New toys - need review

[JimH]

Hi /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink2.gif - it's me again, your resident charlatan, hawking more lights ( or just providing info for the more enlightened /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif).

I have recently obtained several lights that I am very impressed with, but I can't find where anyone has reviewed them. I thought I would provide the info for those of you who, like me, are always searching for a better light, but don't have an unlimited budget /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/broke.gif.

For the conspiracy minded among you /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ohgeez.gif, I reiterate and declare for the record that I have no connection, official or unofficial, other than being a frequent customer, with any of the companies referenced in the links below.

Vortex 1w LS 1XCR123 - brighter than a SL TL-3 led and smaller than a SF L4

http://countycomm.com/vortex.htm

LED Torch (5 watt) - blows the socks off of a SL TL-3 LED and compares favorably with SF L4, but spot vs. flood so hard to compare. Slightly larger than a SF TL-3 led, but at that size range who cares - it's not an EDC.

http://www.shoplifestyle.com/store/product.asp?dept%5Fid=39&pf%5Fid=5311&mscssid=HLM6JNH62UXA9K1NLJVPRB099EHQFMAC

Zinc-Air System "Fire-Fli" - my dimmest light, but one of my favorites. They don't come any smaller than this. Makes a great backup EDC for no extra space.

http://www.shoplifestyle.com/store/product.asp?dept%5Fid=39&pf%5Fid=5145&mscssid=HLM6JNH62UXA9K1NLJVPRB099EHQFMAC

I hope those long links work - if not let me know.

 

[Shadows]

Vortex 1w LS 1XCR123 - brighter than a SL TL-3 led and smaller than a SF L4 ????
1 watt brighter then 5 watt ???
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/poke2.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/twakfl.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/whoopin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/xyxgun.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smoker5.gif

 

[JimH]

Alright, brighter was a bad choice of words. The TL-3 definitely puts out more light. The Vortex is more focused and has a slight blueish hue. It's shorter than an L4, being only 1XCR123, but fatter. Still, it is a very nice light. Of my one watt luxeons, I would rate the Vortex most light output, then SF E1-KL1, and Arc LS lowest, not that there is really a whole lot of difference from one to the next. That being said, The Arc LS is my EDC because of the lanyard hole. I can carry it hanging from a belt loop and just let it hang in my pocket.

Considering the price, I'd call it a "bang for the buck" winner.

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Jim,

What do you think of the Zinc Air batteries?

From experiences with other 4 button cell lights, you might be able to get better run time at little loss in brightness by running the light on 3 cells and a dummy cell made from a nut.

Tom

 

[Aten_Imago]

JimH
RE: "...but I can't find where anyone has reviewed them"
Here's a partial review of the VORTEX TC2
http://www.imagometrics.com/FLReviews/FLR.htm

 

[JimH]

I haven't used it enough to have an opinion about the batteries. I certainly wouldn't want it to be any dimmer. The thing is just too darned cute not to carry on my keychain. It's perfect for a backup EDC or when you don't need a whole lot of light - like when you don't want to be too conspicious reading the program at the opera /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif.

 

[JimH]

Boy, talk about a comprehensive review by someone who claims to be a rookie reviewer. My complements to the reviewer. The model I have is the 1XCR123 not the 2XCR123 reviewed.

I went with the 1XCR123 because I already had the 5w LED Torch (3XCR123), and in that size range, I could not see any other light beating it. Only downside to the LED Torch is no momentary switch - only constant on or off.

 

[Aten_Imago]

JimH
Blushing on the compliments.Thanks! It really is our first Flashlight review and from a different approach -you may notice. I had to review the TC2 first - a TC1 is enroute to usa as I pen this. The issue is that every site I've seen that lists Lumen output on these TC's has the TC2 at the same out put as the TC1 - 25 Lumens. Only Vortexvision.com lists the TC2 at 40 lumens and they refuse to amend this rating- so I'm comparing the outputs forom the 2 lights. I wish I had a meter that would have put the issue to rest - metrically.

 

[JimH]

Aten_Amago
You're welcome. Since you are just getting started, here is your chance to provide a real service by reviewing stuff that nobody else has.

I would love to see the Luxeon V LED Torch, mentioned in my original post, reviewed. I like this light so much I just ordered 2 more. If you don't want to pay $59.95 (URL in my original post), you can pay $99.99, $125.00, or $99.97 at the following web sites respectively.


http://www.onestopknifeshop.com/store/luxeon-v-5-watt-led-aluminum-hand-torch.html

http://www.essentialgear.com/store.cgi?action=link&sku=Luxeon_V

http://goldengadgets.com/product_info.php?products_id=118

 

[Aten_Imago]

JimH
Thanks so much for the suggestion,but as I mentioned- we're only reviewing 1 cell lights. The Luxeon V LED Torch you cited is not in that category.The TC2 was an exception to our new constraint. It's really not about testing what others don't have but rather - testing for usability, human factors and ergonomics - our specialties. The decision to stick to small (4" or less) lights is based on a niche market that has the widest demographic of the pocket light vertical . More people of more walks in life will buy and use a 1cell light than a 2 celled one.

 

[JimH]

I'll have to admit, I'm still buying 1 cell lights in the never ending search for the perfect pocketlight (10 watts, 3 hr burn time, size of an Arc AAA, cost under $50 /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinser2.gif).

If I come across anything interesting in that category, I'll pass it along.

 

[Kitchener]

[ QUOTE ]
JimH said:




LED Torch (5 watt) - blows the socks off of a SL TL-3 LED and compares favorably with SF L4, but spot vs. flood so hard to compare. Slightly larger than a SF TL-3 led, but at that size range who cares - it's not an EDC.



[/ QUOTE ]

Who makes this light?

 

[JimH]

All I remember is the box has "Made in China" on it. I'll look again when I get home tonight. I have to admit, the box is pretty snazzy.

 

[Kitchener]

Nuwai, maybe?

 

[NikolaTesla]

I ordered one of the 5 watt blasters. I soon as I get it I will hold a shoot out against my L6 and TL-3LED and post review + beamshoots in Review section of CPF. Also if it is not junk, I will buy one of these: http://www.shoplifestyle.com/store/product.asp?dept%5Fid=31&pf%5Fid=4826&mscssid=T3FNENUP26G59LDVKEJDR9CDEJ9NBRH8

In the 6 volt version for $40 looks good.

NikolaTesla /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif


An Arc lamp is the Spark that takes away the Dark--HID smokes LED!
Recent additions to My Lights: *** http://www.tjtech.org/gallery/NikolaTesla/Dscn3236

 

[JimH]

[ QUOTE ]
Kitchener said:
Nuwai, maybe?

[/ QUOTE ]

Based on limited research of other web sites, I suspect you are correct. The only thing I can find on the box is "Model No. ALX-0533L". This is consistent with the model numbers from similar looking lights on other sites.

 

[SomeBloke]

I'm pretty sure it is Nuwai too - I've seen some of these around, and they seem to be Nuwai variations which various companies sell under their own name.

 

[kitelights]

As I understand it, hearing aid batteries have a very limited life. Once they are opened and exposed to air and activated, there's no turning back. IIRC the life is in the 60-90 day range. It doesn't seem like that would make a very dependable key chain light.

 

[indenial]

[ QUOTE ]
Aten_Imago said:
JimH
Thanks so much for the suggestion,but as I mentioned- we're only reviewing 1 cell lights. The Luxeon V LED Torch you cited is not in that category.The TC2 was an exception to our new constraint. It's really not about testing what others don't have but rather - testing for usability, human factors and ergonomics - our specialties. The decision to stick to small (4" or less) lights is based on a niche market that has the widest demographic of the pocket light vertical . More people of more walks in life will buy and use a 1cell light than a 2 celled one.

[/ QUOTE ]

Will you be reviewing the Browning Black Ice 5111 1 watt single cell any time soon? I have the Vortex TC1 and it IS a great little light. Considering the TC2, but Vortex is coming out with some new lights soon that look good, too. Sigh. Too many to choose from!

 

[PeLu]

BTW, the FireFli is smaller than the Zweibrüder MicroLenser and they claim to have the smallest pocketlight .-)
And kitelights is right, the Zinc air cells have limited lifetime as soon as their breathing hole is opened. But they have a wonderful weight/energy rating.