Review: SCANGRIP Matchpen Swirl Finder Light - Intense Swirl Exposer in a compact size by Mike Phillips

[Mike Phillips]

Review: SCANGRIP Matchpen Swirl Finder Light - Intense Swirl Exposer in a compact size by Mike Phillips (http://tinyurl.com/lxs2d3s)



SCANGRIP Matchpen Swirl Finder Light

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_011.JPG



Yeah yeah yeah... I know what some of you are thinking...

It's a flashlight

Wrongo Buffalo Breath - It's a swirl Finder Light and a damn good one too. I still like the SCANGRIP Sunmatch swirl finder light you see me use on Comepetition Ready but I like this one because it's the size of a Sharpie marker and for that reason easy to pack around in my pocket or in door map pocket of my truck.

Let's take a look at what's in the box and then we'll take a look at this lightening in your hand and I'll let the pictures do the talking...


Here's the light on the matte black hood of this old 2-door Plymouth....

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_001.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_006.JPG



Nice presentation....

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_007.JPG


The battery anti-drain device
After removing from the box, remove the cap off the back and then remove the battery anti-drain device (the small round piece of cardboard between the end of the battery and the spring in the cap). Then replace the cap and the light is now ready to use.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_008.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_009.JPG





Here's our victim car... a 1971 Plymouth Duster in Lemon Drop Yellow

This is a bad ass muscle car, I'll show you the motor later, but she's racer for sure. Problem is... the paint is all jacked-up. By jacked-up I mean it looks horrible because not only is it dull and lifeless but it's compleely filled with swirls and scratches.

1971 Plymouth Duster in Lemon Drop Yellow

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_010.JPG


Here's lightening in your hand...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_011.JPG



And here's how this tool works....

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_012.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_013.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_014.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_015.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_016.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_017.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_018.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_019.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_020.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_021.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_021c.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_022.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_023.jpg



I'm trying to remove the swirls by grabbing them with my fingers...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_024.JPG



Yeah this isn't working. Guess I'll have to do some machine compounding and polishing...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_025.JPG



With the overhead florescent lights you can see the damage and the dull appearance....

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_026.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_026c.JPG



You can also see orange peel...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_027.JPG



Wicked bad hood and hood scoop... and this was the style back in 1971 - Guess there's nothing new under the sun...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_028.JPG



SCANGRIP Matchpen lighting up flat black...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_029.JPG



Here's the graphics on the back of the car...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_030.JPG



By lighting them up you can see the matte finish is simply dull and neglected looking...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_031.JPG



This muscle car has what's called a Hurst Pistol Grip Shifter

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_032.JPG



This was cool back in its day...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_032c.JPG




This car needs an EXTREME SHOW CAR MAKEOVER to get it Competition Ready!

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_033.JPG



Final thoughts...


Get one.



On Autogeek.com

SCANGRIP Matchpen Light (http://www.autogeek.net/scangrip-matchpen.html)



:)

[The Guz]

The battery anti-drain device
After removing from the box, remove the cap off the back and then remove the battery anti-drain device (the small round piece of cardboard between the end of the battery and the spring in the cap). Then replace the cap and the light is now ready to use.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_008.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3437/SCANGRIP_Matchpen_009.JPG


Great write up Mike. Saved me from writing my own :). I like this little attention to detail from scangrip. Mine worked right out of the box when I received mine on a previous order. Unlike the Rupes pen light which came with dead batteries as it does not have this little anti-drain device. Thanks for pointing out this little detail.



Get one.

:)

I agree. Great little light to have. Very portable and light weight.

[osiapstndp]

I am curious how this light performs against the Rupes and Flex swirl finder lights. I have both and use the Flex more frequently. Does anyone know of a comparison?

[rlmccarty2000]

C'mon Mike, that Hurst shifter is STILL cool!

[The Guz]

I am curious how this light performs against the Rupes and Flex swirl finder lights. I have both and use the Flex more frequently. Does anyone know of a comparison?

Between the Rupes and Scangrip pen light, it's a toss up. The light is slightly white from the Rupes light. It is also a tad brighter. If you are a Rupes fan and want it for the Rupes name then get it. Other than that they both perform well.

[osiapstndp]

Between the Rupes and Scangrip pen light, it's a toss up. The light is slightly white from the Rupes light. It is also a tad brighter. If you are a Rupes fan and want it for the Rupes name then get it. Other than that they both perform well.
Good information. Thank you.

[custmsprty]

I received mine today, this little light packs a real punch!!! :dblthumb2:

[Red Lehr]

I just received my Scangrip Matchpen light the other day and it clearly out does my LED light I was using... I was using a 400 lumen LED light, but it seems the Scangrip is a whiter looking light. I try to look at the paint under various lighting such as my fluorescent shop lights, LED, etc. The hardest thing to find were the light holograms I left with the Flex PE 8 and a 1" pad. I didn't see them until I used the Scangrip light.
Very good product and if you are looking to pull the trigger on a good swirl finder, the Scangrip Matchpen Light is definitely worth buying.

[Mike Phillips]

I just received my Scangrip Matchpen light the other day and it clearly out does my LED light I was using... I was using a 400 lumen LED light, but it seems the Scangrip is a whiter looking light. I try to look at the paint under various lighting such as my fluorescent shop lights, LED, etc.




Thanks for sharing...






The hardest thing to find were the light holograms I left with the Flex PE 8 and a 1" pad.

I didn't see them until I used the Scangrip light.



I agree - finding holograms left by small pads, usually on thin panels is tough, especially on light colors. What helps me is to hold the light out a ways from the paint, for some reason this helps to reveal the tale-tale signs of holograms.






Very good product and if you are looking to pull the trigger on a good swirl finder, the Scangrip Matchpen Light is definitely worth buying.




I take one with me to all my roadshow classes.


:)