It does seem that more and more lights are going e-switch. I can see the appeal, it does make mode switching easier for beginners, and things like ramping are possible.
My favorite implementation of e-switch is the convoy L6 with a MTN or TA driver, I like having the simplicity of mode selection e-switch allows combined with the ability to lock out with the tail switch to avoid draining batteries when not in use.
For a keychain light like this I don’t think e-switch is ideal, as I rarely use my keychain light, and don’t want to have to always check if the battery is still good. I use a Worm on my keys currently.
Some thoughts about the Ant switch, its not like the e-switch from the Tool Ti or brass version because it has no battery/capacitor inside.
The second is the way the switch works, because there is no on-off clicking between the modes, you need, after turning on the light a full cycly to turn it off again. Means after you click it on on low you need to click to mid and to high and then once again to turn it off, I think I have getting used to it. The strobe is hidden, when you turn the light on on low hold the switch for a few seconds and you have strobe mode.
A bad thing about the switch on the side is that the light accidentally switches on in the pocket because of the big knob on the side. I now loosen the head a little bit when the light rides in my pocket to prevent that.
All in all I really like the Ant and it fits well into my collection, hoping for a copper
Thanks for the review. If it took 10440s I’d be all over it. I was replying to your thread to ask what happened with the tritium tube, but I just checked Gearbest and I see there are several options for this light…some with trit and others without.
I received a brass Ant today and i love it! :heart_eyes:
Beautiful design, nice weight and material, tritium in the tail, SS side switch and clip… Yet an other Lumintop jewel light!
I managed to get this one for $23 with a coupon from one of those ‘best deals around’ threads here… and i’m more then happy with the bargain.
Thanks for the lock out tip. I did not even bother to try unscrewing the head because on SS, copper and brass lights it usually does not work. Why it works on this light i don’t know.
I too would have appreciated 10440 support - like the Ultratac K18 for instance, but it’s only good for short bursts because it drains the cell very fast. Keep in mind Li-Ion and Ni-MH have pretty much the same energy density per volume unit so in the end they’ll provide as much light (boost driver efficiency may be favorable to Li-Ion though) - the higher Li-Ion voltage allowing to access higher modes but at the expense of runtime.
The looks are decent, but I’d like a “non-jewel” variant in regular old anodized aluminium and a smaller rubber switch like the Ultratac’s - and no tritium insert. Also a UI like Olight’s (click for on and off, hold to ramp up, mode memory) would go a long way, because I’m not liking this “cycle to the finish” one. Also a Nichia option for dimmer moonlight and low modes. Also I say “also” a lot
As it is, I’m good with my Tool CRI for now. Excellent little torch with no complications.
I don’t think so, the Maratac tailcap for example, is interchangeable with the Massdrop brass AAA and the Tool series. But the Ant isn’t because the diameter of the threads is slightly bigger then the Tool series.
Just ordered a second brass w tritium… (there’s a code right now - not the best price ever but not bad)
Who resurrected this thread! :person_facepalming:
I love this light! Not a top performer, but definitely a very cute one. The tritium inset in the tail cap is a nice touch for sure. A Nichia led would have been nice too.