How does Electrolumens rate all around?

[socom1970]

Does anyone know how Electrolumens LED lights rate as far as overall quality, brightness, etc.? I looked at their site and I'm really considering getting a few of their lights, especially the Tri Star Phazer, the Zorch and the XM3. Any input on them or their lights would be appreciated.

 

[IlluminatingBikr]

I have a Tri-Star Phaser and Blaster, and I am very impressed with both of the lights. They are solid lights, and their performance is wonderful.

 

[MikeLip]

Elektrolumens doesn't put the fine detail into the lights like Mr Bulk seems to, but I have the Blaster 3P and Tristar Phaser, and think they're both pretty darn good. The anodizing could be better on the 3P, and there have been a few complaints in the Elektrolumens forum about workmanship on the TSP (not from me - mine seems pretty much perfect), but no complaints from me. They're not Surefire or jewels like the Lionheart from Mr Bulk, but very good lights at very reasonable prices.

Mike

 

[wintermute]

I have the FT3-C and the XM-3. I absolutely love the FT3-C. The light is remarkably small for a 3 C cell light, and super bright, and with the 27mm reflector it has great throw and a good amount of side-spill. The FT3-C is the reason why I am spending time modding my XM-3, I want to get the same kind of brightness out of it. Overall though, I think that Wayne at Elektro Lumens is a great guy to deal with, and his lights are really nice for the money.

The only problem is that he's not selling the FT3-C at the moment.

 

[Brooks]

I own the TSP, FT-3C, and XM-3. I think they are the best value for the money in LED lights. The TSP and FT-3C(w/27mm reflector) are amazingly bright and are my 2 favorites. The FT-3C light is whiter, but the TSP puts out more light overall as it will light up my entire back yard. They both run great on rechargeable NiMH C batteries. The XM-3 is not nearly as bright, but has a long burn time on AA batteries and has a nice useable flood beam and is built like a tank. I recommend buying them all.

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

I have one of his earlier Starlux 3D 1W lights that is very nice, and two of his XM3 lights. I can easily recommend a Blaster and the XM3!!!

 

[robk]

Hey Brooks,
Is the 27mm reflector a simple drop-in replacement for the 30mm optic that comes with the FT3C? Do you like the reflector better?
Thanks,
Rob

 

[Brooks]

Hi Rob,
I ordered a FT-3C with the 27mm reflector option, but it came with the optical lens instead. After emailing Wayne at EL he sent me a replacement reflector and lens at no charge and I switched it out with the 30mm optic. The difference is amazing as it now has a very nice flood and spot beam. The beam pattern is similar to my XM-3, but with a MUCH brighter and whiter beam. It was nice to actually see 1st hand the difference in using an optical lens vs a reflector in the exact same light. I definitely like the 27mm reflector better. It makes this light much more useful for walking at night or lighting up a room.

If you are thinking about changing yours to the 27mm reflector I just checked the EL website: http://www.king-cart.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?store=elektrolumens&product=Flashlight+Hobbyist+Parts and the 27mm reflector is listed for sale, but I did not see the lens. Wayne obviously has some lenses since he sent me one, so he may sale you one if you asked him.

 

[StainlessSteel]

I have a TSP. A LOT of thought went into my decision b4 i purchased it. I am very happy with the output and overall quality.

I CAN NOT think of ANY light that compares with the TSP in terms of:

Brightness
Size
Battery Type
Runtime

The light is EXACTLY the same length as a 2D Mag, but OWNS it in output. The surefire M6 has awesome output, and is a "good" size, but will only run for 20min or 60 min, depending on the bulb. The M6 will run through 6 123As, and the TSP hasn't even warmed up yet on its 4 "regular" C batteries, during that same 20 or 60 min. I received my TSP on Dec 27th. I have used it a LOT, with a few runs of over an hour straight, & I am still on the first set of batteries. The X990's 3200 lumens is AWESOME, but try tucking that in your back jean's pocket. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

If anyone else can think of a better balance, I would LOVE to hear it. I am ALWAYS in the mood for a new toy.

 

[AuroraLite]

I too own a FT3C, personally, I would strongly recommend the it(w/ 27mm reflector). For a 3C light, it is good in size, bright, white and has good balance between spot and spill. A great functional light at a good value! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[357]

[ QUOTE ]
socom1970 said:
Does anyone know how Electrolumens LED lights rate as far as overall quality, brightness, etc.? I looked at their site and I'm really considering getting a few of their lights, especially the Tri Star Phazer, the Zorch and the XM3. Any input on them or their lights would be appreciated.

[/ QUOTE ]

IMO:

Overall quality ranges from poor (XM2--discontinued) to good (Blasters).

Most of the models I currently own have sub-mediocre quality (XM3s, FT3Cs, Tri-Star Phazers). The Blasters tend to buck this trend and have good quality though (mine do anyway).

Brightness: they do good in this area. All of their LED lights are bright relative to their size. For example, the FT-3C is smaller in size than a 2D Maglite and about 4 times as bright. Even the XM3, which some complain is underpowered, puts out plenty of light for its size.

They have strengths and weaknesses in other areas too, but since you just asked about quality and brightness I'll leave it at that.

To quickly comment on the "bang for the buck factor". I think the Blasters are good value for the money. They would be great values if they used a reflector instead of the ugly (beam producing) optics.

However, with that said, I think the $120 Tri-Star Phazer is extremely overpriced for the quality that goes into it. Fit and finish on my two samples is well below average. Unless there are radical changes in the design, I would NOT ever buy a TSP again, I've seen $20 flashlights with far superior fit and finish than the TSPs.

 

[cy]

I had an XM-2 (I believe that's the right #) the luxeon was top flite and did not belong in such a low quality body.

among the worst quality I've seen anywhere. Then again another cpf'er close by had an FT3C and was real impressed by the quality of that light excellent throw nice package.

Also I saw first hand an Anglelux, abosolutely top drawer!

So I would have to say Electromumes' quality runs from top drawer to questionable depending upon which one.

 

[357]

[ QUOTE ]
cy said:
I had an XM-2 (I believe that's the right #) the luxeon was top flite and did not belong in such a low quality body.

among the worst quality I've seen anywhere. Then again another cpf'er close by had an FT3C and was real impressed by the quality of that light excellent throw nice package.

Also I saw first hand an Anglelux, abosolutely top drawer!

So I would have to say Electromumes' quality runs from top drawer to questionable depending upon which one.

[/ QUOTE ]

Maybe it depends on the luck of the draw. My FT3Cs have extremely disapointing quality. I wouldn't go so far as to call the quality terrible, but IMO its coming close to poor. Seems that there might be a large variance in EL quality from light to light.

 

[TORCH_BOY]

I have a few of Waynes lights including the XM-3,
I have to say that I am very happy with them.

 

[Mark2]

I think the confusion comes from the fact that Wayne first made his own lights (Blaster?) then started selling lights from China, sometimes improving them by swapping Luxeons or giving special instructions to the Chinese manufacturers etc. I could be wrong though.

 

[jbfla]

(4) XM-3's
(1) Tri Star Phaser
(1) Blaster Jr
(1) Blaster 1R

I like them all. The finish on one was marred. Another had a crack in the lens. Sent them back for a no hassle exchange. They are a good value, meant to be used, not set on a shelf and looked at.

If I didn't have this flashaholic disease, the TSP and the XM-3 could replace 95% of my other lights.

JB