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Available from from Bulletlite.com
So you want a gift for someone who has everything?
I think we've got your gift right here! This is a reproduction
of a 20mm shell made by Venturetek, called the Bulletlite.
Hidden inside is room for two AA cells and a TerraLux
TLE-10 semi-regulated LED module with reflector in the
base. It is solid brass and is available in two configurations:
a regular brass "bullet" and an "armor
piercing bullet" type head. Note that this is NOT
made from an actual cartridge, but the body of this
light is machined to look exactly like one.
Body: The body of this"light" is solid
brass with no protective finishing. As a result it will
tarnish over time but can be polished back to its original
glory with something like Brasso polish. The Bulletlite
is a beautiful example of precision machining. Looking
at it sitting on a desk or table, you would swear it
is a live cartridge. However, the "bullet"
unscrews to reveal the battery compartment and serves
as the switch. The bottom unscrews to reveal the LED
module and reflector. It can be purchased with either
the brass or armor piercing lookalike top.
Bezel/Head: The "head" of the light
is actually at its base. Pick it up and you will find
a reflector and a TLE-10 TerraLux module tucked inside.
Note that it may come with a QuadStar TLE-3 module instead
of the TLE-10, based upon availablity. You would never
swear this was a flashlight until you pick it up and
look at the bottom. The entire module removes as one
self-contained piece when you unscrew the bottom. Quality,
precision machining through-and-though.
Output: The beam of light produced is bluish
white in the center with a strong yellowish-green tint
to the corona. Not the best color, but very usable.
This is typical of a TLE-10 module.
Beam at one meter at target center
Runtime Plot: Typical runtime plot for a TLE-10
using two AA cells.
Runtime
completed with Eveready brand batteries. More information
on runtime plots is available HERE.
Switch: The "bullet" serves as the
switch - tighten to turn it on, loosen to turn it off.
Seals / Water Resistance: It does have O-ring
seals at both ends, but I doubt it would encounter water
since it is really designed to be a conversation piece.
If it gets wet inside, just disassemble as much a possible
without tools and let it dry before using again.
Ergonomics: Again, it's supposed to be a conversation
piece, not carried around and used on a daily basis,
so ergonomics is a minor consideration. It is quite
heavy.
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
Batteries: Two AA cells power the light. To
change out the batteries: unscrew the "bullet"
, drop out the old cells, place in new cells observing
with the + toward the reflector. Reattach the "bullet"
and you're ready to go.
What I Liked: Beautiful piece of
artwork, Water resistant, Good output for a long time.
What I Didn't Like: Nothing relative
to it's purpose.
Picky Little Things: Brass does
tarnish with handling, so either keep everyone's hands
off of it (good luck!) or keep a polishing cloth handy.
Conclusions: This is a simply gorgeous
flashlight which is meant to be a conversation piece
primarily, but has a very good LED module inside. Perfect
flashlight for an office where it serves as eye-candy
most of the time and no one even knows it's a flashlight
until it's needed.
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