Short Description:

The Blaster II is made by Elektrolumens. The Blaster II is an aluminum bodied 3-D cell light which uses the new Luxeon I High Dome LED and custom 30mm collimator lens instead of a standard incandescent bulb and reflector. This light is designed for any purpose where you would usually use a standard aluminum 3-D cell flashlight, but it has some serious advantages over customary flashlights.

LED technology is progressing rapidly and the new Luxeon Star LEDs are becoming a direct competitor with the older incandescent bulbs. The advantage that LEDs have is that they never "blow" and as the batteries become depleted they still produce white light as they grow dim. Incandescent bulbs, on the other hand, are fragile and can fail easily (especially when dropped) and their light turns yellowish-brown as the batteries become depleted. LEDs are also more efficient with the batteries and produce light for a much longer period on a set of batteries, with light output diminishing over time.

The body of the Blaster II is anodized aluminum and is textured for grip with fine grooves from end to end. The head of the light is just a little larger than the body and is cylindrical with a slight taper where it meets the body. This results in a unique, almost tubular, appearance. A second head design is available for police use which is larger and allows the light to be carried in a belt ring-type flashlight carrier.

The bezel contains the custom 30mm collimator lens used to collect the light from the LED and project it forward. The bezel is set to a permanent focus, and the focus cannot be changed. The lens is recessed in the bezel, affording it protection from impacts. Behind the lens is an O-ring. O-rings are also found at the attachment point for the head to the body, and the tailcap. This gives the light a "water resistant" rating. Inside the tailcap is a large spring which serves as the negative contact for the batteries. The tailcap has a more coarse texture groove to assist in its removal and reattachment during battery changes.

The bulb is, as mentioned earlier, a Luxeon I High Dome LED. This is screwed directly to a large aluminum heatsink in the head of the light behind the lens which protects the LED from heat damage while operating. Luxeon Star LEDs produce heat when driven at specs and the heatsink is necessary to keep the LED running efficiently.

The switch is a standard "click switch" behind a rubber cap. Press in until it clicks for on, the same for off. When the light is on, light pressure on the switch will break the contact and shut the light off, allowing for a flash-signal if needed.

The Blaster II uses 3-D cell alkaline batteries, inserted + first into the tube. Batteries are not included.

No accessories are available at this time.

Reviewer's Impressions:

The Blaster II sends a distinct message. The days of the incandescent flashlight are numbered!

Imagine a light that produces the same amount of light as an incandescent torch of the same size but never, ever, needs a change of lightbulb. Drop it, smack it, abuse it, and it keeps on going. The light it produces is pure white, not sickly yellow. It can be used for days on the same batteries in a pinch. Sure it gets dimmer, but it just keeps plugging along. This is the Elektrolumens Blaster II.

Fit and finish is excellent. The folks at Elektrolumens have done an amazing job. The texture makes the light very grip-able, the threads are all smooth and well cut, the head matches the body without any sign of wiggle, and the batteries do not rattle inside the tube.

Quality / Durability / Construction are all very good. Obviously a lot of time and effort were put into producing the Blaster II. It can survive drops, bangs, kicks, etc. with only cosmetic damage.

Output is comparable to 3-D cell incandescent flashlights, but with a pure white light produced.

Beam quality is good. There is a central hotspot in an off-center square or diamond shaped aurora of dimmer light. This square of light is a direct projection of the LED die (the light producing part of the LED). In practical use this is not readily visible and has no real implications in the use of the light. The light is not focusable, but the spot produced is a very good size for most purposes.

Water resistance is sufficient that it can be used in foul weather and can be dunked in a puddle without damage. It is not, however, intended for diving or extended submersion.

Last night I took the Blaster II out back and was able to easily light the tops of 40' trees and could make out details in the woods at 150'+ without issue. In direct comparison with a popular 3-D cell incandescent aluminum light, the Blaster II lit up the target area every bit as well, regardless of the distance. I can understand why police would be very interested in this light, considering the long runtime, lack of a fragile bulb, and great output.

Improvements: The grooves on the tailcap run around the tailcap and that makes it just a touch slippery when trying to change the batteries. The grooves would be better cut vertically or the tailcap should be checkered around its circumference. Regulation of the LED would be nice, but is not necessary due to the long runtime of the light without it. The switch bothers me a little bit. It is very sensitive when the light is turned on and accidental light pressure on the switch will temporarily interrupt the flow of electricity and extinguish the light. I would personally prefer that the switch be a little less sensitive in this area. Keeping the hand away from the switch when "on" prevents any issues.

A solid 4 Star light, well above the 3 Star lights on this site, and above some of the 4 Star ones in the areas of quality and construction.

+ + + Pluses: Water resistant, Tough/impact resistant, Long battery life, As bright as similarly powered incandescent lights, Stands up, Bulb should never fail

- - - Minuses: Tailcap grooves help but grip could be improved, A bit heavy (normal for 3-D cell lights)

Quick Facts Table: