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Detailed
Information:
The 3C-XP appears to be a pretty plain-jane flashlight
until you start using it. This is the only light I have
encountered to date that has both LEDs and xenon incandescent
bulb in the same bezel on two completely separate switches.
This effectively makes the 3C-XP two lights in one.
This would make an excellent power outage light as the
LEDs have a very long runtime while the incandescent
option is there if you need extra lighting power. No
fumbling with switches or cycling through several modes
necessary. As a duty light, the LEDs can be left on
while checking IDs and the incandescent is immediately
available if needed. Although this light runs on alkalines,
a rechargeable version is also available.
The body of the 3C-XP is a high impact polymer, ribbed
for grip. There is ribbing around the tailcap for changing
the batteries as well as around the bezel for removal
to change the xenon bulb.
The bezel consists of a plastic lens in front of a
partially faceted reflector. The facets are in the center,
around the xenon bulb. Around the outer edge of the
reflector are the 3 white LEDs. The xenon lamp is permanently
attached to the plastic reflector and when the lamp
expires, the lamp and reflector are replaced as one
piece. Pulling the reflector out the front of the light
reveals two wires attached to the back of the lamp.
Remove the wires and reattach to a new lamp assembly.
Place the reflector and lamp back into the light, being
careful to align the LEDs with the holes in the reflector.
Below the bezel are the two switches in a hard plastic
guard to prevent accidental activation. The LED switch
is closest to the bezel and is labeled with the raised
letters "LED" on the switch rubber cover.
The rubber cover for the incandescent bulb is recessed
deeper and has a diamond pattern across its surface.
The LED switch turns on the LEDs during the upstroke
of the switch, while the xenon bulb turns on with the
downstroke thereby allowing for momentary operation.
Output is quite good. The LED beam forms a flood of
light in a slightly triangular pattern while the xenon
beam has a tight central spot surrounded by a bright
disk. When the batteries are depleted to the point where
they will not run the xenon bulb, Streamlight states
that there is enough power to run the LEDs for another
full hour. This should hopefully allow you enough time
to either get out of the situation you are in or find
more batteries.
3 C cells are required for operation. They are not
included.
What I Liked: Water resistant,
tough polymer body, and runs on common C cells. The
faceted, permanently focused lamp assembly produces
a good spot. The independent switches are very handy,
allowing the xenon and LEDs to be used separately or
together. You don't need to cycle through one mode of
operation to get to the other. The flashlight is very
light in weight so it's great for smaller folks or for
carrying on walks. Good runtime on the xenon bulb and
great runtime on the LEDs. The LEDs run for an hour
after the batteries are depleted to the point where
they won't light the xenon bulb.
What I Didn't Like: The incandescent
light is a little dimmer than I expected and the central
spot in the beam is a bit triangular due to the placement
of the LEDs inside the reflector.
Other Things I Noticed: A bit bigger
than many 3-C lights out there due to the additional
space taken up by the switching mechanism. Slightly
shorter than a 3-D Mag.
Conclusions: Need a light around
the house or a power outage light? This is a good choice.
You can use the LEDs without running the batteries down
in one night. If you're camping, the LEDs are great
for around the campsite while the xenon bulb can be
used for lighting trails. For law enforcement and security,
the LEDs can stay on for close work and the incandescent
bulb is ready and waiting with no delays simply by clicking
the other switch. Overall a good combo light.
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