UK eLEDs

[Hutch]

I really like the looks of the UK 4AA eled , but I can't decide if I like the switch or if I'd rather have just a screw down bezel, like on my PT Tec40. Looking around a little, it seems that the UK Mini Q40 eled uses the same lamp assembly, same batteries, and the essentially the same body without the switch. I've read nothing but good things about the 4AA eled, but haven't been able to find anything on the Mini Q40 eled.

So, to make a long story longer, I have three questions...

1. Are they esentially the same light with a different switch, making everything I've read about runtime, output, etc. about the 4AA also true about the Mini Q40?

2. For those who have one, how tough is the switch on the 4AA? Basically I need to know if the thing can take a beating and stay waterproof.

3. Do any retail stores actually carry UK lights? The dive shop I usually go to and a few others I've checked carry the big primary lights, but nothing smaller and certainly not their "industrial" lights like the 4AA.


Thanks in advance for all your help,

Chris.

 

[paulr]

The Q40 is more waterproof (it's a dive light). The pushbutton version isn't bad, though.

 

[Lynx_Arc]

I think you can also turn on the switch on the 4AA and twist the bezel to turn off/on if you prefer that method, I don't think any normal retail store chains sell UK lights, walmart sold the 2AAA incan for awhile but I haven't seen them anywhere else since.

 

[Ratso]

I think the only difference is that the 4AA is hazardous location approved while the Q40 is waterproof the 500 ft. This may be because of the hydrogen vent in the 4AA affecting water tightness, but I'm not sure.

 

[Lynx_Arc]

Either the vent or the switch assembly could be the reason, the rubber boot could leak under pressure and use I figure.
For most things a water resistance of about 5 feet should suffice as few lights are useful under water that are not specifically designed for just that purpose anyway.

 

[rastaman]

bu yboth and you will have two bodies, 1 eLEd module and 1 Xenon-replacement lamp.

i prefer the body with the switch.

 

[Mr_Dead]

[ QUOTE ]
Hutch said:
I really like the looks of the UK 4AA eled , but I can't decide if I like the switch or if I'd rather have just a screw down bezel...

2. For those who have one, how tough is the switch on the 4AA? Basically I need to know if the thing can take a beating and stay waterproof.

[/ QUOTE ]

I have the 4AA eLED. I haven't had time or opportunity to really bash it around, but the case and switch inspire confidence. The rubber casing over the switch is actually thick enough to make it a little hard to push- that's one of the common compliants against this model, especially for ladies and kids.

As I've stated in another thread, I personally do not like twist heads. It's a cheap and easy way for manufacturers to design and make a waterproof light, but, IMHO, any device designed for emergencies that requires two hands when it could be designed for one is just a bad idea.

 

[detenebrator]

The Q40 (without switch) is a great light in many ways. It's very bright, completely waterproof, and tough. The beam pattern isn't super smooth, but it's still better than "adjustable focus" types, IMHO.

The available lamps include the 2.5W, 4W, and e-led. I have only used the 2.5W. I've been meaning to order the rest from Brightguy.

As far as twist-heads go, I don't have a problem with them for non-tactical use. I can easily turn on a Q40 or a Princeton Tec TEC40 with one hand, but YMMV.

 

[vtunderground]

1. Yes.

2. The switch is pretty tough. I'd be more worried about it leaking through the vent in the tail than through the switch. I sink-tested mine, though, and it didn't leak at all.

3. I imagine that any dive shop that carrys bigger UK lights would be able to order smaller ones like the eLED too. If not, brightguy.com still has the 4AA eLED for $20, and the mini-Q40 eLED for $24.40 .

 

[Hutch]

Thanks for all the replies, they've helped quite a bit.

Waterproofness is a requirement for all my gear, so much so that I usually go with dive rated lights, even if I'm not planning on using that particular light for diving. This light won't be used for diving, since my PT tec 40's already serve that role very well, and I doubt either of these UK lights will penetrate water all that well. What I'm looking for is something with a long runtime and a brightness between my tec 40 and PT Attitude. I'm currently leaning toward the 4AA, just for something different. So, having said all that, I have a couple more questions...

1. UK lists this light as waterproof to 10 ft, but over on FlashlightReviews.com, it is listed as "dunkable". Since everyone seems to have a different definition of what constitutes "dunkable" or "waterproof", can someone please translate?

2. Am I correct in reading that the consensus is that the weak point on this light is the gas vent and, if so, is there a way to seal it permanantly? I was thinking of epoxying it shut, but will that have some detremental effect I haven't thought of?

Thanks again for all your help.

Chris.

 

[steve_vance]

the 4aa ELed and the Q40 are the same light; I recently found out that UK has 2 entirely separate divisions: Industrial and Dive. Many of their models exist in both lines, but with different certifications. Since they pay big bucks for those fancy certifications, they separate the product lines to limit liability.

To answer your second question, the switch on the Q40/4aa ELed is IMHO absolutely bombproof. It's recessed to avoid damage to the switch assembly and is very rugged industrial-quality switch

As far as where to buy them, Btightguy has them for 20 bucks: you won't beat that price anywhere

 

[Lynx_Arc]

steve... I found a cheaper price perhaps, if you don't take into account shipping .. here

dunno anyone that has purchased from this place yet though. Uk 4AA eled

 

[Techmedic]

Ok Guys,

You have all peaked my interest in the eLed 4AA version, particularly for my two boys ages 4 and 7. They like lights, and like Dad, like to use them to read stories in bed. I have heard (above) that the switch is tough to turn on, can anyone please elaborate?
Thanks!

 

[Longbow]

On mine I have to use my thumb nail plus a fair amount of effort to activate the switch. Yesterday it quit latching in the on position. I'd recommend getting the Mini Q40 eLed that uses a twist of the bezel to turn on, thus eliminating the "not-so-good" switch.

 

[pedalinbob]

the uk 4aa led is a fantastic light...but, it may be almost too much for reading in bed.

my favorite is the palight onestar (with optic removed) on the lowest setting. low doesnt distrub others trying to sleep.

nice broad beam, very long runtime, can easily navigate the house at night, inexpensive, silent button, tough.

i think the survival has a low beam as well.

Bob

 

[cognitivefun]

[ QUOTE ]
Unregulated said:
On mine I have to use my thumb nail plus a fair amount of effort to activate the switch. Yesterday it quit latching in the on position. I'd recommend getting the Mini Q40 eLed that uses a twist of the bezel to turn on, thus eliminating the "not-so-good" switch.

[/ QUOTE ]

You can turn the switch on and leave it on, and then twist the bezel for on or off.

 

[Longbow]

The switch will no longer turn on. You get light by holding the button down, but when you release it, (because of latching failure), the light goes off.

 

[tracker870]

[ QUOTE ]
Techmedic said:
Ok Guys,

You have all peaked my interest in the eLed 4AA version, particularly for my two boys ages 4 and 7. They like lights, and like Dad, like to use them to read stories in bed. I have heard (above) that the switch is tough to turn on, can anyone please elaborate?
Thanks!

[/ QUOTE ]

Kids 7-11, have had no issues with turning it on/off. It did take some practicing.
I was out back last night grilling myself a steak, and my 9 yr old had his 4AA eLED (I had my A2) while we kicked around a soccer ball. It is actually, very bright when it gets dark out, and makes a great camping light. He used it on Halloween also. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[ikendu]

[ QUOTE ]
pedalinbob said:...it may be almost too much for reading in bed.

[/ QUOTE ]

Agreed!

I have the PT Attitude and the Dorcy 1AA 3LED and the eLed also.

The eLED really is too bright to use for reading (IMHO) the Attitude works the best 'cause its flat body won't roll around on the headboard of my bed. It works great. The eLed is also a small hot spot type light. For a bright, smooth light, I really like my BB400 in a MiniMag. The Attitude's 3 5mm LEDs end up creating a nice smooth beam for reading (Dorcy too).

 

[Lynx_Arc]

If you have a uk product with a bad switch I would contact either the dealer you bought it from or underwater kinetics. their customer service is top notch and will get it fixed or replaced very quickly.