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Detailed
Information:
The Vortex TC-1 is a well made, cute little pocket
light. That's about it. I'm still trying to figure out
why Vortex decided to label this as a "tactical"
light. It uses a 123A battery for energy which is typical
for many true "tactical" lights, but it lacks
the power, output and operation that is found in such
lights. Gotta love those marketing people, eh?
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 is flat so it does provide
some grip enhancement, but is a little slick. The longitudinal
grooves on the tailcap provide grip for removing the
cap 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 bezel contains a shatterproof (note: not unbreakable)
polycarbonate lens and the collimating optics that collect
the light from the single Luxeon I "low dome"
LED. In between the lens and the optics there appears
to be a coating of either oil or some other substance
that impedes the path of the light to some degree. I
do not know if this coating is there on purpose to diffuse
the beam or if it is unintentional. It almost could
be a lens protecting piece of plastic that was intended
to be on the outside and removed by the user but looks
like the lens was put on backwards and the protective
piece of plastic ended up on the inside. I can't be
sure. I tried to open up the head to see if the film
could be cleaned off but the optics do not appear to
be designed to be removed from the head. There is a
black piece of plastic threaded in place that holds
the optics in. Based on the pictures in the literature,
I don't believe that layer is supposed to be there.
Output is pretty typical for a low dome Luxeon Star
LED light. It has a slightly greenish outer ring and
a slightly bluish center. 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 123A battery. I do not know how well the regulator
works but will try to complete a runtime test before
it must be returned to it's owner.
The switch is a simple clickie switch inside a raised,
untextured rubber cover. Press partially for momentary
illumination, press until it clicks for constant on.
The rubber cover is very smooth and shiny, and as a
result it may be slick when wet. The switch gives both
audible and tactile feedback when activated.
Ergonomics: The TC-1 is so short it can be a bit difficult
to hold well. Perhaps it's just my hand, but I did not
find it very comfortable to use. I felt the need to
keep moving it around and couldn't settle on one type
of grip that seemed natural.
A single 123A 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 very nice little nylon belt sheath
with a full velcro flap that covers the head, open bottom,
and both Velcro and snap closures on the belt loop.
It does hold the light securely.
What I Liked: Water resistant, Tough/impact resistant,
Regulated, Relatively Bright, Easy battery change, Lightweight.
What I Didn't Like: Their marketing department
making some misleading claims on the packaging, Size
just doesn't feel comfortable in my hand at all, Film
between the lens and the optics that potentially diminishes
light output, Smooth/slick tailcap button finish.
Other Things I Noticed: Nice sheath!
Conclusions: Well, some folks may like this
light, and some won't. I personally don't like it very
much and think its usefulness is a bit limited. It certainly
isn't "tactical" but it has good utility for
general small flashlight use.
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