Gransee
Flashlight Enthusiast
The test included drops head down and head up 8ft onto a hardwood floor and random drops 18-20 feet outside on the aspalt road. Both tests were done 6 or more times. The headup/down test is possbile because the CG of the Arc4 is just about in the center of the light (it is a nicely balanced light with the stock 123 pack- imagine that).
At some point, the switch stopped working so the light went into failsafe mode and kept working. In failsafe, the switch is assumed to be inoperative so the light is turned on and off by twisting the pack. It will come on at the secondary level only.
Also, the battery was damaged enough that it no longer would make contact. This can be remedied in an emergency by adding a coin, piece of bubblegum wrapper foil or some other McGyver item to add some extra length to the battery.
The light was still waterproof (tested in 1 foot of water after the drop tests) and could also be reprogrammed if needed.
The point of this test is to show that the light can take quite a beating and still operate well enough to get you back home.
Btw, this test also shows why we use Lexan (polycarbonate) lenses instead of glass. The Lexan is able to flex under pressure instead of cracking as easily as glass. If the unit above had a glass lens, it would have cracked, possibly damaged the reflector and no longer would have waterproof.
This light will be on display at the SS next week.
Peter