Gerber Omnivore (1 torch: AA, AAA, or CR123, and just 1 tube to fit them all)

[Rat6P]

Hi all,

Was looking around on Cabela's and found this.....

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...ode=IJ&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20158

A quick search on cpf produces nothing.
A quick search on Gerbers site produces the same.
Does anyone out there have any experience with this flashlight?
Or any other specs, Cabelas is pretty spartan with the info.
I know there are other types of multi battery torches out there, but quite frankly they just dont interest me.

In comes the Gerber Omnivore:
I know its only "0.7W", but the ability to feed different size batteries is very appealing to me( if it can be done and still be a reliable torch).

If this Flashlight can run on either 1AA or 1AAA or 1 CR123 that would be sweet. Its something i would love for either surefire, novatac, fenix or any of the other great flashlight makers to have a go at.( not that gerber flashlights arent great!)

But Im thinking of something on the lines of a Fenix L1D/L1T-LOD-P2D all rolled into one. Or a Novatac/HDS type with the same capability.
Or a Surefire L1..E1B style.......

Is this a great concept or what? Is it just me?

P.S. I emailed Cabela's for more info.......

 

[Flying Turtle]

This seems like an interesting new light. Something different. I googled it, and one site (crocblades) said it offered only pre-sale now. It would not be available until 4/30/08.

Geoff

Oops. I guess it's already available from Cabelas

 

[Rat6P]

So, I got a reply from Cabela's and unfortunately they dont have any more information at this time.

Checked out www.gerbergear.com and no cigar there either.....yet. Will have to keep an eye out I guess

 

[Beastmaster]

Well, it's orderable. I just put it into my shopping cart.

So I guess a trip to Cabelas is in order.

-Steve

 

[jinx626]

would be nice to know the runtime/output on AAA, AA, CR123. i am very interested in this setup.

 

[1 what]

A multi-battery format gets my nod of approval but only if the driver board is up to scratch so that the output is the same regardless of the cell type. Most of my favourite units take 123 primaries but it's not always possible to take a lot of them away or buy them at a reasonable price. To be able to switch to AA's (or even AAA's) would be a real plus......How about it Fenix?

 

[defloyd77]

I'll hazard a guess that it uses the Nichia Rigel.

 

[Barbarin]

In fact the first design of the T-04 we made was able to take Cr123 and AA's with no add-ons. At the end this feature was sacrificed in order to save a few milimeters, but we are still working on a similar produt.

Even having a very good regulator it is impossible that analkaline AA can deliver as much power/hour as a CR123. With NiMH is possible, but again is not the same a step up rising voltage from 3,1 to 3,4 V than from 1,4 to 3,4 V.

 

[ltiu]

I just got this light, for free since I got it at REI and my annual dividend paid for it

I love it!!!

It is bright for a single battery light. It's got a collimator lens but it is not a moon shot beam. It has a very bright small hot spot with a dim wide spill. The packaging does "explicitly say" that the light will be brighter if you use a CR123 and dimmer if you use AA/AAA.

It is a very good battery drainer (battery vampire) I popped in my old CR123 (measured 2v) and it lights up really well still. I popped in old AA and AAA alkalines (measured 1.1v) and works really well.

It is also has a forward clicky rear switch.

 

[FRANKVZ]

Looks like Brightguy has them: http://www.brightguy.com/products/Gerber_Omnivore_LED_Flashlight.php