REVIEW: Centurio Design Personal Illuminator - Signal Marker

Black is the absence of light. In order to see and be seen in the dark, there are various lighting fixtures. In addition to the brutal floodlights and weapon lights, one also needs a backup lamp for reading, orienting, and personal marking. Here we have found a European manufacturer for you who offers such a so-called Signal Marker.

We are talking about Centurio Design, located in beautiful Münster. The Personal Illuminator - Signal Marker is just one lamp from their product range - we will introduce more lamps to you soon. The Signal Marker is a small LED lamp housed in a sturdy polycarbonate casing. It is worth noting that the front of the casing surrounds the LED lens laterally, thus protecting the small bulb ideally. This also has the advantage of preventing light diffusion. Additionally, the surface is textured to avoid reflections. On the bottom of the device, there are four small screws used to open the casing. It is equipped with a sealing rubber to prevent water from entering. The lamp is powered by two CR-2016 batteries or one CR-2032. The LED has a lifespan of approximately 7,000 hours, with the batteries allowing for about 40 hours of continuous operation. The manufacturer promises a durability of ten years. The Personal Illuminator is operated on the top with a rubberized button. It is easy to operate even with gloves and is slightly recessed in the casing to prevent accidental activation. There are three operating modes:

- Off

- Constant light

- Flashing light The best light output is achieved with two CR-2016 batteries, which are included in the delivery. There is also a small screwdriver included to open the casing and a corrosion-resistant hanger with various fastening options. The lamp can also be easily attached with Velcro to the equipment, as it is so small and light - no problem.

Here are the manufacturer's specifications again:

• Polycarbonate casing - to withstand shocks and scratches - textured surface to minimize reflections
• Casing shield - LED lens for maximum light diffusion and visibility while ensuring protection
• 2 x O-Ring for sealing + activation button - enables waterproof operation up to a minimum diving depth of 5 meters
• Recessed On/Off switch - prevents accidental activation - large rubberized switch ensures easy and quick access, even in darkness
• Off, Constant, and Flashing functions (marker functions)
• Constant light for e.g. reading maps, etc.
• Bright LEDs for maximum visibility/reliability 20,000 millicandela white LED - average lifespan 7,000 hours
• Corrosion-resistant coated hanger for integration into your equipment and clothing
• Standard CR-2016 and CR-2032 lithium batteries, replaceable, for runtimes of over 40 hours (continuous) and a 10-year durability

We tested the lamps for several months and put them through their paces. In terms of durability, we see no issues. The Signal Marker from Centurio Design can withstand anything that may happen to such a light. The casing is fairly impact-resistant and can even withstand being run over by a car.

The functionality is also reliable and did not let us down - neither in cold nor hot conditions - another clear plus. Regarding waterproofing: During our tests, we experienced water ingress on both the 1-meter and 3.8-meter dive tests with all four test models we had available. Centurio Design states a minimum diving depth of 5 meters in the product description. After a phone call with the director of product development, we were assured that they would investigate the issue and retest the devices for waterproofing. Subsequently, we were informed that no water entered the lamps tested by Centurio Design - under laboratory conditions at a water pressure of 6 bar. The waterproofing is certified according to NATO standards, but does not have an IP certification. However, we wanted to investigate further and found that while the casing seals and the button seal held up, a slightly too large O-ring was used around the LED. This may have been a mishap with our models - but explains the water ingress, which was only noticed from the front by air bubbles. This can be easily fixed by using a tighter O-ring for a few cents, if you really want to dive with the lamp. Just be aware that product liability voids if modifications are made. Splash protection is still provided, and short submersion is also not a problem.

Nevertheless, the lamps still functioned underwater and after the water ingress in the tests, although the operability was not 100% in some cases. Once back on land, we opened the lamps and let them dry. After that, everything worked as before.

CONCLUSION: We really like the Signal Marker/Personal Illuminator from Centurio Design despite the small issue with water ingress. Many other manufacturers of similar devices only provide splash protection, and if you have ever unscrewed, for example, a Photon Light, you know that not much can be expected in such cases. This is different with the Signal Markers: For a very reasonable price, you get an extremely robust emergency light that has enough luminosity to be seen even from a distance.

For equipment supplementation on land - regardless of the weather - a definite recommendation. If you intend to dive with the lamp, you should look for something else.

The Personal Illuminator - Signal Marker is available in Red, Green, Blue, and White for €12, the Infrared version costs €20. They are available directly from Centurio Design.