I would like to Welcome you to my very First review. I am in no way affiliated with Probe Shiny and this light was not provided to me for free so I can post a fake review.
Lets start with the Technical specifications from the online auction.
3W Mini Super Bright LED Waterproof Gold Flashlight Torch Handy Light Lamp NEW
Features:
100% new, high
High tech, ultra-bright LED, operation life up to 100,000 hours, never need replace.
Ultra portable, ideal companion for hunting, camping, fishing, hiking, traveling, climbing etc.
Extensive LED lifetime, high intensity 1LED 3 Watt white bright light the latest generation.
With the black strap, you can take with it anywhere easily.
Less wattage and high light output.
Material: aluminum alloy
Powered by 3 x AAA (battery not included )
Light Color: White light
Package Include:
1 x Flashlight
My first impression was Wow. I mean, for $0.95 USD I received this light and it works… Wow. The 3 disposable Alkalines I put in it cost more than that.
After I turned it on and it worked, I had to see what all the magic was and proceeded to take it apart.
The special pricing of these lights for less than a Dollar can only be had for dedicated Flashaholics that devote enough time, late nights, on eBay scouring out bargains instead of sleeping.
Lens is a press fit and the special light aluminum alloy will expand for the exact fit of the acrylic lens. Here, the precise fit does not require any O-ring seals and not having the lens in a fixed position allows for Precise focusing of the Super Bright LED.
I did some research on the “Super Bright LED” and the only find was some USA based company selling over priced LED bulbs.
I have also confirmed the LED rating with my Meter
The precise tolerances of the press fit lens required this special hydraulic removal technique. I removed the tailcap, filled it with water and smacked down the zoomie into my palm. Out pooo-p’d the lens. Now I was able to access the magic parts. The Super Bright LED sits on top of a Direct Thermal Path MCPCB. I did check for continuity and the LED base is in direct contact with the POS connection. This is Genius. Because of the special Light weight aluminum alloy, it directs the heat to the batteries. Certainly the batteries have more mass and can absorb more heat than the Light Alloy.
Description stated a Gold color light but I received the Green as pictured in the auction. After questioning this I found the lights were originally Gold but the location of the production facility, located in the basement of the Lithium battery factory, has added the tint. Was hard to understand the translation, but I believe it was the rinse water after the anodisation process that produces the Green effect.
The driver is hard to understand, appears to be direct drive but I am unsure how they achieve the single mode with memory. There has to be some micro electronics not visible to the naked eye to achieve the memory. And it certainly has to be coated with some aerospace coating to have survived the water hydraulic technique I used to open it. It still functions as it did and the memory still works. After some use I was able to find a hidden variable strobe. Strobe function is accessed by turning on the light and hitting the tailcap in your palm of you other hand, the faster you tap the light the faster it blinks.
The tail cap has the appearance of that Glow in the Dark green. But mine does not glow. The color may also be a byproduct of the manufacturing environment. But to their credit I bet it did glow while it was in the factory.
This light also comes with a Lanyard. However due to the size of the Lanyard and how we all require one, I can not recommend this light to anyone over the age of 4.
Some pics
Conclusions:
I bought because it’s Green
Lack of sleep may have also played a role.
Pros:
Single mode with memory
Hidden manual strobe mode.
Light weight expandable alloy for lens fitment
Direct Drive and Direct Thermal Path to battery pack
Costs savings by not having certifications like ROHS, UL or CE (China Export)
Cons:
All of the above.
In future versions I hope to see Military Technology integrated to this light like the G700.
Future upgrades will include a SuperDuper Bright LED. In a warmer tint of course.
If you like my very First review, Please click the thumbs up. If you would like to see more reviews of sub one dollar lights from ebay leave a message. All comments are welcome.