|
Detailed
Information:
The Vortex KC-1 is a well made, bright little keychain/pocket
light. It uses a 1CR2 battery for energy which is a
little unusual. The battery is smaller than the more
typical 123A lithium, allowing for a smaller form factor,
but it also has less stored energy which results in
a relatively shorter runtime.
As I mentioned above, the light is aluminum and is
advertised on the box as "Hard Anodized".
A true Type III Hard Anodize coating on aluminum always
leaves a matte, dull finish - never shiny like a Type
II Anodize coat. This light has a shiny finish so it
is highly doubtful that it is Type III Hard Anodize.
The raised diamond knurling does provide grip enhancement,
but is a little slick. The flat areas on the body/tailcap
provide grip for activating the light as well as removing
the rear half during battery changes. The finish is
well done and the machining is quite nice - no sharp
spots or catches. Construction is solid and the walls
of the light are relatively thick for the size of the
light. The tail of the light is flat, allowing it to
stand on end, and also has a machined notch and tab
for a keyring (attached).
 
The bezel contains a shatterproof (note: not unbreakable)
polycarbonate lens and the collimating optics that collect
the light from the single Luxeon I LED. Output is pretty
typical for the newer Luxeon I LED light. Color temperature
looks good with no noticeable tinting. It is fairly
bright, thanks to the regulator/boost circuit that allows
it to run at greater levels than usually afforded by
the single 3V battery. I do not know how well the regulator
works and there are no runtime graphs available on the
manufacturer's website.
To activate the light, tighten the head onto the body,
to deactivate, reverse the process. The light does flicker
when activated until the head is tightened completely
against the body. When turning the light off, be sure
to turn the head a minimum of 1/2 turn otherwise the
light can turn back on when the bezel is pressed toward
the body.
Ergonomics: The KC-1 is very short and would normally
be held by the thumb, index and middle finger. If you
have a good grip you can activate it with 1 hand, but
2 handed activation is much easier.
A single 1CR2 lithium battery will power the light
for about 2 hours (advertised) with the help of the
built in regulator circuit. One battery is included.
Unscrew the tailcap to replace the battery, dropping
in a new one positive first. The light does have polarity
protection and will not function if the battery is put
in backwards.
The light has O-ring seals at all of the opening points
and should resist water nicely. I'd call it "dunkable".
Accessories include a nice little chromed gate-clip
keychain attachment.
What I Liked: Water resistant, Tough/impact
resistant, Regulated (effectiveness unknown), Relatively
Bright, Easy battery change.
What I Didn't Like: A bit heavy
for attachment to a keychain, a bit big for carrying
in the pocket (unless you are rather "big boned"
and/or have pants with large pockets.)
Other Things I Noticed: I'm not
too keen on the use of 1CR2 batteries - they are a bit
unusual, have pretty low stored energy, and could be
hard to find. Obviously Vortex was aiming for "small
as possible" and decided to go with the 1CR2 because
of its size.
Conclusions: A good quality keychain
light, but a bit large for bouncing around in the bottom
of the pocket. Overall well made, good for a purse or
a glovebox, or tossing in a briefcase or student bag.
Lots of light for such a small unit.
|
