HDS Rotary 170 Nichia 219B

Review: HDS EDC Rotary 170 219B

The EDC Rotary from HDS Systems is a compact Everyday Carry sized flashlight that features some of the most sophisticated electronics available in a handheld illumination tool.  Incorporating a tail-mounted switch and rotary brightness control, the HDS EDC Rotary allows users to select from 24 discrete output levels as well as Emergency and Tactical Strobe modes.  The advanced electronics also allow the end-user to customize several aspects of the light’s operation.  Following a recent price increase from the manufacturer, the EDC Rotary currently retails for about $279.

For the discerning flashlight user, OVEREADY has commissioned HDS Systems to produce a custom version of the EDC Rotary equipped with the Nichia 219B emitter, well known for its neutral tint and accurate color rendering.  When powered by a single 123A lithium primary or 16340 rechargeable battery, the Nichia 219B equipped Rotary is rated to produce 0.02 to 170 lumens of output. Continue reading

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OVEREADY SureFire Mini TurboHead

Review: OVEREADY Mini TurboHead

The OVEREADY Mini TurboHead is a no-holds-barred, high output upgrade for the SureFire 6P, C2, Z2 and other compatible flashlights.  Based upon the SureFire Z32 bezel, which was designed for use with incandescent lamp modules, the Mini TurboHead is totally reworked on the inside to accommodate a high performance Cree XM-L2 LED in Cool White or Neutral tint.  These modifications allow the Mini TurboHead to produce over 1000 lumens of output while still retaining the stock appearance of the original SureFire bezel.

The Mini TurboHead is available with either of SureFire’s stock hard-anodized finishes, natural (gray) or matte black.  A selection of custom stainless steel bezel rings is also available to replace the original plastic ring used by SureFire.  The Mini TurboHead may be purchased separately or as part of a complete flashlight with pricing beginning around $200 for the head alone.

A sample of the Mini TurboHead, with black finish and crenelated bezel was provided by OVEREADY for the duration of this review.  Since the Mini TurboHead can be used with a variety of different hosts, the review will focus mainly on the head itself. Continue reading

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SureFire Y300 Ultra

Review: SureFire Y300 Ultra

The new Y300 Ultra is SureFire’s latest entry into the compact handheld flashlight market and features a decidedly different look than any of their previous handheld flashlights. Based upon the X300 Ultra weapon light, the new Y300 Ultra is powered by a pair of 123A lithium primary batteries, arranged side-by-side rather than inline, resulting in an extremely compact design. In addition to a 500 lumen maximum output, the Y300 Ultra also adds a 15 lumen low mode suitable for up-close work.

To provide multiple carry options, the flashlight has an integrated magnetic base in place of the weapon mounting hardware of the X300 and may be used with the included quick-detach belt clip or steel 2-way pocket clip. The Y300 Ultra has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $295.00 with retail pricing approximately $210.00.

A sample of the Y300 Ultra was provided by SureFire for the duration of this review.  Continue reading

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Elzetta Alpha

Review: Elzetta Alpha Modular Flashlight

As promised at SHOT Show 2014, the new Elzetta Alpha is now available. Powered by a single 123A lithium primary battery, the Alpha is Elzetta’s most compact light to date and is intended for everyday carry and close-quarter usage. Using a Cree XP-G2 emitter, the Alpha is rated to produce a maximum output of 315 lumens distributed across a broad area.

Just like its larger siblings, the two-cell Bravo and three-cell Charlie, the Alpha features a modular design allowing up to 24 different configurations based upon different combinations of switches, bezel rings, and lenses. Prices range from $130 to $179 depending upon configuration with custom engraving available for an additional $10 fee. Continue reading

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PK Design Lab PKFL2LE

Review: PK Design Lab PK FL2 LE

Representing the first retail offering from PK Design Lab, the PK FL2 LE is a compact handheld flashlight capable of producing up to 650 lumens with its Cree XM-L2 emitter.  Powered by two 123A lithium primary batteries, the PK FL2 LE provides two modes of operation, a 650 lumen high mode and a longer-running 20 lumen low mode for up close tasks.

Featuring a visually distinctive exterior design, the PK FL2 LE is available in a run of 1000 lights.  Each light is individually numbered and has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $190.00.  The sample used in this review was provided by Paul Kim of PK Design Lab. Continue reading

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SureFire 6PX

Review: SureFire 6PX Tactical, Pro, and Defender

The SureFire 6PX is a compact handheld flashlight powered by two 123A lithium primary batteries and rated to produce 320 lumens in its highest output mode.  The 6PX is available in three versions, providing switch, output, and bezel options.

  • 6PX Tactical (6PX-C):  Single output version (320 lumens) equipped with a tactical press for momentary, twist for constant-on switch.
  • 6PX Pro (6PX-D):  Dual output version (15 lumens and 320 lumens) with a click-type switch.  Partially press for momentary-on low output or press further, until it clicks, for constant-on low output.  High mode is activated by returning to off and pressing (for momentary) or clicking (for constant-on) again within 2 seconds.  After being off for more than 2 seconds, the 6PX Pro will always return to low mode the next time it is turned on.
  • 6PX Defender (6PXD-C):  Single output version (320 lumens) with a click-type switch and crenelated bezel.

The Tactical and Pro versions have a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $90.00 and can be found at retail for less than $70.  The 6PXD Defender has an MSRP of $106.00 and retails for around $75.00. Continue reading

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INOVA T4R

Review: INOVA T4R

The versatile INOVA T4R is a rechargeable LED flashlight designed for the needs of the professional user. The largest and most powerful rechargeable option from INOVA, the T4R is powered by a user replaceable lithium-ion battery and is rated to produce up to 303 lumens in its highest output mode. Two lower output modes and a flashing strobe are also available, all accessed via the mid-body tactical switch.

With a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $149.99, the INOVA T4R can typically be found at retail for less than $120.00. The sample used in this review was provided by Nite Ize.Continue reading

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INOVA T3R

Review: INOVA T3R

The INOVA T3R is a rechargeable tactical flashlight designed and built with law enforcement and professional use in mind. Equipped with built-in charging capability for its included lithium-ion battery, the T3R offers three modes of operation including a 234 lumen high mode, 20 lumen low mode, and tactical strobe.

To simplify recharging when on the go, the T3R offers a number of options facilitated by its use of a standard mini-USB connector. A wall mounted AC charger and 12VDC vehicle charger are included with the light but it can also be charged using commonly available USB chargers used for phones or other devices.

The INOVA T3R has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $119.99 and can be found at retail for around $100.00.  The sample used in this review was provided by Nite Ize. Continue reading

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OVEREADY Triple LED P60 Drop-in

Review: OVEREADY TorchLab Triple

The TorchLab Triple series of LED drop-ins is a family of ultra high-output light engines that provide a drastic performance upgrade for SureFire flashlights based on the common P60 lamp assembly format.  Produced and sold exclusively by OVEREADY, the TorchLab Triple is available in various configurations with different user interfaces, output levels, and beam characteristics.

Three different user interfaces are available:

  • A single-mode version for use in weapon lights or when only the highest output level is required
  • LMH (Low / Medium / High) version with three output levels at 1%, 30%, and 100%
  • HML (High / Medium / Low) version with the same output levels as the LMH but in reverse order

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SureFire E1D LED Defender

Review: SureFire E1D LED Defender

The E1D LED Defender (E1DL-A) is the latest addition to the SureFire Defender line of flashlights and the first member to operate on only one 123A battery. Rated to produce a maximum of 300 lumens, the E1DL also offers a long-running 5 lumen low mode with its output focused by a Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lens.

The E1DL-A has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $240 with retail prices beginning around $170. Continue reading

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