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Reviewer's
Impressions:
The Expedition 1400 is a natural extension of the original
Expedition
300 LED light. Instead of 7 LEDs, Tektite has made
a 14 LED module. Battery life is reduced but output
is significantly brighter.
The body of the Expedition Star is the same body as
found on the rest of the Tektite 3-C cell Expedition
series. It is made of ABS polymer, molded with grooves
around the circumference for grip, "ears"
for strapping it to your body or gear, and a lanyard
hole in a tab at the end. Inside, a copper colored spring
at the end and a copper colored strip that runs the
length of the body provide contact for the 3 C cells
that power the unit.
The entire bezel lens assembly is made of Lexan with
ribs for easy grip when turning. A rubberized cover
surrounds the clear plastic bezel to prevent glare from
light backwash, but can be removed if desired. Even
with the cover on, a ring of light glows back at the
user when the unit is on, reminding you that it is turned
on if placed down on its bezel. The rubber cover also
helps protect the unit from impacts if dropped on its
head. Behind the bezel lens cap is the actual LED module.
The LED module consists of a silver plastic faceted
reflector with the 14 LEDs attached inside. The lenses
of the LED epoxy capsules focus most the light forward.
This is enhanced by a fresnel lens inside the bezel
lens which helps to make the beam more narrow. Inside
the module is a platinum catalyst pellet which is designed
to neutralize any hydrogen gas which collects in the
light due to its airtight seal as the batteries are
used.
At the rear of the module are the contacts
for the light. Tightening the bezel forces the contacts
to close, while loosening the bezel opens the contacts.
Two hands are needed to turn the light on and off.
Batteries are reported to last for 20 hours at high
output with many hours of diminishing output thereafter.
To change the batteries, simply unscrew the bezel all
of the way, remove the LED module and drop out the 3
batteries. Replace with fresh batteries inserted negative
first.
Attached at the base of the light is a soft nylon cord
lanyard with a spring clip for adjustment and a rubber
cushion for comfort.
The only thing that is missing is a regulator
circuit, but with the long battery life already provided
by the 3 C cells, a regulator would add just another
possible point of failure.
As an added note, the Tektite lights have
a trick if you want to stand them on end. Remove the
black bezel rubber cover and place it large opening
down on a flat surface. Push the tail of the light into
the bezel cover from the top, lanyard and all. The black
rubber cover acts as a stand to hold the light up!
I really like the Tektite Expedition series
of lights. You can beat the snot out of them and they
just keep on going. The long battery life coupled with
the tough ABS body and Lexan bezel makes this light
hard to beat. Simplicity is the key to the success of
this design; utilizing a single-opening body sealed
with 2 O-rings for great water resistance and a twist
on-off bezel prevents failures due to complex circuits
or finicky parts. A solid light all the way around.
+ + + Pluses: Waterproof to 1000
ft., Tough/impact resistant, Long battery life, Bright,
Easy battery change, Lightweight, Stands up
- - - Minuses: Not regulated
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