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The name of the Advancedmart 32 LED 3-D flashlight
pretty much says it all. An array of 32 shock-resistant
LEDs, powered by commonly available 3-D alkaline cells.
The body is a fairly durable gunmetal gray anodized
aluminum with an anti-roll tailcap and side click switch.
Body: The body itself is aluminum and displays
fair machining quality. A few nicks and blemishes are
visible, but nothing worse than what it would get from
day of use working on the car. The tailcap has an octagonal
shape which serves as an anti-roll device, the body
has checkering for grip around the center, and the head
has a grooved ring for grip. The tailcap is flat, so
it can stand on end. Inside the tailcap is a big heavy
spring contact for the D cells which will help protect
the cells from impact if the light is dropped.
Bezel/Head: The head includes a slightly recessed
plastic lens and 32 LEDs in a silvered plastic base.
There does not appear to be any special regulating circuitry,
so the LEDs are directly driven by the 3 D cells.
Output: Output is in the form of a relatively
wide spot of blue tinted white light. Initially it is
very bright, but it rapidly dims to a lower level which
is maintained for a long time. The spot of light is
smooth, resulting from the overlapping beams of the
32 LEDs.
Beam at one meter at target center
Runtime Plot: After an initial plunge, the light
output levels off fairly well, slowly decreasing over
time. Output numbers listed in the table below are BEFORE
the big drop. You can extrapolate the output over time
by using the output numbers listed as equivalent to
the 100% mark on the graph.
An important thing to note, is that when I returned
to the light after completing the runtime test, I found
that one of the LEDs had failed. The product is warranted
by the seller, but I think these poor little LEDs are
being driven pretty hard at the start, and as a result
one of the LEDs just couldn't take it. I did note that
all of the LEDs were lit when I started the test. The
good news is that even if one of the LEDs fails, you
still have 31 LEDs available and working, so you're
not left in the dark.
Runtime
completed with Rayovac brand batteries. More information
on runtime plots is available HERE.
Switch: The switch is a simple rubber covered
clickie just below the head. Press and click for on,
then press gently to blink. Press and click again for
off.
Seals / Water Resistance: There are O-rings
on the unit, so I'd give it a "splashable"
rating at least. If it does get wet inside, just open
it as much as possible without tools and let it dry
before your next use. Some silicone grease on the threads
of the light tube will help with the water resistance.
Ergonomics: It's about equivalent to any other
3-D cell aluminum flashlight. It's fairly heavy, but
not excessively so. Expect your elbow to feel it if
you carry this light with you on a long walk. The switch
is very easy to locate and operate.
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
Batteries: Three common alkaline D cells power
the light and I would not recommend the use of any other
types of batteries for fear of damaging the LEDs. To
change the batteries, remove the tailcap, drop out the
old cells, insert 3 new cells positive first, and reattach
the tailcap.
Accessories: No accessories were included with
the light.
What I Liked: Impact resistant
LEDs; Commonly available batteries; Body construction
is fair but durable; Can stand on end; Tailcap acts
as anti-roll device.
What I Didn't Like: One LED failed.
Picky Little Things: Significant
blue tint to the beam.
Conclusions: I'd say this is an
OK beater light. You can use it around the house or
garage, but expect rapid dimming initially followed
by a long period of slowly diminishing output. Good
for long runtime requirements such as car camping or
walking at night, but don't expect that very bright
initial output to be the norm during use.
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