Re: 4xAA Flashlight- some comments on Led Lenser P14
Recently looked at the LED Lenser P14. Some thoughts on it:
-nice in the hand. Not a small torch, but not unwieldy, would fit in a big coat pocket. Just a good handful and a bit
-200 lumen on high, with low power option (not sure of lumen on low, by my guess is 50-70ish). Turbo too, but I did not see that much extra from it compared to high
-variable from a pretty tight spot to a broad flood, can be quite ringy mid-focus but not bad at each end on the range
-not bad throw, pretty tight without excessive spill. fine out to 100-200 metres for looking at fencelines, paddock work etc
-good, broad flood with a low power option for close work
-the low power setting is a little dim perhaps (the P17 seemed a bit brighter on low, but is a lot more to carry)
-when moving from spot to flood, the beam centre gets a black centre (only shows at distance and not a problem for closer work, say in the 0-50 metre range, where the flood beam can be focused to look fairly clean)
-the light comes with a relatively solid pouch with belt loop
-good, simple tailcap switch but I found the clicky on the P17 (a la Maglite type) better, and the P14 maybe is a little long and heavy for a one-handed tactical switch on the tail cap
-others on this forum knock LL for (I think) being limited to alkaline batteries and also for no regulation of current draw
-pretty good battery life (rated 150 hours, I guess that is on low).
I own a LLenser "Hocus Focus" which is a 3AAA light, a good everyday light and pocketable, but not a match to the P14 for light.
For a "sit in the vehicle boot (I mean the "trunk".... I am a Aussie) in case" light, the P14 and P17 (3xD cells) are both worth consideration, but maybe not for a lot of heavy-handed rough use. The P17, despite being rated at ten less lumen that the P14, threw better and more light, I guess due to its larger diameter lens head.
No doubt not as technically advanced as some lights, but worth a look IMHO.
TC
