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Detailed
Information:
The Elektrolumens Tri-Star is so bright and well made
that, quite frankly, it makes other aluminum 4-D flashlights
appear as though their manufacturers were playing some
kind of a sick joke on you. This thing blows away a
common popular 4-D flashlight (you know which one I
mean) in terms of overall ouput, washing out the 4-D
beam unless it's set at a pinpoint focus.
The body of the Tri-Star is very unique. The fact that
it is made of Type II anodized aluminum is pretty standard.
It is the texturing that really stands out. Elektrolumens
has used a macro/micro principle in order to improve
grip. From a "macro" perspective there are
large bulges/dips around the body of the light. From
a micro perspective there are fine grooves all the way
up and down the body which also cover those large bulges
and dips. This makes the light almost impossible to
drop in practically any conditions. In fact, the texture
is so effective it feels sticky when you pick it up.
The first time I handled the light I actually checked
to make sure there wasn't any adhesive on the light
or on my hands.
 
Macro vs Micro texture
The rounded head of the Tri-Star contains a clear plastic
domed lens in the front to protect the collimating lenses
inside. The collimating lens assembly contains 3 separate
collimators that collect the light from three Luxeon
III high dome LEDs. The Luxeon III LEDs are basically
the same as the original Luxeon high dome LEDs except
they tend to be whiter and can handle more current.
The bezel can be disassembled entirely and the LED module
can be replaced if necessary. Several different colored
LED assemblies are expected to be offered by Elektrolumens.
As is standard, the Luxeon LEDs are essentially impervious
to shock and have a 50,000 hour life - they should never
need to be replaced.
Output from this light is stunning. The beam is tight
and yet produces a good spillbeam for illuminating objects
close to the user. Beam color is very white without
any noticeable tinting. The beam is permanently focused,
so it is not adjustable.
The switch is a simple rubber covered click switch
located below the head on the side of the light. Click
once for on, once for off.
Ergonomics: Well, with 4 D cells inside, this light
is heavy and large. The texture makes it unlikely that
you'll drop it by accident. It feels solid in the hand
and is not uncomfortable to use. I wouldn't want to
carry it for extended distances just due to its shear
weight.
For power the Tri-Star takes 4-D cells. It will run
on regular, alkaline, or rechargeables. Simply remove
the tailcap and drop in four D cells, positive first.
Reattach the tailcap and you are ready to go.
The entire light is sealed by O-rings to keep the
interior clean and dry.
There are no accessories available for this light.
What I Liked: Water resistant, Tough/impact
resistant, Long battery life, Bright, Easy battery change,
Stands up, No bulbs to blow or replace.
What I Didn't Like: Heavy
Other Things I Noticed: Nothing significant
Conclusions: The Elektrolumens Tri-Star is a
very solid, well built, very bright illumination device.
Definitely worth considering if you are looking for
a real workhorse that can take a beating.
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