Ultrafire A3 - AAA or 10440
Light was supplied by Manafont.com for testing .. http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/ultrafire-a3-cree-q5-led-flashlight-aaa10440-p-4180
- Model: Ultrafire A3
- Ultra caompact design
- Features a Cree Q5 LED Emitter
- Powered by 1 x AAA/10440 battery (not included)
- 1-mode
- Tail clicky switch
- Carrying strap is included
First Impressions :
I was impressed by the output , with a Nimh cell in there I thought it was about as right as a single mode could be . The first thing that got me was the clicky , being recessed so it can tail stand , there is no way I can thumb activate [ oh , its a forward clicky by the way ] , I need to use the tip of my fingers , and even then its a little tricky due to my meaty hands , and I would have personally gone with a exposed clicky and no tail standing in a small AAA light , but thats my personal preference .
Performance :
Nimh
Matsushima AAA = 63L @ 1A
Vapex AAA = 69L @ 1.03A
Duracell AAA = 69L @ 1.04A
Alkaline = 74L @ 1.2A
Dry Cell = 45L @ 0.78A
Li-ion 10440 @ 4.03v = 97L @ 0.38A
Wow , a AAA light that does not stress 10440's and is more sanely set up , well I like it , I really do .
Conclusion :
O rings through out
Well anodized
Forward Clicky
Wrist Strap
Tail stands very well
Runs 10440 at sane current levels
Very nice beam on white wall
OP reflector
Pill is press fit
Accepts protected 10440
Ok , I liked everything except the recessed tail clicky [ so it can tail stand ] , other than this one [ highly ] personal exception , this light did not fail to impress , I thought the output to be just right for this sized light , and the current on a 10440 to be spot on for this sized light . So whether you run AAA Nimh or a 10440 your looking at around 1 hour of runtime , by design or accident I like the fact that both battery options have close run time . I like the AAA form factor , its small enough to go unnoticed in your pocket , yet powerful enough to give good light when needed , even on AAA Dry cells I found the performance to be acceptable , its nice that a manufacturer makes a light thats not a battery vampire , as its usually the other way around with these small lights .
I have a few AAA lights now , and the A3 has certainly found a place in my collection , and the only thing that could make it better would be if it was multi mode , that would take a really nice little AAA and make it killer . As it is , its a very nice well thought out and executed light , and my brother who likes single mode lights just loves it , and I just may need to relent and give it to him since he is so smitten by the A3 .