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Reviewer's
Impressions:
Although not as bright as the Blaster
II, the Elektro-Star is a fine implementation of the Elektrolumens
custom optics and Luxeon Star combination in what would otherwise
be a very plain incandescent headlamp. The work is obviously
a retrofit of an existing headlamp to carry the Elektrolumens
elements, but the retrofit work is very well done, far surpassing
the original quality of the headlamp.
Fit and finish of the headlamp itself is OK, but not great.
There is obvious misalignment of some parts, but none too
severe. The headband is not that well made, but will suffice
for normal use. Inside, Elektrolumens has done an excellent
job of adding the Luxeon Star and 30mm optics, leaving the
original reflector (now drilled out to fit the new optics)
in place to give the unit a more "finished" appearance.
I'm a little unsure about the durability of the headlamp.
In appearance it seems pretty tough, and with the addition
of the Luxeon Star, the user will never have to worry about
a blown bulb. The switch concerns me a little bit since it
is a bit loose, and it appears that debris or water could
get into the mechanism. I could not get inside it to inspect
the quality of the switch and its seals.
Output is very good, having a central hot spot that rates
about 1/2 of the brightness of the Blaster 2 with similar
optics. This is the result of using AA batteries as opposed
to the more powerful D cell batteries used in the Blaster
2.
Beam quality is good with a central hotspot off center in
a diamond shaped corona. This is the normal appearance of
the beam from the 30mm optics and has almost no effect on
usability. You will notice the difference in the color of
the light between the Elektro-star and the Blaster 2 in the
beam pictures above. This is the result of natural variations
in the production of the Luxeon Star LEDs and the color tint
is really not noticeable at all in practical use. Rarely do
you shine a light on a flat white surface just to see what
the beam looks like. Usually you are looking at whatever you
are illuminating. The Luxeon Stars do seem to give a little
better color rendition in my opinion, than the clusters of
bluish tinted 5mm LEDs that you usually see in LED lights.
This is especially noticeable when looking at red colored
objects.
The unit is stated to be waterproof, but without a depth
rating, so I would call it "dunkable". It should
be able to withstand rain and splashing. If it gets dropped
in the lake, shake it off, inspect it for leakage, dry it
out if necessary (it shouldn't be) and continue using it.
Important things to note: The light is a bit heavy since
you have 4 AA batteries hanging on the front of your forehead.
At least you don't have wires running around the circumference
of your head to a rear battery pack that could get caught
on branches, etc, however it does feel a bit off balance.
Improvements: I think Elektrolumens has already done an admirable
job of "improving" what appears to have been a standard
incandescent headlamp prior to retrofit with the Luxeon element
and optics. A third strap over the top of the head would have
been welcome in assisting retention of the headlamp due to
its weight, but the headlamp was only designed for a 2 point
strap system.
+ + + Pluses: Watertight, Impact resistant,
Long battery life, Bright, Easy battery change
- - - Minuses: Heavy / off balance, 2
point strap only, Battery polarity not labeled correctly in
light
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