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#Post#: 1035--------------------------------------------------
Taotronics ThorLite TT-TF03
By: JohnnyMac Date: May 26, 2013, 7:39 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[html]<p class="auto-style3"><strong>Taotronics ThorLite
TT-TF03</strong></p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7449/8831853360_8d2b1b486c_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7449/8831853360_f1f81798a8.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p
class="auto-style3"><strong>INTRODUCTION</strong></p><p
class="auto-style9">I was contacted by Taotronics and asked if I
would care to do a review of a couple of their lights. After
taking a peek at their site (<a
href="
HTML http://www.taotronics.com/taotronics-thorlite-tt-tf03-cree-xm-l-u2-led-flashlight-900-lumens-max-waterproof-ipx-8-six-modes.html">Taotronics.com</a>)<br
/>I noticed that their lights looked extremely familiar (Balder
lights) and was curious if they were a rebrand. I've also heard
rumors that Balder was going out of business so, having always
heard good things about Balder flashlights but never having the
pleasure of trying one, I decided to take Taotronics up on their
offer. I'm glad I did. Read on to see why.</p><p
class="auto-style3"><strong>YAYS</strong></p><p
class="auto-style3"><span class="auto-style3"> • </span>
Macnhining is impeccable! All body components, inside and out,
are machined to very high standards, even in places that will
never see the light of day in normal use.<br> <span
class="auto-style3"> • </span> Beautiful military grade HAIII
anodization evenly applied. Great feel and matte finish. Very
durable.<br> <span class="auto-style3"> • </span> Smooth output
and good throw.<br> <span class="auto-style3"> • </span> Super
deep reflector<br> <span class="auto-style3"> • </span> Well
driven at 3A<br> <span class="auto-style3"> • </span>
Trememndous thermal management. Gets warm but not hot on high.
Majority of mass in the head and tons of surface areamakes a
huge difference.<br> <span class="auto-style3"> • </span> Tight,
properly sized o-rings throughout the light.<br> <span
class="auto-style3"> • </span> Waterproof. Really. Mfg claims
IPX-8 (2 meters for 30 minutes) and I believe it.<br> <span
class="auto-style3"> • </span> Great switch feel, sturdy switch
boot.<br> <span class="auto-style3"> • </span> Tail stands
well.</p><p class="auto-style3"><strong>NAYS</strong></p><p
class="auto-style3"><span class="auto-style3"> • </span>
Slightly outdated omponents. An upgrade from it's original XM-L
U2 to a new XM-L2 U2 would work wonders in this light!<br> <span
class="auto-style3"> • </span>OP reflector hampers already good
throw from being outstanding throw.</p><p
class="auto-style3"><strong>QUICK & DIRTY</strong></p><p
class="auto-style9">With an XM-L2 U2 emitter the manufacturer's
claim of 900 lumens might be closer. In reality I got 629
lumens OTF with it's XM-L U2 after 30 seconds on high. Build
quality rivals the best known makers. With a simple upgrade of
the emitter to an XM-L2 U2 it could be a great light to rival
more recent competitors. At the asking price of roughly $99 it
is a very pricey light for it's performance compared to other
lights in it's size class but at the same time it surpasses the
performance of some brands costing far more. It all depends on
what budget you are shopping with. If you do decide to go with
the TT-TF03 then you will get an incredibly well made, high
quality light to rival any other.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span
class="auto-style5"> <strong>Features:</strong></span><span
class="auto-style7"><strong><br class="auto-style4"> </strong>
</span> <span class="auto-style3"> •Super •Bright Cree XM-L U2
LED up to 900 lumens.<br> •Deep reflector with strong beam shot
to 260 meters.<br> •Powered by either 2 x 18650 or 4 x CR123
battery cells.<br> •Six lighting modes for wide range of
applications.<br> •Tail standing / Candle mode. <br> •Full
orange peel reflector with flawless wide beam.<br> •Premium Type
</span> <span class="auto-style3"> Ⅲ</span><span
class="auto-style3"> hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish.<br>
•Automatic memory function, remember last used setting.<br>
•IPX-8 Waterproof (underwater up to 2 meters /30minutes).<br>
•Anti-reverse protection and low voltage protection circuit.<br>
•Power efficient and longer lasting.</span></p><p
class="MsoNormal"><span class="auto-style3"> </span><br
class="auto-style3"> <a
name="OLE_LINK127"></a><strong></strong><a
name="OLE_LINK130"></a><strong> </strong> <span
class="auto-style5"> <strong>Manufacturer
Specifications:</strong></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;
font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></span></p><table
class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0"
cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 0;
mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; height: 20.45pt;"><td style="width:
127.6pt; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in
5.4pt; height: 20.45pt;" valign="top" width="170"><p
class="auto-style6"><strong>Characteristics</strong></p></td><td
style="width: 191.35pt; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt;
border-left: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:
20.45pt;" valign="top" width="255"><p
class="auto-style6"><strong>Specification</strong></p></td></tr>
<tr
style="mso-yfti-irow: 1; height: 6.05pt;"><td style="width:
127.6pt; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none;
padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height: 6.05pt;" valign="top"
width="170"><p class="auto-style6">Material</p></td><td
style="width: 191.35pt; border-top: none; border-left: none;
border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid
windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height: 6.05pt;"
valign="top" width="255"><p class="auto-style6">Aircraft
Aluminum alloy T6061</p></td></tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;
height: 9.1pt;"><td style="width: 127.6pt; border: solid
windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in
5.4pt; height: 9.1pt;" valign="top" width="170"><p
class="auto-style6">Dimension</p></td><td style="width:
191.35pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom:
solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt;
padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height: 9.1pt;" valign="top"
width="255"><p class="auto-style6">252mm(L)
x60mm(D)</p></td></tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3; height:
6.05pt;"><td style="width: 127.6pt; border: solid windowtext
1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:
6.05pt;" valign="top" width="170"><p
class="auto-style6">Weight</p></td><td style="width: 191.35pt;
border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid
windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding:
0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height: 6.05pt;" valign="top"
width="255"><p class="auto-style6">400g (exclude
battery)</p></td></tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4; height:
9.75pt;"><td style="width: 127.6pt; border: solid windowtext
1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:
9.75pt;" valign="top" width="170"><p
class="auto-style6">Color</p></td><td style="width: 191.35pt;
border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid
windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding:
0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height: 9.75pt;" valign="top"
width="255"><p class="auto-style6">Black</p></td></tr><tr
style="mso-yfti-irow: 5; height: 5.25pt;"><td style="width:
127.6pt; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none;
padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height: 5.25pt;" valign="top"
width="170"><p class="auto-style6">LED</p></td><td style="width:
191.35pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom:
solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt;
padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height: 5.25pt;" valign="top"
width="255"><p class="auto-style6">Cree XM-L U2</p></td></tr><tr
style="mso-yfti-irow: 6; height: 7.6pt;"><td style="width:
127.6pt; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none;
padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height: 7.6pt;" valign="top"
width="170"><p class="auto-style6">Battery Type</p></td><td
style="width: 191.35pt; border-top: none; border-left: none;
border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid
windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height: 7.6pt;"
valign="top" width="255"><p class="auto-style6">2 x 18650
battery or 4 x CR123 battery</p></td></tr><tr
style="mso-yfti-irow: 7; height: 8.35pt;"><td style="width:
127.6pt; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none;
padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height: 8.35pt;" valign="top"
width="170"><p class="auto-style6">Reflector</p></td><td
style="width: 191.35pt; border-top: none; border-left: none;
border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid
windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height: 8.35pt;"
valign="top" width="255"><p class="auto-style6">Orange
peel</p></td></tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 8; height:
7.5pt;"><td style="width: 127.6pt; border: solid windowtext
1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:
7.5pt;" valign="top" width="170"><p
class="auto-style6">Switch</p></td><td style="width: 191.35pt;
border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid
windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding:
0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height: 7.5pt;" valign="top" width="255"><p
class="auto-style6">Reverse switch in tail cap</p></td></tr><tr
style="mso-yfti-irow: 9; height: 7.5pt;"><td style="width:
127.6pt; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none;
padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height: 7.5pt;" valign="top"
width="170"><p class="auto-style6">Beam shot
Intensity</p></td><td style="width: 191.35pt; border-top: none;
border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt;
border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in
5.4pt; height: 7.5pt;" valign="top" width="255"><p
class="auto-style6">260m</p></td></tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow:
10; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes; height: 7.5pt;"><td style="width:
127.6pt; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none;
padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height: 7.5pt;" valign="top"
width="170"><p class="auto-style6">Waterproof</p></td><td
style="width: 191.35pt; border-top: none; border-left: none;
border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid
windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height: 7.5pt;"
valign="top" width="255"><p
class="auto-style6">IPX-8</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p
class="auto-style10"><span class="auto-style5"> <strong>My
Additional Specifications:</strong></span></p><table
style="width: 60%;"><tbody><tr><td>Lens (diameter *
height)</td><td>52.47mm * 2mm</td></tr><tr><td>Reflector (OD *
ID * depth)</td><td>52mm * 50mm * 50.6mm</td></tr><tr><td>MCPCB
diameter</td><td>16mm (will take 20mm without
isolator)</td></tr><tr><td>Driver
diameter</td><td>30mm</td></tr><tr><td>Battery tube
I.D.</td><td>18.9mm</td></tr><tr><td>Switch PCB
diameter</td><td>20mm</td></tr><tr><td>Switch Boot
diameter</td><td>12mm</td></tr><tr><td>Tail
stands</td><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>Accessories
included</td><td>Holster, Lanyard, 2 O-rings, Spare Switch Boot,
Manual</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
<strong>PERFORMANCE</strong></span></p><p
class="auto-style7">Overall performance is extremely good.
While the HOP finish on the reflector does reduce maximum throw
distance, I still measured 41.6kcd @ 1m for a throw distance of
406 meters. This far exceeds the manufacturer's claim of only
260 meters. Inversely, the lumen output I measured in my
Integrated Sphere after 30 second on high was, at 629 OTF
lumens, far less than the manufacturers claim of 900 lumens on
high. Their number may be correct if they are measuring lumens
at the emitter right at turn on but in the real world it is just
629 OTF. </p><p class="auto-style7">With it's 6-mode, two group
driver, the user has the choice of having 6 modes (H/M/L plus
Strobe/Strobe beacon/ SOS) or just 3 modes (H/M/L). To change
mode grouping, just put the light into low mode and wait 5
seconds for a single quick flash. Cut power immediately after
the flash and when it comes back on it will be in the other mode
group. Modes are nicely spaced at 100%/30%/5%. Strobe is a
constant fast strobe and beacon mode is a second of strobe, a
second of nothing, a second of strobe, etc. SOS mode is a true
SOS with a good 5 second pause between each "SOS"
transmission.</p><p class="auto-style7">I fully trust it's
waterproof IPX-8 rating. I would not hesitate to take this
light anywhere is might get wet and would actually feel safe
swimming with it.</p><p class="auto-style7">Easy tailstanding
and capable of true candle mode with the head removed, it'd be
great for emergency lighting use in low mode providing at least
68 hours of 30 lumen runtime with 2800mAh cells.</p><p
class="auto-style8"><strong>Manufacturer Output & Runtime
Firgures</strong></p><p class="auto-style8">When using 2x
18650</p><table class="auto-style7" border="0" cellspacing="0"
cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td style="border: solid windowtext
1.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><p
class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family:
Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p></td><td style="border: solid
windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in
5.4pt;" valign="top"><p class="auto-style6">high</p></td><td
style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none;
padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><p
class="auto-style6">medium</p></td><td style="border: solid
windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in
5.4pt;" valign="top"><p
class="auto-style6">low</p></td></tr><tr><td style="border:
solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in
5.4pt;" valign="top"><p class="auto-style6">Output</p></td><td
style="border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid
windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding:
0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><p class="auto-style6">900
lumens</p></td><td style="border-top: none; border-left: none;
border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid
windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><p
class="auto-style6">272 lumens</p></td><td style="border-top:
none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt;
border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in
5.4pt;" valign="top"><p class="auto-style6">20
lumens</p></td></tr><tr><td style="border: solid windowtext
1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"
valign="top"><p class="auto-style6">Runtime</p></td><td
style="border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid
windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding:
0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><p class="auto-style6">2
hours</p></td><td style="border-top: none; border-left: none;
border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid
windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><p
class="auto-style6">7 hours</p></td><td style="border-top: none;
border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt;
border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in
5.4pt;" valign="top"><p class="auto-style6">100
hours</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="auto-style7"><br
class="auto-style3"> <span class="auto-style3"><strong>My Output
Measurements:</strong></span></p><table class="auto-style7"
style="width:
60%;"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Mode</strong></td><td><strong>OTF
Lumens</strong></td><td><strong>Tail
Amps</strong></td><td><strong>Runtime with 280mAh
cells</strong></td></tr><tr><td>High -
100%</td><td>629</td><td>1.5A (3A total)</td><td>1.86
hours</td></tr><tr><td>Medium - 30%</td><td>211</td><td>0.290A
(0.580A total)</td><td>9.5 hours</td></tr><tr><td>Low -
5%</td><td>30</td><td>0.041A (0.082A total) </td><td>68
hours</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="auto-style7">
</p><table style="width: 60%;"><tbody><tr><td>Lux @
1m</td><td>41,600</td></tr><tr><td>Throw
Distance</td><td>406m</td></tr></tbody></table><p
class="auto-style3"> </p><p class="auto-style3"><strong>A CLOSER
LOOK</strong></p><p>The ThorLite TT-TF03 arrived in it's own
branded trademark case that all Balder/Taotronics flashlights
come in. I really like this form of packaging as it is durable,
protective, and original., As with all my reviews, clicking any
image in the review will open the pic in full resolution in a
new window or tab.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5346/8832014616_95f2d5417d_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5346/8832014616_878d972ce6.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">Inside the
novel case we find the TT-TF03 inside it's custom holster, a
very nice high quality lanyard with lobster claw latch, a small
bag containing 2 spare o-rings, a spare switch boot, a small
neodymium magnet to use flat toped cells in series, and a very
nice owners manual.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2885/8832025628_5b83df7347_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2885/8832025628_90c8b83bd7.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">With the
torch out of it's holster we can now take a peek at the
operating end of the light. The first thing one notices is the
heavy orange on the reflector. While it does make for an
exceptionally smooth beam, it does reduce the maximum throw
distance. I do wish they had used an SMO reflector in it. Even
still it throws a respectable 400+ meters.</p><p
class="auto-style3">The second thing you notice is how damned
deep the reflector is. I can only imagine how fantastic this
would throw if it has an XP-G2 driven at the stock 3A the driver
provides.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3771/8817781295_3cb5ef0ac0_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3771/8817781295_5b887cc507.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">The mahcini
ng
on this light really is flawless. Not one nick or scrape in the
finish. No sharp edges anywhere on any of the surfaces.
Everything is deburred and as close to perfect as I've seen on
any light. Throughout the pics, any spots you see on the light
are dust particles that seem to magically appear when you take
macro shots. Annoys the hell out of me but not much I can
do.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8408/8831848818_b7789440ec_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8408/8831848818_0d8abd0edf.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">Fins and
cutouts covering the head really do manage the heat well.
Everything is smooth edged and wonderful on the eyes. Some
might find it a little on the busy side but it all serves a
purpose and that is to ensure you can run this light on high
until the batteries die without ever worrying about the light
overheating.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3777/8831833122_0782fde960_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3777/8831833122_a3e0dbd8eb.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">The
bead-blasted looking silver ring on the pill can be removed for
a solid black finish for thise who love the tactical look more
than a spot of bling. The Taotronics logo is tastefully etched
with a nice gray finish.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3758/8831841370_e8809485fc_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3758/8831841370_a0f56591fa.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2848/8831827864_e7ca190569_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2848/8831827864_659f4454f1.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">The entire
head is very long. The only semblance of balance in the hand is
due to the multiple cell arrangement. It could actually use a
third cell in series to fully balance what is a front heavy
light.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2862/8817726247_7afd10091c_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2862/8817726247_b8796585c3.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">All etching
on the light is crisp and consistent. The now standard
"Caution: Hot Surface" label is small and reasonably tateful and
unobtrusive on this light. It is also not really needed. With
all the mass and surface area on the TT-TF03 heat is never an
issue. One could overdrive the hell out of this light without
worrying about frying internal components due to heat.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7427/8817723441_e2bbd131ea_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7427/8817723441_847a2cb15f.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">The section
with the silver sleeve is actually the pill. You can see how
clean the threads are. The o-ring (all o-rings on the light in
fact) seals snugly and perfectly to seal all joppints from water
and moisture ingress.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3781/8831782914_2b41754e39_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3781/8831782914_f9170e8ce4.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">The emitter
sits under a nylon centering ring and insulator. The MCPCB is
mounted directly onto the one piece pill. It is quite solid and
heavy.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2874/8831777342_371daffc3c_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2874/8831777342_828c8a8260.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">Here you ca
n
see what the pill looks like without the silver sleeve. You can
also see that without the head threaded onto the pill the light
would make one heck of a great candle in a power
outage.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3795/8817712081_91cdc01ed7_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3795/8817712081_7f1639c0bb.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">The pill
threads into the main part of teh head.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3747/8831771732_fd8050a749_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3747/8831771732_750cd410ea.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3752/8831766234_0edf5039b9_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3752/8831766234_9773661f51.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">With the
bezel and reflector removed we can see inside the head where the
machining and finish are just as nice as the outside of the
light. Most manufacturers take shortcuts in areas like this by
machining quickly, leaving fine grooves. The TT-TF03 has none
of these and the machining is done with great care thoughout all
areas.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7392/8817701047_df5b9a2949_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7392/8817701047_c2c0b6e0e0.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">Fully
anodized threading throughout. All threads are cut deeply and
cleanly. They are also arrived fully lubricated. All threaded
areas are sealed with thick o-rings.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8419/8831757874_12b2010572_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8419/8831757874_b014e18c45.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">The o-ring
on
the lens sits between the glass lens and the front of the
bezel.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/8817686735_575aeb1346_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/8817686735_118f122fee.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">Here you ca
n
see the full threading in the lightly crenelated bezel along
with the o-ring groove in the front.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3745/8831746542_f2205eccb6_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3745/8831746542_e90832489d.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">Now we can
see the reflector. The hole in the base of the reflector sits
snugly around the base of the dome of the emitter. If neither
were absolutely perfrectly centered the emiter would be dedomed
as soon as you started threading the pill into the head.
Fortunately there are no such worries due to the exactling
tolerances. My only regret is the HOP surface. It would really
be an incredible thrower if it was SMO.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7396/8817680977_6383162306_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7396/8817680977_02fba0726c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">The reflect
or
is extremely deep as well. It is also machined with the same
high quality as the rest of the light. Standing next to the
reflector of my HD2010, you can see not only how deep the
reflector of the ThorLite is compared to the HD2010, you can
also see the lack of machining rings on the outer surface
compared to the lesser quality HD2010.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3753/8831740838_98050d02e9_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3753/8831740838_acd1585eed.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">The backsid
e
of the pill has a protective threaded ring that contains the
cell positive contact bushings and protects the back of the
driver board. Here we can see the ring, the nylon insulator
busing, the outer brass bushing/plunger, and the inner contact
bushing and contact spring.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2843/8817675065_5128bddd33_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2843/8817675065_9dede632de.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5445/8817664363_d9c626b331_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5445/8817664363_142494a3e7.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">The rear of
the driver PCB</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2862/8831732582_ecfb511625_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2862/8831732582_df2890b434.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p>Moving down to the battery tube
we see the same immaculate machining. There are two flats on
the battery tube, one of which has the Taotronics logo etched
cleanly and deeply into it's surface.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3833/8817762945_2c525e6346_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3833/8817762945_0a0e17b248.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">instead of
the usual knurling, the THorLite has ribs engraved into the body
to aid in grip. They work very well at providing grip while
keeping a clean look and non aggressive surface.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3708/8831800368_66f84045b0_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3708/8831800368_3ba34b043f.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3750/8831816932_a09e8d5fe4_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3750/8831816932_95f7d20bff.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">Threading o
n
the main body where it threads into the pill is unanodized for
ground contact. The threads are cut with the same deep, clean,
deburred and smooth feel. A heavy o-ring seals the
connection.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2860/8817740939_5980c35466_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2860/8817740939_e36956d28f.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">The joint i
s
heavily walled for great strength and further heat absorbtion
away from the pill and into the handle.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7352/8817735209_10ff43a2cc_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7352/8817735209_48137203b1.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">Unanodized
threads at the tail end as well.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3823/8831811464_1417670269_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3823/8831811464_9429234e13.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">A closer lo
ok
at the tail cap while mounted. Crenelations in the tail allow
for easy finger/thumb access of the switch while still allowing
for stable tail standing in candle mode.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3809/8817751717_22dd0e3b55_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3809/8817751717_25f1e2f594.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">Large lanya
rd
hole in crenelation for a split ring or lanyard latch.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7286/8831819598_6ab6191b28_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7286/8831819598_5827818e11.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">Inner switc
h
assembly. Negative contact is the same as that up front in the
pill.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7316/8831715436_e9c4a1f450_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7316/8831715436_a6986e0859.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5348/8817659037_9c543bbd25_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5348/8817659037_c5810b0689.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">Plenty of
room to accomodate protected cells. The cells here are
unprotected Sanyo cells.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3744/8831712560_0326b69893_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3744/8831712560_b2ababe218.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">Tailstandin
g
rather nicely.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7449/8831710002_da610edafe_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7449/8831710002_523e08f7cd.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">Here are so
me
comparison shots of the TT-TF03 between the Small Sun ZY-T13
and Ultrafire HD2010..</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/8831875950_bb32464545_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/8831875950_32d5dff0d8.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">The reflect
or
is roughly the same as the other two except it is far deeper
and, of course, HOP instead of SMO.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2816/8817796365_ea13b0a2b2_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2816/8817796365_accc491938.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">Waterproof?
You bet! While I had nothing handy to submerge it 2 meters
deep, I did have it fully submerged for 90 minutes with
absolutely zero moisture penetrating its seals.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7380/8832009418_f2b3309a25_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7380/8832009418_bb56079cd2.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">90 minutes
later and still going strong. Not a drop of water inside of
it.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7419/8833387836_67a6a2e25a_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7419/8833387836_dbe61e3f6d.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">This pictur
e
is taken at a distance of exactly 1 meter form the wall. The
overall spill os about 1 meter wide. The hotspot is far smaller
than I could get it to photograph. The intense center you see
is actually mostly corona. In person you can see the actuall
center spot is only less than 3 inches wide.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3809/8835442565_2e0800a5b2_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3809/8835442565_2c4aeaced3.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">Here I've
turned down the exposure to try and capture the hotspot better.
I've only partly succeeded.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8555/8836069968_a057b837a9_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8555/8836069968_6a914cd504.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3">Finally som
e
outdfoor beam shots taken at 50m distance to the
target.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7450/8836058926_4a30883db1_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7450/8836058926_4bf9bcaf7f.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7448/8836057700_c64c956e34_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7448/8836057700_9e4f558cf7.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7331/8836056548_474c72fc4d_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7331/8836056548_77d6cabca1.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7448/8836057700_9e4f558cf7_z.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style3"
onmouseover="this.src='
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7331/8836056548_77d6cabca1_z.jpg';"<br
/>onmouseout="this.src='
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7448/8836057700_9e4f558cf7_z.jpg';"></p><p<br
/>class="auto-style3"> </p><p
class="auto-style3"><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong></p><p
class="auto-style3">I have to give the light a 4 of 5 stars.
It's relatively high price is only somewhat counterbalanced by
it's fabulous construction and overall quality. The HOP
reflecotr takes away somewhat as well. Given an XM-L2 U2
emitter and an SMO reflector it would get 5 stars from me. Just
like in the picture below, by my dead reconning I have to say it
is "Mac Approved", expecially if it is within your budget. I've
seen far more expensive lights not half as well made or overall
performing as the ThorLite TT-TF03. ;)</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3691/8831707126_c96af81de9_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3691/8831707126_3872a06c08.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style2"></a></p><p class="auto-style3"> </p>[/html
]
#Post#: 1037--------------------------------------------------
Re: Taotronics ThorLite TT-TF03
By: Spasmod Date: May 26, 2013, 11:37 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for another excellent review Johnny. What an outstanding
build quality, I like everything about it (except perhaps the OP
reflector)
It's a shame they didn't use all that space around the head
section to integrate and side switch because then it really
would be a truly great light in it's class. It's a little steep
though on price but I guess the build quality reflects that :)
#Post#: 1040--------------------------------------------------
Re: Taotronics ThorLite TT-TF03
By: _the_ Date: May 27, 2013, 10:10 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Nice review. Thanks for your efforts!
The light itself looks very nice and worth the price. Do you
know if they are coming out with other Balder designs as well?
#Post#: 1041--------------------------------------------------
Re: Taotronics ThorLite TT-TF03
By: JohnnyMac Date: May 27, 2013, 12:38 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=_the_ link=topic=285.msg1040#msg1040
date=1369667410]
Nice review. Thanks for your efforts!
The light itself looks very nice and worth the price. Do you
know if they are coming out with other Balder designs as well?
[/quote]That I don't know. So far they only have three
flashlights in their line up. I will ask my contact and see
what she says.
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