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The Blaster 3P is an aluminum bodied 3-D cell light which
uses the Luxeon III 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. The new Luxeon
LEDs are becoming a direct competitor with the older incandescent
bulbs. The advantage of using LEDs 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.
Body: The body of the Blaster 3P 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. 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 and is drilled for a lanyard (included).
Fit and finish are 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. Durability is very good; it
can survive drops, bangs, kicks, etc. with only cosmetic damage.
Bezel/Head: The head contains the custom 30mm collimator
lens used to collect the light from the LED and project it
forward. The focus cannot be changed. The lens is recessed
in the bezel, affording it protection from impacts.
The bulb is, as mentioned earlier, a Luxeon III 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 LEDs produce
heat when driven at specs and the heatsink is necessary to
keep the LED running efficiently.
Output description: The white light produced by the LED is
a high color temperature and produces good color rendition
weighted toward the blue end of the spectrum. A slight purplish
tint is detectable when compared against a near sunlight-white
source, but this tinting is not noticeable during normal use.
Beam quality is very good. There is a central hotspot, distinct
circular corona and slight spillbeam.
Beam at one meter at target center.
Runtime Plot:
Runtime
completed with Rayovac batteries. More information on runtime
plots is available HERE.
Switch description: 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 off, light pressure
on the switch will allow for a flash-signal if needed.
Seals / Water Resistance: 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. 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.
If it gets wet inside, just disassemble as much a possible
without tools and let it dry before using again.
Ergonomics: It's a 3-D cell light - pretty typical in its
dimensions and weight. Easy to use and operate.
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
Batteries: For batteries, this light takes 3-D cells. To
change out the batteries: unscrew the tailcap, drop out the
old cells, place in new cells observing proper polarity. Reattach
the tailcap and you're ready to go.
Accessories: A nylon wrist lanyard is attached.
What I Liked: Water resistant, Tough/impact
resistant, Long battery life, As bright as similarly powered
incandescent lights, Stands up, Bulb should never fail
What I Didn't Like: Nothing significant
Other Things I Noticed: Nothing significant
Conclusions: The days of the incandescent
flashlight are numbered! Imagine a light that produces about
the same amount of light as an incandescent torch of the same
size but never, ever, needs a change of light bulb. 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. The Blaster 3P is an excellent
flashlight and should serve for a lifetime of use.
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