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The LiteFlux LF1 is a new adjustable output mini-torch
following in the footsteps of the Fenix series of lights.
The LF1 uses a 3 Watt T-binned Luxeon LED and driver
circuit for illumination. It is powered with simple,
easy to find AA alkaline cells, but can use rechargeable
cells, high output L91 Lithium AA cells, or it can use
a single Li-Ion 14500 cell. The light includes a single
AA tube and an extender tube to allow the light to run
with two AA cells. The circuitry adjusts to the use
of the various battery types.
Body: The body of the LiteFlux
LF1 is machined aluminum with a type III hard anodize
finish and is available in black only. The outside of
the body has a couple of rings machined into the surface
near the head. You will also find flat panels around
the central area of the body for texture and display
of the company logos and a silver ring between the body
tube and the tailcap for decoration. The 2-AA extension
tube has a couple deep grooves in the body near the
talicap to facilitate grip. The tailcap has a textured
area for grip as well as a recessed switch for standing
on end and a lanyard attachment point. A wrist lanyard
can be attached and several other accessories are included
with the light.
Bezel/Head: The head of the LiteFlux LF1 includes
a coated glass lens, a smooth reflector, an T-binned
Luxeon 3 watt LED, and a regulator circuit, all permanently
installed. The lens is slightly recessed which serves
as some protection from impact and abrasion. The LED
is centered in the reflector.
Output: Output is very good. Using alkaline
cells, output is partially regulated. The beam is very
smooth with a brighter center and a wide soft spillbeam.
The white light produced by the LED is a high color
temperature and produces good color rendition. A slight
tint was detectable in the beam in both samples tested
when compared against a near sunlight-white source.
This tint is not severe, and in practical use, most people would
not notice it.
Output is variable with the LiteFlux LF1, and the
adjustment is done in a very different way. To use in
high mode, simply make sure the tailcap is tight against
the body. To drop the light into low mode, unscrew the
tailcap slightly. It will remain lit, but output drops
considerably. This will provide longer runtime and battery
conservation, as well as being easier on the eyes in
the dark when working close-up. This configuration allows
the light to use a simple on-off click switch on the
tailcap instead of the more complex circuit-driven-series-click-switch
that would advance the user through various modes.
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1 Alkaline AA
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High
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530 (23.02)
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1820 (18.20)
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Low
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73 (8.54)
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245 (2.45)
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2 Alkaline AA
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High
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944 (30.72)
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3300 (33.00)
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Low
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158 (12.57)
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530 (5.30)
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1 NiMH 2700 AA
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High
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535 (23.13)
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2040 (20.40)
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Low
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60 (7.75)
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240 (2.40)
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2 NiMH 2700 AA
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High
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923 (30.38)
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3400 (34.00)
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Low
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168 (12.96)
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561 (5.61)
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1 Lithium L91 AA
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High
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560 (23.66)
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2220 (22.20)
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Low
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76 (8.72)
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313 (3.13)
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All throw readings are in Lux
at one meter. The numbers in parenthesis are for comparison
in the Comparison
Charts.
Beam at one meter at target center
Runtime Plot: Runtime with an alkaline AA cell
is shown below. The literature with the lights state
around 3 hours of regulated output with NiMH rechargeable
cells.
1-AA; Alkaline, High mode:
Runtime
completed with Rayovac brand batteries. More information
on runtime plots is available HERE.
1-AA; Alkaline, Low mode:
Runtime
completed with Rayovac brand batteries. More information
on runtime plots is available HERE.
2AA; Alkaline, High mode only:
Runtime
completed with Rayovac brand batteries. More information
on runtime plots is available HERE.
1AA; Lithium, High mode only:
Runtime
completed with Energizer L91 brand batteries. More information
on runtime plots is available HERE.
Switch: The switch is a rubber covered textured
clickie and is fully recessed in the tailcap which allows
the light to stand on end and be used as an electric
candle. Despite the fact that the switch is recessed,
it is very easy to use. Click on, click off, press for
momentary, twist to change output from bright to dim,
and back again. The dimming system is very unique, using
a piston-like ring inside the tailcap to change output.
Seals / Water Resistance: The lights are protected
from the environment by an o-ring at both ends of the
body tube, an O-ring at the bezel area, and a rubber
switch cover. LiteFlux advertises the light as "waterproof"
with no specific depth rating. I would call it "dunkable"
but not "diveable".
If either gets wet inside, just disassemble as much a possible
without tools and let dry before using again.
Ergonomics: Nothing special to report here,
except that both small and easy to carry. Obviously the
1-AA configuration is smaller and easier to pocket.
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
Batteries: For batteries, this light is approved
by the manufacturer for use with AA alkaline, AA
rechargeable NiMH cells, AA L91 Lithium cells, or a single
rechargeable Li-Ion 14500 cell. All others are at your own
risk.
To change out the batteries: unscrew the tailcap, drop
out the old cells, place in new cells observing proper
polarity. Reattach the tailcap and you're ready to go.
Accessories: Several accessories are included
with the light. Inside the package you will find spare
O-rings, a spare rubber switch boot, a reflective wrist
lanyard, and belt sheath that has an extra-long velcro
strap so that it works with both the 1 and 2 cell configurations
of the light..
What I Liked: Waterproof, Tough/impact
resistant, Bright, Easy battery change, Lightweight,
Stands up
What I Didn't Like: Nothing, really.
Picky Little Things: Nothing
Conclusions: Lately I've seen several
of these "modular AA" clones. The only problem
is, so far, they're all darn good lights! Each has their
own special characteristic. This particular light has
the nice added feature of having the dimming mechanism
in the tailcap and the dim mode is set at a very comfortable
level for night use.
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Republic of China (Taiwan)