Ultrafire C3 Stainless Steel 3-mode
Reviewer's Overall Rating: ★★★★★
Summary:
Battery: |
1xAA or 1x14500 |
Switch: | Reverse Clicky (steel) |
Modes: | Low - Medium - High |
LED Type: | Cree XR-E Q5 |
Lens: | Glass |
Reflector: | Smooth |
Tailstands: | No |
Price Payed: | Sample for review (normally $20.00) |
Date Ordered: | 14 / Sep / 2010 |
From: | Manafont.com |
Pros:
- Three (3) useful modes with no strobe
- Class leading runtime
- Perfect mode memory
- Excellent build quality
- Excellent regulation
Cons:
- Doesn't tailstand
- A pocket clip would be nice
Features / Value: ★★★★☆
This is yet another variation of the popular Ultrafire C3 Stainless Steel flashlight. They really should give each of these variations a different name, because it's very confusing to have so many varieties with the same name, both in aluminum and stainless steel, 1-mode, 5-mode, and 3-mode. This particular 3-mode version appears to be available only on Manafont.com for a marginally high $20 pricetag. At this point a brief disclaimer would not be amiss: This flashlight was kindly sent to me by Manafont.com expressly for review purposes. I'll try to be objective with this review. Nevertheless, this particular review may sound rather glowing, because frankly, this flashlight is superb. By far the most important feature on this flashlight is something that it does not have-- flashing modes. Finally! Could it be that Ultrafire engineers are reading these forums? If so, you are to be congratulated for finally giving the people what they want-- a relatively inexpensive, high-quality, multi-mode flashlight with no annoying, worthless strobe, SOS, or other superfluous gimmicks. Rather, the Manafont C3 SS offers three simple, straightforward, infinitely usable modes, complemented by perfect mode memory. This is another rare feature in a budget light. The mode memory kicks in almost instantly after an off-on cycle of less than 1 second, and it consistently reverts to the last used mode. Very, very well done, Ultrafire. These are the two most notable features of the Manafont C3 SS. Unlike the cheaper 5-mode $13 Ultrafire C3 SS variations, the Manafont version can be distinguished by its steel tailswitch. Tragically, however, they chose to make the switch with a slightly domed point that protrudes slightly from the end, thereby preventing the light from tailstanding. This is by far the most significant shortcoming of this otherwise superb flashlight. Apart from that, it uses a rather common XR-E Q5 emitter coupled with a smooth reflector. Unlike its cheaper $13 cousin, the tailswitch obviously does not glow in the dark, which I would prefer. Although none of the C3 SS models have one, I wish that this light had a sturdy pocket clip similar to the one on the UltraFire RL-168. Instead, it has a standard fare carrying strap. So overall, this light has two extremely important features for $20. The 5-mode $13 version of this light from other sellers also has good quality, the same emitter, glow-in-the-dark O-rings, and is often tailstandable for $7 less. I feel that the value of the 3 non-flashing modes and the excellent mode memory on the Manafont version justify the premium price, but I wish it was at least a few dollar cheaper. So the Manafont Ultrafire C3 SS gets a strong 4-star rating for Features / Value.
Build Quality: ★★★★★
No complaints here. Build quality is excellent on the Manafont Ultrafire C3 SS. The light is built like a tank, and it feels indestructible. Everything, including the switch, is solid steel. It has a heavy, substantial, and serious feel to it. The threading on the tailcap and head is quite smooth, especially for stainless steel. The light was free of manufacturing grime, and fortunately I did not have to tweak or tighten anything. It worked perfectly out of the box, which is a real virtue shared by most Ultrafire C3 variations. It arrived well polished with no noticeable nicks or dings. The steel tailswitch feels very nice. I have no other steel switch models to compare it to, but the switch action feels very smooth and expensive, with a muted, midrange-pitched "snick" sound. Interestingly, it requires the switch to be half-depressed for a few milliseconds longer than is typical to change modes in a multi-mode light. Thus, it requires a very deliberate press to change modes. I think this is an excellent feature to avoid bumps to the switch that lead to unwanted mode changes. And as mentioned previously, the Manafont Ultrafire C3 SS forms part of a very select group of budget lights that have perfect mode memory. So overall, this light exudes a very expensive, utilitarian feel that reminds the owner that he has a high-quality tool in his hand. The Manafont Ultrafire C3 SS receives a well-earned 5-star rating for Build Quality.
Battery Life: ★★★★★
At long last, I have finally found a budget flashlight that earns a solid 5-star rating for battery life. The Ultrafire C3 SS 3-mode truly impressed me with its incredible runtime that easily outshines all other lights I own by at least double the runtime. With a good Eneloop battery, I was expecting it to conk out at about 14 hours, so I tried to change modes to see if it had any life left to switch to a higher mode. To my great surprise, it switched to the highest mode without protest, and the output on high was apparently the same as when I had tried it out 14 hours prior to that. So I quickly switched it back to low and waited...and waited...until it finally gave up the fight after more than 48 hours of constant, usable light. In fact the only thing that impresses more than the runtime is the regulation, which somehow maintained almost constant output for virtually the entire course of the battery life. And the output isn't even all that low; I would estimate it at maybe 5 lumens. So apparently despite the rather unexceptional XR-E emitter, the driver must be incredibly efficient to produce relatively bright light for two whole days. In reality it's not a true moonlight mode, but rather a very usable low mode that somehow lasts two days. So paint me impressed, this one's a keeper. 5-stars without contest in this category.
Light Output: ★★★★★
Although perhaps not quite the brightest light I own, the Ultrafire C3 Stainless 3-mode has a very bright high mode and a nice beam pattern. In comparison with the Ultrafire M2 on high, a scrutinizing glance reveals that the C3 is slightly dimmer on high. Yet, it still manages to be brighter than several other Cree lights I own. Additionally, this light most likely works well with 14500 lithium batteries, which would undoubtedly give it a huge output boost. The beam pattern of the C3 SS 3-mode is quite nice despite the smooth reflector. It shows a bright hotspot, surrounded by a not-too-noticeable darker ring, followed by the aura, which is essentially uniform with a few insignificant, very narrow rings. An important difference between the Manafont version and the DX version is the reflector, which is smooth on this light and orange peel on the other versions. In general, the beam has no major distracting features, and it's probably the nicest beam of the XR-E lights with smooth reflectors that I currently own. This version with its smooth reflector probably throws a bit farther than the other versions with their orange peel reflectors. I like the color of the light. It's a bit less warm and "fruity" than the Ultrafire M2 or Akoray K-106 3-mode, but it's not stark white and it has a bit less of a yellow element than the Trustfire F20. Again, the color is not class-leading, but it also does not result in distractions or loss of detail at night. So while the Ultrafire C3 SS from Manafont doesn't quite attain the highest standard of light set by the Trustfire R5-A3 and the Uniquefire AA-S1, it is nevertheless much better than many other budget lights. It just barely gets 5-stars in this category.
Summary: ★★★★★
In conclusion, the Ultrafire C3 Stainless Steel 3-mode from Manafont is a superb instrument. It combines excellent quality with three truly practical modes and class-leading runtime. If only it could tailstand, it would be almost perfect. I would highly recommend this light to flashlight aficionados as well as beginners who need a reliable, long-lasting light for far less than the name brands. The C3 SS 3-mode averages out to a well-earned 5-star overall rating. Applause to Ultrafire and Manafont for this great offering.
Do you own the Ultrafire C3 Stainless 3-mode? Please give it your own rating below!