Very cool looking light.
It claims to use 4 "Lithium" batteries but then lists AG13 as the size, which is the spec for a silver-oxide or alkaline cell.
I like the design; using an optic to keep the length down is neat. I wonder what kind of emitter it uses? Half a watt on SO3 button cells is a bit of a feat though -- I rather suspect output falls noticeably within minutes (much like a direct-drive 2xCR2016 Fauxton-type light). Within seconds, if using alkalines. Still a cute little light though. I must say, if I lived in the UK 6 quid shipped would be quite tempting.
Hi, tylernt,
I notice that was your first post. So welcome to BLF...
Thanks! :)
Welcome to BLF, tylernt!
I really liked the looks of TrueUtility's new TRUELITE micro 0.5W, so I ordered two from Amazon at the price of € 8.89 each.
Mine came with a dark silver anodising with a blueish tint, about the same colour which is being marketed as "titanium" my M@gLite. The machining is flawless, the knurling is nice and almost surefire-esque. The head of the mini-torch sports the ubiquitous crenelated profile which seems so popular these days; and as limited as its use may be, it actually does a good job of tearing up pockets. Those tiny prongs are sharp!
It does come with four AG13 button cells, which of course (surprise!) are not lithium cells, but ordinary alkalines; giving you a total of 6volts.
The LED behind the TIR lens is of unknown origin, and so far I couldn't convince the driver to come out of the head.
Light output is decent, or good, or just so-so; depending on your point of view. The stainless Maratac AAA is brighter on mid, and easier to operate. The NiteCore EZAA is just a tad less bright on low, and easier to operate.
Unfortunately, the keyring light has some disadvantages to it: the O-ring is too small and thin and does nothing to prevent moisture entry. Once the threads had been cleaned, the head developed an incredibly sloppy fit. Carrying the light on a keyring like that will surely result in the loss of the head, eventually. A little pad of dense foam sits in the back of the body, preventing contact of the negative terminal until the head is screwed on tightly; a feature which I have seen on the Nitecore EZAA before (where it actually works). On the TRUELITE micro 0.5W it doesn't, however - switching is erratic, sometimes a push against the head will give you a kind of "momentary light", sometimes it won't. Sometimes, it won't even come on at all and you have to screw on the head really tightly. Sometimes, it will just make contact when you don't want it to, draining the batteries whilst sitting in your pocket.
The bottom line is that for £7.99, you get a keyring mini-torch which needs to be reworked before you can safely use it as intended, without risking of losing essential parts or tearing your pocket liners.
the nice design and good lathe work don't belie the fact that for less money you can get keyring lights which actually work flawlessly. In fact, this is the most unreliable and uncomfortable-to-operate light I've come across in years.
My suggestion: recommended for collectors and tinkerers only.
Yeah it seems kind of large... not really much savings over an AAA keychain light, which is much better.