New model Heliotek HTE-1A Released

[dudemar]

After reading so many reviews about the Heliotek, I was bitten by the bug and finally gave in. I bought one! Seeing all the positive reviews from folks motivated me to buy it, despite the bad economy. I am very excited, nonetheless.

The latest review here on CPF was for the HTE-1A with the Cree Q2. I have awesome news for you guys... it now sports a Cree C4! Here's the official email I got:

It is the HTE-1A, our latest model which uses the Cree C4 which has about 3X the output of the original HTE-1. Other Cree LEDs are now available but we are not yet satisfied with the color binning.

If this is true then the new model should be about 60 torch lumens, because the original was 20 lumens. According to Heliotek this does not compromise its 6-8 hour runtime using Energizer L91's, so I'm happer than ever. I'm going to stock up on them because there's a sale at Target.:devil:

This is exciting news for Heliotek fans.:twothumbs

 

[OceanView]

It doesn't look like they've updated their website since 2005. :thumbsdow Actually, I just happened to be looking at their site a couple weeks ago, so it's good that they're still improving the product.

I want to like the Heliotek, but things like a static webpage always make me think the company is out of business or something and makes me wonder if they'll be around long enough in case something goes wrong with their light.

 

[gswitter]

I'm happy with mine. A very, very underrated light.

 

[dudemar]

I just found out the sale ended over at Target. Wal-Mart sells them for $2.30 apiece (plus tax), not bad.

It doesn't look like they've updated their website since 2005. :thumbsdow Actually, I just happened to be looking at their site a couple weeks ago, so it's good that they're still improving the product.

I want to like the Heliotek, but things like a static webpage always make me think the company is out of business or something and makes me wonder if they'll be around long enough in case something goes wrong with their light.

When I initially heard about Heliotek, I felt the same. Because of its dated website I thought it was just some fly-by-night company. The HTE-1 looked to be made of flimsy plastic, it probably won't stand up to anybody standing on top of it, it only put out 20 lumens, and it's supposed to be worth $99.50??:shrug: Before I could dismiss it, I started reading the reviews and the light quickly grew on me. I was really impressed by its performance and the fact that it could hold up the weight of a 400 lb wheelchair.

The flat output was a big sell for me too, compounded by the fact it was regulated for 6-8 hours. I don't know if this will sway your opinion, here are a few more extensive reviews, along with Heliotek's website:

http://www.heliotekinc.com/
http://loz.zelandeth.org/cpf/heliotek/index.htm
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/rev..._hte-1rev2.htm
http://members.aol.com/mlt113/myhome...lighthte1.html
http://ledmuseum.candlepower.us/fifteen/heliotek.htm

I'm happy with mine. A very, very underrated light.

Yes, it is indeed a very underrated light. It's my goal to start a Heliotek following here on CPF!!! I'm glad to hear you enjoy yours, I will find out very soon just how awesome it is!:rock:

 

[Rob187]

I am also a big Heliotek fan and wish their website was a bit more up to date. I really like the fact they just designed a light to meet performance criteria and ignored other considerations.

However, I am not sure that the HTE-1A is 'new'. I ordered mine on 17 Sept 2007 and received it soon after. Mine has the Cree Q2 WC bin LED. Not quite sure what they mean by a 'Cree C4'. I thought the C4 nomenclature was just a marketing name being pushed by Streamlight.

Quoting MattK from BatteryJunction: "okay so Streamlight is pushing some nonsense called, "Controlled Collapse Chip Connection or "C4,"" so according to them all of their lights will have 'C4 LED's' which is basically brand agnostic allowing them to use Luxeons, SSC's and Cree's and call them C4's."

Hopefully someone can shed some light on this (pun intended)!

 

[Blindasabat]

I wish they would come out with more lights. They could use some smaller lights like a single CR123 light. A tough plastic pocketable light would rock.

 

[dudemar]

I am also a big Heliotek fan and wish their website was a bit more up to date. I really like the fact they just designed a light to meet performance criteria and ignored other considerations.

However, I am not sure that the HTE-1A is 'new'. I ordered mine on 17 Sept 2007 and received it soon after. Mine has the Cree Q2 WC bin LED. Not quite sure what they mean by a 'Cree C4'. I thought the C4 nomenclature was just a marketing name being pushed by Streamlight.

Quoting MattK from BatteryJunction: "okay so Streamlight is pushing some nonsense called, "Controlled Collapse Chip Connection or "C4,"" so according to them all of their lights will have 'C4 LED's' which is basically brand agnostic allowing them to use Luxeons, SSC's and Cree's and call them C4's."

Hopefully someone can shed some light on this (pun intended)!

When it arrives at my doorstep I'll let you guys know what the LED is. Any assistance in identifying it would be appreciated, I'll take a few photos to help determine what they mean by C4. Bill (of Heliotek) said the LED emits roughly 60 lumens, don't know if that helps at all.

 

[OceanView]

Bill (of Heliotek) said the LED emits roughly 60 lumens, don't know if that helps at all.

Maybe it's mentioned in one of those reviews that links were provided for (but haven't read all of them yet), but does Heliotek usually underdrive their LED's because of the polymer body and/or to emphasize runtime? Just curious since 60 lumens seems low for any recent emitter running at full power.

 

[dudemar]

Maybe it's mentioned in one of those reviews that links were provided for (but haven't read all of them yet), but does Heliotek usually underdrive their LED's because of the polymer body and/or to emphasize runtime? Just curious since 60 lumens seems low for any recent emitter running at full power.

I believe it's underdriven to increase runtime. It is a very efficient setup, in that it uses Lithium AA's and a high quality regulator. Bill from Heliotek explains why the Energizer L91's are used at the bottom of the page I linked here:

http://loz.zelandeth.org/cpf/heliotek/index.htm

Check out #3, 4 and 5.:thumbsup:

 

[Patriot]

I've always thought it was a very interesting light but the it seemed a bit large for a 2xAA light, looked a little bit clumsy, the efficiency seems to fall a little short of an L2D for example and the $99 msrp turned me off some.

That said, I can appreciate that many swear by them and that counts for a lot. Maybe I need to read up on them a bit more.

 

[dudemar]

I've always thought it was a very interesting light but the it seemed a bit large for a 2xAA light, looked a little bit clumsy, the efficiency seems to fall a little short of an L2D for example and the $99 msrp turned me off some.

That said, I can appreciate that many swear by them and that counts for a lot. Maybe I need to read up on them a bit more.

Read a few reviews and you might be pleasantly surprised! I know I was.

 

[Mr. Blue]

plus, it floats face up!
it is my go to on -the -water light...and I have the original version...

 

[dudemar]

To be honest with you guys I no longer care if it's a Cree C4 or not. The fact that it emits 60 lumens out the front is awesome, and I'll take Bill's word on the quality of the emitter. He runs a reputable company and backs up his top-notch products with actual numbers, unlike many companies with overblown ratings.

 

[dudemar]

So I got it today, and all I have to say is... wow. Just... wow. Amazing light. Honestly at $99.50 this light is a bargain. I'm surprised it's not $200. For its build quality and well thought out design, it's amazing this thing isn't as big as it is here on CPF. This light is indeed way ahead of its time. The diffuser and tremendous throw are an incredible combination, along with its light weight and long runtime.

I am truly blown away.

The only drawback I experienced was the diffuser lens had a small crack in it.:sigh: I didn't drop it and I doubt it was damaged during shipping. There are no impact marks on the diffuser, so it must have been something that was simply overlooked. I am sure Heliotek will take care of me and send me a replacement. In the meantime I will enjoy the HTE-1A's monster throw.

 

[Lunal_Tic]

May be a great light but jiminy it's ugly. :green:

-LT

 

[superflytnt]

May be a great light but jiminy it's ugly. :green:

-LT

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What I see with this light is a tool that was designed to be functional above all else. Every aspect of it's appearance serves a purpose and makes the light, to me, much more attractive then the current crop of "tacticool" look-alikes.

I might just have to sell a couple of lights (and I don't have many) to fit this one into my kit.

 

[Lunal_Tic]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Absolutely and to my eye it's ugly. That it also doesn't happen to fit my current criteria for a light of this size is a happy coincidence. "Tacticool" I like it, may have to work it into a conversation or two. :naughty:

Cheers,
-LT

 

[dudemar]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What I see with this light is a tool that was designed to be functional above all else. Every aspect of it's appearance serves a purpose and makes the light, to me, much more attractive then the current crop of "tacticool" look-alikes.

Exactly. I think it's a beautiful light. Frankly I'm sick of the hundreds of "tactical" lights with pretty much the same design cue. It bears repeating that pictures don't do the Heliotek justice, it is actually very slim and compact.

I might just have to sell a couple of lights (and I don't have many) to fit this one into my kit.

If (and when) you do, you will not regret getting one. It's truly a remarkable piece of engineering.

 

[OceanView]

So I got it today, and all I have to say is... wow. Just... wow.

Christmas came early at the dudemar residence this year, eh? :laughing:

Just curious, but to the naked eye, how does the output of the new model compare to the older one? Is output primarily the "Wow!" factor of this new version for you?

Edit: Ah, whoops, sorry, just noticed that this is your first Heliotek! Perhaps the first of many...

 

[dudemar]

I think it's the overall design. Despite its looks it's incredibly sturdy and robust, but most of all very solid. The light easily throws out to 200 feet, and with the diffuser it's perfect for close-up work. A 6-8 hour runtime and a <6 ounce weight makes me say... wow.