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Reviewer's
Impressions:
This is one of the more interesting lights I have received.
It's about the same size and shape of a MiniMag AA light,
but has 6 LEDs in the bezel. You can switch its operation
between 3-N cells or 2-AA cells. Being convertable between
2 battery types is unusual for a flashlight. Plus it comes
with all the accessories: sheath, pocketclip, and the doodads
to make the conversion between battery types.
For light output, with the N cells, it's very good. Of course,
with 2 AA cells, the light output is reduced, but the 6 LEDs
give adequate output for nighttime tasks. N cells are somewhat
expensive ($1 each at Wal-Mart) and are a little more difficult
to find, so it's good that you can use the AA cells if necessary.
The light should be quite weatherproof with all of its O-ring
seals and rubber switchguard.
Several drop tests show that the LEDs become misaligned in
the bezel when dropped. They really should be either potted
in place with epoxy at the factory or a plastic disk with
holes drilled in it should be fitted over the LEDs to hold
them in place. I attempted to open the head to re-align the
LEDs to no avail. It appears that the head is glued in place
so this is not possible. Despite this, the light continued
to operate just fine. In terms of overall durability, I put
this light through the ringer, including a football-touchdown
type slam onto low pile carpet. No failures resulted.
The switch on the first sample I received had some reliability
issues. I have been informed by LEDtronics that some of their
older lights had problems and the sample I received was from
that old batch. Retail customers should only receive the new
batch of lights which has the new, more reliable, swtich.
If you receive a light with problems, LEDtronics should promptly
replace the defective unit. The second (replacement) sample
I received had no switch problems whatsoever. The people at
LEDtronics were courteous and prompt with the replacement.
One big suprise I found that even the people at LEDtronics
don't advertise, is that if you remove the 3 N cells, don't
remove the N Cell sleeve or spring, you can insert 2 AAA batteries!
The light plugs along just fine with 2 AAA batteries, giving
this light not 2, but 3 different power options! Light
output is just about the same as with 2 AA batteries, if not
identical.
Overall I'd say this is a good little pocket light with great
output from the 3 N cell configuration, with the AA and AAA
configuration used as a backup or if the light will be used
primarilary in low light situations.
+ + + Pluses: Able to use 3 different types of batteries,
good light output, durable casing.
- - - Minuses: LEDs not potted in place - become misaligned
when dropped, not waterproof
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