I don't actually have an LEDBeam (at least not yet ...). A friend of mine is evaluating a number of them right now. From what I understand, they're probably not going to be the selection for purchase (for reasons that I will not be discussing here) and I may have an opportunity to "inherit" one or two of them when he's finished with them. But I have had a chance to play with them and am quite impressed with their output, though the switches seem kind of vulnerable and they don't have a momentary on. The dimensions are very close to that of a 3 cell Mag, but the aluminum appears to be cast or injection molded rather than turned as you might see in an American-made product. Anyway back to the batteries. I've used the lights side by side with both NiMH and Alkaline batteries and have noticed virtually no difference in throw or brightness, then put fresh alkalines in the light that had NiMH, and a freshly charged set of NiMH in the light that had the Alkalines and pretty much notice that there was no difference in performance. The lights themselves can vary a little from light to light in intensity and tint. I was using two lights that had the closest tint and intensity to each other.
But that having been said, if the cost of batteries and a charger will buy enough batteries to last you for years, then quite honestly, you might really be better off with alkalines. You won't have to constantly remember to charge them, and a 12 pack is 4 sets of batteries (at $2 a set), and a set of batteries is going to cost about 1/2 the price of a no-name Chinese NiMH (about $3-4) and about 1/4 the price of a name brand C sized NiMH.
The reason NiMH batteries were being tested in these lights were because they were being evaluated for a usage that would have required more frequent changes of batteries (like maybe 1-3 times a week).
How did you widen the spot? The head of the light is fixed, the only thing that can be removed is the bezel holding the lense and retaining the reflector.
... and if I don't "inherit" those lights I may just have to take advantage of the $23.95 offer
While they may not make the cut for industrial use, they seem to be great candidates for home/car usage, far more versatile than a 3 cell Mag (though admittedly the incandescent Mag will throw farther.)
Spectrum said:
Ahah! Finally a chance to see how C NIMHs work in the LEDBeams.
Can you notice a difference in brightness vs alkalines?
I keep thinking about it, but the investment in a good C charger and a couple of sets of 5000 maH batteries would pay for enough alkies ($8 for 12 from Sam's Club) to last me years. I am still on the same set of batteries from last November, and they are really bright.
I agree - the LEDBeam is by far the best throw for the money. I have two, and may get 3 more. Fantastic light. I widen the spot just a little from the tightest position, and still get great throw. The spill is bright enough for me.
