New Leatherman Serac Lights?

[NeitherExtreme]

It seems Leatherman is coming out with a group of three new LED flashligts. I don't have a lot of info, but here's the links to Leatherman's Image Library...
Promotional pics of the new lights.
S1 & S2 sell sheet.
S3 sell sheet.
FAQ sheet.

Super short version...
All= waterproof, type III HA aluminum, tail click, regulated
Serac 1= 1xAAA, Nichia 5mm GS-K1, 1 level output, smooth AL reflector
Serac 2=1xAAA, Cree XLamp XR-E, 2 level output, textured AL reflector
Serac 3=1xCR123, Cree XLamp XR-E, 3 level output, textured AL relector

Any thoughts from the flashlight gurus?

[scottaw]

I'm in, the S3 looks pretty cool, if pricing is in line i'm sure i'll grab one.

[NeitherExtreme]

I'm in, the S3 looks pretty cool, if pricing is in line i'm sure i'll grab one.

Yeah, I'm hoping that LM use their considerable size, recognition, and distribution to sell these at a reasonable price...

[1 what]

I guess they will be well made and not inexpensive. Light output is not outstanding. I don't know if I need/want another light of this format.

[LukeA]

Clicky 2-mode 1AAA is nice.

[sol-leks]

Its nice to see more and more main stream brands putting out higher quality lights. However, there is nothing particularly mindblowing about the stats of these lights. Then again, leatherman usually puts out a pretty decent product, albeit it a fairly pricey one. I will be very interested to see what the pricing on these will eventually be.

[NeitherExtreme]

Light output is not outstanding.

I noticed that too and wondered a bit about it.

[superflytnt]

dupe, sorry folks

[superflytnt]

I guess they will be well made and not inexpensive. Light output is not outstanding. I don't know if I need/want another light of this format.

If the #'s are true then the S3 is comparable to my SF E1B, I'd say that that's decent. 7 lumens for 35 hours on low ain't bad at all IMO.

That S2 sounds interesting as well, kind of like a pre-made LOD-Microstream with a bit less output and only two-levels. The numbers (35 lumens for 45 minutes) actually sound pretty realistic if they're based on alkaline cells. That's better than my LOD can do on an alkie and there's no way that it's 75 lumens, LOL. I'm lookin' forward to some reviews on these, if they're decently built and priced right I can see these as great gift lights.....................plenty bright for a non-flashaholic, easy UI's and simple clicky switches.

[PhantomPhoton]

Interesting so far. Too bad they didn't make a model with AA's. It'll be interesting to compare the S1 to the Fenix E01.

[fstuff]

It seems Leatherman is coming out with a group of three new LED flashligts. I don't have a lot of info, but here's the links to Leatherman's Image Library...
Promotional pics of the new lights.
S1 & S2 sell sheet.
S3 sell sheet.
FAQ sheet.

Super short version...
All= waterproof, type III HA aluminum, tail click, regulated
Serac 1= 1xAAA, Nichia 5mm GS-K1, 1 level output, smooth AL reflector
Serac 2=1xAAA, Cree XLamp XR-E, 2 level output, textured AL reflector
Serac 3=1xCR123, Cree XLamp XR-E, 3 level output, textured AL relector

Any thoughts from the flashlight gurus?

Nichia 5mm?

these the same bulbs in DX's $4 1W 1AA?

[2sparky]

LOL....What!!! no cool pliers!?!?!?! Or knife blade!?!?!?! Im def. Not in...lol In all seriousness I cant wait.

[Gatsby]

Doug Ritter had a bit on these in his blog - seemed promising but the function is a deal breaker for me - apparently a reverse clickie so you toggle between low and high with a soft press, which isn't an issue, but apparently it neither remembers the last mode nor starts at the same point each time, but after off it continues to the next level. I.e. if you're in low, turn it off, it starts on high the next time, or on the CR123 model if you're in medium, turn it off, the next time you turn it on you'll be in high. I can't find any rationale for that approach to the UI - requiring you to remember the last mode and then toggle to the next one. I suspect for many here, assuming that is how they work, that will not be a popular approach. Very disappointing as I like the look of them.

[NeitherExtreme]

Doug Ritter had a bit on these in his blog - seemed promising but the function is a deal breaker for me - apparently a reverse clickie so you toggle between low and high with a soft press, which isn't an issue, but apparently it neither remembers the last mode nor starts at the same point each time, but after off it continues to the next level. I.e. if you're in low, turn it off, it starts on high the next time, or on the CR123 model if you're in medium, turn it off, the next time you turn it on you'll be in high. I can't find any rationale for that approach to the UI - requiring you to remember the last mode and then toggle to the next one. I suspect for many here, assuming that is how they work, that will not be a popular approach. Very disappointing as I like the look of them.

That's a bit of a turnoff....
(No pun intended)

[ninjaboigt]

i kinda like the S2

[JoeDizzy]

The clips look pretty cool

[TMedina]

I don't fault Leatherman for jumping on the bandwagon, but I hope they put some thought and effort into the product line and don't try to milk too much from brand recognition.

-Trevor

[Robocop]

I actually like the 2 tone look and for some reason the simple clip design looks pretty slick as well. I am wondering if the stainless bezel will make it feel odd or topheavy in the hand....regardless pretty interesting look.

[GPB]

I really like that S3. Depending on its price point that could be a turning point in mainstream flashlights. Anyone know if they are out yet, or has any idea when they will be available.

[NeitherExtreme]

I really like that S3. Depending on its price point that could be a turning point in mainstream flashlights. Anyone know if they are out yet, or has any idea when they will be available.

I haven't heard anything about that. They aren't even up on their main site yet, nor have I gotten a newletter, which is what they normally seem to do when introducing something this new.

Edit: Scratch that... This site states fall 2008 for release.It also gives $25, 50, & 70 as the MSRP on the lights.

[Flashfirstask?later]

This person is supposedly showing the beam shot of the 3 levels of Leatherman Serac S3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfSGQDvGE0o

[jzmtl]

Doug Ritter had a bit on these in his blog - seemed promising but the function is a deal breaker for me - apparently a reverse clickie so you toggle between low and high with a soft press, which isn't an issue, but apparently it neither remembers the last mode nor starts at the same point each time, but after off it continues to the next level. I.e. if you're in low, turn it off, it starts on high the next time, or on the CR123 model if you're in medium, turn it off, the next time you turn it on you'll be in high. I can't find any rationale for that approach to the UI - requiring you to remember the last mode and then toggle to the next one. I suspect for many here, assuming that is how they work, that will not be a popular approach. Very disappointing as I like the look of them.

I'm pretty sure it's same as reverse clickie mode switching used by fenix, so if you turn it off long enough it'll start on low again.

[cave dave]

I'm pretty sure it's same as reverse clickie mode switching used by fenix, so if you turn it off long enough it'll start on low again.

No, the fenix is digital, the UI is in the logic of the head. Sounds like the LM uses a common two position click switch. Similar switches have been used in older black diamond headlamps and some cheaper halogen/LED combo lights.

[srvctec]

I just got the Leatherman email newsletter today and here is the link it pointed to. The Serac family of LED flashlights

Click on each light to find out more about them. Looks pretty interesting to me, especially since they used OP and included a clip with each light- looks like maybe they did some homework at least.

[Mercaptan]

Anyone know if these are made in the USA?

[srvctec]

Don't know if they are made in USA or not.

Found another interesting link Serac LED lights press kits

From the Word file "Serac S1, S2 and S3 Copy Blocks"SERAC™ S1 LED FLASHLIGHT SPECS
" Lumens: 6
" 6061-T6 Hard-anodized Aluminum Body
" Aluminum Bezel
" Regulated Light Output System
" Detachable Keychain Ring
" Detachable Lanyard
" Reversible Pocket Clip
" Water Resistant
" Impact Resistant
" Length: 3.23 in | 8.2 cm (Keychain)
" Bezel Width: .56 in | 1.42 cm
" 10-year Warranty
" MSRP: $25.00

SERAC™ S2 LED FLASHLIGHT SPECS
" Lumens: 5 (low) 35 (high)
" 6061-T6 Hard-anodized Aluminum Body
" Stainless Steel Bezel
" Glass Lens with Anti-reflective Coating
" Textured Aluminum Reflector
" Regulated Light Output System
" Detachable Keychain Ring
" Detachable Lanyard
" Reversible Pocket Clip
" Water Resistant
" Impact Resistant
" Length: 3.48 in | 8.84 cm (Keychain)
" Bezel Width: .56 in | 1.42 cm
" 10-year Warranty
" MSRP: $45.00

SERAC™ S3 LED FLASHLIGHT SPECS
" Lumens: 7 (low) 43 (med) 100 (high)
" 6061-T6 Hard-anodized Aluminum Body
" Stainless Steel Bezel
" Glass Lens with Anti-reflective Coating
" Textured Aluminum Reflector
" Regulated Light Output System
" Detachable Lanyard
" Reversible Pocket Clip
" Water Resistant
" Impact Resistant
" Length: 3.2 in | 8.13 cm (Pocket-size)
" Bezel Width: .9 in | 2.29 cm
" 10-year Warranty
" MSRP: $65.00


WHAT'S IN A NAME?
Serac™ is the series name for the S1, S2, and S3 lights. The S indicates single-purpose.
" Pronounced: sé·rac, noun
" Definition: A large irregularity of glacial ice, as a pinnacle found in glacial crevasses and formed by melting or movement of the ice.

THE LEATHERMAN LIGHTING DIFFERENCE IS THE LIGHT DENSITY VALUE
Leatherman flashlights provide the highest, most consistent output of light for battery/product size of any flashlight on the market in the price range. Simply put, the size to performance ratio is unmatched for the price. Some of these features can be found on lights by other manufacturers, but it's in the size and price for which they are delivered, that make Leatherman lighting truly stand apart.

RELIABILITY
" Single battery design reduces loading errors and mis-matching batteries
" Switch design requires full click to turn on, preventing accidental operation and battery drain
"
BRIGHTNESS
" Highest-quality LED technology with voltage-regulated circuitry for consistent output

DURABILITY
" Potted circuitry improves impact resistance for electronics
" Aircraft-grade aluminum body (6061-T6) with Type III, hard anodizing means it's lightweight but impact resistant and as durable as stainless steel
" Water resistant O-ring seals keep corrosion-causing moisture out

PERFECT LIGHT PATTERN
" Precision machined aluminum reflector for fixed focus
" Textured reflector surface for a smooth, article-free light pattern (S2 and S3)
" Anti-reflective (AR) coated and optically-correct, heat-treated glass window for efficient and distortion-free light transmission (S2 and S3)

___________________________________________

But from the Word file "Serac S1, S2 and S3 Release" on that same page I linked to:

MSRP on the S1 is $25.00, the S2 is $50.00 and the S3 is $70.00.


So I don't know which prices are the correct ones.

[6010 nsk]

COSTCO has a leatherman led light that looks nothing like those..... IIRC it takes 2 AA...

[parnass]

WHAT'S IN A NAME?
Serac™ is the series name for the S1, S2, and S3 lights. The S indicates single-purpose.
" Pronounced: sé·rac, noun
" Definition: A large irregularity of glacial ice, as a pinnacle found in glacial crevasses and formed by melting or movement of the ice.

In case anyone cares, Serac is cares spelled backwards.

[matrixshaman]

I found the S3 for $53.00 .... - not too hard to find with Google

[blarson]

Will the S3 use AW RCR123 3.7V rechargeables? Pretty retro if it doesn't.