First, let me say that this flashlight is meant to be a `thrower'...i.e. for long range illumination. Because of its very bright center spot, this flashlight is a bit `overkill' for simple jobs around the house (such as changing a fuse, checking the inside of a dark cabinet, etc.). It does, however, have pretty decent `spill' as well (i.e. the area around the center spot), for general area illumination. But if you ARE looking for a `thrower', this flashlight (being reviewed) is a good `in-between' choice. I say `in-between' because I'm going to compare it to 2 other `thrower' units I own. One is a small, but very bright `pocketable-sized' flashlight that gets it's power from two CR123A lithium ion batteries. At about 75-100 yards, that `small/pocketable' lithium ion driven flashlight provides about 80% of the illumination of the flashlight being reviewed on this page. Considering that the `small/pocketable' flashlight is only 20% of the size of the flashlight being reviewed, the slightly less illumination of the `pocketable' flashlight is a small trade-off for it being so small. On the other hand, CR123A batteries can cost about $5 (each) or more, and with the high intensity out-put of that small flashlight, (resulting in a high rate of discharge for the batteries), those $10 worth of lithium ion batteries would only last about an hour in that small flashlight. On the other side of the coin, I have a medium sized, hand-held, 4 C Cell alkaline (non-rechargeable) spotlight that, at 75-100 yards, puts out about 20% more illumination than the flashlight being reviewed (and both units cost about the same). But that 4 C Cell spotlight is (easily), 8 times the size of the flashlight being reviewed here. So, for such a large device, with 4 C Cells, the illumination of that spotlight is not so spectacular. However, the spotlight's main advantage (along with the slightly higher light output), is that the 4 C Cells are rated at 30 hours in duration. That doesn't mean, of course, that you'd get full brightness for all 30 of those hours. From my experience with alkaline battery units, the full brightness lasts for about 33% of the advertised duration. The remainder of the time, the light continues to diminish. (But you'll have to test that for yourself with any flashlight/spotlight unit.) Now for the `in-between' choice as compared to both of the units that I described above: It's the flashlight being reviewed here. It's got a decently long `throw' (as I described above), and a decent light duration (rated by the manufacturer at 3 hours I believe...but again, don't expect the full brightness to last for the 3 hours). And, unlike the small/pocketable flashlight that quickly uses-up expensive CR123A lithium ion batteries, the flashlight being reviewed uses three AA alkalines...which are cheap by any standard. And it's, also, `in-between' again because the flashlight being reviewed has almost 80% of the light capacity at 75-100 yards as compared to the 4 C Cell spotlight, but at 1/8th the size of the 4 C Cell spotlight. My only complaint with the flashlight being reviewed here is that the threads for the battery compartment are a little hard to correctly position in order to thread the end-cap on it correctly...a minor point. And, with most such units today that use a plastic 'carrier' to position and insert the baterries correctly into the unit, it feels as if one small 'slip' (while inserting a battery into the 'carrier'), could break-off a spring that holds each battery in-place in the carrier. But it gnerally is a ruggedly-built flashlight with a side-clicker switch (which I prefer.) And, it's best use would be for camping in the desert. Unlike forest camping with a bunch of tree is your field of view, you have vast open spaces in the desert. That's where this flashlight would come in most handy. So, `all-in-all' it's a good `in-between' choice.
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I have a LOT of high performance LED flashlights. Many different Fenix models, which I love, and a couple of Terralux and others. This one is somewhat different and I like it a lot.
PROs: Very Bright tight beam with excellent throw, Uses AA batteries, Relatively inexpensive.
CONs: Relatively big and heavy, about 1/3 the size of a 3D Maglite, High beam on/off only
Know for sure that it is an OUTDOOR light. Actually the size may be a pro, it will be hard to lose.
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This is a great choice for someone who wants a very powerful and bright light, but with a low price tag. The construction is very solid and has a heavy, solid feel to it. The strike bezel is a nice feature. I have not used it for very long, so I cannot comment on battery life, but using new Duracells the light is blinding to look directly at and has lasted a while now. The beam is very concentrated and can reach out easily to 100 yards.
Honest reviews on LEDwholesalers 3 Watt Cree LED 3 AA Tactical Flashlight 180 Lumen
I ordered one of these flashlights over a year ago. My dad was so impressed with it, I bought him one. His light and my light worked great. Amazingly tight and white beam. Stunned at how great this light worked. I bought another for a friend for Christmas. The day I received the light, I opened it up and noticed the lense was really scracthed up and it was on the inside, so not really easy to clean. Once I put the batteries in, I pushed the on button, and the button stayed depressed. I had to unscrew the end cap to get the button to come back out. Light repeatedly did this so I sent it back. Props to Amazon for great customer service. The next light I received did the same thing. I was done messing with it, so I was able to place a small piece of folded up paper inside the flashlight on the opposite side as the button. Worked great when I did that. Even though the flashlight had amazing throw and brightness, the cons definately outweighed the pros. Also, none of the flashlights came with the holder that was pictured in the description. Hard to be satisified with this product.
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I ride home after a college class 2 nights a week, and this flashlight makes a great bicycle headlight. I have it mounted on the handlebars and it really gets the attention of drivers on the road. It is slightly lacking in the side-spill department, but I actually prefer a good beam over the side spill.
LEDs have come a long way, and now they finally have throw like an incandescent if not better. Well, this one is better than an incandescent light. It will literally light up a street sign 1-2 blocks away. I'm still on my first set of 3 AA batteries and after about 2-3 hours of total use, the batteries are still going strong.
There is no brand name to this light whatsoever and I can't even tell what country it's made in. Sometimes when you first turn on the light, it has a very slight flickering for about 30-60 seconds. It's barely noticeable though, and maybe the light just has a voltage regulator in it?
Overall, this is an awesome bright light (unlike the LEDs of 5-8 years ago) and makes a great bicycle headlight, if you can figure out a way to mount it to the handlebars.
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