WOW!: Dorcy 1W CR123 LED FLASHLIGHT

Splat · **on:** December 16, 2006, 05:21:30 PM

Much to my surprise my local Target has the Dorcy 1W CR123 LED torch http://www.dorcy.com/products.aspx?p=414262 so I HAD to get one for my EDC. I have been reading all the flashlight forums and reviews and the Dorcy was highly reviewed, and it's only $20! I couldn't wait so upon reentering my vehicle I made quick work of the plastic packaging via my LM Core, popped the supplied battery into it and WOW! This sum'b*itch is BRIGHT!

I can't get over how bright it is for such a small light. I'm from the Streamlight/Maglight big boys' lights group but was really looking forward to checking out such small lights. I gotta admit I'm very happy with the Dorcy. The light is white with an ever-so-slight bluish tint. No annoying yellow rings or artifacts. Come on, for $20 you can't beat it. Now I gotta get a respectable combo sheath for my Core and the Dorcy to carry in comfort. If you're looking for a damn bright lite in a small package, and don't mind paying less than you should for it, I highly recommend the Dorcy 41-4262. http://www.dorcy.com/products.aspx?p=414262

J-sews · **Reply #1 on:** December 16, 2006, 09:13:01 PM

I'm not familiar with the Dorcy name. Do they have a pretty good reputation for quality? Where are their products made?

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #2 on:** December 16, 2006, 10:52:15 PM

You probably are familiar with the Dorcy name, as with some of the other hardware store special type names like Garrity. You probably just never paid too much attention to them!

Many of the inexpensive plastic bodied flashlights you see on sale in places like Wal Mart, Home Depot etc are one of those names. Of course, they have some upper scale lights like the one Tony is talking about as well.

Def

Anthony · **Reply #3 on:** December 17, 2006, 12:04:01 AM

Dorcy also makes a Mag Lite ripoff flashlight; just saw a bunch at a local closeout store. they were $15...I'd rather spend the extra $5 and get a Mag

Made in China btw.

Splat · **Reply #4 on:** December 17, 2006, 01:59:23 AM

Quote from: Corrugated on December 17, 2006, 12:04:01 AM

Dorcy also makes a Mag Lite ripoff flashlight; just saw a bunch at a local closeout store. they were $15...I'd rather spend the extra $5 and get a Mag Made in China btw.

Yeah, I read that this morning that they're made in China. I wish it was US made, but it's still a great little flashlight. I was just over at the Candlepower forums and lotsa guys are using this Dorcy torch so I guess it holds up well.

BUT!!!! I _AM_ returning it to Target because it is made in China. I am getting an Arc-AAA Premium. I just decided. So, it's off to Target!

SoDak · **Reply #5 on:** December 17, 2006, 02:24:33 AM

Since you're going to target why don't you pick up a new mini mag 2AA led. I got one not long after they came out and I love this light. The new model inova x1 might be another idea although I don't like them as much as the old x1's

CacherX4 · **Reply #6 on:** December 17, 2006, 04:44:17 AM

BUT!!!! I _AM_ returning it to Target because it is made in China. I am getting an Arc-AAA Premium. I just decided. So, it's off to Target!

Quote

I think you'll be happy with the ARC-AAA Premium.

Anthony · **Reply #7 on:** December 17, 2006, 05:17:24 AM

Speaking of China...I spent a few minutes the other day at Target looking for batteries made here in the USA. Bought some Rayovac batts...they seem pretty good...cheaper than Duracell and Energizer also.

parnass · **Reply #8 on:** December 17, 2006, 06:16:41 AM

I've been using the Dorcy 1W CR123a flashlight for a few months and agree that it is a great light for under $20. I usually prefer USA-made items, too.

Speaking of which, some Costco stores in the USA are selling Inova XO2 LED flashlights for $22.79. They are USA-made, 2-watt spotlights which are powered by a pair of CR123a lithium cells (included). I bought a couple, one to keep and another for gifting.

colubrid · **Reply #9 on:** December 17, 2006, 06:56:53 AM

I don't care for any of the Dorcy products but that flashlight rocks.

Very good buy for $20. at Target.

665ae · **Reply #10 on:** December 17, 2006, 09:01:14 PM

I really like the Dorcy flashlight.

If you want a better light, and don't mind spending about $40, try the Nuwai Q3. Same size as the Dorcy but the Q3 has a pocket clip. The Nuwai is Asian made.

Here's a link: http://www.j2ledflashlight.com/tm303x/tm303x.html

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #11 on:** December 17, 2006, 10:32:43 PM

Doesn't Nuwaii make a number of lights that are marketed by US brands?

I like that Q3 and I refuse to follow your link as there's already too much drool on my keyboard. I have been after one of those for a while!

Def

J-sews · **Reply #12 on:** December 17, 2006, 10:37:29 PM

Quote from: Defender on December 17, 2006, 10:32:43 PM

Doesn't Nuwaii make a number of lights that are marketed by US brands?

I like that Q3 and I refuse to follow your link as there's already too much drool on my keyboard. I have been after one of those for a while!

Def

Well what are you waiting for then? Less talk, more action! Sounds like you need a heavy dose of......................the Pokey Stick!

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #13 on:** December 17, 2006, 10:53:40 PM

I think we trained you in the art of Pokey Stick Fu a little too well!

I need to see how many sheckels I have left after getting my car fixed and we'll talk...

Def

665ae · **Reply #14 on:** December 18, 2006, 05:07:13 AM

C'mon Def, you know you want to buy a Q3. I have one and I EDC it.

Nuwai also makes the River Rock brand flashlights that you can buy at Target.

NutSAK · **Reply #15 on:** December 19, 2006, 09:16:12 PM

I prefer the Huntlights (FT-01 and FT-02) over the Nuwai Q3.

With the FT02, you get a smaller, single CR123 (or RCR123) flashlight of similar build quality as the Nuwai, but you also get a AA extender body to run 2AA NiMh, Lithium or Alkaline batteries in the same light. The FT02 sells for $31 plus shipping.

I'll take some pics tonight of the FT02 and post 'em.

BTW, I concur that the Dorcy Super 1watt CR123 light is a hell of a light for the price. It's a bit large for a single CR123 light, but it's well built and has great output.

665ae · **Reply #16 on:** December 20, 2006, 07:44:16 AM

Do you know of a retailer in the US that sells the Huntlights? I've read about them before, but I'm not comfortable ordering something overseas...

NutSAK · **Reply #17 on:** December 20, 2006, 07:07:16 PM

I sure do. From a great guy who always provides excellent service. You won't find a better price on Huntlights anywhere:

http://www.jsburlysflashlights.com

BTW, the description and picture of the regular FT-02 is a bit misleading on JSB's site. The regular FT-02 comes with the AA battery extension tube just like the more expensive FT-02XJ. The only difference between the two lights is that the FT-02XJ has the more durable HA-III anodized finish.

Splat · **Reply #18 on:** December 21, 2006, 03:17:37 AM

Well guys, a major holiday FU goes out to Target tonight. I tried returning the Dorcy torch I bought there only a few days ago and was informed, not too politely either, that since the package was opened and I stated there was nothing wrong with the item, that I could not return the item. You believe that sh*t? I couldn't so I requested a manager. I got the same BS from him. I've dealt with folks of all levels (CEOs, LEOs, Spvsrs, etc.) and nobody scares me. Try as I might he just wouldn't budge. He also stated that if the item was defective upon purchase he would simply swap it for a new one. But, no refunds otherwise. So, that'll be the last time I shop at Target. F*ckers.

So I'm giving the Dorcy to my brother and getting myself an Arc AAA-Premium. It'll fit better inside my holster alongside the LM Core, is supposedly slightly brighter. My brother could use a new torch anyway.

--
Splat

NutSAK · **Reply #19 on:** December 21, 2006, 04:16:39 AM

OK, so I have to ask.... Why were you returning it?

665ae · **Reply #20 on:** December 21, 2006, 06:48:36 AM

Quote from: NutSAK on December 20, 2006, 07:07:16 PM

I sure do. From a great guy who always provides excellent service. You won't find a better price on Huntlights anywhere:

http://www.jsburlysflashlights.com

BTW, the description and picture of the regular FT-02 is a bit misleading on JSB's site. The regular FT-02 comes with the AA battery extension tube just like the more expensive FT-02XJ. The only difference between the two lights is that the FT-02XJ has the more durable HA-III anodized finish.

Thanks for the link! My only concern with the Huntlight is the pocketclip. Any idea how well the wire clip stands up with EDC use?

NutSAK · **Reply #21 on:** December 21, 2006, 02:02:31 PM

I wondered that too before I ordered one. After using it for a few months, I can tell you that the clip is STOUT!! Much stouter than the more durable-looking one on the FT-01. In fact, the one on the FT-01 really is a pain to use, and I'm considering removing it from mine. I've tried to bend the FT-02 clip out, away from the flashlight a bit to weaken its kung-fu grip on my pockets on a couple of occasions, and it hasn't done much good.

I've never been a fan of clips that held the light in a tailcap-down fashion, but it's the only way that it would work with this flashlight and the AA extension. It works very well as a headlamp when clipped to a ball cap (in the CR123 setup) and it will clip securely upside-down straight to your belt. No sheath is needed.

665ae · **Reply #22 on:** December 21, 2006, 06:16:35 PM

Thanks for the info. I went ahead and ordered a FT-02.

NutSAK · **Reply #23 on:** December 22, 2006, 08:23:47 PM

I hope you like it.

I've added some pics of the FT-02 to the "A little light porn" thread here:

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,421.msg5772.html#msg5772

Splat · **Reply #24 on:** December 24, 2006, 05:11:12 AM

Quote from: NutSAK on December 21, 2006, 04:16:39 AM

OK, so I have to ask.... Why were you returning it?

I was going to return it and get an Arc-AAA Premium but that ain't gonna happen since Target won't let me return it.. I'm going to make a horizontal-carry Kydex holster for it and my LM Core. It'll keep my arse outta trouble for a day or two.

NutSAK · **Reply #25 on:** January 01, 2007, 01:23:03 AM

Quote from: 665ae on December 21, 2006, 06:16:35 PM

Thanks for the info. I went ahead and ordered a FT-02.

Have you received your FT-02? I am wondering what your impression is.

665ae · **Reply #26 on:** January 01, 2007, 01:53:43 AM

I did receive it, and have been EDC'ing it since I got it. I like that it's smaller than the Q3. I'm not all that impressed by the output of the light. I'm using Sanyo batteries at the moment, so I'm going to go pick up some of the good Energizers and play around with it some more.

The finish of the light is really nice. I also like the 2AA tube, but I'm not sure how much I'll actually use it.

All in all, I'm happy with it. It didn't wow me like I was hoping it would. Then again, maybe I had too high of expectations to start with.

NutSAK · **Reply #27 on:** January 01, 2007, 02:37:59 AM

It's not a "wow" light, for sure. It's been measured at approximately 45 lumens, which is brighter than the Nuwai QIII.

It is noticeably brighter when running RCR123 Li-Ions.

NutSAK · **Reply #28 on:** January 01, 2007, 02:43:44 AM

This illustrates the benefits of the 2AA tube. Check out the runtime on Ni-MH or Lithium.: (runtime graph by chevrofreak on CPF)

Splat · **Reply #29 on:** March 23, 2007, 10:43:40 PM

Well, I finally got my ARC-P today. Yoohoo! Sweet, TINY, light. It's one thing to see pictures but I can't get over just how much light it puts out, especially for its size. I know, I know... s'pro'lly all been said before. Anyway I am sad to say the Dorcy is still considerably brighter than the ARC-P. I was hoping the ARC-P would be at least as bright. Still, I'm going to give Dad my Dorcy for his car and keep the ARC-P. Considerable field testing will occur tonight.

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WOW!: Dorcy 1W CR123 LED FLASHLIGHT

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