----- Original Message -----
From: "Rich N." <RNapo@No-Spam>
To: "The Astronomy Connection" <sf-bay-tac@No-Spam>
Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2004 11:58 PM
Subject: [TAC] OT Very good white LED flashlight for camping, etc.
> Hi folks,
>
> I've been looking for well made, bright, useful white LED
> flashlights.
>
> The original CCrane LED lights have a problem with the button
> of solder on the back of the LED array denting the positive end
> of the battery causing the light to not want to stay on when it should.
> At least this is true for their original "C" cell LED light. It would be
> a simple fix put a flat cap on the solder button that is wider than the
> positive end of the battery. If Crane has done this in the last couple
> of years, great.
>
> The Inova X5 five is nice and compact although the LEDs tend
> to be more blue than white and the light is not as effective at
> lighting the ground, IMHO.
>
> The CMG Reactor LED lights have a more white LED. They are
> rugged and give a very bright, useful light. I prefer the longer 3 AAA
> version with a 20hr full brightness burn time and100hr burn time at
> reduced brightness.
>
> CMG website
> http://www.cmgequipment.com/Reactor.html
>
> A good source for CMG lights
> http://www.onestopknifeshop.com/store/cmg-flashlights.html
>
> Another good source for CMG lights
> http://store.knifecenter.com/pgi-CustomListProducts?CMG,2,16,=,cg
>
> Rich
>
I'm not sure they still carry it, but Big 5 Sporting goods had a well-made
LED flashlight using a Luxeon Star 1 watt white LED before Christmas, called
"Extreme Light 1 Watt Torch" for $49.99. At times this light was on sale
for $10 less. It uses three AAA cells in a cylindrical battery holder and
projects a fairly well-defined "target" pattern (spot and one ring) with its
deeply-dished reflector optic. It is actually the Nuwai ALX-313A,
http://www.nuwai.com.tw/1_watt_led.htm and is the one next to the smallest
in the second picture down. As you described your need, I'd say it's worth a
look.
Chuck