Monday, November 10, 2008
Flashlights: 5.11 Tactical Series UC3.400 Flashlight Might Be the Last Torch You'll Ever Need
Gizmodo: "And it does it all without batteries of any kind. That is, if it ever comes to light (ugh). Slated for release in 2009, the 5.11's Light for Life UC3.400 LED flashlight uses the almost mystical power of an ultracapacitor to achieve a full 23.5-hour charge in 90 seconds."
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11 comments:
If this battery lasts as long as it claims to this company won't just be making flashlights for long. What everyone is looking for now is a good battery life, both after charging and for the battery itself(usage lessening battery life). I'm not sure this flashlight can hold up as long as it claims to.
I agree with the above post, I want a battery that lasts longer rather then a flashlight I can recharge forever. I would really like to see the technology involved in whatever it is that lets this thing recharge so many times be used to make rechargeable batteries that would actually be worth using. I would even welcome a battery that lasts for several years rather then the current ones that seem to last up until the exact moment you need them to work. While I can believe in an indestructible flashlight, Mag Light already exists. I would much rather amazing batteries for my existing gear, rather then a new expensive toy that I do not really need.
I'm always wary about things like this. Now wouldn't it be great if someone actually DID come out with an ultra-capacitor that could power all our EXISTING flashlights. Ok, maybe this unit will actually last as long as they say it will, but I sincerely doubt it has a useable output. Anything under 100 lumens for me really doesn't cut it in most situations -- and my LED Surfire at 100 lumens EATS through batteries. Its a nice dream, but I doubt its there yet.
Sure it's kinda cool. But really I want a flashlight that I can drop off a building and then go scuba-diving while still illuminating the dark side of the moon. I'll pay for the batteries as long as they last a good while, I don't mind that. I do mine the price tag.
I'm surprised this is one of (as far as I know) the first or few flashlights to use a capacitor instead of a battery. It seems nice being able to re-charge so many times so quickly... but not worth $170...
We've long been wondering when things will get efficient enough and capacitors will get efficient enough for use like this. It seems entirely believable to me that for a smallish power light, the technology is there. Capacitors don't have memory effect issues and are often less harmful on the environment (they rely on complex shapes of benign metals rather than interactions between heavy metals) when they get thrown out. Yes, it's expensive, but it seems like many forces are driving capacitor improvement (think cell phones and cameras) so it may become more affordable.
While this flashlight seems like a great investment I see two major problems with it. First of all, I believe I have seen this title applied to almost 4 or 5 flashlights so, how can they all be 'The last torch you'll ever need? Putting that nit-picky aspect of internet news aside, I have my own concerns about spending more that 10-20 dollars on a flashlight. Reason being, especially given our industry, I find flashlights get lost, broken, not returned or otherwise incapacitated. I personally carry a AA LED Maglite on my belt and a few Maglites/ assorted LED torches in my toolbag. This way I always have one with me and enough to lend to others, and will not be crushed if they do not return.
Just another gadget too good to be true. It's a great idea, but I agree with the others that time and energy should be put into creating a battery with this kind of lifetime, as opposed to a flashlight. We'll see.
Although this is nice, and is useful in certain very specific situations, in the theatre world today it is overkill. First, with the world economy in the situation it is in the price tag is way too steep. Second, there is an advantage to being able to go to the store to give new life to your equipment without any charges that can be forgotten. Maybe once this technology is developed, it will be come cost effective… but until then…
This looks like the best replacement to a Mag or Mini-Mag light. I am a fan of the Mag series of flashlights and i hope this is even better than them. I also like the idea of 50000 charges, much better than typical batteries...this seems like a WIN.
I don't know, the price isn't to bad to be honest. I paid 175 for my surefire and another 90 for batteries that has kept me supplied for over two years now. It's fairly indestructible and HAS fallen for 30 feet+ and been just fine. Plus having multible lumen settings has made it a worth while investment. While I'm thrilled about the new UC's coming down the pipeline finally. I'm not going to touch it till a few revisions down the way and it's been put through the ringer. Looks really extremely promising though. Be nice when you show up to a call and be able to quickly charge your dead flashlight.
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