Streamlight Twin-Task 3C review

[asdalton]

Having reviewed the lackluster performance of the TT 2D, I am happy to report that the TT 3C is much better. The extra battery seems to make all of the difference.

Body /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

This light is a little bit longer than the 2D, but I was surprised to find that it is considerably smaller than I had expected. There isn't any wasted space in this flashlight. The TT 3C is noticeably lighter than the 2D, and the 3C fits better in the hand, too. For comparison, it is much narrower than the Lightwave 3000 or the Trek lights.

Like the 2D, the 3C is built like a tank. The walls are thick, and there is strong knurling on the barrel, bezel, and tailcap. The plastic lens is the weak point, but the raised rim will protect it to some extent.

I had ordered the black finish because the titanium color was not in stock at the time. Although I still prefer the latter, the black finish looks good, too. It does appear to show dirt more readily, though, especially particles that get trapped in the knurling.

As on the TT 2D, the switch on the 3C is easy to find and use. The flashlight comes with a lanyard attached, but you can remove this if you want.

LED mode /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

The first click of the switch activates three of the six LEDs. These are bright and surprisingly white--not as white as the Trek lights, but comparable to the Lightwave models or the premium Eternalights. This is definitely a setting that you could use in a darkened room or tent, and if anything it may be too bright for some purposes.

The second click of the switch activates all six LEDs. This really does double the output of light, and the total brightness is on par with what you would get from a 7-LED flashlight with slightly used batteries. This setting gives more than enough light for walking around in the woods after dark.

I should mention that the six LEDs of the TT 3C beat the ten LEDs of the TT 2D hands down.

Xenon mode /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

This part is better than the incandescent mode of the TT 2D in so many ways. First of all, it's about twice as bright. It puts my cheap 2D krypton lights to shame, as it should. Second, the focus is much better. The wide focus is smoother, and the tight focus is tighter. It's not as tight as you would get from a smooth reflector, but it gives a pleasantly soft hot spot. I prefer to just leave the light at its narrowest focus, since I will use the LEDs if I need a flooding beam.

Conclusion /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Buy this flashlight. This would be a respectable light even if it were only an incandescent light or only an LED light. But it has both, and it kicks ***. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif You will be hard pressed to find a more versatile flashlight for the same price.

 

[JohnK]

What he said: My 3C is fantastic, a tiny bit less bright than my SL 4AA Xenon (which rivals my SF 6P), and those wonderful 3/6 LED's. Life is good, someone has made a great flashlight at a simply unbelievable low price.

I'm going to Hilton Head for a vacation this weekend; taking MANY new lights, mostly Twin-Tasks. Will report of the efficency at finding critters in the surf.



I STILL can't find a flaw in my recently received Twin-Tasks.

 

[cratz2]

Thanks for the review... you sold me.

Already ordered one!

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/buttrock.gif

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

Was going back and reading "old" posts.

Found this.

"Buy this flashlight. This would be a respectable light even if it were only an incandescent light or only an LED light. But it has both, and it kicks ***. You will be hard pressed to find a more versatile flashlight for the same price."

--------------------
Andrew


I did, and TOTALLY AGREE!!!

See my mini review a couple of months later!

 

[Phaserburn]

Playboy,

Ever have any luck getting a 1W LS in there? I still think that'd make a kick *** light waaaaaaay better! Think better color, beam, brightness and monster runtime on the incan!! I read somewhere Inretech or someone might've made a bi-pin LS...?? If you ever find one, let me know and I'll get one straight away!

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

I'm not sure how my name came up in regards to LSing a TT...

I know nothing. I know 5mm LEDs have two pins, but if I hit one with 4.5v (3xAA or bigger - works on 3N - REALLY sizzled one with 2x123!) POOF!

If anyone else ever figures it out, I'd love to know!

I just like the heck out of the TT series for what it is...

What it could be is for someone else to figure out!

 

[Quickbeam]

I also prefer the 3C to the 2D, however, I have to respectfully disagree on the LEDs of the 3C 7 LED setting beating the 2D 10 LED setting. Side by side, the 3C LED output is more blue, but not brigher. The 2D 10 LED beam Lux at beam center is greater, although not dramatically so.

The 3C incandescent bulb definately focuses better than the 2D and produces a tighter hot spot.

PJS - you are describing internal battery resistance. As the voltage applied to an LED increases, the demand for current by the LED increases. The N Cells have high internal resistance (don't want to/can't give up much current), so at 4.5v they cannot supply all the current the LED demands from them and as a result the LED doesn't overheat much. AAA are the same, but give up a little more current upon request by the LED. AA are willing to give much more current and will overheat the LEDs, and 123a have very low internal resistance - hence why they can drive the high-draw bulbs of Surefires - and two of them (6 volts) will fry the LED very quickly. This also explains why 2 coin cells giving 6 volts in a Photon don't blow the LED - high internal resistance - they can't provide the current the LED demands at 6 volts, which would usually fry the LED.

Resistors are used to reduce the voltage/currrent provided to the LEDs in cases where the internal resistance of the batteries is not enough to protect the LEDs.

 

[KFVH]

Just received one from bright guy. What a light! Compared to a 2 c cell maglight no comparison. This is my first light with led's, nice. For the price everyone should have one.

 

[JohnK]

I just did a double take on the date of the original post. It's been so long, I'm going back to Hilton Head for two weeks in early October.

The lights I'm taking are almost all Streamlights from the Twin-Tasks, 3AA Lux Task Light, Tl-2 LED, TL-3 LED, and a couple of Infinity Ultras for the kids rooms.

My opinion of the Twin Tasks has not changed, rather has been reinforced; the TT's are the best value in light land, period. The TL's are also at the top of the quality/value list. Simply splendid. If the TL-3 focused as tightly as the TL-2, I think you could light up Charleston from Hilton Head.

 

[hideo]

Re: Streamlight Twin-Task 3C review *DELETED*

Post deleted by hideo

 

[JasonC8301]

Again I did a demo for my roommate he liked the look of the TT 1L and I showed him how rugged it was, threw it hard against a wall (scratched and scuffed the head in 3 different places, but didn't damage the shape) and picked it up and turned it on, he was like WTF!!!! But he says its a bit big for his needs even though its bright (Arc AAA and Inova X1 are his two favorites, in which he will order them soon.)

 

[FNG]

How does the TT-3C incan mode compare to a Mag 3D? I just sold two mags and I want to get a different light. Maybe a SL TT-3C or a UKE SL6.

 

[JohnK]

3C TT is brighter, better reflector and beam.

 

[BarryNYC]

Could somebody clarify for me the operation of the switch. On my TT 1L, it works like this:
<starting from off>
click 1 = LED mode
click 2 = off
click 3 = Xenon mode
click 4 = off
<repeat>
I'm not particularly fond of the "click 2 = off" step.

From the original review, it sounds like the TT 3C works like this:

<starting from off>
click 1 = low LED
click 2 = high LED
from there it was unclear how many clicks were needed to get Xenon mode.

Hopefully, a 3C owner can clarify,

-barry

 

[Roy]

click 1 = 3 LEDs
click 2 = 6 LEDs
click 3 = Xenon
click 4 = off

 

[BarryNYC]

Thanks. I like this scheme better than the TL 1L method. For some reason, the on-off-on-off thing just doesn't sit well with me.

-barry

 

[shankus]

And, when the xenon is ON, the LEDs are OFF, is that correct?

Also, the switch clicks, not just a soft push?

 

[Quickbeam]

Correct.

Clicks. Light turns on during the upstroke of the switch.

 

[shankus]

Excellent. I was thinking of robbing the circuitry from one of these to run a light I've got in mind.

What happens if the switch is held down? Does it just stay in the mode, or cycle through them?

 

[bird6610]

bird6610 - Hi I new new here, i was wondering whether the bulb from the twin task would serve as a replacement for the bulb in my Energizer double barrel 6aa?
Reading these reviews has convinced me to buy a twin task 3c regardless - thanks guys