THREE-WAY LED TORCH


Three-Way LED Torch, retail $25 (http://www.sharperimage.com)
Manufactured by (Not yet known, could be TSI or Nuwai)
Last updated 08-08-08




When you see pictures of this flashlight or see one in the package, it might seem to have an effeminate look to it. But when you actually hold one in your hand, it has a very beefy, masculine feel to it.

The light has a single rubberized button on the barrel to select 1, 2, and all 4 LEDs, and it feeds from 3x AAA batteries.


SIZE:



To use the 3-Way Torch, cut it out of the package first. You may need a very sharp knife, a pair of scissors, or a razor blade to do this. Just slit one side of the pack open, and you should be able to free the light from its plastic prison. :-)

Load some batteries in (see below) and you're all ready to go.

Press the small rubberized button on the barrel once to light the center LED, press it a second time to light the LED immediately above it, press the button a third time to light all four of the LEDs, and press it a fourth time to turn the flashlight all the way off.
Lather, rinse, repeat. Just like it says on the shampoo bottle. :-)





To change the batteries in this light, unscrew & remove the tailcap. The batteries are in a clear plastic carriage. Remove the old batteries by using your fingernail or the end of a ballpoint pen to pry the batteries out from the (+) button side - they should tip out where you can then grab them and throw them away.

Insert three new batteries in the carriage, being sure the (-) flat side of each battery goes onto the spring for it. Two of the springs are on the bottom end of the carriage, one is at the top.

Slide the full battery carriage into the flashlight, spring-end first. Screw the tailcap back on, and be done with it.

I don't yet know how long the batteries last in each mode.




The 3-Way LED Torch appears fairly durable, but it's not 100% waterproof.
A suction test did reveal the light *could* leak somewhere near the front (I don't know if it's through the switch or through the bezel) but it should stay dry inside if it falls in the toilet or in a mud puddle and you fish it out quickly. Don't use it as a diving light though, or else it probably *will* fill up. And as you know, water & batteries or water & circuitry don't go well together. :-/

The light that comes from the flashlight has a distinctly bluish tinge to it, but that's something you can get used to quite easily and quickly. Some white LEDs have this odd coloration, so this isn't the only white LED flashlight you can buy that has this funky color to its beam. The first two pictures below pretty accurately show this; the third picture is a bit more purply than the light output actually is.

The 3-Way LED Torch seems to take falls and beatings well. I threw it a few times and also beat the barrel against a steel rod 5 times, and the flashlight was not affected. No visible damage to the outside, and the flashlight functioned normally too.

The rubber pushbutton on the barrel could get pressed in a camping bag or backpack though, so it could "go off" in storage or transport, possibly leaving you with dead batteries. The switch is somewhat shielded by the much wider head though, so you'd probably have to be a bit unlucky for this to happen to you.



One LED lit. 33,600mcd


Two LEDs lit. 41,400mcd


All four LEDs lit. 48,100mcd

Beam photos. All at ~12" from the target.
Measurements were taken 12" from the LEDs.





Spectrographic plot
Spectrographic analysis of the LEDs in this flashlight.
Spectrometer graciously donated by P.L.



TEST NOTES:
Test sample was purchased in January 2003 at the local Sharper Image store, and has been in my bed headboard most of the time since then. (today is May 28 2003).

More info will become available as this page is updated.


UPDATE: 00-00-00



PROS:



CONS:



    MANUFACTURER: The Sharper Image (TSI) Inc.
    PRODUCT TYPE: Handheld flashlight
    LAMP TYPE: White LED
    No. OF LAMPS: 4
    BEAM TYPE: Slightly irregular; central hotspot with corona
    SWITCH TYPE: Pushbutton on barrel
    BEZEL: Smooth reflector with clear lens
    BATTERY: 3 ea. AAA cells
    CURRENT CONSUMPTION: Unknown/unable to measure
    WATER RESISTANT: Splash resistant, yes
    SUBMERSIBLE: No
    ACCESSORIES: Wrist lanyard
    WARRANTY: 90 days

    PRODUCT RATING:

    Star Rating









Three-Way LED Torch * http://www.sharperimage.com






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