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Rechargeable Police Type Flashlights
Vortex Vision
- XR1 - Overall Score> 3.75 (Out of 5 Maximum)


Introduction to : Rechargeable Police Type Flashlights

The Rechargeable Police Type Flashlights sub-section of Personal Illumination Options is a collection of illumination products that span the vertical range of products that are typically used by security or police. The products on this page provide task and goal based solutions for a targeted end-user base of customers. As such, they represent a narrow scope of products that share a common feature of rechargeable batteries with the illumination source being either a Luxeon LED or an incandescent bulb.
The evaluation criteria for this special class are similar to the general flashlight evaluation criteria but with the addition of discussion aimed at rating output brightness, throw and run-time between charges- factors that may be of greater interest to professionals that depend on their flashlights nightly or during duty rounds.
1)Vortex
XR-1
2)Vortex
TR3
3)Space Cannon vH Delux 4)LED Lenser LL7459 5)Vortex
CR-2
6)TigerLight GOLD 7)Streamlight Ultra-Stinger 8)Vortex
DR-2
9)MAG Instruments 6V Rechargeable
 

Table1) Specifications

  Total
Length

Head
Width

Body
Width
Net
Weight
Bulb Type

MDOI
At Spot
Focus

Beam
Type
Beam Color Bulb
Replacement
Line Score
Brand / Model                    
                     
MAG Rechargeable         Custom 10W
Tungsten/Halogen
250' (4.5) Combination 3,400ēK 3
7.5
                   
Vortex
DR-2
        Standard 10W Tungsten /Halogen 190' (3.75) Combination 3,400ēK 3
6.75
                   
Ultra-Stinger         Custom 10W
Tungsten /Halogen
325' (5) Combination 3.400ēK 3
8
                   
TigerLight GOLD         Custom 10W
Tungsten/Halogen
200' (4) Combination 3.400ēK 3
7
                   
Vortex
CR-2
        Standard 6W Tungsten /Halogen 170' (3) Combination 3.400ēK 4
7
                   
LED Lenser LL7459         5W Luxeon LED 90' (2) Squared Spot 5,800ēK 900Hrs (4.5)
6.5
                   
Space Cannon vH Delux         5W Luxeon LED 160' (3) Combination 5,700ēK 900Hrs (4.5)
7.5
                   
Vortex
TR3
        3W Luxeon LED 180' (3) Combination 5,700ēK 10,000Hrs (5)
8
                   
Vortex
XR-1
        Mini Bi-pin/Xenon 10' (1) Combination 3,200ēK 2
4
MAXIMUM POINTS  
10
 
KEY
MDOI Maximum Distance for Object Identification
 
1)Vortex
XR-1
2)Vortex
TR3
3)LED Lenser LL7459
4)Vortex
CR-2
5)TigerLight GOLD
6)Streamlight
Ultra-Stinger
7)Vortex
DR-2
8)DR2 Instruments
6V Rechargeable
NOTE: Space Cannon vH Delux Battery is not accessible and is therefore not shown

Table 2)Ease of Use & Charging Details

  Switch
Accessibility

Switch
EOU

Focus

Stock
Battery Type

Charging
Status Indicators

Connection

12V
Adapter

Time to
Full Charge
Instructions Trickle or
Top-off
Charge
Line
Score
Brand / Model                      
                       
MAG Rechargeable 5 5 4.75 NiCad 6V(4) Yes (4) Cradle (5) Yes (5) 12Hrs Excellent (5) Trickle (4)
41.25
                     
Vortex
DR-2
5 4 4 NiCad 6V(4) Yes (4) Cradle/Direct
(5)
Yes (5) 12Hrs Fair (3.5) Trickle (4)
38.5
                     
Ultra-Stinger 4 5 5 NiCad 6V(4) Yes (4) Cradle (5) Yes (5) 10Hrs N/A Trickle (4)
37
                     
TigerLight GOLD 4 5 N/A (5) 7.5V NiMH (5) Yes (4) Cradle (5) Yes (5) 10Hrs Very Good (4.5) Trickle & Top-off (5)
42.5
                     
Vortex
CR-2
5 4 4 NiCad 6V (4) Yes (4) Cradle/Direct
(5)
Yes (5) 10Hrs Fair (3.5) Trickle (4)
38.5
                     
LED Lenser LL7459 3 4 N/A (5) NiMH 7.2V (5) Yes (5) Direct (4) No (4) 10Hrs N/A Trickle & Top-off (5)
35
                     
Space Cannon vH Delux 5 3.5 5 Li-Ion7.4V (5) Yes (5) Direct (4) Optional 6Hrs Excellent (5) Top-off (5)
37.5
                     
Vortex
TR3
5 4.75 N/A
5
NiMH 6V (5) Yes (5) External
Charger (5)
Yes (5) 3 Hrs Very Good
(4.5)
Top-off (5)
44.25
                     
Vortex
XR-1
5 5 2 NiCad2.4V (4) Yes (4) Direct (4) Yes (5) 1 Hr Very Good
(4.5)
Trickle & Top-off (5)
38.5
MAXIMUM POINTS  
45
 
KEY
EOU = Ease Of Use

Description
The Vortex Vision XR1 is direct rechargeable alternative to the venerable MAG Inc. Mini MAG-Lite. It uses a bi-pin Xenon lamp that produces a beam comparable in profile, color and output to that generated my the Mini-MAG. Unlike the stock Mini-MAG however, the XR1 is a rechargeable that in many ways mirrors the features and functionality of the larger lights from Vortex Vision. Charging of the replaceable battery occurs through a connection with either an AC adapter or a 12V DC Automobile adapter. This is essentially an eco friendly glove box flashlight that will be of interest to journeymen everywhere that have grown weary of disposable batteries or of the added inconvenience of purchasing, maintaining and charging NiMH cells separately. In addition to being table top standable for ceiling bounce mode, the XR1 has a pushbutton switch that allows for a separation between focus and activation.
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Sales Source:http://www.vortexvision.com
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Specifications for:

  • Dimensions:L= , Head Dia= , Body Dia =
  • Net weight: gms / oz
  • Colors: Black Hard Anodized II
  • Composition: High strength aluminum, Acrylic + other
  • Bulb type: Vortex Xenon Bi-pin base
  • Average Bulb Life Expectancy:
  • Battery Type: 2.4V NiCad
  • Top-Off Charge Time:
  • A/C, Current requirements:110-220V
  • DC, Current Requirements:12V
  • Run-time (duration) to 50% of Maximum Brightness- 1.5 hrs
  • Accessories Included: Charging Cradle + A/C (USA or Country Specific) & D/C 12V Cigarette Plug, Instructions /Spare bulb
  • Optional Accessories: spare batteries & bulb (one spare bulb included)

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Evaluation Results & Summaries


Ease of Use
Very Good. The user simply locates and depresses the click On/Off switch button to turn the light On and Off. . Rotating the helical screw head allows for adjustment of beam angle from a spot to a wide-angled beam. Battery replacement simply entails unscrewing the tail piece in exactly the same manner as if one were replacing batteries on a standard MAG-lite. Charging simply entails a firm push of the charger connection plug into the corresponding socket in the light. A Red indicator light signals that charging is taking place. Because the tail-piece is flat, the light may be stood upright for a ceiling bounce style of illumination indoors. In most cases, the light may be stowed head down on a flat surface . In addition, subtle longitudinal grooves cut into the head somewhat mitigate against a run away light rolling along a smooth surface when laid down horizontally.
4.75 points
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Task performance optimization
Fair. The XR1 provides a practical source of close-range hand-held illumination for contexts that demand a combination type beam that is useful for close range navigation as well as inspection and searching. This light is not intended to compete with it's larger siblings or with more powerful LED and Incandescent pocket lights.
4 points
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Documentation Quality
Satisfactory. The instruction booklet is Quadri-lingual for English, Spanish, French and German reading customers. It's written and illustrated in precise, concise and professionally laid out step-by-step sections that enhance optimal information absorption and that minimize mistakes. Typographic font size is much smaller than average size , making it difficult for persons with poor eyesight to read.
3 points
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Battery Charging (Ease, Frequency, Maintenance)
Excellent. Based on a procedure described in the instructions, the charging set-up and procedure are easy. Frequency of charging will depend on the user but since the manufacturer recommends charging after each use, the customer doesn't have to monitor re-charge cycles too closely. A caution is made to not over discharge the battery (running it down flat) and to remove the unit from the charging cradle if it hasn't been used in a month. In the past, NiCad batteries required a strict maintenance procedure that involved running the battery down and recharging them fully to circumvent the 'memory' effect. The current crop of NiCad batteries don't require this step. Like most rechargeable batteries however, the XR1's NiCad's do benefit from a few initial charge/discharge cycles in order to 'break them in' for optimized capacity. Careful positioning of the light onto the cradle is required for a solid contact to occur. This is a common feature of all the Vortex rechargeables
4 points
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Balance, Grip-ability, Stow-ability, Tabletop Stand-ability

Good. The XR1 performs in a practical manner to be immediately available to its user whether it's placed head up or tail up on a table, head up in a belt carrier or otherwise stowed in luggage. Somehow the build quality of the battery tube or 'body' seems somewhat delicate as compared to comparable lights in this size class. Its build is satisfactory for users that will not abuse the light but falls short of being as rugged as its forebears.
3 points

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Items of Note:
10 Year Warranty
5 points



ABOVE,Left- Charging cable connected| Right-12V DC Adapter (Cigarette Plug)

ABOVE- Detail of bezel removed, showing bulb assembly & reflector housing | RIGHT. Bi-pin Xenon bulb

ABOVE-On/Off switch

ABOVE,Left- Full-frontal view of head | Right-Direct Beam Shot at maximum spot focus (DBS)

Stars Rating Key

Rating - 5.0 Stars = Highly Recommended - Best In Class
Rating - 4.5-4.75 Stars = Highly Recommended
Rating -3.5-4 Stars = Guarded Recommendation
Rating -2.5-3.0 Stars = Marginally Recommended

Disclaimer Notice- XR1 is the trademark of the Vortex Vision Corporation. All other trademarks and brand names are the properties of their respective owners. Use of company trademarks and brand names by us for the purpose of description is not an endorsement by either the trademark holders or by Imägo Metrics LLC.
 
 
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