Elzetta- The industry's best kept secret.

[Hemicrusher]

Just ordered a Gen 3 Alpha, A313...Hi-Low, Standard Optic and Crenellated Bezel.

 

[Hemicrusher]

I guess I missed the latest update to the Alpha. I wasn't expecting the output to be 535 continuous lumens from an IMR cell. I've had a Gen 1 Alpha since they were first released, and might need to try out the latest version.

My guess is that an IMR cell is required to get the full output, but the output from a standard 16340 shouldn't be visible less.

This is what Elzetta lists for the Gen 3 Alpha.

Output (Lumens) IMR16340	535
Output (Lumens) CR123	435
Intensity (Candela) IMR16340	4430
Intensity (Candela) CR123	7710
Beam Distance (meters) IMR16340	132
Beam Distance (meters) CR123	175
Runtime (minutes) IMR16340	75
Runtime (minutes) CR123	35

 

[bykfixer]

The optic for the gen 1 was shallower than gen 2. The gen 2 optic is gin clear where the optic for the gen 1 has a very slight frost.

The gen 1 was meant to be more floody, as in it was intended to be used in tight quarters where identifying friend or foe took place in an instant. There was an optional close quarters bezel as well.

The gen 2 was intended to also be used in outdoor situations where more reach is needed, yet the more neutral beam reduced self blinding in tight quarters. Also made for a good backup.

Gen 3? I would speculate it's meant as a backup or primary since it can be nearly as bright as a gen 1 Bones that can run on the RCR or CR123.

Actually allowed more light out than the smooth or crenalated bezel

Has a nice, smooth bezel and big ole LED

DNA sampler

 

[Hemicrusher]

What RCR123 are you using in your Alphas?

 

[thermal guy]

Right now I'm using a standard fenix 16340. She's plenty bright. Love mine.

 

[Hemicrusher]

Right now I'm using a standard fenix 16340. She's plenty bright. Love mine.

I assume the Alpha has low voltage protection, so no need to use protected cells?

Thanks!

 

[thermal guy]

I assume the Alpha has low voltage protection, so no need to use protected cells?

Thanks!

Not sure but that's what I'm going to switch to. Runtime is not long with this light and I hate when it just dies without warning and I'm in the dark.

 

[Hemicrusher]

Just got this delivered.

 

[thermal guy]

Been using mine as a EDC sense I got it. Damn fine light. Love it.

 

[Hemicrusher]

Been using mine as a EDC sense I got it. Damn fine light. Love it.

Still daylight here, so I haven't had a chance to play with it in the dark. But the tint looks around 4k.

Any idea what LED they use?

Also, after reading some less than stellar reviews, it seems like Elzetta addressed the negatives in teh v.3, which is why I decided to order one.

Beam is pretty decent and similar to other single TIR lights I own. Looks like a perfect EDC light.

 

[thermal guy]

Definitely on the warm side. I'd say 4000 is about right. Nothing like the new bones. Now that's white.

 

[thermal guy]

Still daylight here, so I haven't had a chance to play with it in the dark. But the tint looks around 4k.

Any idea what LED they use?

Also, after reading some less than stellar reviews, it seems like Elzetta addressed the negatives in teh v.3, which is why I decided to order one.

Beam is pretty decent and similar to other single TIR lights I own. Looks like a perfect EDC light.

I didn't hear any bad reviews on it. What was the issue?

 

[Hemicrusher]

I didn't hear any bad reviews on it. What was the issue?

Beam being too floody, output and tint. Some felt it was an outdated design. But that was with the earlier versions.

I tend to pay more attention to negatives, than positives....even if the negatives are few.

 

[bykfixer]

The gen 2 Alpha arrived around 2016. It was much less floody than the gen 1 and had a neutral beam that skirted the fringes of a warm tint. It was more suited as a backup light.

The gen 1 was mostly misunderstood what it's intended use was. It was never meant to be a backup to Bravos or Charlies, but had its own niche. Many folks didn't like the gen 1 Alpha.

 

[Hemicrusher]

The gen 2 Alpha arrived around 2016. It was much less floody than the gen 1 and had a neutral beam that skirted the fringes of a warm tint. It was more suited as a backup light.

The gen 1 was mostly misunderstood what it's intended use was. It was never meant to be a backup to Bravos or Charlies, but had its own niche. Many folks didn't like the gen 1 Alpha.

So, is the TIR the same in the v.2 and v.3?

Also, looking at the lens, there are little flaws inside, like inclusions in a crystal. Doesn't affect the beam, just a little annoying. Has about three obvious ones.

 

[thermal guy]

Oh ya that's definitely not the case with V3😁

 

[bykfixer]

So, is the TIR the same in the v.2 and v.3?

I don't own a gen 3 so I don't know the answer.

 

[Hemicrusher]

Question about the high/low switch on the Alpha. When the switch is tightened all the way, and the light is off., slowly depressing the switch will cause a slight ramp up to high. If pressed quickly before clicking, it turn on high instantly. Is this normal because of the High/Low design of the Alpha's mechanical forward clicky?

 

[thermal guy]

On mine slow,fast any speed gets it to high immediately. There's no ramping at all.

 

[Hemicrusher]

On mine slow,fast any speed gets it to high immediately. There's no ramping at all.

Hmmm

It's all over the place. Unless I quickly press and hold before clicking, I can make it act almost like it's step ramping up and down, just by using light or firm pressure. Reminds me of my Peak LED lights with the QTC pill.