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The Task Force 3xAAA flashlight is an anodized aluminum
Luxeon LED light. It is available in silver only. It
uses three AAA cell alkaline batteries in a special
carrier for power. A clickie switch on the tail activates
the light.
Body description: The aluminum body of the Task Force
has a "clear" anodize finish which makes it
appear silver. Around the head are decorative rings.
Just below the head is a checkered rubber sleeve which
assists with grip. The tailcap has checkering around
its circumference and a switch in the center which is
metal and is contoured to match the rounded end of the
light. The quality of the machining work is rather good
with no serious machining issues and no significant
shavings/metal dust left inside the case.
Bezel/Head: The front of the light reveals collimator
lens behind a protective polycarbonate lens. The lens
is slightly recessed in the aluminum head. Inside the
head I found that the board and components were very
clean and free from grime/dirt.
Output description: The white light produced by the
LED in this sample is a good color temperature weighted
toward the middle of the spectrum. All Luxeon LEDs have
a slight tint to them and there is no guarantee as to
what slight tint your particular Luxeon may have - yellow,
green, blue, purple, etc. This Luxeon was very slightly
bluish/purpleish when compared against a near sunlight-white
source, but this tinting is not noticeable during normal
use.
The beam was in the form of a medium spot with good
corona and ringy spillbeam. Great general purpose beam.
Beam at one meter at target center.
Runtime Plot: I am quite certain that this light only
has a resistor in it. It displays a common direct-drive
alkaline runtime plot. A little over an hour to 50%
starting output on a continuous run and about 4½
hrs to 25%.
Runtime
completed with Duracell batteries. More information
on runtime plots is available HERE.
Switch description: The switch is a metal reverse-clickie
in the center of the tailcap. Press for on, press for
off. When on, you can press gently to blink the light.
Even though the metal button protrudes from the tailcap
rim, the light will not accidentally activate if the
switch end is pressed on a flat surface.
Seals / Water Resistance: The head, bezel and tailcap
has O-ring seals and gaskets to prevent the entry of
water. I'd give it a splashable rating, but it's probably
dunkable. The only real possible point of water entry
that concerns me is the tailcap switch.
If it gets wet inside, just disassemble as much a possible
without tools and let it dry before using again.
Ergonomics: It's a good size, but has a chunky feel
due to the rubber cover around the middle of the body.
You can slide the rubber cover off and there is a grooved
texture underneath which provides good grip as well.
Operation is very simple and easy. A bit large to carry
in the pocket, but can be slipped temporarily into the
back pocket for quick retrieval when working.
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
Batteries: For batteries, this light takes three AAA
alkaline cells. The use of any other battery formulation
is not mentioned in the instructions. The 3-cell battery
carrier used by this light is one of the better quality
carriers I have seen to date.
To change out the batteries: unscrew the tailcap, drop
out the battery carrier, remove the old cells, place in new cells observing proper
polarity and replace the battery carrier. Reattach the tailcap and you're ready to go.
Accessories: A wrist lanyard comes attached
and a nice nylon belt sheath is included.
What I Liked: Water resistant,
Impact resistant Luxeon used for light, Decent battery
life, Good general-purpose output, Fairly easy battery
change.
What I Didn't Like: No regulation, Uses a battery
carrier - one more thing to lose.
Other Things I Noticed: On reduced
price at time of review (I can't resist a bargain!)
Conclusions: A very good general
purpose Luxeon light. I had no problems with the light
at all during the testing, and found the size to be
very handy. It loses points for needing a battery carrier
and the lack of regulation, but overall a good light
and a great step up over common plastic 2-D cell lights
or 2-AA aluminum mini-lights.
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