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The Dorcy L.E.D. Super 3 Watt uses a Luxeon III LED powered by
three AAA alkaline cells in a special carrier. The light is
anodized aluminum, has a side click switch, and produces a
lot of light but its battery life is quite limited.
Body: The body of the light is anodized machined aluminum
with checkering around the center of the body tube for grip. The
tail has short longitudinal ridges for grip and the head has decorative
flutes machined into its sides. The tailcap has a recessed post for
the attachment of a lanyard.
Bezel/Head: The head of the light contains a polycarbonate
lens which protects the smooth silvered reflector and Luxeon III LED.
The lens is recessed, but only a little.
Output: The white light produced by the LED
is a good color temperature and produces good color
rendition. No real tinting was noticeable.
Beam at one meter at target center and at target edge
to show spillbeam.
Runtime Plot: This is about what I would expect
from 3 AAA cells powering a Luxeon III. Essentially
the light is rather under-powered. You'll get about
30 minutes to 50% starting output, followed by another
hour and a half of diminishing output before it drops
off to almost nothing. Based upon this runtime plot
it appears that there is nothing inside the light from
a circuitry perspective except for a possible resistor.
Runtime
completed with Energizer
brand batteries. More information on runtime plots is
available HERE.
Switch: A rubber covered clickie (reverse type) rests below
the head. Click for on, press for momentary blinking after it's on.
The switch rests in a dimple to help prevent accidental activation.
Seals / Water Resistance: O-ring seals appear to
protect the light at all points of water entry except for the switch
which is protected by a rubber cover. Splashable, possibly dunkable.
If it gets wet inside, just disassemble as much a possible
without tools and let it dry before using again.
Ergonomics: It's an OK size for handling and the switch
operates smoothly.
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
Batteries: Three AAA cells power the light and they
must be inserted into the special carrier first.
To change out the batteries: unscrew the tailcap, drop
out the carrier with the old cells, remove the old cells from
the carrier, place in new cells observing proper
polarity. Reinsert the carrier, reattach the tailcap and you're ready to go.
Accessories: Batteries included.
What I Liked: Water resistant,
Tough/impact resistant, Very bright (at first), Stands up
What I Didn't Like: Short battery
life/no regulation, Uses a battery carrier
Picky Little Things: none
Conclusions: A good light, but nothing
spectacular relative to other 3xAAA cell Luxeon lights out
there. Good body, great LED, but tiny little batteries.
NiMH AAA cells may provide better performance, but no guarantees.
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