jayki* I've given this light away so unfortunately I cannot re-test anything. =(
Romisen RC-N3 CR123A/2AA
DX (Reviewed Mar 27th 2008)
Throw: 1100 lux (2 x AA NiMh @ 2.8v) 1900 lux (1 x RCR123A @ 4.2v)
OLD Lightbox: 50 lux (2 x AA NiMh @ 2.8v) 100 lux (1 x RCR123A @ 4.2v)
NOTE
- My review sample was single mode. But starting from sometime in 2009, RC-N3 is now 3 mode. (High/Low/Strobe)
- However, some people who ordered it in OCT 2009 still sometimes receive the single mode version. So it's a lottery pick. =P
[Review]
- It has a new silver-core Cree emitter with 4 wires = minimum P4-bin.
- Has a glass lense with textured aluminium reflector. Hence less throw.
- Reflector is properly screwed in to the head piece. Can be taken out.
- Brightness is difference for when using RCR or 2AA. RCR is brighter.
- Wide smooth bright spill. Blended soft round hotspot.
- Can see a hole in the centre of the hotspot at 10 inches or closer.
- Light tint is white with a slight feeling of being warmer side. Neutral.
- Feels darn solid. Especially in 2AA form. Feels better than WF-606A imo.
- O-ring in all the right places. One in front of glass lense also.
- Strong-feeling side clip. Can be removed easily by unscrewing head.
- Nothing is glued. All threads are good. Lubing recommended though.
- Forward GITD clicky. Easy to press. Doesn't tail stand in stock form.
- But putting an extra 0-ring inside the switch can make it tail stand.
- Good quality switch module. In its own aluminium pill. Easily taken out.
- In RCR form, it's much smaller than Mini 3W Cree. More like Gree Cree.
- In RCR form, it feels very nice. Expensive. Best feeling single RCR light!
- In 2AA form, it's about the length of the WF-606A with thicker barrel.
- In 2AA form, it does not get hot at all. It stays cool all the way through.
- With 2AA, it gives 3+ hours of full output then "useful" output for another 3 hours!
- With single RCR battery, it seems to run as if it is direct driven but bit longer.
- I give it 6 stars as it's cheap, has 2 forms and is of superb quality!
- But if you want a brighter 2AA light, get the WF-606A (reviewed).
UPDATE
1. You can get a much brighter Cree Q5 version from Shiningbeam! (also Kaidomain says Q5 for their RC-N3 but not sure if it can be trusted)
2. RC-N3 from DX are now multi-mode (not single) as of Jan 09.
On 2xAA or 3v CR123A, it is Hi > Off > Med > Off > Strobe > Off. (3 mode)
On 3.6v RCR123A it is Hi > Off > Hi > Off > Strobe > Off. (2 mode)
◎ Measurements
- It pulls 0.41A from 2 x 1.2v AA NiMh @ 1.4v each
- It pulls 0.55A from 1 x 3.6v RCR123A @ 4.15v
- It pulls 0.41A from 1 x 3.0v CR123A Primary @ 3.15v
[RUNTIME CHARTS]
- Note that the Uniross batteries I used for this test were quite old so I expect a longer runtime with more recent batteries.
