Tec40 vs. Pelican Stealthlight vs. Streamlight Propolymer?

[Lux Luthor]

How do these lights compare? I have a lot of experience with the Tec 40, but I'm getting a little fed up with the lack of a switch.

Are these other lights any good? I'm particularly interested in the quality of construction of the lights, in addition to any beam comparisons.

 

[Nerd]

Heard from a big shop who sells these lights that pelican lights are easier to break. don't know how true that is.

 

[Size15's]

My two Pelican StealthLites have been, and will continue to go, round the world with me and have never, ever, failed. (touch wood) Not even blown a lamp module. They are (IMHO) tough and solid.

I heard there are better 4AA flashlights in terms of beam quality, and yes, the StealthLites suck compared to SureFire in the beam quality / output comparison, but they have waterproofness and long runtime so my orange one will continue to travel with me.

Al

 

[Larry1582]

I have the Pelican M7, M9, and rechargeable Stealth Light. The M9 has been used the most. I have not had any problems with any of them. Pelican makes a good light in IMHO.

 

[Lux Luthor]

How's the beam on the stealthlight? Apart from smoothness, is it real narrow? I'm looking for a 4AA light that has the narrowest beam, without regard for quality. They claim their beams are "laser spot". Is this true?

 

[Stingray]

My UKE 2AAA's have a very narrow spot beam. I use them all the time. I would guess that the UKE 4 AAA does too.

I just got my first Tec 40 a few days ago. It has a nice smooth hot spot similar in quality to my 6P but not as bright. However the rest of the beam has rings and artifacts and is not what I expected based on reviews I read here. I have the dimpled reflector model, I expected a little more. But, for the price, and the cheap batteries it uses, it's a decent light in a handy sized package. Plus it uses PR based bulbs which are cheap.

Edit: just realized you were looking for a 4AA, not AAA....sorry

 

[Size15's]

The StealthLite bveam is very narrow.

 

[Tesla]

Ditto Size 15s....I have the Stealthlite (actually the Browning version) and the Streamlight. That is bogus info about the Pelicans being less durable. I would rate all 3 about equal in durability (I'm basing this on the PT 20--I don't own the 40 version). If you're looking for the narrowest beam, the Stealthlite is it. The other thing I like about it versus the others is it has a real switch...you can actually hold something in your other hand. Of course, the Streamlight has a momentary switch, but I prefer a switch with 1-hand, full-on capability...YMMV.

 

[brightnorm]

Originally posted by Lux Luthor:
How do these lights compare? I have a lot of experience with the Tec 40, but I'm getting a little fed up with the lack of a switch.

Are these other lights any good? I'm particularly interested in the quality of construction of the lights, in addition to any beam comparisons.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Lux,

You might want to audition UK's upgraded 4AA with the new body switch, running the 14801 lamp module. This combination will give you one of the smallest (with very small bezel), brightest, *waterproof, shockproof, ergonomically designed and reliable 4AA flashlights that I've seen.

The new switch is unique. It is a beautifully functional body-mounted clicky that falls naturally under the thumb in switch-up position or under the first finger in switch-down position.
It is cleverly integrated into the body and takes up literally no extra space.

The 14801 lamp (AKA "480") looks like the typical 4AA/Q40/2L UK module except for the black outer reflector surface stamped either 14801 or 480.
This is either a new lamp module or one I haven't seen before. Although the reflector is not textured, UK has found a way to create a highly focused long-throw beam, somewhat narrower than the typical UK beam, with a very bright center and bright surround. I have three of these lamps and they are almost identically consistant and noticeably brighter than my TEC 40 though without the familiar smoothness typically provided by textured reflectors.

I enjoy now having a choice between the #480 and the more common UK lamp which provides a wider but somewhat inconsistant beam.

I have only one criticism of this light, and it may sound like nitpicking. It is about 1/4" longer than the Mini Q40, and I always prefer the smallest light possible. UK has chosen not to put their excellent new switch on the Mini Q40, but with proper lubing its conveniently ridged rubber bezel allows for convenient one handed operation.

Between the Mini Q40, 4AA with switch and the 2L plus the 14801 lamp in addition to the typical lamps, UK has provided us with an even greater choice than in the past

* While the Mini Q40 is UK's 4AA divelight, the new 4AA with clicky is fully waterproof to at least 10 feet. It also is certified for explosive environments.

Brightnorm

 

[Stingray]

So...why does my new Tec 40 with dimpled reflector have rings and artifacts...is that normal....did I have overly high expectations...am I spoiled by my surefires?

I bought 2 Tec 40's, one for my nephew (he's 4 and already demonstrating evidence of the flashaholic gene)and both had the same beam qualities, so I don't think I got a defective one.

 

[Lux Luthor]

Thanks all for the info.

Norm, I was wondering what that new switch was like on the UK 4AA. It sounds real good.

I'm gonna try the stealthlight for now. I'm not planning on EDC, just an extra compact light for the car, but I need the longest possible throw.

 

[pec50]

As this has yet to be mentioned. I find that the new UK4AA beam compares, in throw, with the old style Tec40 smooth reflector with the exception that the UK4AA appears slightly whiter. The switch on the UK4AA is simply magnificent.

 

[Stingray]

OK, I get the point, I give up

 

[ikendu]

Originally posted by brightnorm:
...UK's upgraded 4AA with the new body switch, ...combination will give you one of the smallest (with very small bezel), brightest, *waterproof, shockproof, ergonomically designed and reliable 4AA flashlights that I've seen.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I really agree with this!

I really love that UK 4AA AS2!

 

[Stingray]

Thanks John, I bought two Tec 40's with tectured reflector from Botach, and they both have the same not so great beam, so I don't think I got two bad lamps at the same time, although I guess it's possible. It's not a terrible beam, but it's not smooth like my Surefires and my Scorpion. It has rings and artifacts. It's way better than a m@glite or a $2 plastic 2D special, but even my Craftsman 2D with smooth reflector has a much smoother beam. I guess I read more into the reviews than was intented by the writers.

I'll try some different lamps and see what happens.

 

[Illuminated]

Sorry Stingray,

I don't have a Surefire or Scorpion to compare to, though I have a variety of lights, including bike lights with 12-degree MR11 lamps, and my PT's have acceptable beam quality when compared to many of these others. Good enough that I don't feel the urge to put WW film on it. In the absence of beamshot comparisons, one's perception of beam quality is perhaps a bit more subjective.
[edit: referring to my own perceptions...]
John

 

[Illuminated]

On the Stealthlite subject...I've seriously considered buying one because I'd like a relatively small 4AA light with switch, a narrow beam for throw, and can use rechargeable cells.

Can anyone tell me if the lamp module for the rechargeable Stealthlite is a drop-in swap with the alkaline Stealthlite body? I already have a good supply of NiMH AA's and chargers, so I could save a little by buying the alkaline Stealthlite and the rechargeable lamp module, and I would not expect it to be dimmer on NiMH's like the UK's would be.

Thanks - John

 

[Illuminated]

Stingray,

I have the PT Vortec (headlamp) with the textured reflector rather than the Tec 40, and I'm very pleased with the beam quality. Not exactly the tightest, but very smooth and even, though not "perfect"(if your extremely picky). The only rings I get are one very large one due to the cylindrical ridge around the rim of the reflector, and it doesn't bother me.

You may have an odd lamp or something. At least try a different one. I get good beam results using cheap Krypton lamps, Halogen lamps, and my favorite NiMH lamp so far is the XPR3 Xenon made for the Hubbellite 3C, which I found on clearance at Lowe's. I also have several different lamps being potted by Carley, which I'm anxious to try when they arrive.

Hope this helps - John

 

[ikendu]

Originally posted by Illuminated:
lamp module for the rechargeable Stealthlite is a drop-in swap with the alkaline...?

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">This is a great question!

I'm always wanting to use NiMH but with lamp module type lights, always have to accept dimmer performance as the light is optimized for alkaline.

 

[Size15's]

The #2450 Rechargeable StealthLite uses Lamp Module #2454


The #2400 StealthLite uses Lamp Module #2404


The #2400Z1 StealthLite Zone 1 uses Lamp Module #2404Z