Review - Tryme Clip-On Solar Motion Light - 4/5

[EBuff75]

Tryme Clip-On Solar Motion Light Review – 4/5
 
Manufacturer Specs:
·       800 lumens each
·       26ft / 120degree motion detection
·       Solar and USB charging
·       White, neutral, warm light options
·       Remote control
·       IP65
·       3 modes:
      o   Dusk-to-dawn dim with high mode on motion detection
      o   High on motion detection
      o   Dusk-to-dawn dim only
 
Review:

I picked up this two pack of Tryme clip-on, solar, motion lights (looks like the model is the TR008) to use when I am camping.  The idea was to clip them onto the roof rack of my Suburban so that I would have light at night if I need to get up to visit the restroom (I usually camp in campgrounds).  Of course, they would also work if I was boondocking somewhere as well, both to alert for any animals that approach the truck, or just to provide lighting for any middle-of-the-night excursions.

I haven't had a chance to test them for their intended purpose yet, but I have used them several times as porch lights during power outages.  Just clip them onto the handrails, and I've got light that helps to illuminate the steps and will brighten when anyone (including me) approaches.  Same thing for when I was volunteering at a night-time event in an unlighted area.  Just clip them onto the roof rack of my Suburban so that they lit up whenever I had to go back and forth for any supplies that were needed. 

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The lights themselves are decently sized, about 3.5 x 7 inches, with one side of the clip being the solar panel and the other side being the light / motion sensor, with a mode button right under the sensor.  The spring is quite strong and the jaws of the clip open up to almost 2.5 inches.  Given the size and weight (they're about 10oz each), they're not really suited for backpacking.

On the back of the side with the light / sensor, there is a rubber-covered USB port with a small red LED indicator light when the unit is charging.  This is the first time I've come across a light like this that allows for some way to charge them other than sunlight and it makes it easy to prepare them for use.  I can leave them in storage and then pull them out and charge them ahead of the time that I need to use them.  Pretty handy!

There is a remote to control the mode and color temperature and to turn the light off.  I'm not quite sure where the receiver is, other than it is somewhere in the light/sensor side (I tried covering up different areas and it kept receiving the signal, regardless).  The range / angle for the remote isn't great, but that might just be due to the battery in the remote being barely in the green.  Temperature settings are cool white (7000K), neutral (5000K), and warm (3000K).  The three modes are 1) dusk-to-dawn low light (30%) with shift to high output (100%) when motion is detected, 2) high output on motion detection and 3) dusk-to-dawn low light only.  The high output stays on for 15 seconds after motion is no longer detected.

The detection range is claimed to be 26ft and 120 degrees, however, in my testing, the range was a bit less:  around 18ft with one and about 22ft with the other.  I didn't test from all directions, but the side to side detection did seem to be about what they say in the specs.

There is no information provided on the battery size, but the light comes apart with just four screws and inside I found a 2000mah 18650 battery.  Interestingly, the battery isn't hard-wired, it's in a battery compartment and could be easily swapped for a higher-capacity version if desired.  The output is claimed to be 800 lumens and that seems about right when I compared it to an 800 lumen LED bulb.  It's bright enough to illuminate a small room quite nicely. 
The instructions for the unit are... poor, but the remote is fairly self-explanatory.  The button on the front by the sensor can "wake up" the unit if it's not responding to the remote.  There is zero explanation (or even acknowledgement) that the button exists, but that's what I've been using it for (not sure if it can be used to scroll through options either, given the lack of instructions).

Conclusion:

The idea of a solar light that can also be pre-charged using USB is somewhat unique and was what drew me to the unit when I was looking for a clip-on motion light.  It should work well when camping (although I haven't gotten around to that yet), and has been useful during power outages for exterior entry lighting.  Basically, they're useful to put up anywhere that you'd like some temporary motion-activated lighting, indoors or out.  The units seem to be well-built, although I haven't left them out in the weather to test water intrusion over time.  But for portable, relatively cheap, motion lights that offer USB charging and are easily controlled via remote, I like them!  Some additional battery capacity would be nice, along with a bit more side-lighting (all the LEDs are basically in one plane), a bit better motion detection range, and better instructions, but those are fairly minor items.  4 out of 5 stars from me.