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My review of Akoray K-103

fran82

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Joined
Aug 24, 2010
Messages
21
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<< INTRODUCTION >>

Not much to say.This is the specimen: DealExtreme: $13.71 Akoray K-103 Cree Q4-WC 130-Lumen LED Flashlight (1*AAA)

Is the small brother of the famous Akoray K-106, but the small brother of the programmable one, not the other. Why?. Simple, its body has a gray gunmetal color and has anodized threads. The only Akoray with those characteristics is the programmable one. The other K-106 style bodies (TrustFire F20, UniqueFire AA-S1, UltraFire M20...) are in a goldish-brownish color and hasn´t anodized threads.





The unit I received has a xr-e ez900 die, so it should be Q5 minimun (if I am not wrong.)



It is a single mode flashlight, AAA/10440 capable, with a clickie reverse switch in the tailcap. Has a very big rubber cap in the tailcap, making impossible to tailstands, but prevents accidental power on when in your pocket. The clip is not the filmsy one that is in the typical k-106.... is very strong, and has a different shape. The reflector is metal, orange peel.

The better thing about this flashlight is the body. Oh my God! I purchased it precisely due to the fact that I LOVE the akoray K-10x style bodies. It is incredible light, durable and thin. I decided to get an inexpensive AAA light to subsitute my semi-expensive itp A3 when I go to determinate places (if I loose the K-103 dont worry. If I loose the itp I will die!)



<< EXTERNAL DESING >>

I will not give the 5 stars due to the lack of 3 of 4 o-rings. But if you have the correct ones, simply put them.

The build quality impressed me. The anodized, smooth and perfect threads claimed my attention (despite it came unlubed). It is very pleasant to screw and unscrew the head for changing batteries. Not espected this in an inexpensive light.

I like this body, its color, its knurling..... the clip (stronger than in the big brothers. Also different shape).





No more to say, if all the cheapo chinese lights were with this quality........ My wallet would be empty...

But, but, dont forget that this is not itp. Forget about QC, so quality between different units may be different. For example, earlier units were coming with the 4 o-rings. Now comes only with 1. (typical on these lights....)



<< RUNTIME >>

Well. We have to distinguish between 2 battery life. The one when using NiMh and the one when using 10440.

I dont know why, but I think that this light is underdriven with AAA. The driver looks "rare". Or the driver is bad or simply is underdriven.

It only draws 0,8A from a fresh NiMh cell. But this gives you a biiig runtime. I was doing tests and after 1 hour I didnt noticed drop in the output from a crappy alkaline (also draws 0,8A from alkalines, so the chemistry is not limiting current at all). After 1h10 minutes I stopped the test, because I was getting bored.

So, with AAA you get about 80% of the output of the A3 eos with AAA too, but ¿about 60 lumens more than 1 hour? Very good. The A3 eos gives 80 lumens the first +/-30 minutes and then decreases. The K-103 looks to have stable output from about¿ 1 hour? I have to check it again. I dont beleive.


Now 10440. This is as the typical 10440 capable lights. It is direct driven with 10440. Mine draws about 1A. The power output is about the 80% of the TrustFire F23. The runtimes, almost similar as in the F23. 12 minutes until 3,6 volt and about 30 minutes until voltage protection cut-off (Yes protected batteries fit perfectly)





<< LUMENS/LIGHT OUTPUT >>

If you want to use it with AAA, probably 3 stars, due to not so powerfull output (but very good runtime). I estimate about 60 lumens for about 1 hour. Or lets say 80% light output of the itp A3 eos on same chemistry (alkalines).

If you want to use it with 10440, probably 4 stars. 10440 is the best battery for this flashlight, dont worry about the heat, it will dissipate very well. With a grey protected TrustFire I estimate something between 130 and 150 lumens for about 12 minutes until 3,6 volt. It is about the 80% of the light output of the F23 with same battery.

BEAM characteristics. In one word: NICE. Better than the F23, I prefer a good defined central spot with a LOT of usable spill which the F23 lacks. Cool white tint.


3 meters with Ni-Mh:



<< SUMMARY >>

OK. I have said practically all about it. If you want an inexpensive AAA light, and the weight is a must, this is yours.

Want to use AAA? if you are satisfied with about 60 lumens for 1 hour... good for you

Want to use 10440? 12 minutes and an average of 130 lumens?... even better

The lack of 3 o-rings and the low light output with AAA makes it a 4 star AAA flashlight.

Also some people will add or deduct another star due to the lack or not lack of modes....




Pros:

* Quality machining. Good, smooth and anodized threads.
* Better and stronger clip than it´s big brother (akoray k-106).
* Minimun weight (probably less than Black Cat).
* Driver not epoxied. Easy replaceable with a multimode one.
* Pill interchangeable with the pill of the TrustFire XPE F23
* Accepts AAA/10440 (insane output with 10440)
* Beam with a LOT of USABLE SPILL
* High runtime with AAA due to veeery low current draw

Cons:

* Came unlubed, also only had 1 of 4 orings.
* Low output with NiMh (¿about 60 lumens?)
* For this price could be multimode
 
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