The Likki LS-13 is a lithium cell high-intensity Luxeon
V LED flashlight. The body of the light is made of machined
aluminum and anodized black for corrosion resistance.
A clickie tailcap on the end activates the light.
Body: The body of the light is made of Type II anodized
machined aluminum. Two rings of checkering surround
the head, which is not easily removable. The body of
the light has a wide band of checkering around the center
and one flat panel on the side. The tailcap has two
rings of checkering and a small hole on one side for
the attachment of a lanyard.
Bezel/Reflector/Bulb: The head of the light is significantly
larger than the body and houses a smooth reflector,
polycarbonate lens, and the Luxeon LED. Inside, somewhere,
is a boost circuit to provide the necessary power to
take advantage of the Luxeon V output capability.
Output: Output is in the form of an intense white light.
Great output! It has a broad center spot, slightly dimmer
in the very center as is common with Luxeon V lights.
The color of the beam is very close to sunlight with
no noticeable tinting.
Beam at one meter at target center
Runtime Plot: Pretty good! The driver circuit keeps
the light going at more than 50% starting output for
about 2 hours. It then drops to a point where it starts
flashing on and off. This is a sign that the boost circuit
is trying to draw more from the batteries than they
are willing to give. Now is definitely time to change
the batteries. After that, it drops to a low level and
stays there.
Runtime
completed with Streamlight batteries. More information
on runtime plots is available HERE.
Switch: The switch is on the tailcap and is a standard
on-off click switch. The switch is covered by a flat
rubber cap. This cap is very slightly recessed from
the surrounding material of the tailcap so that the
light can sit on its tail end, although it wobbles a
bit. The clickie switch is a "reverse clickie",
turning the light on after it clicks and is released.
The switch gives a good positive feedback when used.
Seals: O-ring seals protect the light at the head/body
and body/tailcap connection points. Dunkable. If water
gets inside just disassemble as much as possible without
tools and let it dry before using again.
Ergonomics: A very good size all around. About the
size of a G2.
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
Batteries: Two 123A lithium cells power the light.
As always, I'd recommend getting them from an online
retailer where they can be had for as low as 1.25 each.
If you want to pick them up at a retail store, go ahead,
but be ready to pay $10 for a pair! To change the batteries
just unscrew the tailcap, drop out the old cells, drop
in new ones positive first and reassemble.
Accessories: A very good quality belt sheath is included
which allows the light to be carried in the head-up
or head-down position. A velcro flap retains the light
in the holster. The belt attachment loop closes with
both snap and Velcro, so it won't fall off and you don't
need to remove your belt to attach the sheath.
What I Liked: Water resistant,
Tough/impact resistant, Regulated/good battery life,
Very Bright, Easy battery change, Lightweight, Stands
up
What I Didn't Like: The only real
gripe I have is that the lens is dirty on the inside
and I cannot get into the head to clean it because it
is glued together.
Other Things I Noticed:
Conclusions: A very nice
light. In fact, I like this one a lot and would recommend
it highly. Unfortunately it is not yet listed on Advancedmart's
site (at the time of this printing). I like the size,
the feel, the use of only 2 cells, and the spectacular
output. A great compact Luxeon V light.
|