# Panther Vision

> Panther Vision is a West Dundee, Illinois, consumer-hardware company built around a plain observation: portable light works better when it goes where the user looks and leaves both hands free. Founder and lead inventor Mike Waters turned a storm-at-sea frustration into POWERCAP lighted hats, then expanded the same problem-solving approach into flat flashlights, illuminated eyewear, adhesive lights, rechargeable hand warmers and the motion-responsive ADAPTEV headlamp.

- **Founded:** 2005
- **Headquarters:** West Dundee, United States
- **Founders:** Mike Waters (Founder and lead inventor)
- **Team size:** Approximately 23 employees in the supplied dataset; third-party estimates place the team near 30.
- **Products:** POWERCAP, LIGHTSPECS, BUTTON LAMP, FLATEYE, ADAPTEV
- **Notable:** Built a patent portfolio covering multiple generations of POWERCAP headwear, LIGHTSPECS eyewear, BUTTON LAMP and FLATEYE products; the company describes the portfolio as more than 25 patents., Reached the ADAPTEV Kickstarter goal in just over two hours and finished at $116,475 - 2,329% of the $5,000 target - from 1,729 backers., Secured distribution through national and specialist retailers including Lowe's, Home Depot, Dick's Sporting Goods and outdoor-supply channels at different points in its history.

## Products & services

- **POWERCAP** — Baseball caps and beanies with integrated LEDs for close-up and forward hands-free lighting; current rechargeable models offer multiple modes and up to 150 lumens.
- **LIGHTSPECS** — Reading and safety glasses with LEDs placed in the temples to illuminate close work.
- **BUTTON LAMP** — Quarter-sized adhesive LED lights for quick illumination on walls, fixtures, clothing and other smooth surfaces.
- **FLATEYE** — Flat-sided, waterproof and shock-resistant flashlights designed to fit pockets and resist rolling on uneven surfaces.
- **ADAPTEV** — An IP67 rechargeable headlamp that uses an inertial measurement unit and directional LED groups to adjust illumination as the wearer moves their head.
- **POWERPAW** — Rechargeable waterproof electric hand warmers and related heated outdoor products.
- **POWERCAP ICE** — Temperature-focused headwear using reusable cooling packs and UPF 50 sun protection.
- **POWERCAP HEAT** — A rechargeable beanie with dual-zone heating, four heat settings, four light settings and a 300-lumen maximum output.
- **Sting Stick** — A rechargeable, chemical-free heat-therapy device marketed for temporary relief of itching from insect bites and stings.

## Achievements

- Built a patent portfolio covering multiple generations of POWERCAP headwear, LIGHTSPECS eyewear, BUTTON LAMP and FLATEYE products; the company describes the portfolio as more than 25 patents.
- Reached the ADAPTEV Kickstarter goal in just over two hours and finished at $116,475 - 2,329% of the $5,000 target - from 1,729 backers.
- Secured distribution through national and specialist retailers including Lowe's, Home Depot, Dick's Sporting Goods and outdoor-supply channels at different points in its history.
- Earned television and media exposure for its products, including QVC appearances and an ABC segment featuring BUTTON LAMP.
- Donated more than $17,000 worth of products to Team Rubicon by October 2018.

## Latest updates

- **2026-05** — The store added POWERCAP HEAT, a rechargeable heated beanie combining dual-zone heat with lighting up to 300 lumens.
- **2026-01** — Panther Vision expanded into bite relief with Sting Stick, a rechargeable localized-heat device.
- **2025-09** — The catalog added the rechargeable 1,000-lumen FLATEYE FRX-1000 flashlight.
- **2025-06** — POWERCAP ICE cooling hats appeared in the direct store with reusable cooling packs and UPF 50 protection.
- **2023-10** — The ADAPTEV headlamp crowdfunding campaign closed at $116,475 from 1,729 backers.

## Links

- Website: https://panthervision.com
- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/panther-vision-llc
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/panthervis
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCROo-L4ygCmSfgUu5zhmwAg
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/panther.vision/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialPantherVision

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/panther-vision
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-08-20