Proplymer Confusion

Everyone seems to be sold on the Propolymer Luxeon and there is plenty of information on that particular light to help me decide. However, there is a lot less information on 7 LED Propolymer light and I would really like to know more about particular light.

Under "search" on very dated information some posters would say something like, "I really like my Propolymer, best light I have ever owned". Then the confusion sets in, which Propolymer they are referring is anyone's guess at this late date. Then I finally read Flashlight Review's comments on the 7 LED version and it was only rated "fair", but that was back in 2003. It seems that the LEDs are/were being overdriven.


Is there any current information on the Propolymer 7 LED version that I might have missed, because I really like the very long runtime it has, if it is bright enough and the problem has been fixed ?

Propo lights usually refer to a streamlight if i am not mistaken.

65535 said:

Propo lights usually refer to a streamlight if i am not mistaken.

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Thanks, I know that much, but I am talking about if they were refering to the Luxeon or the 7 LED Streamlight Proplymer.

I've used the 3c 7LED. It's just a flood light with no real hotspot. I didn't have a use for it. I think when most refer to the Propoly they are talking about the 4AA luxeon model.

Good timing! For sampling reasons, I just bought the 7-LED and the Luxeon versions last Friday that look identical except for the front end. Definitely, definitely, the 7-LED is far inferior to the 1 Luxeon version - in my humble opinion. The 7-LED version has a purple color much like the original Arc AAA and has a very, very dim flood effect - no spot what-so-ever. It's probably less bright than a Mag 2-D on flood mode. The 1 LED Luxeon version is very respectable. The one I got has the same color tint as my surfire L4. Of course it is not as bright but not really too far behind. It puts a stock Mag 3-D to shame in my humble opinion. It has a nice hotspot with a somewhat narrow corona. What's interesting is that the 7-LED version is rated at 67 lumens while the 1 Lux is rated somewhere in the mid 40's. Something sure seems amiss in the ratings. I heartily recommend the 1-Luxeon version.

Get the Luxeon Propolymer, it doesn't matter if it's the 4AA or 3C (I prefer this one) they are all excellent flashlights. Just ignore the older models with the cluster of 5mm LEDs, these are outdated and not impressive.

Its hard to associate the word "bright(er) with the 7-LED version. I was very, very disappointed with it.

Outdoors Fanatic said:

Get the Luxeon Propolymer, it doesn't matter if it's the 4AA or 3C (I prefer this one) they are all excellent flashlights. Just ignore the older models with the cluster of 5mm LEDs, these are outdated and not impressive.

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Thanks, I need another flashlight like I need another hole in my head, but I have this uncontrollable urge to order another one. Heck, then I am going to have start buying all over again when they start putting XR-E LEDs in them.

For pp 4AA 7 LED model is great for close up to sort of closeup work.

For Example: I have both units and when I'm working in a total darkness in the attic or utility closets.

With 7 LED Version I could light up the whole area where I would be working. Have that lit the whole day if needs be. I won't have to drag up the drop light and stuff where there are no outlets anywhere. It works great lighting up under the sink, and the bean is so so broad, you wont have to worry about having it pointed.

On my last camping trip, 7 led version lit up the area of where we were hanging out, sort of light a big area light. This unit puts out a lot of lights. Just not pointed - however.

Try doing that with a lux and see what happens.

Now don't get me wrong! Lux model is a GREAT Light !! But it is for a totally different use like most of us CPF'ers use them for.

So, What do I think? I like them both for what they are. Different lights and different uses. Just remember to keep what you'll be using the lights for and you will be happy with your purchase.

Bearcat said:

if it is bright enough and the problem has been fixed ?

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I'm assuming that the problem you're talking about the burned out leds? If that is, I do not know about that. But the 7 LED model pp I have is about a year old. No burn out led's Yet!! Knock on wood. I would guess that they proly fixed it already.

So, I like both my PP lights. Have different uses. [If I should loose both my lights, I would have to buy both again. Since both serves me very well.]

One thing the 7 LED is not good for is wall-hunting, which CPF'ers seems to be obcessed with!

Regards,
Noob

Newuser01 said:

If I should loose both my lights, I would have to buy both again. Since both serves me very well

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I absolutely agree with exerything Newuser01 said. The 7LED version is a much better light to use indoors than is the Lux version. Anywhere throw isn't needed, I prefer to use the 7LED. It's plenty bright, I'd guess somewhere around 30 lumens, and lights up a large area with a broad, smooth beam. I've got three of them.

There are actually three Propolymer 4AA lights: the Propolymer 4AA, 4AA LED, and 4AA Luxeon LED. Reviews for all three can be found at http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews_index/reviews_by_mfgrs.htm -- look under Streamlight. You'll see there's quite a difference in the lights, what they do, and the ratings.

c_c

Bearcat said:

...Is there any current information on the Propolymer 7 LED version that I might have missed, because I really like the very long runtime it has, if it is bright enough and the problem has been fixed ?

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Streamlight has a very good reputation for warranty replacement, so if a LED did burn out they would probably replace the light or fix it. I love my 4AA Lux and I've heard that the 4AA LED [ Seven 5mm leds] is great also for wide area lighting.

I have a Streamlight ProPolymer 7-LED flashlight and I like it. Like others said, it's great for indoors. I like to use mine for searching through closets, checking things in a completely dark room, and for using it whenever I need light up close. When working up close, the 7-LED will not blind you like the Luxeon one. Each light have its own purpose. The Luxeon is great for spotting things that are pretty far away and the 7-LED is great for close up applications such as reading a map, digging through the closet, resetting the circuit breaker in a dark environment, etc...

Both are excellent flashlights.

We had a 3C 5mm LED PP at work a couple years ago. It was a great light, nice flood for working under hoods and battery life was great.

I have multiples of both: 4AA7LED, and the 4AA Luxeon.

Both are fine lights.

I use the 7LED model for close to medium ranges, Very useful.

One of the above lights burned out two of the LEDs, another started strobeing. An E-mail to Streamlight brought me a new head/LED module, no other questions asked.

The Lux model rivals good 6 volt incandescents in throw, etc.

Just different lights.

I have the 4AA Propoly Lux version of this wonderful flashlight. Besides all the great things that have been mentioned above, lets not forget the excellent regulation and the stellar performance using rechargeable cells.

I get almost 5 hours of ruler-flat regulation when using Energizer 2500 NiMH cells. When the light grows dim, I just pop the cells on the charger and then away I go, with guilt-free lumens.

The output of this Lux 1 light rivals many Lux III lights...