Streamlight PROPOLYMER LED flashlights?

[Splat]

Anyone own/use one of these Streamlights PROPOLYMER 3C LED flashlights: http://www.streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=27#tabs ?
I thought I had read somewhere that it's a great light but can't find any reviews on it, nor know anyone that uses one. I can pick up the version for roughly $20/each new. Christmas is coming up and I'm short on the greenbacks. I thought this would make a very good gift. My sister and a few friends of mine I've learned actually -really need- a good flashlight.  Anyone care to review or have any review links on it? Thanks.
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Splat

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I've never seen one before, but I'm sure Nutsak will be along soon to tell you all about it, or you can wait about a week and see what benner thinks after he's bought one

[Benner]

I've never seen one before, but I'm sure Nutsak will be along soon to tell you all about it, or you can wait about a week and see what benner thinks after he's bought one

Ha bloody ha! 

[yellowhammer]

Here's a review, gets a good write up; http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/streamlight_propoly_3c.htm

For that money you can't go wrong really

[Splat]

Thanks, but that review's for the older Luxeon bulb version, not the newer Xenon & 10-LEDs version. Benner, go get one already will ya so I can read your review!   
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Splat

[yellowhammer]

Whoops, sorry mate. At least you can assume that it's not going to be any worse!

[Benner]

Thanks, but that review's for the older Luxeon bulb version, not the newer Xenon & 10-LEDs version. Benner, go get one already will ya so I can read your review!   
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Splat

 

But I'm currently in the market for an Elecktrolumens Blaster III, sorry.  NutSAK will probably know.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I've never seen one before, but I'm sure Nutsak will be along soon to tell you all about it, or you can wait about a week and see what benner thinks after he's bought one

Ha bloody ha! 

[NutSAK]

Thanks, but that review's for the older Luxeon bulb version, not the newer Xenon & 10-LEDs version. Benner, go get one already will ya so I can read your review!   
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Splat

The Luxeon version is a much better light than the 10 LED or the Xenon version, IMHO.  Well, of course that depends on what you're using it for....  But any of the Propolymer line of lights are durable, dependable, waterproof, well-designed lights.

The model with the 10 LED array is good for close-up work or work in confined spaces, and it's great for a very long-runtime survival-type light.  The beam pattern with a 5mm LED array will be more of a flood beam, and won't have a defined hotspot in the center of the beam.  This type of light is not good for an outdoor, long-distance spotting beam.  It also is not nearly as bright as the Luxeon version, nor is the tint of the beam as good, or as "white".  I consider the C-cell battery a great choice for a survival light because, in a state of emergency where supply lines are cut to an area, C cell batteries are usually the last ones left on the shelf, long after AA and D cells have been cleared out.

The Propolymer Luxeon version, due to its deep reflector, is not a light that you would want to use in confined areas, as it has a very tight center spot that is excellent for throwing the light long distances.  The tint of the beam will be much whiter--not as "bluish" as the 5mm LEDs in the 10 LED array.  The tint will be much better for the accurate rendering of colors, especially outside where most objects are green, brown or grey in color.

I don't recommend Xenon for any light any more, because of bulb replacement costs, and the fact that newer LED technology is easily on par with Xenon bulbs.

So, in summary...  If you're looking for a light to use primarily indoors, especially as a survival-type light, the 10 LED model is a good choice.  If you're looking for an outdoor light and runtime isn't as big a consideration, the Luxeon version is the best choice.

I hope that helps.  If you have any specific questions, please ask.

[Splat]

Nutsak, thanks very much for replying. I was under the impression the Luxeon was older technology. I gifted my father years ago the Streamlight 3C Luxeon version. We were both pleasantly surprised how bright and solid a torch it was/is.  It sounds like the Luxeon version might be a better choice then for an all-around torch?

PS, since I work p/t in a hardware store I can get a nice discount on everything. I'm limited to quality torches, the Streamlights and a few Pelicans among them, hence my questions about these Streamlights.
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Splat

[Splat]

Hmm...just got back from my workplace. It appears we now can get the Streamlight 4AA LED Propolymer. After my discounts I can get it for around $22. Now, for this light I _know_ the reviews are good. 97.43%  of the reviews I've read on this one are extremely positive. Time for a new torch in the truck.   
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Splat

[NutSAK]

It appears we now can get the Streamlight 4AA LED Propolymer. After my discounts I can get it for around $22. Now, for this light I _know_ the reviews are good. 97.43%  of the reviews I've read on this one are extremely positive. Time for a new torch in the truck.   
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Splat

Is that the luxeon version?  Everything I stated above applies to the LED 4AA vs. the Lux version of that light also.  I have three of the Luxeon versions, and I consider them among the best of my collection.  They are a bit brighter than the 3C version.

Ripoffs makes a great pouch for them too, with a stainless belt clip: http://www.ripoffs.com/datasheets/co188/co188.html

[NutSAK]

Compare here:

4AA LED (2 star rating): http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/streamlight_4aaled.htm

4AA Luxeon (5 star rating): http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/streamlight_propolyluxeon.htm

The regular LED version has had some overheating issues.

[Anthony]

Hmm...just got back from my workplace. It appears we now can get the Streamlight 4AA LED Propolymer. After my discounts I can get it for around $22. Now, for this light I _know_ the reviews are good. 97.43%  of the reviews I've read on this one are extremely positive. Time for a new torch in the truck.   
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Splat

Just wondering if you ever picked up this light...if so, any thoughts?

[NutSAK]

Hmm...just got back from my workplace. It appears we now can get the Streamlight 4AA LED Propolymer. After my discounts I can get it for around $22. Now, for this light I _know_ the reviews are good. 97.43%  of the reviews I've read on this one are extremely positive. Time for a new torch in the truck.   
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Splat

Just wondering if you ever picked up this light...if so, any thoughts?

Good question.  I have a couple of these, and would be willing to do a passaround with one of them if anyone is interested.

[Splat]

I wound up getting a Fenix LOD Q4 from the Fenixstore.com and gave my sister my ARC-AAA. I also took one of my 3-D Mag torches and swapped out the incandy with their LED, customizing a heatsink around it. Retaining the focusable lense while heatsinking the LED was a major PITA but I did it and it's been working great. I gave that to my father and he loves it. I would rather do the C-cell heatsinks though since supposedly that's a lot easier to do.