Tag: compact flashlight

  • Acebeam UC3A flashlight: USB-C or AAA power option, $25

    Acebeam UC3A flashlight: USB-C or AAA power option, $25

    Key Takeaway

    – Extremely compact and lightweight with versatile power options: built-in USB-C rechargeable 10440 cell plus compatibility with a swap-in AAA battery for extended use.
    – Wide runtime variability across modes: white LED runs 40 minutes to 23 hours; high brightness (up to 900 lumens and 85 m beam) only when the USB-C battery is full, with a maximum brightness cap of 14 seconds.
    – Dual-control, multi-mode design: separate buttons for main light and auxiliary RGB/white signal modes, including RGB strobe for uses like signaling or backpack tail-light.
    – Practical features for hands-free use: magnetic tail for sticking to metal surfaces and a belt/hat clip; outdoor-ready signal orange finish.
    – Price and availability: listed for about $24.40 / €23.18 on Acebeam’s official store.

    Overview of the Acebeam UC3A

    The newly launched Acebeam UC3A is an exceptionally versatile flashlight despite its compact and lightweight design, measuring just 7.1 x 3.1 cm (2.8 x 1.22 in) and weighing a mere 63 g (2.22 oz). Its flexibility begins with its power source: Acebeam includes a 3.7 V 10440 cylindrical cell with an integrated USB-C port that must be charged outside the flashlight.

    Power Options and Runtime

    However, if this rechargeable battery runs out, you can swap in a standard 1.5 V AAA battery to keep the light running in a pinch. Acebeam only provides runtime information for the USB-C battery. With the white LED enabled, battery life ranges from roughly 40 minutes to 23 hours. As is typical for an Acebeam device, the high settings – offering a beam distance of up to 85 m (278.9 ft) and 900 lumens – are only available when the battery is fully charged. Additionally, the maximum brightness level is limited to 14 seconds, meaning it may no longer be accessible even when the UC3A has been used briefly. The table below is taken from the instruction manual and provides an overview of the various runtimes.

    Controls and Modes

    Controls are also somewhat complex because the UC3A features not only a white main light but also several signal modes via a side light. This auxiliary light source can illuminate in RGB or white. In RGB strobe mode, the flashlight can last between 17 and 53 hours, making it useful, for example, as a tail light on a backpack during hikes.

    Design and Handling

    Since the UC3A packs so many options, Acebeam has included two buttons to help you more easily cycle through various light modes: one for the main light and another for the auxiliary light. As illustrated by the image below, the controls are quite involved for such a tiny flashlight. There is a fair amount to remember, but navigating the different modes should become easier with some practice.

    Practical Features

    Besides a belt/hat clip, the flashlight also has a magnetic tail for sticking to some metal surfaces, such as the inside of a PC case, allowing you to keep your hands free for work.

    Availability and Pricing

    Available in an outdoor-ready signal orange, the Acebeam UC3A is currently listed on the official online store for $24.40 / €23.18.


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    • Nitecore’s Compact Flashlight Features Four Quad-Core LEDs

      Nitecore’s Compact Flashlight Features Four Quad-Core LEDs

      Key Takeaways

      1. New MCT System: The TUP2 features the MCT system with four LEDs offering three color temperature options (3,000, 4,500, and 6,500 Kelvin), but the range has decreased from 180 meters to 120 meters.

      2. Design and Portability: The flashlight is compact at 7 cm long and weighs 58 grams, making it a suitable everyday carry (EDC) option with a clip for easy access.

      3. Battery and Charging: The non-replaceable battery charges via USB-C and has increased capacity from 1,200 to 1,300 mAh, allowing for longer run times (up to 190 hours on the lowest setting).

      4. Performance: The TUP2 can emit 300 lumens for two hours and has a turbo mode for brief bursts, with a slight increase in lumen rating from 1,000 to 1,200.

      5. Color Options: The flashlight is available in three colors, including orange, which is useful for outdoor activities. Pricing details have not yet been announced.

      Nitecore’s TUP2 is the next version of the small TUP and has been redesigned, which might not be to everyone’s liking. This is due to the fact that the setup has been changed quite a bit, along with the technical details.

      New Features and Changes

      On the bright side, it now comes with the MCT system that allows for various color temperatures using two warm and two cool LEDs, with options of 3,000, 4,500, and 6,500 Kelvin. However, this has decreased the range from 180 meters down to 120 meters. The lower candela values suggest that it might have a more powerful floodlight. Yet, the lumen rating has only gone up from 1,000 to 1,200. This indicates that the TUP2 serves as a limited direct upgrade. Whether these changes are appealing really depends on what you want from a flashlight.

      Design and Usability

      With a length of seven centimeters and weighing 58 grams, this flashlight remains quite portable and light. Essentially, it acts as a larger and more efficient keychain light, making it great for everyday carry (EDC). Its clip allows it to be fastened to a hat for easy access. The OLED display is still present and it operates via a two-button system.

      Battery and Performance

      The battery in this model isn’t replaceable and charges through USB-C. Nitecore claims that the battery capacity has increased from 1,200 to 1,300 mAh. According to the company, the flashlight can run for 190 hours on its lowest setting. In contrast, the previous version only lasted 70 hours at one lumen. It can emit 300 lumens for a duration of two hours, while the turbo mode is meant for brief bursts of light.

      The flashlight is available in three colors, including the well-known orange, which is beneficial for outdoor activities. As of now, Nitecore has not revealed the pricing, but it should be announced shortly.

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      Nitecore's Compact Flashlight Features Four Quad-Core LEDs

       

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    • Nitecore EDC37 Flashlight: 8000 Lumens, OLED, USB-C, Long Battery Life

      Nitecore EDC37 Flashlight: 8000 Lumens, OLED, USB-C, Long Battery Life

      Key Takeaways

      1. Compact and Lightweight: The Nitecore EDC37 flashlight measures 4.3 inches and weighs about 7 oz, making it suitable for everyday carry (EDC).

      2. Versatile Carrying Options: It can be clipped to a belt or attached to a lanyard for easy carrying, and features a unique status display.

      3. Multiple Brightness Settings: The flashlight offers brightness options of 15, 100, 400, and 1,500 lumens, with a runtime of up to 180 hours on the lowest setting.

      4. High-Output Modes: The EDC37 has high-output modes of 3,000 and 8,000 lumens, activated by a second button, but they are limited to short durations due to heat.

      5. Durability and Pricing: It has an IP54 rating for splash resistance, with a price starting around $120 and features non-replaceable batteries.

      With the EDC37, Nitecore has launched a new flashlight that is both small and bright, making it perfect for everyday carry (EDC). This flashlight measures only 4.3 inches, making it easy to hold, but it does weigh about 7 oz because of its sturdy build.

      Carrying Options

      You can easily clip it to your belt without needing a holder, although you can also attach a lanyard if you prefer. One special feature of the EDC37 is its status display, which sets it apart from the existing EDC33 and EDC35 models we’ve previously examined. The display and style are actually more similar to the EDC2x series, but the highest model number (EDC29) has already been taken.

      Brightness Settings

      Like many models in the EDC2x line, the display shows the flashlight’s brightness before you turn it on. By half-pressing the main button, which works like a camera shutter, you can choose the lumen output. The options available are 15, 100, 400, and 1,500 lumens. There’s also a battery percentage indicator on the OLED screen.

      Once you switch on the EDC flashlight, it will show you how much runtime is left. At the 15-lumen setting, it can last for up to 180 hours. At its maximum continuous mode of 1,500 lumens, Nitecore claims it can run for about 7.5 hours, assuming the temperature is suitable.

      High-Output Modes

      The highest settings of 3,000 and 8,000 lumens can only be activated using the second button. The display then changes to show a “Power Remaining” indicator in bar form. These high modes can only be used for short periods since the Nitecore EDC37 heats up significantly.

      To prevent unintentional activation, there’s a sliding switch that can lock the flashlight. Technically, the EDC37 features two main LEDs and is supported by eight smaller ones. The main LEDs are mainly responsible for the beam distance, which is why the “Lumin Shield” mode doesn’t project as far, even though it outputs 8,000 lumens, far exceeding the Spotlight mode.

      Durability and Pricing

      Additionally, Nitecore’s latest EDC flashlight has an IP54 rating, indicating it’s not meant to be submerged in water but is splash-resistant, making it suitable for use during light rain. Inside, it has two non-replaceable batteries, each with a capacity of 14.4 Wh, which is common for the EDC series. Nitecore states that the EDC37 is available for starting prices around $120.

      We’re currently testing the new EDC37 and will share our detailed review shortly.

      Nitecore EDC37 Flashlight: 8000 Lumens, OLED, USB-C, Long Battery LifeNitecore EDC37 Flashlight: 8000 Lumens, OLED, USB-C, Long Battery Life
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    • Nitecore Tini 3: Keychain Flashlight with OLED Display & USB-C

      Nitecore Tini 3: Keychain Flashlight with OLED Display & USB-C

      Key Takeaways

      1. The Nitecore Tini 3 is a compact flashlight designed for keychains, featuring an OLED display and control buttons.
      2. It offers multiple brightness levels: 1, 15, 60, and 200 lumens, with a maximum brightness of 600 lumens when the button is held.
      3. The OLED display shows status information, including light modes and remaining battery life, with up to 85 hours of runtime at 1 lumen.
      4. The flashlight introduces multi-color temperature technology, allowing users to select from 3000, 4500, and 6500 Kelvin settings.
      5. The Nitecore Tini 3 is priced at $40 and is already shipping, with initial deliveries expected soon.

      Nitecore has introduced a very small flashlight called the Tini 3. It’s only slightly bigger than a thumb and is made to fit on a keychain. Despite its size, Nitecore has managed to include an OLED display and two slightly sunken control buttons on the top.

      Display Features

      The OLED screen serves a useful purpose by showing status info. For example, it can display various light modes before or during use. Users can choose from brightness levels of 1, 15, 60, and 200 lumens. By holding down the top button, you can activate the maximum brightness of 600 lumens.

      Additionally, the display provides information on remaining battery life. When set to 1 lumen, the Nitecore flashlight can last up to 85 hours. There isn’t an official runtime for the Turbo mode, which has a throw of 98 yards, but the display suggests it can run for under 20 minutes. In contrast, the top mode with 200 lumens and a throw of 61 yards can last for one hour.

      New Technology

      For the first time, Nitecore is using multi-color temperature technology in one of its regular flashlights. Previously, MCT was only featured in headlamps such as the NU27 and HA23 UHE. The Tini 3 incorporates two warm and two cool LEDs, allowing users to select color temperatures of 3000, 4500, and 6500 Kelvin using the buttons. The neutral white 4500K setting activates all four LEDs, though this does not change the brightness. Moreover, the OLED display shows the current color temperature, labeling them as cool, neutral, and warm.

      The Nitecore Tini 3 is already shipping, and initial deliveries are expected to arrive within days or weeks. The flashlight has a retail price of $40, not including shipping, at the brand’s official online shop.

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      Nitecore Tini 3: Keychain Flashlight with OLED Display & USB-C

       

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