HomeDepot does it again.
I stopped by today to pick up some paint, and what do i see… more new Defiant lights.
- This time a 3-Pack, for a seemingly good price of $ 9.88 per pack, ( a REAL Budget light at only $ 3.29 per light !) They are availiable in only the three colors, Black, silver and Titanium/gun-metal anodizing.
- These are all aluminum, Anodizing appears to be good, ( though has some tiny nicks) , uses 3-AAA cells, is a tail clicky, smooth reflector and uses the tiny new CREE XB-D emitter in a cool white, and a single mode.
- More info on the CREE XB-D emitter here: http://www.cree.com/led-components-and-modules/products/xlamp/discrete-directional/xlamp-xbd
- The output seems to be good for a claimed 80 Lumens, and maybe a bit more from my observations.
- UPDATE Run time is about 2 hours to 50 % output average on 3 AAA Generic Alcalines, (- I am doing a run test now, and letting it run to the 5.5 hour claim to see how far it goes.)
( Defiant claimed 5 hours, 30 Minutes on the package) Tail cap amp draw was 0.88 amps. I doubt that amount of run time is realistic on 3 AAA alcs, expecially since it is basically Driverless and direct drive single-mode using only a Resistor in the circuit, and # 33 guage or lighter wires.
- The beam pattern was average, the spill being close to a neutral white, with the hotspot somwhat warmer in tint except fro the dead center was somwhat bluish, and a greenish hallow around the outside perimeter of the hotspot. ( *See Beam profile photo, which is Adobe-Gamma Corrected and close to what it looks like to the eyes on neutral monitor.)
-The pill is removable & threadded into the head, but very hollow under the star.
- I do like the feel of the light, the knurling is agressive and good to grip even with slippery gloves. The tail cap has a unique dual-notch cutaway that makes it easier to turn on and off using finger or thumb, sort of “locks” your finger into place over the rubber boot Tail switch.
- Overall i like these new small palm-sized Defiants, especially for the price of only $ 3.29 each, and that comes with 9 Defiant Alcaline AAA cells in the package. These would make great Xmas gifts, stocking stuffers, or even a real Budget EDC that can be handled with winter gloves.
I can see myself modding one of these with a good multi-mode driver and a XP-G2, and gifting the others for stocking stuffers. 
Specs: ( as per manufaturer.)
- 3-AAA
- 80 Lumens
–5.5 Hour run time
- 1 Mode
- 100 Meters throw distance
- All Aluminum Anodized construction
- Reverse Clicky
- CREE XB-D Emitter
- Cool White
My quick evaluation of the light:
PROS:
- extremely Low cost per light ! ( approximately $ 3.29 per light)
- good anodizing.
- Good, agressive Knurling.
- CREE XB-D emitter
- Tail stands ( barely)
- good feel for holding on with gloves.
CONS
- hotspot not smoothest, but ok for the price.
- Plastic reflector and lens.
- Hollow pill, Driverless.
Photos below show the lights & packaging.
- Below showing the breakdown of the light, ( with the agressive knurling on the head and the body.
- Below is the 3 lights, with inset-photos of the XB-D emitter, driver board/pill, and the perfectly centered emitters.
- below shoing the beam profile. ( 1 meter away from white celing.)
