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.
