Whats better one 1 watt LED flashlight or a 3 LED?

Ive been wondering if is better to have a flashlight with 3 normal LED or have one with just one 1 watt LED. I havent found a small flashlight with tree 1watt LED. I have a Maglite and dont know if I should get the 3 LED upgrade or the 1watt LED. Help me out <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Well, not all 1 watt LED lights are created the equal. Just because the LED is 1 watt doesn't mean that the power supply is. That said, the normal white LEDs are something like 10 to 15 to the watt depending on who you ask. So the 1 watt is brighter than a 3 or 4 normal LED unit. The next question is: do you really need that much light? My preference is a 1 watt with a dimmer control since at full power it's too bright for most around-the-camp use.

I do not own a 1 led light and I second Eric's question - do you need more light? I have been on night hikes with a PrincetonTec Aurora and although it does not provide an amazing amount of light - it was plenty to safely navigate.

I just replaced the Aurora with a Petzl e+lite. They both have 3 white leds. They seem to put out about the same amount of light but the e+lite weighs only 0.9 oz. (Aurora weighs 2.4 with lithium aaa batteries). The e+lite doesn't last as long: 35 hours on bright, but if you need more time a second set of 2032 lithium batteries weighs only an additional 0.2 oz.

The e+light also has a small red led so as to not destroy your night vision (which was the main reason that I bought it at the time - so that I could read a star chart and still be able to see the stars afterward). But I have started using it for everything. It weighs so little that I forget that it's on my head.

rionada

Can you define what you mean by "better"? Each design has its advantages. What features are you looking for? Do you want a wide flood beam or do you want throw? Do you want a very bright light at the expense of runtime or a dimmer light that will burn longer? Is the light used for hiking on the trail, camp chores, or both? Would you consider a headlamp?

To make sure we’re on the same page, here’s the three 5mm upgrade: http://www.niteize.com/productdetail.php?category_id=28&product_id=110
And here’s the 1W upgrade: http://www.niteize.com/productdetail.php?category_id=28&product_id=145
Both go on a two AA Maglite.

So it depends what you want. If you want long runtime (11 hours to 50%) then go with the 5mm. $5.00. Non-focusable. However, I think this is obsolete with today’s offerings.

If you want brighter (6 hour runtime, $12) then go with 1W. However, the 1W is focusable and for $20 total includes a switch (at REI). Put this on dim, and the light will go 36 hours.

I think these upgrades are great if you have an old maglite laying around. If not, imho it’s better just to buy the correct flashlight in the 1st place.

I like headlamps/flashlights that just use ONE battery (AAA or AA for cost reasons and runtime). These are usually lighter, easier to change a battery, constant brightness (no dimming immediately after battery is put in), cheap battery, easily obtained battery, easier maintenance, and one spare battery will not be noticed.

-Barry

I'm assuming you'd switch to a headlamp, in which case I'd get a Petzl Tikka XP. It has a strong 1W pencil beam and a sliding diffuser that changes it to a floodlight. A great little light.

Fenix makes very long burning very bright multi mode single AA and single AAA that are really unbelievable. The multi brightness mode alone is great. A mag light is not even close. My Petzel and BD headlamps aren't even as good!

PETZL huh? Ever tried using lithium batteries in ANY PETZL?? (Don't)

Eric

Try a ZEBRA light. It can be used as a flashlight or as a headlamp with the included equipment. This light is VERY bright.

Eric

Yep. Lithium CR2032's in my Petzl E-lite.. works just fine <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Get the 3 bulb upgrade if you want to use it with your mag. It is cheaper. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Otherwise, buy a new rig. My $9 headlamp from Wally-world works much better than any mag I have owned. I love it.