Nightbuster Ledda 4X, retail $34 (http://www.glow-bug.com)
Manufactured by The Glow Bug
Last updated: 09-09-02
The Nightbuster Ledda 4X, or Ledda for short is the little brother to the Nightbuster 8X.
Built in a sturdy aircraft aluminum body, 3 "AA" cells power four brilliant (and very overdriven) white LEDs.
SIZE:
Feed the very hungry Ledda some "AA" batteries before you do anything else. You might also want to pick up a spare set as you are probably
going to burn through the first set pretty quickly playing with the thing.
There are two ways to use this flashlight.
One way: Tighten the tailcap completely. To turn it on, give the head a clockwise twist until it comes on; to turn it off, turn the head the other way 'till it goes off.
Twist-head mechanisms are common with LED flashlights; this one is no different.
The other way is to keep the head tightened down, and turn the tailcap back and forth to operate it.
The first method appears to possibly be the better of the two, as it would eliminate the possibility of battery rattling when off - though they don't seem to rattle
even when using the tailcap as a switch. Not many lights give you the option of how you want to operate them. :-O
The Ledda comes with an opening in the tailcap which can be threaded with a thin cord or a split ring style keyring to allow for larger lanyards
to be affixed. It's a bit big to actually put on your keys though.
To feed Baby for the first time, unscrew the tailcap until it comes off, and insert three "AA" cells, button-end first, into the body.
Replace the tailcap and tighten snugly.
This procedure is simple enough that it can be done in the dark if need be; no screws, screwdrivers, or excessive loose parts here.
Current drain on almost new batteries measured between 370 and 380mA.
That's up to 95mA *PER LED*, which is the highest I've seen to date.
The Ledda is a tough little cookie.
Falls, throws, and knocks are no problem for this tough guy. It is made almost entirely from aircraft aluminum. The finish appears to be a baked enamel type, which while more durable than ordinary paint, can be scratched through with a screwdriver with only mild effort.
Slamming the barrel of the flashlight straight into a steel rod to dent it did not remove the finish.
Dropping the light on the floor and banging it against a steel rod had no effect on the casing, other than leaving some shallow denting of the surface.
The LEDs are mounted to the circuit board with a white plastic spacer; this both helps keep them aligned for longer and maybe adds a tiny amount
to the overall brightness. Although the wall around the LEDs (the inside of the head) is covered with a reflector, the LEDs are mounted in such
a way that this is of little practical use - it's strictly for aesthetics - to make the flashlight look a bit more professional.
(UPDATE): The newer model Ledda's reflector does contribute more noticeably to the side spill than the original, if memory serves. I do not have an original Ledda, so I cannot compare the two side-by-side.
The LEDs are protected by a plastic lens or window, which is itself recessed slightly so the light may be set or stored face-down
on a flat surface without scratching the lens.
The light (note: the original Ledda 4X) is *not* submersible, but is rated by its maker to be weather resistant.
This means you shouldn't be afraid to carry & use it in horrible weather, but don't drop this guy
in the pool or lake if it can at all be avoided.
Not a good choice for boating or marine use for this reason.
The Ledda can be balanced on its tail to use as an electronic candle, but the surface it is placed on in this manner must be flat and level.
Although
Meaured at 56,500mcd on new batteries - easily the brightest 4 LED out there.
TEST NOTES:
As this is a loaner, it won't be punished TOO severely.
Because it is a loaner and it is not submersible (by the manufacturer's own claims), this sample will not be tested in water.
UPDATE 03-26-02:
A new model is being developed which is brighter and is water resistant - even submersible to a couple of feet or better. The physical design will also be changed slightly, though
not drastically.
I have forwarded test data, including fishtank tests and ProMetric analyses, to the proper authorities. ;-)
UPDATE 09-09-02:
Here is a photograph of the new design, plus a beamsnot.
Shot of the light itself.
Beam shot. When an overdriven white LED emits this striking turquoise blue color, you know it's pissed. It's probably not a good idea to feed lithium AA cells to this light, or those LEDs might start popping like packs of ladyfinger firecrackers on Chinese New Year.
Here's a closer look at that pissed-off blue color. Note the reflection near the top where you can see one of the white LEDs giving this color off. The target used for this picture was a white styrofoam coffee cup.
Light was drawing 455 milliamps (an amazing 113.75mA per LED!) when this picture was taken. Another test performed a few months and a couple of sets of batteries later showed a 350mA draw on new Duracells.
Cross sectional analysis.
Contour map.
Charts made by the ProMetric system, on loan from Radiant Imaging.
Any updates related to this review will be posted as they happen.
PROS:
Tough and durable construction
One of the brightest 4 LED lights available.
Uses common batteries.
Water resistant at least to the 2' I tested it at.
CONS:
LEDs are driven very hard and may not keep that "like new" brightness through multiple battery changes.
Battery life may be shorter than other 4-LED, 3 "AA" lights.
Finish appears to be painted on, not anodized.
MANUFACTURER: The Glow Bug
PRODUCT TYPE: Small handheld flashlight
LAMP TYPE: LED, 5mm, white
No. OF LAMPS: 4
BEAM TYPE: Irregular hotspot with soft fall off
SWITCH TYPE: Twist bezel or twist tailcap
BEZEL: Reflector & thin plastic window
BATTERY: 3 AA cells
CURRENT CONSUMPTION: 350-455 milliamps
WATER RESISTANT: Yes
SUBMERSIBLE: Yes, to at least 2 feet
ACCESSORIES: Unknown
WARRANTY: Unknown
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