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Leland Strobe II - ST300
Description..
The Leland Strobe II is a hybrid
device that has a flashlight at one end and a flashing
strobe at the opposite end. In between is a battery
compartment that forms the handle. The type of Xenon
flashtube used is similar to that used in common electronic
flash units used in photography. Typically these types
of flash tubes emit very bright flashes but they typically
drain batteries more quickly than the more contemporary
LED flashers.The flashing Xenon strobe is highly visible
in the dark and has been proven to be effective in
fog, underwater and in general watersports and boating.
The flashlight uses a common tungsten filament and
is housed in a 'PR' type base. Unremarkable, the flashlight
nonetheless happens to have a well formulated reflector
that makes the most of the low-output bulb. A round
red gelatin filter is provided for insertion behind
the bezel. This arguably makes the beam more obvious
in the case of an emergency and in addition, preserves
night adaptedness as well as cuts through atmospheric
fog, mist and dust better than the amber of the unfiltered
light. A single collar allows for switching between
Off. Flashlight and Strobe with visual as well as
tactile detents for each mode. Ideal for motorists,
boaters, hunters, hikers, joggers, skiers, divers,
emergency responders or prepared citizens- this light
replaces the use of dangerous flares. The Xenon bulb
flashes more than 60 times per minute for up to 16
hours and continues at a diminishing rate for many
more hours thereafter.
Approved for and used by Emergency and Rescue Services.
Sales Source:
http://www.theledlight.com
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Specifications.
- Colors:Safety Yellow-Orange/ Clear
lens & dome
- Composition:Acrylic lens/ABS body
- Fabrication:Injection molded parts
- Phillips Krypton 2.2V bulb PR BAse
bulb + Xenon Flash tube.
- Power:2X AA-cells
- Accessories:nylon wrist strap /
Deep Red Filter Included)
- Controls: Single dual mode pushbutton
On/Off click switch
- Dimensions:L 5.5", widest diameter=1.85"
- Net weight:6.1 oz/170Gms W/ Batteries
- Quick observations:Strobe flashes
for 16 Hrs on 2 X AAs /2Km visibility/ impact resistant
- Waterproof up to 325'/ Waterproof
magnetic reed switch
- Retail Price -$21.55
- Hands free magnetic clamp accessory
available $8.55
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Evaluation Results & Conclusions...
Ease of Use
Good. Simple functional model. Some cognitive
overhead . Loading the batteries entails an unscrewing
of the hemispherical strobe dome and careful removal
of a white plastic battery cradle. Inserting two fresh
AA-cell batteries (polarity indicated) is fairly simple,
though re-inserting the cradle back into the body
of the light requires a concerted effort to align
a groove in the cradle with a corresponding slot inside
the body. Arrows on both the cradle and the inside
compartment help a little. This is not a use model
that is recommended for users with little patience
or that are pressed for time. Re-mounting the strobe
head seals the compartment through contact with 2
substantial 'O' rings. Activation occurs when indexed
collar at the flashlight end is turned towards the
flashlight symbol (Right turn) Though clearly a white
'dot' detent, the flashlight symbol itself is nearly
invisible. To complicate matters, the left-turn motion
to activate the strobe, brings the index to a another
identical white dot and another invisible symbol.
This lack of immediate 'self-evidence' creates some
cognitive overhead as the user must remember which
side is which mode or simply try one and switch to
another is necessary. Though smooth and easy to activate,
the switch doesn't really lock down tightly at each
detent- making it a candidate for inadvertent activation
or deactivation in the event that the switch collar
is jogged or turned by accident.
4 points
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Task performance optimization
Very good . Accomplishes the task of clearly
signaling a warning or marking a location that may
be visible and noticeable at a great distance even
in inclement weather , over water as well as underwater
. Though not a powerful flashlight, the flashlight
nonetheless performs well as an emergency illumination
device, and the use of the included red filter extends
its capability as an emergency beacon or night adaptedness
preserving flashlight. Because it's
compact, floats and is fabricated from a heavy duty
polymer, it's an excellent part of an outdoors person's
bag or as part of a general emergency preparedness
kit.
4.5 points
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Durability
Long term tests have not been done. First
impression . Replacement frequency will depend on
variables such as frequency of dismantling / re-assembly,
roughness of use, exposure to UV and heat/cold as
well as other unpredictable factors.We did not torture
test this product, not did we subject it to the widest
possible range of situations. No claim is being made
for suitability, durability or effectiveness.
Based on concrete and drop
tests that we've conducted, we've provisionally given
this product a durability rating of:
5 points
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Adaptability/Suitability
Within the constraints of it's design the
Leland
ST300 Strobe is a
suitable problem solver in contexts for which it is
intended to be used- that is: signaling location or
navigating darkness in emergencies. The
two side strap slots and heavy duty wrist lanyard
make attachment to straps, wrist or boat parts easy.
In addition, its flat flashlight bezel makes standing
it upright in 'road e-flare' posture logical and effective.
5 points
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Quality of match to host product
N/A
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Pros > 1) Consumer or Professional worthy
2) Uses common AA cell batteries 3)Rugged construction4)
Reasonably priced 5)Compact, Lightweight and ergonomically
pleasant to use 6) Waterproof 7) High quality fabrication
8)Multi-mode options 9) Effective strobe 10) Good
instruction sheet 11) Good warranty
Cons > 1) Not ubiquitous in consumer
retail channels 2) battery cradle alignment requires
focus, patience and care 3) flashlight bulb deserves
to be replaced by an LED 4) Reed switch deserves more
aggressive mode detent stops 5) Mode icons could be
much more visible
Rating
- 4 Stars = Recommended
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