
Review
I know I only gave it 4 stars. I was debating whether to give it 4 or 5 stars. In the end I felt like it was a little closer to 4 than 5. But it was almost 5.
I’ll use Maglite as a base comparison since that’s a light most people are familiar with. Size-wise, it is barely half the length of my 3D Maglite. It is also much skinnier and lighter. However at its brightest setting, it completely blows away any Maglite I have ever used. Even at medium, it is brighter than my 3D Maglite and it has a longer runtime too. Another reviewer noted that the throw is not as good as a Maglite. Given that it has a smaller head and shallower reflector, that is not surprising. That’s the tradeoff for the smaller size. But at closer ranges of 100 feet or less it provides a lot more usable light. The brightness more than makes up for difference in throw at that distance. There are 3 different brightness settings plus a strobe.
It comes in a plastic carrying case with some accessories. There is a mostly useless leather holder with keychain clip. It also has a white diffuser cap (useful) and an extender tube and battery holder so it can run off 18650 or CR123A batteries. It comes with a clip and front striking bezel attached, both of which are removable. Although it doesn’t say in the specs, it can also run off 18500 batteries.
The beam is a cool-white shade and fairly smooth with only a bit of ringiness right around the hot spot. If you leave the front bezel on, it makes the edge of the spill area into a pentagon shape instead of a circular shape (it is nice and round w/o the bezel). It can tail stand. If you remove the clip, the tail will help keep it from rolling on a level surface but it will likely roll off an inclined surface. The head runs pretty hot at the highest setting, but the heat sink keeps the heat from spreading to the rest of the flashlight body. The build quality feels fairly solid. I’m not about to purposely drop it, so I can’t claim it is or isn’t as tough as a Maglite.
Add it all up and you’ve got a solid flashlight. I find it’s well worth the price. Also you’ll save on batteries in the long run. Rechargeable RCR123A, 18500, or 18650s are kinda pricey initially. But compared to buying D batteries repeatedly they pay for themselves pretty quickly.
Oh the reason it ultimately got 4 stars instead of 5 is two minor problems. First, there is no momentary on switch. The momentary on only works for strobe mode. Which to me is useless. I’d much rather have momentary on access for the regular modes. The second reason I only gave it 4 stars is because I have some minor problems switching between modes. You switch between light levels by pressing the strobe button. Occasionally the light level doesn’t switch unless I give the button several presses instead of just one.
9/24/2009
minor update – The problem i was having with the light occasionally not switching light levels when I press the button was fixed when I sent the light back for a replacement. Apparently I just got a bad one the first time. The new one has worked flawlessly since I got it.
Feature
- World-class super bright Cree MC-E LED up to 700 Lumens
- Max 90 hours long runtime
- Three digitally controlled constant brightness levels and strobe
- Front & Rear removable striking bezel provided for close quarter combat defense
- Water resistant to IP68
Overview
Product Data:
LED: CREE MC-E led (M-bin)700 Lumens (at emitter)
Battery Options in 3 Cell Configuration: 3xCR123A/RCR123A batteries or 2 18500 li-Ion.
Battery Options in 3=4 Cell Configuration w/included extender tube: 4xCR123A or 2 x 18650 Li-ion
Dimension 43.5mm/1.71″(D)X176.9mm/6.96″(L)
Dimension with extender tube 43.5mm/1.71″(D)X210.9mm/8.3″(L)
Weight: 165.2g/5.83oz (exclude battery)
Function Three brightness levels and strobe mode
Output and runtime High Mode 700lumens/1.5hours
Medium Mode 120lumens/7.5hours
Low Mode 8lumens/90hours
Strobe 700lumens/1.5hours
Features:
World-class super bright Cree MC-E LED
Max 700 lumens
Max 80 hours long runtime
Side switch on tail cap for direct access to strobe from power-off
Side switch on tail cap for changing modes from power-on
Three digitally controlled constant brightness levels and strobe
Front & Rear removable striking bezel provided for close quarter combat defense
Superior heat sink that disperses heat to protect LED and electrical components
Ergonomic design for easy & comfortable operation
Full orange peel reflector with perfect beam
Rugged indestructible aluminum body with scratch, wear and corrosion resistant type III hard anodization
Twist strip for safe keeping and easy carry
Water resistant to IP68
Anti-shattering ultra clear lens, anti-scratching and anti-slip
Engineered anti-slip body texture for a tight firm grip
Built-in stainless steel pocket clip
Advanced digital power management system for smooth and even brightness during battery life time
The product includes: 1 flashlight, 1 extended tube, 1 diffuser, 1 battery magazine, twist strip, O-rings and rubber boot. All in one beautiful carry/storage
Specifications
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 28, 2010 16:20:29
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