Mil-Tech 'Beam-Fire Quattro', retail $(unknown) (www.roithner-laser.com)
Manufactured by (Unknown)
Last updated 05-26-02
The Beam-Fire Quattro is a small, 4-LED torch that uses a pair of CR123 type lithium camera batteries for power. The all-aluminum body has a smooth black finish inside and out,
and the four high-intensity white LEDs are mounted in a faceted reflector to help capture & redirect some of the side spill light that would otherwise be wasted.
The part number for this flashlight is KG-434BK.
SIZE:
The Quattro comes in a hard plastic storage case with form-fitting compartments inside that hold the flashlight itself, a set of batteries, and the lanyard. The foam used in the compartments
is a high-density type that won't deform or compress easily.
The light will need to have batteries installed before use.
To get light, twist the head clockwise; turn it the other way to get dark.
A lanyard is included in the package; it is attached to the lanyard nipple on the end of the flashlight using a thin loop arrangement most commonly seen on cameras and other small personal electronics articles. I'll show you with a picture later on.
The batteries can be loaded into the flashlight either from the front or from the rear.
In either case, just unscrew something until something comes off, and place the two CR123A cells inside so the button-end (+) positive faces toward the butt of the flashlight. This is contrary to how the batteries are oriented in most flashlights, so pay attention to polarity when you change them. Screw whatever you took off back on, and you're good to go.
The Quattro is made of a thin aluminum that appears to have been painted, rather than anodized. Much as I hate to deface a brand spanking new flashlight, I do so in the name
of science. A common eyeglass screwdriver *easily* scratched through the finish, exposing bare aluminum underneath. This light will become worn-looking fairly quickly; though
just because the finish is scuffed & scratched doesn't mean it's a horrible flashlight.
Although dropping the Quattro isn't likely to cause damage (other than scuffing the finish), it probably would not survive being run over, and will certainly be crushed flat if it is stepped
on without batteries installed.
The four LEDs are mounted in a reflectorized bezel with a clear plastic lens on the end. The reflector is facteted, though it doesn't increase the light output dramatically because
the LEDs have their own optics. Most of the reflector's effect is to give a bit of extra light off to the sides of the main beam, making the light more useful for walking around and other
tasks where some spill light is desirable. The reflector does cause some slight spotting along the perimeter of the beam, but this does not greatly affect the main beam.
Several slightly bluish spots are visible within the main beam, but this is generally unnoticed unless you shine the light at a bare surface like a wall or ceiling.
The light is turned on by twisting the bezel. The bezel is ribbed to give a better grip; and although the body itself is smooth, there are ridges on the tailcap that help. So it's not quite annoying
to turn on and off with a diminished or impaired grip as some other lights are.
The light is sealed with O-rings both fore and aft. This does make the unit water-resistant, though there were no instructional materials provided that state this.
It is not yet known how far the unit can be submerged. I suspect it will do fine at 2 feet, which is the deepest water I have ready access to (a fishtank, with fish).
Beam photo.
Initial measurement of 55,400mcd at beam center.
TEST NOTES:
Test unit was received on 02-27-02 and is in early testing.
No instructional sheet or manual was found in the package.
UPDATE: 05-26-02
Light has been used sporadically since receiving it, however I've been using it considerably more in recent weeks. It is of a very handy size and good brightness, and is durable enough to withstand day-to-day bumps and bruises at absolute minimum. In other words, you aren't going to break the flashlight by having it roll off a table or off the roof of your car. Brightness is more than adequate for day-to-day tasks, and when used normally, you won't be shopping for batteries every week either.
PROS:
Comes with sturdy, if a bit large, hard-sided storage case
Really nice brightness for a 4-banger
Feels good in the hand
CONS:
Submersibility could be an issue
Durability could be limited because of thin case walls (see 05-26-02 update above)
Finish is painted on, not anodized
Warranty service (if any is offered) could be difficult to obtain
MANUFACTURER: Unknown Japanese manufacturer
PRODUCT TYPE: Small handheld torch
LAMP TYPE: LED, 5mm white
No. OF LAMPS: 4
BEAM TYPE: Medium with corona and mild edge artifacts
SWITCH TYPE: Twist bezel on/of
BEZEL: Faceted reflector & clear plastic lens
BATTERY: 2x CR123A lithium camera batteries
CURRENT CONSUMPTION: TBA
WATER RESISTANT: Yes
SUBMERSIBLE: Unknown
ACCESSORIES: Set of batteries, lanyard, hard storage case
WARRANTY: None specified
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