What gives????????

[SCampbell]

Unless I've been reading dyslexically, the general consensus here is that the Opalec MiniMag unit is the equal of the InReTech unit in terms of light output, plus has the advantage of being regulated.

I ordered an ARC AAA last week, and added an Opalec unit on there as a birthday present for my dad.

Imagine my surprise just now when the Opalec put out about HALF of the light of the InReTech I've had for a while. The accessory tailcap switch I bought doesn't work either, but that's another issue to take up with BrightGuy.

Both units are in new MiniMags with fresh lithium AA cells. So, what's the deal? Is the Opalec indeed as bright as the InReTech and I just have a defective one? This Opalec is totally unsat as it is.

Any comments appreciated...

Steve

 

[x-ray]

I would expect the InReTech to be a lot brighter than the Opalec, remember you are comparing a luxeon star against 3 standard LED's.

 

[Icebreak]

*edit* x-ray has accurately summed up in one sentence what it took me 7 paragraphs to say.

Steve-

Sure hate to hear that happened. It's understandable to have a pretty high level of frustration after having made an extensive effort to research your purchase, as a gift to your dad, no less.

I own neither adaptor but maybe I can help. The first thing is that you now have something that you don't want to give as a gift. Would an immediate solution be this? Install the InReTech in the brand-new MiniMag and wrap it up to give as the present to your dad. Return the Opalec and, since you seem to like the InReTech, buy another one for yourself.

Again, I own neither but the impression I got from reading about them here was that the three white (plus one red indicator) nichias in the Opalec were regulated to give good performance but last quite awhile with the added advantage of being able to drain all the juice out of the batteries.

This good performance is for three nichias. The InReTech is directly driving a Luxeon Star which has a greater capacity to emit light than 9 or more nichias. It too is designed to last a good while but since its' output is greater than an Opalec would not have as long a run time.

I can see where you may have thought differently because the Opalec is so highly regarded and people use it for navigating in the dark. I believe they were taking advantage of the strategy of using natural night vision.

Certainly, more knowledgable people will jump in here and correct anything I've said that isn't correct and also try to help you. I do believe that if you feel the InReTech has a 'WOW' factor then maybe your dad would like it.

I hope some of this helps. I guess it is obvious to you that others at CPF have had similar if not worse experiences.

-Jeff

 

[Termac]

The Opalec puts out the same with $6 worth of brand new lithiums, as it does with 60 cents worth of el cheepos. And it does it for 8 hours. I recently got one, and I'm very content with it, when that amount of light fits the bill. I use an older Arc LS with 2 AAs for more demanding tasks, but it too is getting left in the dust by the new developements in the 2 AA class. The way to go now is with a BadBoy for High and an Opalec for Low.

 

[Sean]

Remember that the inretch with alkalines will be at half brightness in a little over an hour! Now the Inretech as a gift with lithiums is nice but imagine your dad's surprise when he finds out he will have to use $5/pair lithiums in his new light. To me this would not matter, but when I show non-flashaholics my lights and tell them you need expensive lithiums they run away!

The Opalec will run at the same brightness for about 8 hours on any type of battery.

 

[INRETECH]

The statment is correct, the Opalec uses the NiChia which has a max brightness of 6.4c (20 for 3); whereas the InReTECH uses the Luxeon at approx 200c

The human eye is not linear and might only see the difference between the InReTECH and the Opalec as twice as bright.

The products are for different purposes, we do not have an Opalec, otherwise - we would run lightmeter tests over time as we have done with our products

http://www.inretech.com/batlife.htm

As I have stated before, there is no magic bullet

Operating_time X Brightness = Weight

You have to trade something to obtain something, longer life - lower brightness

 

[jtivat]

Originally posted by SCampbell:
The accessory tailcap switch I bought doesn't work either, but that's another issue to take up with BrightGuy.

Steve

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Greg is the best just give him a call or drop him an e-mail he will take care of you.

 

[SCampbell]

Understood, all.

There is no "wow" factor involved here. My dad has advanced matricular degeneration, and needs something brighter than the el cheapo Brinks 2AA I just found out he's been using to find his stuff in the mornings and evenings. I knew he was using a photo flood to read by, but I didn't realize he needed help to see where his junk was on the dresser, etc. Still, a two-123 incan would be a bit much for him, I think. But the InReTech should be just right. I am really impressed with the even quality of LED light. So that he gets. I'll buy him a fresh set of lithium AA cells every few weeks. He doesn't want a rechargeable, and I don't blame him. He wants something he can put fresh batteries in and have his light right now.

Now that I've gotten over my initial aggravation, the Opalec will do fine for what I was using the InReTec for; a general purpose shop-and-around-the-house light. Still got the "big gun" (SL-20) for serious work, and the SureFires and Stingers for intermediate chores. And Sean, the SL-20 is on a trickle charger now...

One last question, then I'll go back into my hole; regarding this $4.95 "clickie" tail cap, is it supposed to work momentarily or sequentially? IOW, is it supposed to stay "on" when clicked, then "off" when clicked again? Or just "on" when held down, like a SureFire E-series or 6P?

Thanks for all the responses.

Steve

 

[jtivat]

It should stay on when clicked and then off when clicked again or momentary if pressed lightly. I have about six of these and all have worked fine you must have gotten a bad one.

 

[camisdad]

Hi Steve - don't go back "in your hole" - it' s more fun to post and share info!! Best - camisdad

 

[SCampbell]

Well, it figures I got "a bad one". It isn't worth the postage to send the stupid thing back; I'd be paying for it twice even if they sent me a new one.

I've looked at it pretty closely, and nothing obvious jumps out.

Any ideas on what may be wrong, and/or any "Aggie engineering" tips???

Steve

 

[jtivat]

Originally posted by SCampbell:
Well, it figures I got "a bad one". It isn't worth the postage to send the stupid thing back; I'd be paying for it twice even if they sent me a new one.

I've looked at it pretty closely, and nothing obvious jumps out.

Any ideas on what may be wrong, and/or any "Aggie engineering" tips???

Steve

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">When I had a bad light from BrightGuy he paid the shipping both ways.

 

[Melven]

Give Greg at Bright guy a call. He has been VERY helpful to me when I have had issues - sending new accessories for free without asking for the old ones to be sent back. (these were clips for the Inova Microlight)

 

[Steve C]

Tried calling last night.

He has some kind of call screening system that does not allow a number with caller ID blocked to go through. I have a system on my home phone that blocks caller ID (from my line) and nukes telemarketers.

We have this on our phones at work, too. Tried it from here earlier; no joy.

Jesus, nothing is simple anymore. You can't even buy a simple gadget for five bucks without it becoming a major hassle.

Guess I'll try the toll free # with my cell phone...

 

[Gandalf]

Or you could send Greg an E-mail at Brightguy. ([email protected]) Seriously, Brightguy is *the best* to do business with. The few problems I've had in the past few years (I've placed many orders, too) were handled to my complete satisfaction.

If there isn't a too much of a price difference between Brightguy and a competitor, I'd much rather do business with Brightguy.