UV Hawk Q3I-UVHAWK2 Waterproof Ultraviolet Sunlight Meter

I had bought this for a science fair project. It's small and seems accurate and works perfectly to fit our needs. Interestingly, even though I bought it for school, we will probably use it again in the future to determine the need for sunscreen, especially when we are going out for the day. It is easy to use and carry.

This is a little gem. I used it all summer. Remarkably, when set to my skin type and periodically (semi-automatically) readjusted for sun intensity, the time ran out just before I would feel the tightness in my skin from sun exposure. The first summer ever without a single minor burn. Recommend it? YES!!!!

I am a very fair-skinned blonde, and purchased this to help me prevent sunburn, as I am a bike rider and outside a great deal. The sensor does not seem to respond to changes in light intensity, and even when I would stop and reset it to a brighter light, it still allowed HOURS of sun exposure. Plus, if you leave it on and then put it in a dark place, eventually the alarm goes off. I did not see any evidence that the light sensor functioned at all after the initial setting. It did not alert me to excessive sun exposure--it allows far too much time in the sun. On another note, the belt clip is an inadequate attachment for any sport that involves riding over bumps, jostling, etc. It is convenient, but a more positive attachment is needed. Back to the disposable strips, I guess.

I would recommend this product to anyone who wants to measure the sun's UV rays. I was concerned about UV exposure, and wanted more information about how different light patterns and arrangements affect the amount of UV light that reaches me, and this meter really helped me figure all that stuff out. I recommend.

Pros - Unit works as described- i.e. measures UV etc etc. - Interface is intuitive. - Appears accurate. Cons - It is NOT waterproof. Far from it. If you immerse it in water it will get completely water logged shorting out the battery. If that happens to you, pull the battery out, drain off any excess water and put it in a bag of rice. Next day it will be dry as a bone and ready for use again.

We have a Chaney that we have used for years but it seems to be getting old and reading lower UV intensity than it used to. I thought I would try another brand (cheaper and prime), so I ordered the UV Hawk. The problem with the UV Hawk is that it only reads the UV intensity when you press the button, once, and that's it. For partly cloudy days when the sun comes and goes, the Hawk only counts down exposure time based on its original UV sample measurement. The Chaney samples UV intensity every few seconds and adjusts (totalizes) UV exposure through changing UV conditions. I am disappointed in the Hawk and intend to return it and get another Chaney.

My wife is convinced I'll die from sunlight after my bout with squamous cell carcinoma years ago. This device does a very simple job of estimating the time in the sun I can spend before I'm overdone. The count-down alarm is the neatest feature. Highly recommend it.

Cool little gadget to verify all my cheap sunglasses. Low price, but works.