Mr Happy
Flashlight Enthusiast
I just picked up a sample of the Energizer 3W 2AA tactical (MLT3W2AAL) to try out. Since I can't find much discussion of this light I thought I'd mention it here.
Some background to this is that I previously compared the Coleman MAX Cree XR-E lights from Wal-Mart and picked the 3AAA version over the 2AA, since the 3AAA had a bigger reflector and could tail stand. Ever since I'd been wondering if I should have got the 2AA one instead.
Well the Coleman light has its faults -- the tint is a little green, the beam has Cree rings and the tail switch is a little hard to operate. So I thought rather than getting another similar light I would try a different one. Hence the Energizer 3W.
Here's a brief impression. The Energizer light appears to have a Luxeon III emitter, and has very nice build quality. The overall brightness of the Energizer is very slightly less than the Coleman MAX, but barely noticeable and the tint is warmer and gives better colour rendition. The hotspot is equally bright and the throw is equal or better than the Coleman. Furthermore the beam pattern is smooth without those rings.
The tailcap screws and unscrews with a very pleasing silky feel, and the batteries drop inside with a soft "plop". There is a spring at both ends of the battery tube to prevent rattle or excessive shock. The outside of the Energizer light has a much better grip than the smooth and slippery Coleman.
The Energizer tail switch is a reverse clicky which is comfortable and easy to operate. It protrudes so it won't tail stand, but the reverse action means it won't come on accidentally.
Overall, the Energizer is a nice light and I prefer it I think to the Coleman MAX. Perhaps it has an "old" Luxeon rather than a cutting edge Cree, but in practical terms I don't think it makes much difference. The price of about $25 is the same for either.
Some background to this is that I previously compared the Coleman MAX Cree XR-E lights from Wal-Mart and picked the 3AAA version over the 2AA, since the 3AAA had a bigger reflector and could tail stand. Ever since I'd been wondering if I should have got the 2AA one instead.
Well the Coleman light has its faults -- the tint is a little green, the beam has Cree rings and the tail switch is a little hard to operate. So I thought rather than getting another similar light I would try a different one. Hence the Energizer 3W.
Here's a brief impression. The Energizer light appears to have a Luxeon III emitter, and has very nice build quality. The overall brightness of the Energizer is very slightly less than the Coleman MAX, but barely noticeable and the tint is warmer and gives better colour rendition. The hotspot is equally bright and the throw is equal or better than the Coleman. Furthermore the beam pattern is smooth without those rings.
The tailcap screws and unscrews with a very pleasing silky feel, and the batteries drop inside with a soft "plop". There is a spring at both ends of the battery tube to prevent rattle or excessive shock. The outside of the Energizer light has a much better grip than the smooth and slippery Coleman.
The Energizer tail switch is a reverse clicky which is comfortable and easy to operate. It protrudes so it won't tail stand, but the reverse action means it won't come on accidentally.
Overall, the Energizer is a nice light and I prefer it I think to the Coleman MAX. Perhaps it has an "old" Luxeon rather than a cutting edge Cree, but in practical terms I don't think it makes much difference. The price of about $25 is the same for either.
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