Good to see these lights increasingly noticed. As Streamchucker and other have noted, a very versatile light. I too have a couple of rechargeables and one lithium. Both versions are equally bright.
Since Ni-Cads have relatively FLAT discharge, I don't miss the regulated power supply. Lithiums - don't know how it functions but I assume no different than otherlithiums.
Mind my piggybacking a quick review? (In addition to the other two mentioned.)
1. Very versatile. These lights are now our most often used daily lights. Having two in one is just incredibly useful. We take it on our nightly walks as a family and most the time, just use the LEDs. When we're curious about something, use the Xenon beams. At night, when working late and going into my kids room, the 3 leds is just the right level of light without disturbing them. Surefire A2 has 3 leds if I'm correct so I assume the 6 leds are brighter. Last night, my wife needed to work with the kids sleeping. Just point the LED up to the ceiling and nice low level light.
They even include a functional Lanyard. Plus the item is flat on the bottom and stands up even with the lanyard. No problem.
This light and the ARC LS is replacing ALL our other lights except for one TACM (small, light, longest reach of 2lithiums).
2. Quality is excellent for the price. Even at double the price it would be a good buy. ($100 - rechargeable) I would think this is a good light. As some have said, lots of metal. The precision is good- everything screws on tightly with no play. The LEDS are exactly matched in color and brightness although that really doesn't matter with LEDS in an array. I do have one unit where the LEDS are 'warmer' than the bluer ones. (Incidentally, the picture above showing very blue seem to come from the camera color balance rather than being realy so blue?)
3. Quality #2: There seem to be truth in advertising with company. With the Nicad, they state 50 minutes runtime with the rechargeable before dimming. Well, my packs DO run 50 minutes. I did a test. VERY pleased. The flashlight gets comfortably warm but not hot at all after 50 minutes. The aluminium acts as as a massive heatsink.
3. My pick is the rechargeable. For $50, you get a rechargeable pack, charger, AC adapter, Leds, Xenon, Three switches. Are you kidding? This is a STEAL! Incidentally, the rechargeable's length is the same as the Surefire 8X and a little fatter. As others have observed, a lot of aluminium.
4. Beam quality. I'm very satisfied. Has a faceted reflector so beam is good. PLUS focusable. Mine focus down tighter than the Legend LX which is a nice beam in its own right.
5. The head comes out for a 'candle light' effect. 160 degree angle becaues of the head's 'lip' so it is near candlelight effect. You can do that with both the Xenon and LED. Probably works well in this mode in a tent etc. That 3 led would burn well over a dozen hours in a tent. Good call. At times, have wished Surefire can do the candle mode.
6. I have not figured out or attempted to take the thing apart. But it seems that this thing is ready for some mods. There's more than enough aluminium to cut some space out inside and put some circuits.
7. Now that we know it takes normal bi-pin. Can a 110 lumen bulb be far behind? (Same as Surefire 8X's bulb.) Really, the sky's the limit on bulbs with this thing.
8. My one concern is the plastic reflector. Anyone knows other high powered high heat plastic reflectors that holds up?
9. Back to China - the quality and creativity of the products is really becoming good. Wonder what threat this represents to American manufacturers. OR maybe the US manufacturers will begin to OEM high quality lights overseas too? (Not trying to start a debate - just wondering. Always in business, follow the money trail.)
10. Idle musing: Anyone know if Surefire tried to patent the two in one concept? If so I wonder if their legal dept. also went after these guys? Hard to stop as the manufacturer is in China and sells around the world. As it is, I think their product hit the market well before Surefire's. Just idle musing here. (Again, follow the money trail.)
Any comments?
MO
