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Detailed
Information:
Elektrolumens is known for making very simple, very
bright custom flashlights and if that is what you are
looking for the FT-3C won't let you down.
The body is machined from aluminum alloy and has raised
knurled areas for grip. Machining is very good and the
knurling is not overly aggressive. Fit and finish overall
is very good. The aluminum is protected by a silver
Type II anodize which is reasonably durable.
Inside the bezel you will find the Luxeon III element
tucked behind a 30mm collimating optic. This optic produces
a very nice spot of light with an unusual diamond-shaped
surround and a nice spillbeam. The output from the unit
tested was very white in appearance with no hint of
tinting which is normal for most Luxeon Stars. Beam
color is absolutely gorgeous. Like fresh fallen snow
on a crisp winter day. Every other Luxeon Star light
appears to have a strong color tint when I compare it
to this light.
The switch is very straight forward. Twist the tailcap
for constant on, push the black button in the middle
of the tailcap for momentary illumination. A word of
warning: when you finally remove the tailcap to change
out the batteries be aware that the button assembly
will fall out and it can be a real pain to get back
into place for some reason. If you're out in the woods
changing the batteries, hold onto the tailcap carefully
so you don't drop the black button assembly!
The light is sealed with O-ring, but the tailcap button
could let water in when depressed.
Three C cells power the light. Both alkaline and rechargeable
batteries are acceptable in the FT-3C. Alkalines should
give 12 hours of bright light with illumination levels
dropping off thereafter. As light levels diminish the
LED retains its great white color. No yellowing occurs
as is seen with incandescent bulbs as they dim.
What I Liked: Water resistant, Tough/impact
resistant, Long battery life, Bright, Easy battery change,
Pure white output.
What I Didn't Like: Push button on tailcap a
possible entry point for water.
Other Things I Noticed:
Conclusions: The simple design of the FT-3C
makes it a very durable light. No regulators, no bulbs
to change, thick aluminum body, etc. The only real issue
I have with it is that it looks a bit like the 40 year
old chrome flashlight my grandmother keeps in her car
trunk. Output is fantastic, however, and it puts to
shame any incandescent 3-C light it is compared to.
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