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Detailed Information:
There has been a lot of talk on the discussion boards
about this light, and it is definitely warranted. The
Q-III is so small it can be carried unobtrusively in
the pocket or on the belt in the included belt sheath
without even a glance from anyone you encounter. I've
been carrying it at work in its belt sheath for a week
and no-one even gives it a second glance. For reference,
I have to wear slacks, a dress belt, dress shoes, and
dress shirt, so a flashlight on the belt is usually
very much out-of-place. The Q-III, being so small, just
blends right in, even when giving a presentation in
front of 30 people. Output is just fantastic from such
a small light, the color of the beam is pure white,
and it's no slouch in the runtime department either.
The body of the light is made of Type II anodized machined
aluminum. The Type II anodize is the same as that found
on commonly available department store aluminum lights.
As a result, it will be subject to nicks and marring
from contact with abrasive surfaces. The head of the
light has checkering to help with grip and around the
center of the body are little nubs which serve the same
purpose.
There is a metal clip attached just below the head
which has a lanyard attachment point molded in. The
open end of the clip does not touch the body. In fact
there is a rather large gap, making attachment of the
light by the clip to the clothing a bit less secure
than I would like. The clip is held on with two Torx
screws which are exceptionally fine. If you can locate
the proper Torx bit, the clip can be removed and bent
to taste, or removed completely.
The tailcap contains the switch, and has slight indentations
to help with grip for unscrewing the tailcap for battery
changes. The switch is covered by a smooth rubber cap
in the center of the tailcap. The switch is almost recessed
- it protrudes very slightly and the switch will not
activate if the light is pressed down on its tailcap.
The switch makes a nice firm "click" when
operated. It does not have a momentary option, but can
be blinked by pressing in on the switch gently after
the light is turned on.
The head of the light is where all the magic happens.
The top of the bezel is crenellated so if the unit is
placed face down on a flat surface while on, light leaks
out around the edges to remind you that you left it
on. A recessed plastic lens protects a very shiny textured
aluminum reflector which captures the light from the
very intense and nearly indestructible Luxeon-III LED.
The Luxeon-III is a higher grade of LED than the normal
Luxeon I and generally produces better color temperature,
more light, and is more tolerant of higher currents.
The unit tested emitted very nice white light which
resulted in excellent color rendition in the area illuminated.
The volume of light produced by the Q-III, despite its
dimunitive size, makes a common 2-D cell light look
like a joke.
Runtime
completed with new "Powerizer" batteries.
More information on runtime plots is available HERE.
On a "being very picky" note, I did notice
that the LED is slightly off center inside the reflector.
I was able to open the head (the head is actually sealed
since there is no need to open it) and found that there
was no way to correct. At any rate, you’ll be happy
to know that even with the slightly off center LED,
the reflector compensates extremely well and the hotspot
is still in the center of the beam, regardless. So even
if you get one that is slightly off center, don't even
concern yourself with it.
Deeper inside the head of the light, below the LED,
is a semi-regulated circuit which maintains good output
from the unit for about 1 hour 30 minutes. For the amount
of light produced and the capacity of the single 123A
battery, this is actually very good. After that, expect
dim light to be produced for several hours.
Ergonomics: Nothing bad to be said about this light
at all. Fits well in the hand, comfortable, and the
textured areas provide a good grip.
As mentioned several times, this light takes a single
123A battery for power. To change out the battery simply
unscrew the tailcap, drop out the old battery and drop
in a new one positive first. Reattach the tailcap and
you are ready to go. An O-ring seals the tailcap from
the entry of water.
Included with the light is your first 123A battery
and a nice little padded belt sheath with a belt loop
and a top flap with a velcro closure.
What I Liked: Water resistant, Impact resistant,
Semi-Regulated, Very bright for its size, Easy battery
change, Extremely small and lightweight.
What I Didn't Like: Clip is not that tight -
not great for retention. Use the sheath instead of clipping
it to the inside of your pocket.
Conclusions: Buy one. Throw it in your briefcase,
on your belt, in your suit pocket, etc. Won't get funny
looks when carried while wearing conservative attire
in a business environment. Excellent output and good
runtime. Fantastic unobtrusive carry-with-you-everyday
light.
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