ITTSB.EU Blog Forum
Significant information’s in favor of a professional Workshop => Emergency or portable torch lights - Magnifier - Battery powered gadgets => Topic started by: Kiriakos GR on December 22, 2025, 04:10:56 PM
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ProsKit MA-016 Headband Magnifier, this appears to be an all-times classic, as overall product design.
Product release this was at 2014, according to it product blister.
https://www.prokits.com.tw/Product/MA-016/ (https://www.prokits.com.tw/Product/MA-016/)
But something when wrong, when this product came at EU, and this shown as extremely overpriced :P
This poor choice at retail pricing, this killed demand.
But something changed at 2024 in Taiwan, and today this stock of ProsKit MA-016 (2014) this is now sold at reasonable price, at 13 Euros with Tax included.
Long story in sort version ... ProsKit this made a significant change at MA-016 Headband, there is some sort of a new designed leather part equipped with soft cushions .
The new product will feel as less slippery, and or it will feel as more stable when is in use.
Now at December 2025, importers and retail chain, both feel under pressure, so the old stock to get sold with priority.
Personally, I always made thoughts getting one, and I was always changing my mind at the last minute.
Today I am facing a new dilemma.
Should I grab the opportunity of old stock clearance?
Should I wait, for a few months, until latest revision arrival?
My positive pack of thoughts, ProsKit Headband Magnifier this is a wearable item, regarding hygiene and safety, I do not have any doubt, that entire pack of products certifications they are true and valid.
Magnifier elements quality, overall product build quality, all are verified and signed by ProsKit Taiwan.
Within all this new puzzle, the only stable parameter, this is that I can have one MA-016 (2014) at 16 Euros shipped at my door, in 24 Hours if I choose it.
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I will suggest that getting the latest version, this would be a wiser choice. I am simply thinking, that the newer this would assist at better blood circulation, and at less generated heat at the skin. ;)
( Greek summer)
ProsKit this waited for ages, so to improve this product design. :P
But its a good thing that they did.
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Few days ago, I did send a message at ProsKit.
The only way securing that I get the latest version, this is buying directly from Taiwan.
But here we have and another problem, shipping costs of Taiwanese post office, these were always unreasonable. :P
After the holidays, I will talk with the Greek importer, so to discover more details.
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Just spotted, and a second major change at the NEW rev.
Both side adjustable knobs to fix angle, they are now much larger. ;)
In summary they changed or added:
1) leather part equipped with soft cushions
2) New type of adjustable knobs, not actually identical to its other.
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Just spotted, and a second major change at the NEW rev.
Both side adjustable knobs to fix angle, they are now much larger. ;)
Indeed !!
ProsKit they should baptize this as MA-016B
They acting stupid since the beginning of time (2001 = belt strap clip), three product revisions under a single product model. :P
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I will add and another choice as food for thought.
At the other side of the pond, this seems to be their popular choice.
Originally an American design, this has be copied by the Chinese.
Now the Chinese they overcharge the Americans :P , by selling synthetic lens, three times higher than other similar products.
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I had recently direct communication with Pros KIT, Greek importer, and the representative, Mr. S. Ydraios.
He notified me of a few more retail local sources (in my city), that I can ask for pricing information.
And I did succeed getting a better deal, at 15€ and pick up of the product, when this arrives at the local store (in a week time or so).
I did accept, getting the last known product revision, mostly because I am fully capable to tweak it upon my taste. :)
And therefore, a Headband Magnifier as assistance for soldering alone, this will be soon solved.
At the same time I was also exploring and a second need, this is low magnification with 70 Centimeter of field of view.
So to able to see as partially magnified the readings of my test equipment, mostly of the screen of my Oscilloscope.
But there is not any single product, this able to offer assistance at both applications.
Economy class of magnifiers, they might deliver 55 centimeter as best field of view (Focus point), but even this level of performance, this is short according to my expectations or needs.
I think that I might find a better solution, if I visit a local optics store.
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By this message, I will share a product review comment from Sergey Z. (Russia).
January 18, 2022
Pros: Convenient adjustable clamp. Good build quality. Doesn't creak, wobble, or slip off your head. Odorless plastic.
Cons: When using two lenses (2.6), you need to give your eyes a few seconds to adjust and adjust your head position to get the focal length right.
I've gotten the hang of it. It doesn't cause any discomfort.
Comment:
I use it without removing my glasses. It's very helpful in my work. I recommend it for small jobs. Not for nighttime forest travel. The flashlight is not a spotlight.
Bought for: For small jobs (soldering, marking, drilling with a micro drill).
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I do kill time by reading reviews from all around the globe :)
And I do consider the above review, as detailed and well focused, for us interested for soldering work. ;)
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Technical specifications:
Lens material: Acrylic resin. (Processed by crack-proof rigid coating)
magnification
with one lens - 1.8X
with two lenses - 2.6X
with three lenses - 5.8X
Round lens diameter = 28 mm
Lens diameter No. 2 and No. 3 = 89x29 mm
Packaging Weight: 285 Grams
Attached Original PDF, Pros'Kit MA-016 of 7-2015
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A little more detective work .... who is the actual partner of ProsKit about these products?
They are more than five factories in China, them manufacturing similar products. :P
Srate Optical Instrument Co., Ltd. This is our guy. :)
Srate this gained CE certification, and at 2024 this shown in Germany, as Optical components and materials producer.
https://www.optatec-messe.de/en/Exhibitor-Index/58908-nanyang-srate-optical-instrument-co---ltd/ (https://www.optatec-messe.de/en/Exhibitor-Index/58908-nanyang-srate-optical-instrument-co---ltd/)
About the upcoming revision of MA-016, this named as No:81007A3 or MG81007A3
This is something different, this using 2X + 2X lens.
This is more an tool for mobile phone repairs.
Indeed it might comes with minor exterior changes (upgrades), but it comes also with the disadvantage of 2X lens, this making it lesser compatible for hand soldering with a standard sized soldering iron.
Personally I feel much better now, the currently available Pros Kit MA-016, this is more compatible to my own work style / expectations.
And I am glad that I ordered, this specific tool. 8)
About the Srate product, this named as No:81007A3 or MG81007A3, this is now imported in Russia and Poland.
It comes as unbranded.
Bellow they are few pictures of it.
Srate website, this is not updated since 2002, so there is no official page, of what is distributed due Pros Kit.
In the positive side of things, Pros Kit MA-016 this is manufactured by a serious company, and the quality of the lens this is warranted.
These 1.8X lens, they include exterior protector film, 5H rate of hardness.
Another strong point of this product design which won my preference, the primary lens this is mechanically protected due the black surrounding box.
This translates to longevity and to easy storage.
Entire product this is washable, by liquid soap and a soft sponge (all other chemicals they are forbidden).
Now I am very interested to get close up photographs, of ProsKit MA-016 Pivot screw assembly.
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Are we going to see soon unboxing of MA-016 EU. Import ? :)
With priority, I am looking forwards for your own confirmation of it actual focus distance at 1.8X
Indeed its not worth the risk, getting such a product as no-name.
I got a no-name handhold magnifier few years ago, and today it plastic handle this started melting, decompose. :P
Getting the product from authorized importer, it is a wiser choice, because ProsKit packaging this is not that hard to be replicated by copycats.
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Now that this article it is complete of facts, I will retract my suggestion in favor of latest (soft headband) product design. :-X
I did some web search of my own around the globe, ProsKit brand this does not have an all-around Europe market share.
In Germany for example, ProsKit this does not have any sales network.
From the other hand Conrad Electronic this distributing only the poorly designed Headband Magnifier products, which you may also find at Aliexpress.
I think that consumers of Poland and Russia they should be more careful, in these countries they are traces of plenty no-name imported goods.
There is no need to say that Kiriakos his has a talent at products evaluations, if he approves or likes a product, then this is a major vote of trust.
If I was the Greek importer, I would give at Kiriakos two free samples, and I would demonstrate support at this Blog.
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I do expect product arrival in 24 hours, according to local shop owner, and his latest offered information.
Yes I will add photographs of product details that I consider of importance.
They are two major details that no one else ever paid attention.
1) ProsKit MA-016 Pivot screw assembly, of what material these parts are made of?
Screw, tension washer, main washer, Nut.
2) At the LED light, is the LED diode of special type? This assisting at the demonstration of accurate colors?
Agilent Technologies U1176A Led Flashlight, this was designed assisting at the demonstration of accurate colors, of wires.
Of equal importance this is accurate review of color codes of resistors.
Regarding product authenticity and poor made knockoff
Attached bellow a photograph of poorly made replica, even the metal nut this is poorly machined.
Even the photograph (above) of knockoff OptiVISOR this also has a poorly machined nut. :P
MA-016 Headband Magnifier this comes with excellent machined metal nut.
MA-016 this comes with transparent blister, all product details are visible prior buying it.
At the end of the day, every single buyer, he is responsible of his own choices.
The ones not paying much of attention when shopping, they always be a victim.
Greek importer..
In just ten days of time, this article gathered 1800 of reads, some importers these working with old-school strategy, and those I am unable to assist.
All that I care right now, this is of me to receive a product free of defects.
I have all ready started working, making a quality DIY storage solution for my Headband Magnifier ;)
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My attention this is in now in focus of ProsKit MA-016 Year 2014, and product changes over time.
ProsKit MA-016 Year 2014, this comes in a blister and torch light this has a Green sticker.
Second revision ProsKit MA-016 Year ?? , this has and torch light with printed black logo (no other changes).
Third revision ProsKit MA-016 Year 2024, torch light with printed black logo, and significant specification differences.
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Its interesting too, that retail packaging found at Aliexpress, this shown to include a ProsKit mini sticker (shiny Green tag) in the form of product authenticity proof.
First photograph the well know 2014 release
Some one in Philippines at 2025, he posted at Facebook the photograph bellow.
My own question, this is since which year ProsKit started distributing torch light with printed black logo?
I am speculating, that this is production change at 2022~2023.
The value of this information, this has mostly to do as estimate, of actual production date per product.
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Here is a three years old find, of what quality gets shipped by Aliexpress.
Build quality of unbranded goods this is equal to trash. :P
Poor assembly at the factory, poor materials storage, headband white cover full of wrinkles...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgxH_oKPasI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgxH_oKPasI)
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Here is a three years old find, of what quality gets shipped by Aliexpress.
Build quality of unbranded goods this is equal to trash. :P
Thanks for the find. :)
This is another proof, of why this article it does focus exclusively at ProsKit MA-016.
Some one from the USA, he wrote as comment, this is economical and cheerful ;)
My cheerful moment, this will delay two more days, due a shipping error at the Greek warehouse in Athens (Authorized ProsKit distributor).
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Gentlemen we have arrival ... :)
Greece has stocked year 2024 revision with corrected specifications. 8)
Lens magnification this is:
with one lens - 1.8X -- focus distance 220~300 mm (user eyesight dependent)
with two lenses - 2.6X -- focus distance 100 mm (user eyesight dependent)
with three lenses - 5.8X -- focus distance 40 mm (user eyesight dependent)
New headband design:
Pull - Adjust - Lock Knob = Tremendously easy to use
New adjusting mechanism plastic cage = There is not any sharp edges.
Headband pillow with very soft material inside = Comfort feeling, no pressure marks over your skin.
New LED torch design:
Two LED diodes with yellow mirrors inside (COB type).
Light color, bright white (cold white).
On top of the LED there is a special filter (light diffuser cover) , this spreads the light evenly at 90 degrees at all directions.
Battery compartment with easy opening.
Silkscreen printed ProsKit Logo.
Perfect housing, no sharp edges.
Use instructions.
Always use both hands (fingers) to flip, secondary movable lens in to position, and or for disengagement.
For disengagement, always hold the lens for a gently return at parking position.
At new headband design there is no need over-tighten this pair of knobs.
Always set equal amount of pressure adjustment, evenly at both sides.
Total weight:
Loaded with a pair of AAA = 220 grams
Notes:
Secondary movable lens (1.8X), there is a spring level action when parking, and the factory did not add a tiny piece of foam pillow, this absorbing the caused impact.
New product design dimensions 320mm x 230 mm x 55 mm
New ProsKit MA-016 Pivot screw assembly
All parts are metallic, screw and tension grommet, plus two grommets of hard plastic.
Side knobs, they include implanted metal nuts (strong product design).
(Keep these parts always clean, from oil or dirt.)
In conclusion. :)
I am very happy that latest ProsKit MA-016 this keeps coming with 1.8X lens.
Indeed its true, you need to wait few seconds so your eyes to adopt, at its new magnification setting.
3.2X round lens, this gives strong magnification, entire viewed area in perfect focus. :)
Torch light, accurate results about color code of parts and wires.
Yes, yes, I like it !! 8)
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Here is my DIY correction, by using soft foam pads of 1.5mm height. :)
(Mini Foam Felt Pads) 12.5 mm diameter.
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Unbelievable ... 8)
You got further discount due the delivery delay ;D
You got the newest headband, with soft pillow, along the magnification levels that you needed.
Three in one !!
Congratulations !! :)
ProsKit they should fix asap, their marketing material.
Its indeed hard to believe of how Kiriakos succeed, him getting the perfect combination of product features, by receiving so much misinformation due his own, due internet finds.
28mm Lens magnification this is wrongly printed at the carton too. :P
Authorized ProsKit Greek distributor, his has also the responsibility, him to upgrade his own product page.
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Unbelievable ?? :)
This is ITTSB.EU , everything is possible ;D ;D
I feel truly impressed, of the amount of attention to detail, at the torch light design, and at headband mechanism improvements.
This article it should be considered as another one worldwide first, short in length product review.
ProsKit MA-016 Rev. 2024, this is the new standard, at this class of products.
Indeed economical, but of acceptable quality for the price, and it does the job.
At the hands of a tools lover, this will last for over a decade.
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Thanks for the received positive energy. ;)
I am now at home, and still studying this product design details.
ODM factory which make this product Lens system, this offers one Tip for quick release of the secondary moving lens.
This information it is totally missing, from ProsKit MA-016 user manual.
I will share it as untested for now :) = First attached image.
Second attached photograph, this comes from Russia, and possibly from someone, who is unable to READ the words
PUSH = толкать
PULL = ТЯНУТЬ
He when so desperate, that he did use a wrench tool (plumbing) so to rotate the knob. :-X
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I do give a battle here so to determine magnification VS actual Focus point distances.
By using the torch light, some how, Focus point distances they extend further.
Lens magnification with torch light:
with one lens - 1.8X -- focus distance 320 mm (Kiriakos eyesight dependent)
with two lenses - 2.6X -- focus distance 140 mm (Kiriakos eyesight dependent)
with three lenses - 5.8X -- focus distance 50 mm (Kiriakos eyesight dependent)
Regarding secondary flip lens release action:
I thought that it might be some special mechanical move, this helping for an easy release.
Due the fact that my Headband Magnifier, its new an unused, the mechanism seems as stiff to me.
And or it might be the 14C room temperature, anything plastic this become less flexible. :)
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I am having doubts regarding the offered specifications about magnification per lens element.
Main lens: (No3) There is no doubt, magnification it might be between 1.8X or 2.0X ( visual differences these are difficult to detect).
Flip lens: (No2) According to carton box, 2+3 = 2.6X, but also according to carton box, Flip lens: (No2) this is 1.8X
1.8X + 1.8X = 3.6X
Circular lens: (No1) According to carton box, this is 4.2X
Actual dimensions 34.50mm external diameter, 28.50mm internal diameter.
I did remove and tested this lens, this has focus point of 50mm.
This might deliver Magnification: 10X ...
1.8X + 1.8X = 3.6X + 10X = 13.6X
1.8X + 1.8X = 3.6X + 8.4X = 12X
Latest ProSkit User manual:
2X, 4X, 10X, 12X
https://www.prokits.com.tw/myHandler/Ashx_FtpFileDownload.ashx?f=0F1CD081F1B48E3DB772CC7918E510C4&r=22FB98489E2EBB25C8A4846DDBFD18ABD196E7386E5F391B&d=MA_016.pdf&t=4C45890FA993CD24 (https://www.prokits.com.tw/myHandler/Ashx_FtpFileDownload.ashx?f=0F1CD081F1B48E3DB772CC7918E510C4&r=22FB98489E2EBB25C8A4846DDBFD18ABD196E7386E5F391B&d=MA_016.pdf&t=4C45890FA993CD24)
I did wrote an email to ProSkit (both divisions), I asked for clarifications, I told them to recheck their specifications.
I did not get a word from them, after 48 hours.
This bad joke of conflicting product specifications it must end at 2026. :P
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And here I will use and another reference, the much older Pro'sKit 8PK-MA003N.
Over the packaging there is a piece of text as best focus information.
I bet that, and in this example, they are conflicting product specifications.
Primary lens, along Flip lens, both have identical dimensions and thickness, as they do at MA-016.
Naturally, what is of importance with any tool, this is of how well this works for you, they must be thousands products sold over the past twenty-five years.
ProsKit this build their reputation, by trading hand tools.
My first DMM at 1989, this was a ProsKit ( ODM Mastech, at the times that they were using European and American IC).
Trading of optics, this is a sector requiring experience, OLYMPUS Japan this is the top of the mountain at that sector.
ProsKit it should correct it marketing material, datasheets , text over the packaging, all must agree to its other.
Otherwise the confusion and the doubts, they will continue at puzzling ProsKit sales chain and even consumers.
I am aware that ProsKit since Jan. 21, 2016, this follows ROHS 2.0 EU certification.
STRATE the ODM of 81007A3 this has CE certification of their own.
And therefore, we have no reason be worried as consumers, that specific products they are equal to no-name trash. :)
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STRATE 81007A3 Headband Magnifier.
Translation from Russian text.
The magnifier is new, in packaging.
The binocular head magnifier 81007A3 is an updated and improved version of the well-proven model Mg81007a.
In this version, the mechanism for adjusting the size and position of the headband has been modified, and a soft insert has been added to the headband for more comfortable work.
This magnifier is suitable for various crafts, handicrafts and, of course, for repairing and assembling electronics, watches and other small items.
The magnifier consists of two lens blocks, and one additional one, for the right eye.
For greater convenience, a removable backlight unit is provided; when the workplace is sufficiently illuminated, the block can be easily removed, thereby lightening the magnifier.
Specifications: Magnification and focal length depending on the combination of lenses:
2X (250 mm), 4X (125 mm), 10X (50 mm), 12X (41 mm).
Power: 2 AAA batteries/rechargeable batteries (not included).
Torch-light: 2 LEDs, Removable Torch-light unit.
Weight: 195 g (excluding batteries).
Delivery within Moscow within the Moscow Ring Road is available for 250 rubles.
Binocular Headlamp Magnifier with Torch-light 81007A3 ...
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In conclusion ProsKit MA-016 this is a non customized, STRATE 81007A3. ;)
Circular lens: (No1) According to carton box, this is 8X
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Another one complete Myth-busting process 8)
The diving in to Russian continent WEB, this shown as very productive regarding findings. :)
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I do give a battle here so to determine magnification VS actual Focus point distances.
By using the torch light, some how, Focus point distances they extend further.
Lens magnification with torch light:
with one lens - 1.8X 2.0X -- focus distance 320 mm (Kiriakos eyesight dependent)
So if we need to have a focus range under lower magnification, this could be (Min/Average/Max) 220mm ~ 250mm ~ 320mm .. (all dependent to light source conditions) with an artificial light source.
And or 220mm ~ 320mm ..
I think that this is enough, for soldering and desoldering of most common in side components.
You may also lift the magnification head , and lower the torch light angle, and then you may have a Headband torch light. ;)
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You may also lift the magnification head , and lower the torch light angle, and then you may have a Headband torch light. ;)
Yes, its usable as solo headband torch light. :)
But only in an emergency, because you are always in a risk, crashing the magnifier lens over another object.
MA-016 this feels comfortable over your head, and after some time you may forget that is there. ;D
Below they are two photographs, showcasing MA-016 angle, when torch light (at lowest angle) this aims forwards, at the eyes height.