Pro Polymer 4AA vs 3C?

[Gretchin]

How dose the light output of the Streamlight Pro Polymer 4AA compare to the 3C version?


Will lithium batteries improve the performance of the 4AA?

 

[jtice]

Hi Gretchin,

I have both of those lights.
The 3C doesnt put out MUCH more light than the 4AA.
Its not really noticable till you go outside, and shine it in large areas.

The 3C is however rated for about twice the runtime of the 4AA.

You are only getting 3 more 5mm LEDs with the 3C, so, imagine a 3 5mm LED light added to the 4AA (7 LED) light.

If I remember /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif I will try to take some beamshots tonight compairing the 2 lights.

I have not tried lithiums in mine yet. I would imagine alittle improvement. Although, I an not totally sure this is recommended. It will run hotter. Some ppl have notice discoloration of the reflector after long use.

[EDIT] oops ! did you mean the LED versions? What section am I in??? I am lost! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif LOL
[EDIT] Damn, yep I am not in the LED section. LOL Well, I have no idea about the incan versions. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif Sorry.

 

[JohnK]

If you are referring to the LED versions, I can help you with the second question (don't have a 3C Propolymer).

The 4AA Propolymer LED is severely overdriven even with alkalines. Lithiums may fry it in short order.

Several here have run the light with one dummy cell to reduce voltage.

 

[Gretchin]

Sorry, I should have said that I’m mainly interested in the incandescent versions for now. I might be interested in the LED’s in the future.


How do the 4 AA Pro Polymers compare to other 4AA lights in their price range?

 

[jtice]

Well as far as how they are for the money.
I know the LED versions are very nice for the price.
Anything from SL is a great value.

You might want to look into the Princeton Tec Tec40.
Its an incan 4AA light. VERY bright, I also have one of those. Best of all, you can get one for under $18!

The BEAMSHOT DATABASE should help you out alot.
Especially this pic.

 

[Gretchin]

Thanks jtice.


How dose the light output of the Tec 40 compare to something like the Scorpion?


Can you use lithium AA’s in the Tec40?

 

[JohnK]

Gretchin-I do have both the 3C and 4AA Propolymer Xenons.

The 4AA has a nice smooth beam, much like a Scorpion.

The 3C beam is narrow, ringy, and not worth snot. I even replaced the bulb to see if that would help. Nope. The 4AA is one of my main lights, a good one.

 

[jtice]

Gretchin,

I dont have a scorpion, so I cant say for sure.
I think the Tec40 is just as bright, but not as tight of a beam.
I know it STOMPS my 2D M*g. But then, thats not hard to do. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Another light you may want to look into is the Pelican PM6. Its alittle more money and uses 2 123 cells, but built very well. Alittle opn the heavy side though.

QuickBeams Throw vs. Output Chart is GREAT for determinning which lights throw the best, and which ones have the greater overall light output.

Remember, that greater overall light output does NOT mean it will throw further.

As far as I know, you can use lithiums in the Tec40. Although I would think this would shorten bulb life alittle.

 

[jayflash]

As an owner of all three, I will concur with JohnK. The Scorpion is my favorite for now, probably because I haven't been able to purchase a SureFire yet. The Scorp is brighter and more pocketable than the 4AA and it's got a nice tail-cap switch. The PP-4AA is a decent value and has a nice shape for holding but some prefer the PT-40.

Besides the individual specs available, has anyone done a 4AA "shootout"?

 

[Gretchin]

Thanks for all of the info.