Mr Ted Bear
Flashlight Enthusiast
Hello to all!
Well, here is your Shot 2002 report "live" from Las Vegas, Feb 3, 2002. As a disclaimer, I left Los Angeles at 4am this morning, drove 4 hours, hooked up with Size 15s, walked the show for nine hours straight, and now, I will attempt to write some kind of an informative report.
For the time being, other than the new Surefires, there was no other LUXEON STARs to be found at the show. Some of the manfactures stated that they were working with prototypes, but no samples were seen.
Surefire
Windler / Size 15s will be online in a few hours, so I defer to him. If you haven't already checked out PK's site, it's all there. I'll let Al fill everyone in as to the specifics of the A, L, and the Digtal series; what they are, and how they work. AT THIS TIME, THERE IS NO PRICING NOR IS THERE A DELIVERY DATE quote "six months"
eidted 002/05/2002 at 9pm
Here is the low down on the hottest and newest from the folks at SF. I had hoped that Size 15s was going to do the SF review, as he is many times more knowledgeable on their product line, and would be able to fully describe every little detail.
Digital Series
Common to all the "Digital Series" is the new two position tail cap switch. Light pressure to the switch will activate the low mode; while a full depression of the switch initiates the high mode. Many pages away from the Digital Series section of the catalog, towards the back, a reference is made to the Low Mode: "a subdued, 20 percent level of navigational light.
"A constant level of light output no matter how fresh or old the batteries" is the second feature of the Digital Series according to the catalog.
The third and last feature of the Digital Series is that the microprocessor will reduce the light output to "navigation mode" when the batteries are ready to die. Unlike the "moon mode" in the ARC flashlights, the catalog says "the navigation level of light is 20% of total light level, for approximately 10 minutes." [On another page of the catalog, 15 minutes]
[I guess this third feature only works if you are in the high mode; Size 15 ??
This Digital Series will lend itself quite well for the Li-ion batteries (not shown at Shot 2002)…. One of those items in development
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DigitaltaFusion Series – A2 Aviator
You have seen the pictures… this unit has the same, slim body design as the E series. Imbedded in the reflector are 3 leds which can be ordered in red, white, blue or green. In the center of the reflector, a 60 lumen bulb (MA 02). Type III hard Anodize, Pyrex Lens. All of the features "Digital Series" described above
Not sure if this unit has a lock out tail cap
LUMAMAX L1 and L2
Same as E1/E2 using a LUXEON star.
Type III hard Anodize
Pyrex Lens.
Shock isolated bezel
Lockout Tail Cap ( in "print" and in the pictures)
All of the features "Digital Series" described above
OOPS... Typo error
E1eSG-E1eHA-E2eSG-E2eHA
Two finishes for each of the E series.
The Type II anodizing satin gray finish has a lexan lens
The Type III hard anodized has a pyrex lens
Lockout Tail Cap
M2Digital and C2Digital
Same but with digital series
MAGLIGHT
Don't get excited; no new products
STREAMLIGHT
If you like the ULTRA STINGER, but currently own the STINGER or STINGER XT, you will be pleased as pie because they will be offering a TURBBO HEAD upgrade (head/reflector & bulb) at 40,000cp. Also, they have a "new" charger where as, besides the light, there is an additinal slot for a second battery stick.
Also new from SL is a new 2 LED, "cuffmate" with one LED on the key end, and the second LED on the release end
UNDEWATER KINETICS
Not present at show... no news
PRINCETON TEC
Previously reported having been seen at the OUTDOOR SHOW, they showed a new 3 LED headlamp (kinda like the Pitzl Tikka). This light is much much brighter than the ATTITUTDE. This lamp is micro processor controlled so it has low setting/200 hours (equal to ATTITUDE), a high setting/20 hours, strobe etc
The SURGE was discussed at lenght... using lithiums AA is being "worked on". In case anyone is interested, the SURGE is 7.5 watts and in a side by side comparison, matched or exceeded Size 15's M2 with P61 bulb.
PELICAN
They indicated that their marketing strategy how now changed. In the past, I believe all of their previous offerings were waterproof . Now, they intend to maunfacture lights that are more "task" spedific. As an example, their newest light is the M5 (2 x123 Lithium like the Surefire 6P). Fixed focus, and IMHO easlily on par with the 6P for $10-15 less (only water resistant)... very very nice styling
Those familiar with Pelikan know of their prowness with water proof cases. They soon will augment their line with Otter box style cases; meaning "cigar box size or smaller" size cases, translucent cases, Pelikan quality materials , rubber inserts and automatic pressure valves.
LSI - KOEHLER - BRIGHTSTAR
Well, if they guys aren't "owned" by PELIKAN pending the lawsuit over patent in-fringement, they have several new noteworthy lights. In the 4AA category, I think they have a winner. Built like a tank, but not any bigger than the PT 40. "Supposedly" the only light in its class that will withstand a drop from 30 feet on to concrete (federal osha blah blah blah). Of special interest is that is has a custom PR base zenon bulb. In a crunch, any 6volt bukb will do. This thing has a tail momentary/on switch and reminds me of the TEC 40 on hormones combined with the SURGE optics/output. Manf claims 4 1/2 hours using lithiums.
Some general info... in the past, all 123 batteries were either made in USA or JAPAN.
Now the third largest battery manufacture in world is in CHINA. The word is they make battereis for EVERYONE... FUJI, MINOLTA need I say more?
CC CRANE TEKTITE
CC crane has exclusive rights to market "regular lights". The Tektite lights are "military spec" or divelights. Translation: extra o-rings, greater depth ratings. Now, all lights will have a fresnel style lens that will help "focus"
This 40 and 60 leds dive lights are very nice, but NOT ANYWHERE near as bright as the LIGHT CANNON
INNOVA 5X
. LS proto was "not as good" product as compared to the current 5 leds version ... too short of runtime
. Innova 5x has RESISTOR, no other circuitry
. mfg calims 15 years experience in the manufacture, design and development of LEDS and stated that leds are not overdriven at 55ma because the +p(?) plate does not exceed 87 deg C. Mfg stated that the degradatrion of any LED is the resultant heat of excessive electical current not the current itself. (common misconception throught out the industry, did you know that ???) Using an extreamly efficient heat sink, they are able to drive LED at 55-60ma without harm
. stainless steel... only two in existance and no more will be make... very very heavy
. NEW MODEL (4WEEKS) will have tactitical pushbutton/twist on (just like Surefire sans lock out) IMHO much much nicer and takes care of the problem of different length batteries and flickering
VERSALIGHT
This new guy on the block will probably have the greatest impact on the Flashlights Industry since the Maglight was introduced years ago.
What is this marvel you might ask? A MAGLIGHT with LEDS build into the tail end... Have and your cake, and eat it too. IMO much better fit and finish than MAG, Krypton bulb standard, nicer beam too.
Lastly, this start up company only did 1 billion dollars in sales last year; they are the world's largest manufacture and distributor of sport fitness equiptment ie Nordic Track, ProForm, Reebok, Goldls Gym. Needless to say, they know a litle about marketing, and what they are offering is based on a proven best seller, now improved.
Well, here is your Shot 2002 report "live" from Las Vegas, Feb 3, 2002. As a disclaimer, I left Los Angeles at 4am this morning, drove 4 hours, hooked up with Size 15s, walked the show for nine hours straight, and now, I will attempt to write some kind of an informative report.
For the time being, other than the new Surefires, there was no other LUXEON STARs to be found at the show. Some of the manfactures stated that they were working with prototypes, but no samples were seen.
Surefire
Windler / Size 15s will be online in a few hours, so I defer to him. If you haven't already checked out PK's site, it's all there. I'll let Al fill everyone in as to the specifics of the A, L, and the Digtal series; what they are, and how they work. AT THIS TIME, THERE IS NO PRICING NOR IS THERE A DELIVERY DATE quote "six months"
eidted 002/05/2002 at 9pm
Here is the low down on the hottest and newest from the folks at SF. I had hoped that Size 15s was going to do the SF review, as he is many times more knowledgeable on their product line, and would be able to fully describe every little detail.
Digital Series
Common to all the "Digital Series" is the new two position tail cap switch. Light pressure to the switch will activate the low mode; while a full depression of the switch initiates the high mode. Many pages away from the Digital Series section of the catalog, towards the back, a reference is made to the Low Mode: "a subdued, 20 percent level of navigational light.
"A constant level of light output no matter how fresh or old the batteries" is the second feature of the Digital Series according to the catalog.
The third and last feature of the Digital Series is that the microprocessor will reduce the light output to "navigation mode" when the batteries are ready to die. Unlike the "moon mode" in the ARC flashlights, the catalog says "the navigation level of light is 20% of total light level, for approximately 10 minutes." [On another page of the catalog, 15 minutes]
[I guess this third feature only works if you are in the high mode; Size 15 ??
This Digital Series will lend itself quite well for the Li-ion batteries (not shown at Shot 2002)…. One of those items in development
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DigitaltaFusion Series – A2 Aviator
You have seen the pictures… this unit has the same, slim body design as the E series. Imbedded in the reflector are 3 leds which can be ordered in red, white, blue or green. In the center of the reflector, a 60 lumen bulb (MA 02). Type III hard Anodize, Pyrex Lens. All of the features "Digital Series" described above
Not sure if this unit has a lock out tail cap
LUMAMAX L1 and L2
Same as E1/E2 using a LUXEON star.
Type III hard Anodize
Pyrex Lens.
Shock isolated bezel
Lockout Tail Cap ( in "print" and in the pictures)
All of the features "Digital Series" described above
OOPS... Typo error
E1eSG-E1eHA-E2eSG-E2eHA
Two finishes for each of the E series.
The Type II anodizing satin gray finish has a lexan lens
The Type III hard anodized has a pyrex lens
Lockout Tail Cap
M2Digital and C2Digital
Same but with digital series
MAGLIGHT
Don't get excited; no new products
STREAMLIGHT
If you like the ULTRA STINGER, but currently own the STINGER or STINGER XT, you will be pleased as pie because they will be offering a TURBBO HEAD upgrade (head/reflector & bulb) at 40,000cp. Also, they have a "new" charger where as, besides the light, there is an additinal slot for a second battery stick.
Also new from SL is a new 2 LED, "cuffmate" with one LED on the key end, and the second LED on the release end
UNDEWATER KINETICS
Not present at show... no news
PRINCETON TEC
Previously reported having been seen at the OUTDOOR SHOW, they showed a new 3 LED headlamp (kinda like the Pitzl Tikka). This light is much much brighter than the ATTITUTDE. This lamp is micro processor controlled so it has low setting/200 hours (equal to ATTITUDE), a high setting/20 hours, strobe etc
The SURGE was discussed at lenght... using lithiums AA is being "worked on". In case anyone is interested, the SURGE is 7.5 watts and in a side by side comparison, matched or exceeded Size 15's M2 with P61 bulb.
PELICAN
They indicated that their marketing strategy how now changed. In the past, I believe all of their previous offerings were waterproof . Now, they intend to maunfacture lights that are more "task" spedific. As an example, their newest light is the M5 (2 x123 Lithium like the Surefire 6P). Fixed focus, and IMHO easlily on par with the 6P for $10-15 less (only water resistant)... very very nice styling
Those familiar with Pelikan know of their prowness with water proof cases. They soon will augment their line with Otter box style cases; meaning "cigar box size or smaller" size cases, translucent cases, Pelikan quality materials , rubber inserts and automatic pressure valves.
LSI - KOEHLER - BRIGHTSTAR
Well, if they guys aren't "owned" by PELIKAN pending the lawsuit over patent in-fringement, they have several new noteworthy lights. In the 4AA category, I think they have a winner. Built like a tank, but not any bigger than the PT 40. "Supposedly" the only light in its class that will withstand a drop from 30 feet on to concrete (federal osha blah blah blah). Of special interest is that is has a custom PR base zenon bulb. In a crunch, any 6volt bukb will do. This thing has a tail momentary/on switch and reminds me of the TEC 40 on hormones combined with the SURGE optics/output. Manf claims 4 1/2 hours using lithiums.
Some general info... in the past, all 123 batteries were either made in USA or JAPAN.
Now the third largest battery manufacture in world is in CHINA. The word is they make battereis for EVERYONE... FUJI, MINOLTA need I say more?
CC CRANE TEKTITE
CC crane has exclusive rights to market "regular lights". The Tektite lights are "military spec" or divelights. Translation: extra o-rings, greater depth ratings. Now, all lights will have a fresnel style lens that will help "focus"
This 40 and 60 leds dive lights are very nice, but NOT ANYWHERE near as bright as the LIGHT CANNON
INNOVA 5X
. LS proto was "not as good" product as compared to the current 5 leds version ... too short of runtime
. Innova 5x has RESISTOR, no other circuitry
. mfg calims 15 years experience in the manufacture, design and development of LEDS and stated that leds are not overdriven at 55ma because the +p(?) plate does not exceed 87 deg C. Mfg stated that the degradatrion of any LED is the resultant heat of excessive electical current not the current itself. (common misconception throught out the industry, did you know that ???) Using an extreamly efficient heat sink, they are able to drive LED at 55-60ma without harm
. stainless steel... only two in existance and no more will be make... very very heavy
. NEW MODEL (4WEEKS) will have tactitical pushbutton/twist on (just like Surefire sans lock out) IMHO much much nicer and takes care of the problem of different length batteries and flickering
VERSALIGHT
This new guy on the block will probably have the greatest impact on the Flashlights Industry since the Maglight was introduced years ago.
What is this marvel you might ask? A MAGLIGHT with LEDS build into the tail end... Have and your cake, and eat it too. IMO much better fit and finish than MAG, Krypton bulb standard, nicer beam too.
Lastly, this start up company only did 1 billion dollars in sales last year; they are the world's largest manufacture and distributor of sport fitness equiptment ie Nordic Track, ProForm, Reebok, Goldls Gym. Needless to say, they know a litle about marketing, and what they are offering is based on a proven best seller, now improved.
