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Mo’ Lumens, Mo’ Problems

By on July 11, 2014 in EDC, Flashlights

The new Elzetta Blog has been putting out some excellent content. The latest post throws back the curtain on what some flashlight makers do in order to offer best in class output and how it might compromise the performance of the light.

The adoption of FL1 standards has largely taken away some of the old tricks that flashlight makers used to play in order to inflate their lumen ratings but less reputable makers still have a few ways to try and dupe us. Given that all LED emitters work within a specification of X amount of power in equals X amount of lumens out, you should be suspicious of makers who are claiming that their LEDs boast greater output than competitors who use the same emitter. They are either being deceitful or they are pushing the LED beyond safe levels of current which can greatly compromise its reliability and longevity.

You can read more about the Lumen Wars at Elzetta Blog.

Elzetta ZRX Light Mount Side

Elzetta Design Alpha 1-Cell Modular Flashlights

By on June 27, 2014 in EDC, Flashlights

The Alpha 1-Cell Modular Flashlights from Elzetta Design are now available! These are Elzetta’s most compact lights to date and they are extremely well suited to EDC.

Elzetta Alpha 2

The Alpha 1-Cell Modular Flashlights put out an impressive 315 lumens (actual measured, out-the-front lumens) for 51 minutes on just a single CR123A battery. The output climbs to 380 lumens when you use a rechargeable RCR123A battery. They have all the same legendary toughness built in that you expect from Elzetta thanks to their 7075 aluminum construction with hard anodized finish, fully potted electronics, and solid acrylic lenses.

Like all Elzetta flashlights, the Alpha really earns the “modular” title. It is available with the following options:

Bezel:

  • Standard
  • Crenellated

Tailcap:

  • Twist
  • Click
  • Hi/Strobe
  • Hi/Low
  • Tape Switch

Lens:

  • Standard
  • Flood

Elzetta Alpha 1

You may have noted the availability of a tape switch tailcap above. This is because the Alpha can do more than just ride in your pocket. It can also be used as a compact, light weight weapon light when paired with a mount.

If you do intend to use the Alpha as an EDC light then you will be glad to know that Elzetta’s Speed Clip is now available. The Speed Clip adds a pocket clip to any Elzetta flashlight. This is a feature that Elzetta users have been requesting for years.

Check out the Alpha at Elzetta.com.

Recommmended Reading: Elzetta Explains FL1 Standards for Flashlights

By on June 17, 2014 in EDC, Flashlights, Preparedness, Survival, Tactical Gear

Flashlight shopping used to be an absolute free-for-all. Some manufacturers advertised the somewhat deceptive bulb lumens when describing output while others advertised the more honest “out the front” lumens based on a solid guess on the light losses to the reflector and lens or optic. The best manufacturers measured actual output in integrating spheres and then undersold the true output. You had some companies pushing candlepower while others pushed lumens. Some advertised total runtime until the batteries were drained while others measured runtime to 50% output (or some other percentage). It was madness.

The FL1 standards for flashlights are a huge step in the right direction. We, as consumers, now have access to standardized information about flashlight performance where as before we were stuck trying to figure out how to compare apples to apples. However, in order to be as informed as possible, you have to understand the FL1  standards. Elzetta just created a post on their blog that takes a lot of mystery out of the new standards and I highly recommend that you check it out.

Prometheus Lights Ti Pocket Clip on Elzetta

Elzetta PSA – Understanding Lumens

By on June 10, 2014 in EDC, Flashlights

Back in the day, it was hip to talk about “candlepower” when attempting to quantify a light’s output. Now most companies use a different unit of measure – the lumen. What do lumens really measure and how does that affect you? Sit back and learn a little something from Dave and his garden hose…

Elzetta ZRX Light Mount Side

The More You Know

ROSCH Works WL1 Available Soon

By on June 4, 2014 in EDC, Flashlights, Guns

The ROSCH Works WL1 will be available soon. The WL1 is essentially a stand-alone version of the SL1. It utilizes the same head and tailcap with straight tube body rather than the SL1’s integrated front sight and mount. Since it shares the same head, it also shares the same specs (250 lumens, 50 minute runtime).

ROSCH Works WL1

The new straight body will open up a new world of possibilities for the WL1. It is designed to be the perfect compliment to the recently reviewed SLM1 light mount and could also serve as a compact EDC light. ROSCH Works tells us we can expect to see additional accessories to expand the capabilities of the WL1 soon.

Check out ROSCH Works.

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