New Elzetta releases

[AardvarkSagus]

I just found out that Elzetta is releasing a couple new products. They currently have available both a clicky tailcap and a 2-stage clicky tailcap. They also told me that there should be a 3-cell model of their excellent light available hopefully by the end of the week.

 

[divine]

There is a sales thread on this, but I think this thread is about discussion.

It looks kind of bulky. I'm curious to see some good comparison pictures to other similar hosts, so I can see why it is so big.

 

[gollum]

cheers
looks interesting
have to check out their site

 

[berry580]

interesting, you change mode by twisting the tail cap instead of the bezel.

 

[AardvarkSagus]

Thanks for the heads up on the sales thread. I hadn't seen that yet. I like the mode change in the tail. More natural to me.

 

[non]

It's ALiiiiiiVe...

http://www.elzetta.com/Webpages/interactive.htm

 

[AardvarkSagus]

Nice. Looks very well balanced.

 

[yuk]

Wow, there is also a 3-cell version. Like it!

 

[zven]

Ooh, now there's a cool implementation of two stages. I definitely think I'd prefer this over a bezel twist. The host does look very bulky just to get the 2-stage clicky functionality, though.

 

[DimeRazorback]

So is it a clicky with twisting mode changes?

Or a 2-stage twisty, with clicky aswell??

I'm confused :laughing:

 

[post tenebras]

It's a clicky with a twist just for mode changes. Practical, yet tactical!

 

[non]

You can get the two stage tailswitch on the two cell model as well.

 

[sonrider657]

So who has one?

 

[recDNA]

It's a clicky with a twist just for mode changes. Practical, yet tactical!

It seems like such an improvement that all flashlights should offer this interface. I can't afford Elzetta so I hope Eagletac is reading this! LOL

 

[post tenebras]

So who has one?

Not me.

I have two. :naughty:

 

[sonrider657]

Not me.

I have two. :naughty:

And ...?

 

[non]

I have the twisty one with a m60wf. I will be buying a single level tailswitch for it when the dealers get them. I am crazy about the light, the beam has to be seen to be believed.

 

[AardvarkSagus]

I finished my Quick Review of the 2 stage tailcap. I don't have the 3-cell model to review so I can't help you guys with that one:

Elzetta has begun to expand their line of lights beyond the simple one model they started with by taking a modular approach to accessories. Their new 2 stage tailcap will expand the functionality of their existing 2-cell ZFL-M60 and as well their new 3-cell model.


Elzetta 2-Stage Tailcap

Being more of an accessory than a full light, I decided a more limited review would work just as well so you will not see my usual sub-headings.

Operation of the 2-stage tailcap is inherently familiar to anyone who has spent time using today's current generation of quality flashlights. It has the very basic tightened for high and loosened for low modes familiarized by Fenix and other common brands. The essential difference here is that the mode selection is now at the same end of the light as the power switch. This makes changing modes possible single-handedly without altering your grip on the light. This isn't completely smooth and easy to do, but that is only because the thick o-rings provide a bit of friction against turning. That's one detriment to good watertight seals.

The new low mode opened up with this tailcap is purportedly 15 lumens of output and is capable of running for over 40 hours. This level in practice is a touch lower than most general purpose modes on two stage lights available currently, but with the superb spread of the Malkoff lens, it makes for a very useful beam still.

Aesthetically, the tailcap offers very little change from the basic momentary twisty design. It does end up stretching just a touch taller, extending the lights overall length, but in daily use this is unnoticeable. Being made from the same hard anodized aluminum as the light there is nothing to suggest this is anything other than original equipment, all the way down to the same tailcap button emblazoned with the Elzetta "Z". For some reason, I really like that touch.


Height Difference

In all, this add-on accessory (that is incidentally also available in place of the standard tailcap during initial purchase) adds some very much needed functionality to the already excellent Elzetta/Malkoff hybrid. It serves to round out the capabilities of very high quality tool.

 

[zven]

AardvarkSagus - Out of curiosity, would adding lubrication help with the ease of twisting the 2-stage tailcap single-handed? Or is yours well-lubed and still pretty tight in spite of it?

 

[AardvarkSagus]

I believe it was relatively well lubricated as it was, but a little more might make it a little easier. It wasn't impossible to turn, just more difficult than I really would have liked. Very nice though with two hands.