Nothing like bringing an old post back from the dead. Did anyone ever end up trying the 3xcr123 model of the Cortex? Any thoughts on it? I couldn't find anything here with the search function.
I bought one of these, couldn't find much info on it (here or elsewhere) prior to the buy but I liked the idea of running CR123 and AAs. It feels more solid than the Nitecore and Thrunite I have, but not quite up there with Surefire (not based on any objective test though!).
On CR123 I compared it to a Malkoff M91T, ceiling bounce showed the Cortex to be a little bit dimmer on high, my only measuring tool is the MkI Eyeball. Quite similar on low. The Cortex doesn't throw as far (not surprisingly) but it's pretty good outdoors. Little more flood than the Malkoff, the hotspot is somewhere in size between a 200 lumen 6PX I have and the G2X LE.
On AAs (Duracell alkalines) I compared it to the 6PX. The 6PX is marginally brighter, but the 2 are comparable. Beam pattern on the Surefires are just a little larger. I can't get the thing to work properly on NiMHs, I s'pose the voltage may be too low? The AAs don't rattle in the tube, either.
As far as output/performance goes, I'm quite happy with it, especially considering the versatility with batteries. The tail switch is quite stiff though, like REAL stiff, don't know if this is normal or just my light, but I find this annoying so any suggestions are welcome in this regard.
This is probably a good buy for someone who wants to run 3xCR123 but doesn't want to fork out for a Malkoff or Elzetta. On AAs it's a great light for around the house or in a quarter acre yard. AAs would be (just) adequate as the light on your belt if you're a cop but there's better options for that type of work.
Just my thoughts....
