The Martialist: The Magazine For Those Who Fight Unfairly

“Stay ‘unreasonable.’  If you
don’t like the solutions [available to you], come up with your
own.” 
Dan Webre

The Martialist does not
constitute legal advice.  It is for ENTERTAINMENT
PURPOSES ONLY.

Copyright © 2003-2004 Phil Elmore, all rights
reserved.

Gerber Infinity Ultra Task Light (Improved Model)

Review by Phil Elmore

The Gerber Infinity Ultra Task is a handy
pocket-sized LED torch.

Previously I reviewed the earlier
version of the Gerber Infinity Ultra Task light.  While a very handy
little utility light, the torch suffers from a few obvious deficiencies. 
Its pocket clip is too small and too easily removed, while the light itself
lacks a proper tailcap switch.  Still, it us a small and useful pocket
lamp and I have carried my original Infinity Ultra Task many times when it
came in handy.

I’ve noticed Gerber making real strides lately to compete in
today’s knife industry, improving or dropping some models that just didn’t
quite make the grade.  I have no vested interest in Gerber’s improvement
because, to date, the company and I have no working relationship. 
They’ve never sent me a sample for review, so all of the Gerbers I have came
to me as gifts from relatives or were purchased by me directly.

The improved version of the Infinity Ultra Task is evidence
of the Portland, Oregon-based knifemakers’ apparent commitment to getting
better and staying relevant.  O-ring sealed and waterproof to 10 feet,
with epoxy-coated circuitry and an anodized aluminum housing, the little light
is visible to 30 feet and contains a lifetime Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulb. 
It runs on a single AA battery, which yields a run time of “up to 100 hours.” 
The torch is about three and a half inches long and only three fourths of an
inch in diameter.

The Ultra Task (right) compares well to a Mini
Maglite equipped with an LED kit.

The first thing I noticed about the new Ultra Task is the
vastly improved pocket clip, which is larger, mounted more permanently, and
provides good tension.  The second most noticeable feature is the new
tailcap assembly, which can be turned to provide always-on illumination. 
Shaped like a truncated cone, the tailcap can be pressed for momentary-on
illumination when snugged down to the just the right distance from the body. 
It has a lanyard hole bored through it.

My sample is coated or painted a flat black and exhibits
very good fit and finish.  Grooves on the tailcap and on the head of the
light provide decent traction, though the light is so small that it’s not
going to be of much use for anything but utility lighting.  I believe
this model is also brighter than the original, though I have no quantitative
figures with which to compare the two.

As an afterthought, I tried to shake the light.  The
battery no longer rattles inside the torch body, which is a relief.  The
rattling battery was one of my major disappointments in the original Ultra
Task.

If you need a keychain- or pocket-sized light and you (like
me) favor LED torches, the original Ultra Task is a good choice.  The LED is a
“lifetime bulb” and the power source is common and inexpensive.  Rugged
enough to endure daily carry amongst other pocket accessories, the Ultra Task
should serve you well.   The improved Ultra Task, however, does
everything the original can do and does it better.  The low price of the
torch remains the same.

It’s hard not to want to reward a
company for making such positive changes.