New GS Photon ReX vs DS ReX.

[regulator]

I just picked up a new ReX light from REI with the Nichia GS LED's. I originallly purchased two ReX lights from Photon when they were initially introduced and like them a lot. I lost one while camping and was really disappointed. I knew it was a matter of time before I would replace it. Well, it took a while and they switched LED's from the newly released DS (which was a big improvement in 5mm output) to the GS.

The GS version has more throw due to the GS having more of an "optic" due to the larger package compared to the DS. I like the beam profile produced by the four 5mm LED ReX.

I always thought that the Photon LED bin that they were using was much less blue than any other 5mm LED light I was used to. The GS that I received has more of a "rose" tint to it than even the DS that I originally had. It provides a very pleasant tint with no "harsh" color at all. I don't know if it would be classified as either cool or warm but I like it. I am very impressed.

 

[Flying Turtle]

What is the date on the box from your new ReX? My son gave me one for Christmas from REI and the box has a 2007 date (lower corner on back). I assumed it had DS Nichias. There's none of the purple tint like the Fenix E01. But, maybe it's just a better bin GS. The throw is pretty impressive.

Like you, I've thought Photon may pay closer attention to tint. My old Photon 3 with a BS has less blue than other lights of that time (Arc AAA, Sonic, Dorcy).

Geoff

 

[regulator]

Hi Flying Turtle. The date on my box is also 2007. Who knows if that cooresponds to the release of the light though. You can see the GS oval beam when shining close to a wall as apposed to the DS which is more flood. If you look closely at the two, the GS LED's seem just a bit larger which gives them a bit more "optic" for throw. I like having a bit more "punch" with the GS LED's and flood is no problem since there are 4 of them little cannons.

I was in the yard and was impressed at how much light this thing can put out on high - lit the whole yard. More light than a 3D Mag! However at full output the light will only last about 15 minutes - but I do not use the light at max output for anything more than just a few seconds. I use it at much lower levels and get suprisingly long runtime at a decent output for such a small light. And an occasional charge insures it is always at full when I leave the house.

 

[Dan FO]

At SHOT I was told the next shipment of the REX lights would be here in March. I am assuming the new ones with the GS also fixed the charging issues of DS lights. There was no need to change the box.

Also, the earlier Proton Pros (not the multi LED lights) just said Proton on them while the latest ones say Proton Pro on them but use the same box.

 

[Flying Turtle]

The runtime at lower levels is surprising. For about the last two weeks I've used it to read in bed for at least 30 min. every night. It's probably on about 1/3 power. I keep expecting it to fade out, but not yet. Definitely goes down fast at full power.

Geoff

 

[regulator]

I would be carefull not discharging it too low because I suspect it does not have any electonics to prevent the battery from overdischarge - as seems to be the case with a lot of reports. I typically recharge mine as often as possible to prevent this and have not had any issues as of yet.