefly when the flashlight is switched on, although the LED is usually covered. The flashlight charges at 10 watts, so a standard power adapter supporting USB-C current is sufficient.

EDC flashlight with replaceable battery

The battery itself can be replaced by simply unscrewing the rear cap, which exposes a 18650 cylindrical cell with a capacity of 10.8Wh. That is surprisingly low, as Loop Gear sells a 14.4Wh 18650 cell in its own store. The flashlight can also be used while charging.

Battery life is somewhat more complicated. The flashlight has three regular modes rated at 800, 400, and 65 lumens, with respective runtimes of 1.5 hours, 4.4 hours, and 20 hours. There is also an extra-bright mode with outputs of 1,200 and 2,800 lumens, although the manufacturer says these can only be used for three minutes and one minute, respectively. According to Loop Gear, the flashlight weighs 5.1 oz and sports an IPX8 rating. Our unit weighed 5.5 oz, but that included the attached belt clip.

Official pricing in the US starts at $79 for the gray variant, while the yellow flashlight carries an MSRP of $99 but is discounted by 10% as a launch offer. The listing at the brand's official online store will go live shortly, and the flashlight can already be found on Amazon.