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Detailed
Information:
The 3 AAA model Collimator light is a great improvement
in body design over the original
collimator light reviewed here some time ago. Improvements
also occurred in the design of the battery carrier.
The light output is about the same as before, perhaps
a little better. The 3 C model produces a much whiter
beam and is significantly brighter. In shape and form
it could potentially double as a bludgeon in a pinch.
Both lights are made from machined and anodized aluminum
with knurling around the center of the body for grip.
The lights are just about the same diameter from front
to end with the smaller collimator light tapering very
slightly near the tailcap. The machining seems well
done and clean.
The bezel contains a custom collimator lens which is
not quite perfectly formed. As a result you get the
dark blotches seen in the beam pictures, above. The
Luxeon Star LEDs are heatsinked nicely with the aluminum
body of the light, as they should be, so there should
be no damage to the LED as a result of heat generated
in their use.
The 3 C model uses a side click switch is set in a
recessed dimple and covered with a rubber cover for
water resistance. The recess should prevent accidental
activation. The AAA model's switch is on the tailcap
and protrudes slightly. The rubber cover of the switch
is surrounded by a silver ring. Both switches work easily
and provided both tactile and audible indication of
activation (they "click".)
All potential points of water entry are sealed for
water resistance with either a rubber seal or an O-ring.
If it gets wet, shake it off and keep going. Inspect
it later for water entry and dry it out if necessary.
To change the batteries, just unscrew the tail cap.
The 3 C model's batteries just drop in, positive first.
The tailcap is flat which would allow the 3 C light
to stand on end. The 3 AAA model has its batteries
in a carrier that looks like a battery all by itself.
Just put the batteries in the carrier with the negative
toward the little springs and it should work fine. Drop
the carrier in with the positive nipple first and replace
the tailcap.
Nylon sheaths are available for both lights and one
came with the 3 AAA model. The included sheath was of
good quality and could be attached to the belt either
vertically or horizontally.
What I Liked: Water resistant,
Seem pretty tough, I would expect a long battery life,
Bright, Easy battery change, Lightweight
What I Didn't Like: Blotchy beam
output.
Other Things I Noticed:
Conclusions: Great general purpose
lights. Nice and bright, no bulb to blow, and tough
enough for most folks. Tough call on the rating - right
in between 3½ and 4 Stars but that blotchy beam
bothers me. A cleaner beam would have made them 4 Stars
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