Aitec 3W, 3-cell 75 lumen Luxeons: Any experience?

[Paul_in_Maryland]

These 3AA and 3C 3-watt Luxeon lights look tempting. All three are claimed to offer 75 lumens, differing only in runtime. Can anyone speak about them? Are they clones of more-familiar models? I like the thumb-mounted switches.

3AA AT3005L baton (length? price?):
http://www.aitec-usa.com/product_info.php/products_id/215

AT3004LS (3AA, 9 inches long, flared head, $40):
http://www.aitec-usa.com/product_info.php/products_id/184

AT3003L (3C, 9-inch baton)
http://www.aitec-usa.com/product_info.php/products_id/187/XTCsid/dbffb50a95c89ea907265149b7986ef9

It's maddening how many sites--including Aitec's own site--will refer to the first two as AA models, then mention AAAs in the text. I'm pretty sure these are both AAs, but I can't figure out why Aitec would market two models that are so similar.

 

[Solstice]

Re: Aitec 3W, 3-cell 75 lumen Luxeons: Any experie

I have the third one (AT3003L) running on 3 C batteries. I got it from qualityitemsonline rebranded under the "Diamond" moniker. The fit and finish is very nice, the switch is good, and its reasonably compact for a largish light. The "baton" shape feels very good in the hand and it would be something you'd want to have with you in a questionable area. Because the head doesn't flare and the reflector is somewhat shallow, the beam is very wide and floody. There is battery rattle that can be remedied by cutting a vertical strip of plastic out of a 2 litter soda bottle and inserting it into the barrel. My only complaint about this light is that because it's direct drive, the initial very intense brightness (probably close to the 75 lumen claims) dives very soon in the battery life cycle and one is left with much dimmer light with only partially depleted batteries. I'm not a modding whiz, but maybe someone has advice on either adding regulation or using a certain battery set up that could give more light through the full life of the batteries.

 

[Paul_in_Maryland]

Re: Aitec 3W, 3-cell 75 lumen Luxeons: Any experie

Thanks, Solstice. It's useful to know that the flared-head 3AA differs from the baton-style 3AA by offering a more concentrated beam.

This site sells both the 3W 3C Luxeons by both Aitec and Diamond. They sell the Aitec for $40, the Diamond for $50. I wonder why?
http://www.quality-items-flashlights.com/index.php?cPath=19

 

[Stainless]

Re: Aitec 3W, 3-cell 75 lumen Luxeons: Any experie

Paul:

A customer review posted on one of the sites complains about a "greenish" tint. That's what has kept me away.

You should probably post in the electroniscs forum about "hop up" options. (3 NiMH c cells, might make that sucker really bright - or might kill it.)

Edit:
The Aitec is listed as suitable for rechargeable cells.

" Aitec Luxeon 3 Watt Tactical LED Flashlight - 3x 'C'
Batteries last 15-20 times longer than with regular flashlight bulbs & makes a great Emergency flashlight!
Excellent rechargeable flashlight if you use new technology NiMH - C size batteries inside!
Latest Technology Luxeon® LEDs from Silicon Valley, USA

$ 39.95 "

 

[Solstice]

Re: Aitec 3W, 3-cell 75 lumen Luxeons: Any experie

For the record, mine is a nice, tiny bit warm white- no green. Generally speaking, Lux III's have good tint control.

 

[led_replacement]

Re: Aitec 3W, 3-cell 75 lumen Luxeons: Any experie

Today I will be receiving the NEW DB-3W TerraLUX 3 Watt Lambertian Luxeon LED replacement bulb for the 3 C or D cell Maglite® for $32.95 each. They are rated at 75 Lumen.
http://www.led-replacement.com/db-3w.html
led_replacement

 

[Stainless]

Re: Aitec 3W, 3-cell 75 lumen Luxeons: Any experie

[ QUOTE ]
led_replacement said:
Today I will be receiving the NEW DB-3W TerraLUX 3 Watt Lambertian Luxeon LED replacement bulb for the 3 C or D cell Maglite® for $32.95 each. They are rated at 75 Lumen.
http://www.led-replacement.com/db-3w.html
led_replacement

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for posting.
I am still unsure of how that product works.
Is it direct drive or regulated?
Will it just barely glow in a 2 cell light, function normally in a three cell, and "fail prematurely" in a four cell?