3AAA Dorcy, Metal Gear (was 3AA side-by-side)

2005-07-27: My original title was "3AA side-by-side 1W flashlight." I've edited the title to reflect the hijack.

Not long ago, there was a thread lamenting the shortage of lights that arrange AA cells side by side. The only models that readily came to mind were the 2AA Underwater Kinetics (xenon), 2AA and 4AA xenons by Princeton Tek, and the 3AA Blaster Jr. by Elektrolumens.

I just found a reflectorized 3AA side-by-side 1W Luxeon for about $27. A variant of this model is sold here. Just 115mm (4.5in.) long.

Re: 3AA side-by-side 1W flashlight

This 3AAA battery holder fits inside the Smartfire 3 Watt Luxeon Clone sold by emilion's workbench








Cost $22.50, shipping included.


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Re: 3AA side-by-side 1W flashlight

ernsanada- the batteries in that holder are AAA, not AA.

I like the shortness of the side by side approach but having them in a circular configuration makes the light too fat for pocket carry. I would prefer a "beeper" shaped config ala eternalight- the flat rectagular profile is much more pocketable.

Re: 3AA side-by-side 1W flashlight

Solstice,

Thanks for catching the error.

Re: 3AA side-by-side 1W flashlight

I got this light from Cabela's about 2 1/2 years ago. Cabela's Extreme Series.

It uses 10 leds. Uses a 2 position switch, push button once, 3 leds light up. Push button one more time, then 10 leds light up.

Uses a 4AA batteries in a special holder.







Cost $39.00.


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Re: 3AA side-by-side 1W flashlight

eTendue's T-Rank 1D Cutdown M*glite uses 3AA to D Battery Holder.








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Re: 3AA side-by-side 1W flashlight

ernsanada: That Cabela's light looks like the spitting image of a Streamlight TwinTask 2D. I wonder if they are made by the same manufacturer?

Good find Paul, even the holster it comes with looks like it's pretty good quality. Personally I'd go with the "wave head" ;-) The only odd thing; in the pictures you can see the card says on the bottom "Luxeon/Xenon"...what does Xenon have to do with anything on this flashlight? Is this same body used for a similar Xenon flashlight maybe and they use the same packing card?

Re: 3AA side-by-side 1W flashlight

Just got this Dorcy 1 Watt Luxeon from Walmart. Uses 3AAA in battery holder.

Has a metal clip. Rear reverse clickie.















Cost $18.83


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Re: 3AA side-by-side 1W flashlight

My Walmart definitely does not stock those! I would have noticed. Looks like a nice light, especially at that price.

Re: 3AA side-by-side 1W flashlight

I just got the light today. I go to Walmart once a week and I always check out the flashlights.

The light I bought is called "Metal Gear". It also comes in a silver color. Dorcy.com

Re: 3AA side-by-side 1W flashlight

Thanks ernsanada,
Was it back in camping with the rest of their lights or someplace else?

Re: 3AA side-by-side 1W flashlight

The light was back in the camping section by all the other flashlights.

I also saw a Brinkman Spotlight that uses a Halogen Bulb. Below the Halogen bulb in a separate holder there was a Led in it. I am not sure if the Led was a Luxeon. The spotlight was a rechargeable.

Re: 3AA side-by-side 1W flashlight

Thanks,
I'll have to check next time I am in WalMart!

Re: 3AA side-by-side 1W flashlight

Walmart doesn't have any dorcy LED lights other than the 1AAA version here. Target has the 1 watt 3AAA dorcy for about $25 though but I can get a pair of elements for a dollar more at sams instead.
I like the feel of side by side 2-4AA lights, not sure about the 3-6-9AA side by side format though as most of those tend to be about D sized and I like the smaller diameter of the flat 2cell format vs the 3 cell. I also prefer not having to deal with battery holders like in 3AAA lights as they tend to be clunky.

Re: 3AA side-by-side 1W flashlight

I wonder if the Metal Gear light has any improvements over their current 3AAA luxeon light, besides the obvious design changes like a tailswitch and altered body.

I'll definitely look for one of these, if only for the name which reminds me of a popular video game. It would be neat if Konami had these lights as promo items for people who preorder Metal Gear Solid 4 or Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Re: 3AA side-by-side 1W flashlight

Top, Dorcy "Metal Gear" 1 Watt Luxeon. Bottom, Smartfire 3 Watt Luxeon Clone.




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Re: 3AA side-by-side 1W flashlight

ernsanada,

since you've got the metal gear & 3w clone, would you say the 3w clone is significantly brighter & what's your experience w/ the run time? TIA for yourinput

Re: 3AA side-by-side 1W flashlight

Dorcy "Metal Gear" 1 Watt Luxeon beamshot @ 15.5"



Smartfire 3W Clone, beamshot @ 15.5"



The beamshot of the Smartfire is just a little brighter than the Dorcy.

I haven't had a chance to run a set of batteries through both lights yet.



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Re: 3AA side-by-side 1W flashlight

Whoa, Thanx. Gonna start hunting down more dorcys

Re: 3AA side-by-side 1W flashlight

Picked up the other Dorcy "Metal Gear"




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