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AKOray K-103 Q4 AAA 1-mode

KD / DX (First reviewed on May 15th 2009)

Throw @ 1m: 810 lux (1AAA NiMh @ 1.4v) (Same with Alkaline)
New Lightbox2: 85 lux (1AAA NiMh @ 1.41v) (Same with Alkaline)

First Impressions:
- Slightly long but slim and nice looking AAA flashlight with a clicky switch.
- My sample says 0.7-4.5v DC K-103 on the side. AKOray on the other.

Build Quality:
- Defined square threads! Similar to Jetbeam's. Very nice quality.
- But it came with no lubing. So isn't as smooth as it can be.
- Fairly smoothly textured OP aluminium reflector. Fairly deep also.
- FORWARD clicky switch. Non-standard switch module.
- Has a smooth and soft feel to the switch. Very quiet also.
- There is a small spring at the switch end inside the battery tube.
- Double red o-rings for the main battery tube thread.
- O-rings also in switch/tail module and also infront of glass lense.
- It's not HA-III anodized. But has a nice quality gray-green anodizing.
- No ugly anodizing, no sign of any bad soldering. Overall, good finish.
- Comes with a metal side clip. It is easily removable by unscrewing tail.
- Metal clip came with a rubber-sleeve to prevent scratches on the body.
- Excellent quality diamond knurlings in the entire battery tube barrel also.
- It's not slippery although it's not as rough as Nitecore knurlings.
- Light engine pill is can be unscrewd and taken out if desired.
- It's one of the longer slim AAA flashlights. Similar length to K-106 AA.

Light Output:
- Has a nice round beam with bright hotspot. Beam tint is cool white on mine.
- Spill is wide enough and still bright to be very useful.
- Overall, the beam is quite clean and smooth. Nothing ugly about it.
- As you can see from output results, it's bright with AAA.
- I don't have a 10440 to test with unfortunately. Will get some soon.

In Use:
- Forward clicky is a surprise. It's very easy to use momentarily.
- Switch does require a failry deep press for permanent on.
- Also, mine gets stuck! Sometimes, it doesn't come back out. (So I can't turn it off)
- I think it has to do with either the rubber clicky or how it's sitting inside.
- As you can see from photos, the switch isn't fixed securely. So it shifts when clicked. Needs a bit of securing after purchase.

- One workaround I found out later is that once you unscrew the tail-switch thread a tiny bit, the switch never gets stuck.
- There is no proper LANYARD HOLE. This might be a big negative to many.
- But as some advised, you can take side clip out and use the two holes.
- Doesn't get hot when using it with AA NiMh.
- This light only has 1 mode. It's good for some. Not good for others.

Conclusion:  ★★★★★
- Other than the switch sticking issue, it's excellent. Hope it's only mine with this issue.
- Overall, if you want a forward clicky 1 mode AAA light. This is definitely worth a look.

OCT 2009 UPDATE

- If you have switch sticking issue like mine, unscrew the tail-switch thread a tiny bit, then the switch never gets stuck. Did for mine. =)

[PHOTOS]
- Nice diamond knurlings on the body.

- Positive contact inside the battery tube.


- Switch and switch module.
 

- Switch module. Easily taken out as it's not glued.


[RUNTIME]
- I wrote Q5 but it is infact Q4 according to the specs.

[BEAM SHOTS]
New Kitchen @ ISO 800 F2.8 1/25sec


Wall Beam @ ISO 200 F2.8 1/100sec


Wall Beam @ ISO 100 F2.8 1/100sec (1 stop darker)