OMG - NEW Lowes Task Force 3W "CREE" 2C 150+ lumens

We need beam shots, preferrably outdoors and long distance.

OH yeah, I got a dud! Went back and got a new one and it beats the DB-3W hands down!:thumbsup:

+1 on beamshots

How do you tell the new one from the old one?

Terribly blatent package markings that say 60X brighter and cree Xlamp!
Black button not silver.
I posted a pic of the package earlier in thread........

Today the Eastside Lowe's in Tucson had 14 Luxes and 0 CREES. This could take a while... :sigh:

The Luxes I saw did not say "30X brighter" anywhere on the package, but all else seemed the same. :thinking:

so.....what is the run time for the cree version of this flashlight? Will this light gradually dim or will it be expected to stay pretty bright until near the end and then fade rapidly?

umberto said:

so.....what is the run time for the cree version of this flashlight? Will this light gradually dim or will it be expected to stay pretty bright until near the end and then fade rapidly?

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If my Luxeon one is any indication, it will gradually dim as the batteries weaken though it stays pretty bright for awhile. I have a feeling that with the high power drain a Li-Ion or NiMH pair might work better.

oops...newbie battery question. My Dorcy 6W came with a couple 123 batteries....I bought a pair of Energizer lithium photo 123 batteries for when the supplied batteries wear out. If I buy the Task Force 2 C light, what type/brand of battery, easily bought at a local store, non-rechargeable, be best?

mikekoz said:

Tried 3 Lowe's stores here in the Raleigh, NC area and on the third try...EUREKA!!!!... Mike

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Looks like I lucked out--the store on Glenwood in Raleigh was the first one I tried and I got the last one on display last night. My comments so far-- - batteries rattle around inside - tail cap takes a few tries to thread on right - rubber grip spins in place making it tougher to thread stuff on - this thing's HEAVY! - beam has some greenish tint in the ring around the white center spot--is that a reflection of the green PCB or that yellow wire? I wonder if it might be worthwhile to use one of those PDA protection film diffuser things on it to clean up the beam a little??

I had the same issues with Advance Auto parts 3W lite.

The rubber thing was loose, I took it off, put a newspaper under it, glued the thing back on. It's fine now.

The cells were loose inside, I took some paper, rolled it inside and that's fine also.

All in all a cheap (probably costs all of 50 cents to produce at a Chinese factory) but durable and functional light. Seems real similar to the Lowes version.

etc said:

I had the same issues with Advance Auto parts 3W lite.

The rubber thing was loose, I took it off, put a newspaper under it, glued the thing back on. It's fine now.

The cells were loose inside, I took some paper, rolled it inside and that's fine also.

All in all a cheap (probably costs all of 50 cents to produce at a Chinese factory) but durable and functional light. Seems real similar to the Lowes version.

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The rubber grip on my AAP light is tight. I recall the cells inside being a bit loose, but nothing to the point of being annoying. I wouldn't call the light, cheap. Mine seems really well-put-together. (Quality not as good as Surefire or Inova, obviously). But far from cheap. I was also impressed with the surprisingly not crappy free holster that came with the light.

The AAP light is perfect for anyone who needs a very bright light for General Use, needs to be able to comfortably carry it on their person, but just can't afford or bring themselves to pay for an LED 123A powered light.

Generally, I'm not into inexpensive lights. But I must admit that this one is a good bargain.

I've heard that the same company makes both of the Task Force & AAP lights.

Just checked two Lowes in KC today.

N Kansas City has 0 of the two C lights.
Liberty had 1 Lux and 0 Crees.

They are coming soon I can feel it....:thumbsup:

BTW, does anybody know the the led/driver sandwich unscrews out of the taskforce like it does on the AAP. And if so will it screw into a AAP Body?

I looked at our local store, (the back of which is virtually across the street. I can stand in my driveway and shine a flashlight on the back of the store) and they had about 10-12 of the Luxeon versions but no Crees.

I looked at one, and didn't like it. The beam is too narrow, more narrow than AAP3W. But it is a brighter.

I agree, y'all. We need beamshots please, preferably outdoor ones and with some longer range since this seems to be a thrower. Also, can these be ordered yet? I don't have a Lowes around me and I would like to compare this to the Ray-O-Vac 3C which is a mighty fine light. (see here: http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=172807)...

FYI-
Went by the Lowe's in Dallas today and they've got about 8 of these on the shelf. $32.50 w/ tax. Picked one up (of course). Nice light for the price and the c cell power plant.

If anyone's desperate to have one, let me know and i'll see what i can do.

rob

I am in Richardson Tx, which Dallas Lowes had these lights? I am looking to get one for my Dad to use on the farm.

I just bought one. It's the light that retires my 4D LED modded maglites, for $30 it's great, need 4 more, sigh. It's a throw monster, but still has enough spill for me.

We live on a bay and fish at night a lot, lights and water are a tough match. The water eats flashlight beams, I am convinced. But this beam throws further and shows more water detail, in the event of MOB, so it get's the coveted spot next to the wheel. I can see people standing on docks at about 300 feet, which out does my LED modded 4D Maglites by about 2X. Channel markers look like they are lighted. For the price, hard to beat.

Even the wife was impressed, she never said these words before "get me one of these". Must be the silver color.

I am on a very slow internet connection at the moment, so if this has already been asked I apologize in advance. Has anyone compared this head to head with the Ray-O-Vac yet?