When cheaper...wasn\'t really better.
I've been wanting a 4 AA flashlight to experiment with different bulbs and NiMH AAs. I bought a Tec 40 and was pretty happy with the KPR103 bulb and the 4 NiMH AAs, when...
I found out (the hard way) that the Tec 40 seems to have a problem of bending or deforming the positive tip of NiMH AAs.
Apparently the body of the Tec 40 is unforgiving (no springy bottom for the batteries) and it can simply crank down too much pressure on the NiMHs; resulting in deforming the tips which then either have poor or no contact.
So...I'll be returning my Tec 40; cost me $20 at a local "outfitters" store.
I was sad that I lost my 4 AA light for my daily walks but I couldn't see destroying NiMHs on a regular basis and I didn't want to use throw aways.
But...today, I found a new flashlight at Walmart!
The Ray-O-Vac Sportsman 4AA Camper. $3! (not $20)
It has springs in the bottom of the light, the head doesn't require near the force to "crank down" that the Tec 40 did and it has a side switch (honestly, more convenient for turning off and on). The reflector is smooth and although not quite as high quality as the dimpled Tec 40, the beam is very tight (which I wanted) and BRIGHT!
So... for $3 I'm back to being happy with my light.
The Ray-O-Vac may not be quite as high a quality and certainly is no dive light (Tec 40 rated to 2000 feet?). But I think for my needs, it will do just fine (after all, I can buy 6 of the 4AA Campers for the price of one Tec 40). And...since camping (and walks) is my intended use (not dives), I think it will be OK!
I've been wanting a 4 AA flashlight to experiment with different bulbs and NiMH AAs. I bought a Tec 40 and was pretty happy with the KPR103 bulb and the 4 NiMH AAs, when...
I found out (the hard way) that the Tec 40 seems to have a problem of bending or deforming the positive tip of NiMH AAs.
So...I'll be returning my Tec 40; cost me $20 at a local "outfitters" store.
I was sad that I lost my 4 AA light for my daily walks but I couldn't see destroying NiMHs on a regular basis and I didn't want to use throw aways.
But...today, I found a new flashlight at Walmart!
The Ray-O-Vac Sportsman 4AA Camper. $3! (not $20)
It has springs in the bottom of the light, the head doesn't require near the force to "crank down" that the Tec 40 did and it has a side switch (honestly, more convenient for turning off and on). The reflector is smooth and although not quite as high quality as the dimpled Tec 40, the beam is very tight (which I wanted) and BRIGHT!
So... for $3 I'm back to being happy with my light.
The Ray-O-Vac may not be quite as high a quality and certainly is no dive light (Tec 40 rated to 2000 feet?). But I think for my needs, it will do just fine (after all, I can buy 6 of the 4AA Campers for the price of one Tec 40). And...since camping (and walks) is my intended use (not dives), I think it will be OK!
