I’ve been carrying the Loop Gear SK03 for a few months now, and it’s become one of those tools that just quietly slips into my daily routine. Whether I’m checking bags, lighting up a dark corner, or figuring out what that noise was outside, the SK03 is always close by and ready.

Most days, it lives clipped in my pocket. If it’s not there, it’s on my nightstand with the rest of my gear — always within reach, and always useful.

Solid Construction, Everyday Comfort

My SK03 is all black, and with the rear clicky and sleek profile, it gives off a bit of a “Darth Vader lightsaber” vibe. The aluminum body feels sturdy and solid in hand, with no rattle or weak points, and it’s sized just right for a secure one-handed grip.

The pocket clip is strong and reversible, which means you can not only carry it comfortably in a pocket but also clip it to a hat brim when you need hands-free light. It’s a bit heavy for extended hat use, but for short tasks it’s a great option — and the clip hasn’t loosened up or shifted in my time carrying it.

I do wish it had a magnetic tailcap for sticking it to metal surfaces, but that’s not possible with the mechanical rear switch. That said, Loop Gear offers an optional multifunction bracket that gives the SK03 a magnetic base, plus some other features for hands-free positioning. If that’s something you value, it’s worth considering.

Lighting Performance and Modes

The SK03 is powered by an included USB-C rechargeable 14500 battery and also supports standard AA cells if needed. The rated output is 1000 lumens, and while I don’t have a way to verify those numbers, I can say it’s more than enough for most tasks. I rarely use turbo — it’s there when I need it, but medium and high modes handle the bulk of my everyday use.

Mode breakdown (with 14500 cell):

Moonlight: 0.5 lm / 150 hours

Low: 8 lm / 30 hours

Medium: 130 lm / 3 hours

High: 330 lm / 60 minutes

Turbo: 1000 lm (step-down after 1 minute)

Strobe, SOS, Beacon: Accessible via multi-clicks

Operation is straightforward: hold the tail switch to cycle modes, double-click for turbo, triple-click for strobe, and so on. There’s also a momentary-on mode and a multi-click lockout for carry safety. The mechanical click switch gives great tactile feedback — you feel when it engages, even in the dark.

Side Glow Lights and Snap-On Filters

One of my favorite features is the side-mounted eTritium-style auxiliary LEDs. These soft-glow lights make it easy to locate the SK03 in the dark, and they’re also useful for low-level illumination during power outages or nighttime tasks. Long-pressing the tail switch and quickly releasing it activates the glow lights, and the effect is subtle and pleasant.

Loop Gear includes four snap-on filters for these side LEDs in red, yellow, blue, and white. These filters don’t screw on but instead clip onto the side of the flashlight over the eTritium lights. It’s a nice touch that lets you tailor the ambient light to suit your needs — whether for night vision preservation, map reading, or simply aesthetics. Personally, I prefer the clean, undiffused glow, but the filters add versatility and a bit of fun.

Charging and Power Options

Charging is handled via the USB-C port on the battery itself — a system that works well but does require removing the cell to charge. That’s a tradeoff I’m fine with, as it allows the flashlight body to remain sealed and water-resistant.

Charging is fast, and having the option to run on AA batteries in a pinch adds an extra layer of utility. Output drops significantly with a standard AA, but if you're in a bind, it’s good to know your flashlight isn’t just dead weight.

If you plan on using this light regularly, I’d recommend picking up a second 14500 cell and rotating them out as needed.

Final Thoughts

The Loop Gear SK03 has quickly become a staple in my daily carry. It’s compact, durable, and feature-rich without overcomplicating things. I’ve used it for everything from late-night backyard checks to power outages, and it’s always performed without fuss.

What I like:

Solid aluminum build

Useful mode spacing

eTritium-style side lights with color filters

Reversible clip for multiple carry options

AA battery fallback

Optional magnetic base accessory

Excellent value


Room for improvement:

No built-in charging (battery must be removed)

No magnetic tailcap without the add-on bracket


For the price, the SK03 offers a lot: a well-built flashlight with smart features, flexible power options, and real everyday usability. If you’re after a dependable EDC light with character, this one deserves a serious look.

Three Rivers Manufacturing isn’t one of those knife companies that shouts for attention. They don't need to. Their knives quietly speak for themselves. Born out of Massachusetts, TRM has carved a reputation for doing things their own way: U.S.-made, small batch, and obsessively focused on fit, finish, and performance. The Neutron 2 is one of those knives that feels like it was made for people who use their blades—not just collect them—and it manages to blend sleek simplicity with high-end precision.

I’ve carried the Neutron 2 for several weeks now, and what stands out most is how little it tries to impress—and how much it actually does once you put it to work.