Joby creates a new lighting category with the Gorillatorch Switchback

San Francisco, CA – October 21, 2010 – Joby, Inc., the world-renowned designer of the best-selling Gorillatorch Original and the Gorillapod™ line of innovative camera tripods, makes history again with the category-defining launch of the Gorillatorch Switchback. The ultimate companion for the outdoor enthusiast, this combination lantern-headlamp uses the same LED light array in a single form factor to avoid the need to carry two separate lights.

Produced with the latest in high-performance materials and LED light technology, the Gorillatorch Switchback combines exceptional light quality with innovative product design. With 5 powerful LEDs, including a 130-lumen CREE® XLamp® XP-G LED spotlight, 6 brightness settings and an adjustable dimmer switch this social to solo lighting product is an overflowing cauldron of beautiful light. The 92% ultra-efficient holographic lens produces brilliant and even light that is easy on the eyes when viewed directly, a vast improvement over traditional lanterns available today.

“We wanted to create a lighting product that encourages strong social interaction in the same way that a campfire does,” says JOBY CEO Forrest Baringer-Jones, “Our deep research into the needs of skiing, surfing and climbing guides as well as extreme backpackers inspired us to create an entirely new product that combines a lightweight headlamp with a social lantern utilizing the same LED lighting engine. Our friends on the mountain told us their existing solutions didn’t work, so this piece of revolutionary design is for them and many others.”

As a lantern, the Gorillatorch Switchback is capable of illuminating an 8-person family tent or small cabin, making it the ideal light for any social gathering – from meals at the campsite, to an evening game of cards on the patio. Gorillatorch Switchback can easily hook to the inside of a tent, sit on a table or attach to a branch using the included flexible lantern stand.

The integrated design allows for a quick transition to headlamp mode, with an ergonomic, woven headband that can be comfortably worn for hours.  The Switchback can illuminate a trail up to 60 feet ahead, with two additional white LEDs for flood lighting and two red LEDs to preserve night vision.

Built to last throughout a weekend of outdoor adventures, the Gorillatorch Switchback uses two easy-to-find AA batteries for a battery life of up to 72 hours. The flexible lantern stand also doubles as a camera tripod when using the included standard camera screw.

The Switchback retails for $59.95 US and is available globally for purchase at select retailers including; REI, L.L. Bean, Eastern Mountain Sports and Amazon.

The Gorillatorch Switchback is the third of six products that JOBY is launching this fall. The Gorillatorch Switchback will launch on October 21st in San Francisco at Tent City, an interactive experience that will celebrate a return to backcountry roots, and an active outdoor lifestyle.

ABOUT JOBY

Joby creates well-designed, revolutionary products to inspire the creative and active lifestyle. The Company revolutionized the camera accessories market in early 2006 with its Gorillapod line of flexible tripods and continues to redefine the consumer electronics market with its Gorillamobile and Gorillatorch product lines. Founded in 2005, Joby is a privately-held company headquartered in San Francisco, CA, with offices in Santa Cruz, CA; Geneva, Switzerland; Singapore and Shenzhen, China.  For more information about Joby please visit joby.com.