Surprisingly bright central beam with enough surround light to make it useful in almost any situation. Compact and sturdy. Efficient, because the batteries last pretty well, and the flashlight is still usefully bright with the batteries drained down to below one volt. The glow bezel is a brilliant idea, because you won't lose the flashlight in the dark. Five stars with a tail switch, but not with the front switch. (The front switch is recessed and stiff, so you have to push it with the tip of your thumb, not the pad, which is awkward.) Overall, probably the best flashlight of its type. Try one!