I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the customized S3 EDC from Mountain Electronics? I'm not really in tune with the custom light world, but the reviews all seem to be really good and say it's well worth the price. All of the options are pretty intriguing, particularly the emitter choices, (triple XPL HI!) but I could see a triple Nichia 219 pocket rocket driven up to 5.8A to be pretty cool (make that HOT because it'd probably be a hand warmer). I like the rear clicky and the half presses to change modes like my L11C and the slim design. The only question would be which lens to pick. Something like what my Zebralights put out would likely be what I'd lean to...floody with a little throw.
Again, it looks interesting but would like to hear some feedback from CPF users before I get serious about trying one. Worth it?
Hello uofaengr. I should like to share a few opinions about the S3 EDC.
First, the bottom line: I have had one for about a week now and I can heartily recommend it.
Second, some notes:
1. I chose the grey body, 5.8A, XPL-HI 5000k, 4 modes starting with high +memory, 10507 optic.
2. I ordered one of the holsters from the web site, which allows for not only the light, but also an extra 18650 battery.
3. Also chose a couple of Samsung 25R 2500 mah batteries, button top. HJK reviews show this battery as capable of handling the higher amp loads quite well.
4. It took less than 2 weeks to get my light after submitting my order (web site says to allow 2 to 4 weeks.) It arrived expertly packed. I received confirmation emails along with shipping notification.
5. In my homemade sphere, I get the following for the otf lumens: high 1900-2000 at 1 sec.; high 1700-1800 at 30 sec.; med 546; low 38; sub-lumen <1 lumen. (Compare with jmpaul sphere measures of a S3 EDC with 3x XPGs and Samsung 20R battery: 1321 at 30 sec., 462, 29, 3.) FYI, with an Eagletac 3100 mah battery, the 30 sec. high output is about 1620; with an older AW 2200 mah, it was about 1400. With this data, I believe it is advisable to use a battery like the 25R that can handle 5.8A, otherwise voltage sag kicks in fairly quickly and your output will be less. There are other batteries you can choose from off of the mtnelectronics.com site. There are several batteries that are recommended in the product description area.
(Please accept my output quotes as relative values, as I cannot guarantee accuracy. I tried as best as I could to follow Selfbuilt's methods.)
6. For my light I get the 4 modes, starting with high, with memory.
7. In the high mode, it has a step-down at the 90 sec. point. I will say that on high, the light does indeed get hot quickly. Moreover, it gets warm at the next lower level, which is putting out over 500 lumens.
8. As I see things, this light should be viewed as giving you two very useful EDC levels, the sub-lumen mode and the low mode. Both of these do not heat up the light and allow for some sensible run times. If you need bright, you get over 500 lumens at the medium level, but I say no more than about 5 minutes, as the light does get warm. But, if you need some retina searing output, the high is there for you at about 1800 lumens, up to 90 seconds. Personally, in my evening walks so far, I have not tried the high for more than 30 seconds.
9. As for tint, in my opinion the XPL-Hi at 5000k is a pleasing yellow-leaning alternative to the usually cool white (almost metallic) tints in my other lights. I am glad I chose this option.
10. The 10507 in my eyes allows for some throw, yet with acceptable side spill. Around my neighborhood, I am seeing over 100 yards with the light. I have other throw lights available, left over from my search and rescue days. (I regret to say that I am terrible at taking beamshot pictures and therefore cannot share such.)
11. The light's small size allows for several EDC options. Moreover, the light looks good. Richard at Mtnelectronics has done a great job.
In summary, this light at less than $100 is a bargain. I might say that I used to have one of Mac's Tri-EDCs that was a great light. I made a big mistake in selling it. But, now I have a worthy replacement.
Blessings,
Steve
