Hasta La Ideas

This SK-05 Pro, by Chinese “flasholic” brand Loop Gear, is a multifunctional flashlight with a striking sci-fi aesthetic. The compact design features a 1300-lumen spotlight, a 2550-lumen floodlight, removable rechargeable batteries, a magnetic butt end, and the ability to serve as a powerbank.

It is refreshing to see Chinese brands producing innovative designs, even if the innovations are in this case more aesthetic than functional. (The LED strip on the side has no function other than to look cool, for instance.) The designers have a good sense of form and detail; while the design is undeniably busy, the stylistic elements are balanced, well-proportioned and will seem familiar to fans of sci-fi anime.

The SK-05 Pro has been successfully Kickstarted, with $80,000-plus in pledges at press time and 26 days left to pledge. It runs $86, though they also offer a non-Pro version for $50; the lesser version features less powerful lights, and a less convenient battery cover that must be unscrewed. (The Pro version’s is hinged.)