Agree, NICE review! (As a CREE nubie, I learned much… with many questions to research.)
I am wondering about the, “it has memory”, response, ’though…(’bought one within minutes of reading that!). Later, following up on O-ring sizes, I got to page 2… where I encountered additional comments indicating the switch cycles sequentially through five modes, just like the bronze UltraFire I received from Hong Kong last week…? While hoping there is a mode memory (such that I can repeatedly turn on in low mode, without having to quick-cycle through 4 other modes before turning off), how does that work? (i.e., what is the switch sequence necessary to implement memory?) In most other respects, Aleto seems to match UltraFire (except UltraFire zoom is as smooth an action as I have felt on zoom camera lenses), so perhaps, the UltraFire also has memory, I just don’t know how to activate…?
It’s ironic that, with all my questions about switch sequences and memory, the light I received has a defective switch… so I have yet another weeks wait (for replacement switch… BTW, seller quickly responds/acts on problem reports!) The defective switch occasionally latches in ON position, with half-presses (while ON) sometimes advancing modes (sometimes skipping a few… probably multiple imperceptible make/break contacts).
In spite of that, I do have some “nubie” impressions/comments (with the caveat that a bad switch may invalidate ’em).
My only CREE comparison is with the aforementioned bronze UltraFire:
151025598364 bronze UltraFire
261144236855 black UltraFire
(above are eBay item #s… enter # only in search field)
In spite of a much smoother/steady zoom on the UltraFire—and that UltraFire appears to be ~30% brighter)—I prefer the lower intensity and the color temperature of the Aleto. Without being sure of terminology, I think the Aleto is closer to “neutral” than the UltraFire, which is a bluer white.
In looking for where/how O-rings are installed, I unscrewed the lens/bezel. Further access was not apparent, so I replaced bezel, but neglected to screw it tight. I was quite surprised by the “new” 1:1 zoom, which was (then) a slightly smaller, softer focus square… which I find preferable to the CREE “projection” (with lines evident between 6 strips and the 3 connections). My intention is to try adding a thicker O-ring/s to make this the new zoomed-in “default”. (Backing up 3 of the zipper-like clicks brings the CREE into original 1:1 focus.)
I haven’t read many CREE “zoomie” forums, so this “soft” focus point may be old news… but ‘tis new to me, and perhaps other CREE nubies around. Hopefully, I’ll soon know how memory on the Aleto works… ’just waitin’ for that switch!
I keep meaning to measure and shop for a glass lens. Hoping someone can save me from reinventing the wheel. Has anyone replaced the plastic lens with a glass one yet?
You have a valid point. Dim was an overstatement. Its just not nearly as bright at my other xml t6 lights. I haven’t gone through the light yet. So there could just be a leak connection somewhere or something. I’m hoping it’s something like that.
i finally got the Aleto flashlight and i have to admit, i like it really very much!
It is a more than decent flooder and the build quality is absolutely incredible for the price paid.
The lens is not very clean (as stated by the original poster) but it does it’s job pretty decent.
Overall i have to second the claim of the original poster: Every flashlight junkie should get one of these - really! :bigsmile:
[edit]
I should add the info, that this flashlight doesn’t have a memory. If you shut it down for at least 5 seconds, it starts in the “high” mode. Since it has a forward clickie, you simply step forward with half clicks, until you have reached the desired mode and click “thru” - that’s all!
I finally opened mine up last night. It’s not a bad light. It did have a plastic reflector insulator under the led base though (between the led base and the pill). The thin sheet kind that comes with adhesive backing and a hole punch that comes out. It still had the adhesive backing and hole not taken out yet. So it had pretty much no heat sinking. It did have thermal paste though. I wouldn’t have found it if I didn’t clean off paste.
Put in a dedomed emitter and the output was like 300% better than before. Also the heat from the led comes out pretty fast now. I think I’m going to have to copy Ubehebe’s mod. This is going to be a great light to have now.
I used mine a lot at work and eventually it stopped working properly. First the modes disappeared so I only had high and off, and the battery contact got pretty bad and I had to stop using it. For me the 18650 Sipik SK98 is far better. For 26650 I’m sure there’s a better light available.
