Romisen RC-N3 vs Jet-1 MK I.B.S.

I just received both of these lights this week. I wanted a cheap light for work and a small one for EDC.

The Romisen has max output of 150 Lumens and the Jet-1 a max of 130 Lumens (on a regular AA).

Now when I first used the RC-N3 I was really surprised at how bright this $20 light was. Now today when I used my Jet-1 for the first time, I was really dissapointed in it's brightness.

Yes I am only using a regular Energizer AA in the Jet-1 right now and I know that it will run brighter with a Lithium in it.

So what I'm wondering is, does 20 lumens really show that big of a difference or is it just me?

Beam angle can also be a factor. A narrower beam can appear brighter then a wider beam of more power.

It could also be the battery. NiMh batteries can take much more drain without sagging in voltage compared to an alkaline battery.

Well I put a brand new Energizer Lithium in it and I saw absoluteley no difference at all. Is it possible that it didn't arrive with it set to maximum brightness? That's the only other thing I could think of.

The Jet is set default to have a high mode not a maximum. For maximum you have to set it yourself.

What batteries are you using for the RC-N3? The standard RC-N3 is not nearly 150 lumens on 2xAAs or a CR123a. The Q5 version on fresh RCR123s may be close though.