Likewise. It was only a few years ago that I dropped concern for maximum output & focused more on beam quality (smoothness, flood, throw, and tint) and UI.
Three main strikes against “highest” relative output:
Something like a 30% difference is not very noticeable.
Small EDC lights are not “search” lights—so they don’t need to have massive output.
Most flashlight use is not on highest mode, and most flashlights step down shortly anyway.
If you need a flashlight for high priority searches in very dark zones, a massive flooder/thrower is ideal. Color rendering and ease of pocket carry won’t be important. My feeling is, if you want a tremendous thrower, go for a light dedicated for that purpose so a high mode can be sustained much longer.
On my AAA Tool, I have to wait at least 3 seconds to go back to “L”.
I’m a little disappointed in the output of the AAA Tool w/Nichia. IMHO, it’s quite low for what you get. Also wish there was a physical lockout, but at least the switch is nicely inset. The Jetbeam Jet-U seems to have double the output, while also being shorter & will deep pocket carry. It has a Cree XP-G2, which is on the cool side of neutral, but it’s not a bad beam. Serves it’s purpose for just quick use. I like the fact that it’s a twisty, so it’s totally locked out. I don’t employ it for longer tasks. But I’m going to try EDC’ing the AAA Tool again.
The major gripe I had with this light is how unbearably long it takes to start fully working after inserting a battery for the first time. It took mine something like 20 minutes, until it would do more than low mode! That is just bizarre. I’m expecting that won’t happen again, unless stowed away without a battery for a long time.
The version I have is L-M-H. I find the mode memory useful. Sometimes I want high to come on, if I’d used it last. I appreciate both twisty & switch. When you get the hang of it, you can easily operate a twisty single handed. The simplicity is nice (no switch to worry about going wrong, or accidental activation). It is shorter. I can see it, side-by-side, about 3~4mm. But it’s also more narrow. Really hides away nicely in the pocket corner, because of the deep carry & diameter.
Hah. I didn’t know that—thanks. Seems it’s not a complete lockout, as the switch still has power. If you lockout the head, press the switch, then tighten the head, it comes on. But at least it’ll prevent LED activation.
If the switch is on then the SuperCap is holding the FET gate open no matter if the light is on or off, which is draining the SuperCap.
Left on for long periods of time could completly drain the SuperCap. Then you’ll need to charge it for a few minutes again before it will work.
Just a tip, encase you screw the head back in and the light doesn’t come on, it’s not broken, it just needs charged again.
you consider the output too low,
are worried about accidental activation,
are exploring lockout,
and you dont like the eSwitch for not working immediately when the light has been kept without a battery in it…
sounds like you would be happier with a twisty, and you like memory… so the JetU is a logical choice…
I will be happy to adopt your Cu eTool w 219c, if you decide to part with it, please PM me.
The copper tool has sw45k D200 219B, the brass tool a Samsung LH351D at 2700K. The SST-20@2700 I used in C01S is more rosy and closer to a classic bulb, but the Samsung doesn’t look bad at all.
No problem Jon, I’m just airing some grievances about it. I like the Tool Cu 219C very much for its form factor, knurling, beam pattern, and tint. I have learned from a reply that the Tool can be locked out, which is good. I would prefer the max output to be brighter, but it’s not a real deal breaker. The mid and low are excellent. The eSwitch is annoying for its long capacitor charge time, but thankfully one only experiences it by not keeping a battery inside it for a long period. Overall, it’s an excellent light-cary EDC & task light.
EDIT: Well, I’ve been EDC’ing the Lumintop Tool A (3) Cu for a few days now. I have to say, I’m liking it now that I know about the head lock-out (tail wasn’t doing it). Because I’d had activation mistakes that drained the battery down, the slight twist of the head “saves” the light for me. I wouldn’t be able to EDC it otherwise. The tint… is so nice. :sunglasses:
eSwitch stays charged. Because if you press the button while the head is loosened, you’ll find the light goes on when you tighten the head. So the on/off mode change happens due to the switch still having power. :sunglasses:
you can make copper lose its patina, even inbetween the knurling, by soaking the light in ketchup… but, that produces a dull pink color, not shiny. Basically the vinegar in the ketchup, and the acid from the tomatoes, etches the copper.
when I want to polish my copper, I use a jewelers rouge cloth, or a yellow sunshine cloth. It only gets the high spots though…
I was thinking of getting another one. And if for normal emergency purpose, will the cree gives more usable light or is negligible. The Cree will suck tint wise. And I don’t like cold white.
But will it be more helpful in dark basement or dark building car parking space.