kb0rrg
Enlightened
The forums are dominated by SureFire lights, so I would like to take a minute and review a couple of non-SureFire lights for those of us who have yet to get one (I am soon to make my move though), or for those who can still find a use for a "regular" light in our lives.
The Princeton Tec, Rage and Blast are really the same lights and have similar construction, features and performance with the exception that the Rage uses 4AAA while the Blast uses 2AAA. The only other difference is that the Blast has a clip on the side. Both are waterproof to 2000ft or something…past 300ft and I don't care anymore, I won't be alive to notice
. Needless to say the design is clean and simple. On the down side, the bulbs appear to be very specialized and almost the same price as the light. I guess it is easier to just get a new one when it goes, but that is not how I like to do things. I get a little attached to my lights
The beam quality on both is good, no ring or wedges, just a little blotchy. Both require 2 hands to turn on and off.
Blast. ($8-12) This has 2 AAA side by side. This can't quite keep up with my 2AA mag with a nextstar bulb in terms of power, but is very close. It is non-focusable with a generally wide beam and a hot center. It carries easily in my pocket everyday. It has a clip in the side, which I find to be useless. It won't fit on a belt (at least securely) and the light is too short for "spyderco style" carrying. It is more comfortable to hold in the mouth than a mini-mag due to the plastic case and the flat sides (I love headlamps and I hate biting lights, but sometimes you got to do it).
Rage: ($15-20) I love this light. This uses a 2 x 2 configuration for the AAA's. It is very bright. While on one of my "flashlight walks" in the woods I attracted the attention of a couple of officers. While we were "discussing" my situation, I was also paying close attention to their SL Stingers. I can honestly say that my Rage held its own against a light 3x more expensive (not sure about the state of their charge though). The singer could probably beat the Rage, but it was much closer than I was expecting. I was tempted to ask for a head to head comparison, but I just wasn't a good time
. It can't quite keep up with my 3D mag with a xenon bulb for brightness. It is non-focusable with a generally wide beam and a hot center. This light could really use the clip that is on the Blast. I carry it on my belt in a holster. This is the one I use when I really gota light stuff up and I don't have my 3D. This is my first non-focusable light and I was not sure if I was going to like that feature. I have to say that the focus is nice, but I rarely miss it.
Both lights have a bit of trouble in fog or smoke since they really light up the particles and reduce the visibility. I figure this is due to their wider beams. The SL Pro-polymer 2AA ( a review soon ) was not nearly as affected, but it has a very tight beam.
The Princeton Tec, Rage and Blast are really the same lights and have similar construction, features and performance with the exception that the Rage uses 4AAA while the Blast uses 2AAA. The only other difference is that the Blast has a clip on the side. Both are waterproof to 2000ft or something…past 300ft and I don't care anymore, I won't be alive to notice
Blast. ($8-12) This has 2 AAA side by side. This can't quite keep up with my 2AA mag with a nextstar bulb in terms of power, but is very close. It is non-focusable with a generally wide beam and a hot center. It carries easily in my pocket everyday. It has a clip in the side, which I find to be useless. It won't fit on a belt (at least securely) and the light is too short for "spyderco style" carrying. It is more comfortable to hold in the mouth than a mini-mag due to the plastic case and the flat sides (I love headlamps and I hate biting lights, but sometimes you got to do it).
Rage: ($15-20) I love this light. This uses a 2 x 2 configuration for the AAA's. It is very bright. While on one of my "flashlight walks" in the woods I attracted the attention of a couple of officers. While we were "discussing" my situation, I was also paying close attention to their SL Stingers. I can honestly say that my Rage held its own against a light 3x more expensive (not sure about the state of their charge though). The singer could probably beat the Rage, but it was much closer than I was expecting. I was tempted to ask for a head to head comparison, but I just wasn't a good time
Both lights have a bit of trouble in fog or smoke since they really light up the particles and reduce the visibility. I figure this is due to their wider beams. The SL Pro-polymer 2AA ( a review soon ) was not nearly as affected, but it has a very tight beam.
