Review of ElektroLumens Blaster 1R

[NutSAK]

I know we're not supposed compare them, but the runtime of the EL Blaster 1R is a good point--it runs for at least 8 hours, depending one the model you have (1 watt or 3 watt). Plus, the Blaster is one HELL of a thrower...

The Blaster 1R has a great form factor in wintertime where gloves are needed.

 

[etc]

Good point.

I only use AA and D batteries. The former for the everhywhere-light, and latter when you need serious lumens for extensive time.

You need them both, different purpose and classes. They are both kickass units.

 

[Brighteyez]

That sounds kind of defensive.

Anyway, I don't think there is a need to compare a 1R to a 4D MagLED, or even a 2D, a lot of that information is already over at flashlightreview. There's not much point in re-inventing the wheel. And as you said, it's a product that has been discontinued and on clearance for some time now.

Very funny. I never drew any conclusions from this comparison, if you notice, and didn't endorse anything. The review was of the Blaster, I included a well known MagLite for size comparison purposes.

In fact, if anything, the Mini Maglite wins it, IMO due to being much lighter and more portable, much closer to the everywhere-light.. Price is, or was the same. anyway the Blaster series are not available, you cannot get one, so it's a moot point?

( You can however get better, brighter lights at ElektroLumens, but they won't have the run time of the Blaster, I suspect )

But I will do a comparison of Maglite 4D LED vs. Blaster (Sorry but that's all I have) once I install that upgrade module.

 

[TORCH_BOY]

The Blaster-1R replaced my 2 D Mag 3 years ago and its still one of my favorites
even bought another which was modded using two stacked Micropuck boost drivers
and a TX1J star, this one gives out alot more light than the stock 1 watt version

 

[EvilLithiumMan]

Some don't care for the optic and would prefer a reflector. But the Blaster 1R is a great value and easy to mod. I put a Madmax board in one of mine, driving a Lux I SX0H star. In the second one I have a Lux V WX0S star, driven with a Fatman (700ma setting) and a 186500 li-ion cell. It's undriven a little bit, but still plenty bright.

 

[etc]

Interesting, I just realized that it didn't have a mirror reflector in it. Weird.

I will post the defects as I see them, to be fair ---

1) The light is too heavy, you don't want to carry it in the field, backpacking. I would probably take my Princeton Tec Yukon headlight or maybe M-MagLite LED. It's more practical to keep around the house, or in the car (although in the car, I am not sure I want a spot light)
I think more metal could be trimmed of, it doesn't need to be heavy duty enough to be run over by an 18-wheeler. MagLite, has a more practical shell, overall, even if less sturdy.
But I like it just the way it is. It's so heavy duty, I will probably pass it on to the posterity, as it's the best light I got.

2) The switch is too sensitive. If will "blink" if you touch is just very slightly even, putting it out of the bag.

Really not a big deal.

It is a custom made light essentially, Elektrolumens makes great lights deserving of attention, even if pretty weird stuff sometimes (As in 200+ Lumens lights) geared towards some pretty hard core Flasho-holics.

 

[Bullzeyebill]

etc, you don't have to defend the Blaster 1R, or counter by pointing out the negative things. This light is a great light, even when it was selling at a higher price. With a lux I star, or emiter it runs forever. I had one of the original 1R's with a lux 1 star, and I messed up the driver when I changed out an led. Using an S bin lux I is a great idea, particularly with a BB400, nexgen BB400, particularly if using nimh batteries. I should try that out.

Bill