Copyright 2010 Brasstard.com
In the world of “tactical” flashlights, it’s hard to beat the simple, robust and reliable design of Surefire lights. However, the quality you get from a Surefire comes with a steep price tag that many of us find hard to justify. In this review, we will take a look at the value-priced Techlite Lumen Master LED that I recently purchased at Costco. I will compare it side-by-side with one of my favorite Surefire lights, the E2D Executive Defender.
At first glance, the Techlite has many similarities in appearance compared to the E2D. However, they are two very different devices. First of all the Surefire above is not using an LED, but instead relies on an incandescent bulb to generate it’s 60 lumen output. Surefire also offers an LED version of the E2D for about $40 extra. The Techlite uses a CREE LED to produce the claimed 160 lumen beam. The difference in perceived luminosity however, is not as extreme as you would think. The Surefire produces a very bright and focused spot beam with very little flood lighting effects. Though it is not an adjustable beam, the incandescent light is crisp, white and defined, making it an excellent blinding device in the dark. The Techlite on the other hand, produces more of a blue colored light that is partitioned with a spot beam and a flood beam. It is also adjustable so you can fine-tune your spot light diameter. Having more flood lighting makes Techlite very useful for utility purposes such as camping or performing repairs. Both lights are plenty bright to cause temporary blindness in an assailant’s vision on a dark night.
Copyright 2010 Brasstard.com
The next major difference is their size. The Techlite is significantly larger in all dimensions. However, it is not nearly as robust as the Surefire. The Surefire body, lens, and bezel are thicker than the Techlite. This gives the Surefire more of a feeling of durability without any added bulk. This is something to consider if you plan on carrying the light on a daily basis.
Copyright 2010 Brasstard.com
If we look at the activation switches of the two light’s, we see even more differences. The Surefire uses a simple but reliable switch with momentary on/off, and constant on/off capabilities. The Techlite has several additional options built into the switch. One click gives you a low intensity beam that draws less power for extended battery life. Two clicks give you a high intensity beam for full power lighting. And, three clicks give you a strobe effect that can be used to disorient an attacker, or function as a distress beacon in an emergency. It also has momentary on/off like the Surefire. However, I’d like to note that the momentary on/off function on the Techlite is not instantaneous. There is about a 1-second delay, which can be a problem when seconds count. I believe that this multifunction switch can be counterproductive in a “tactical” situation where simplicity seems to work best.
Copyright 2010 Brasstard.com
The next major difference is what powers these lights. The Surefire runs on a pair of lithium 123A batteries, and the Techlite uses three AAA’s. The 123A batteries are more expensive, they drain faster with the incandescent bulb (75 min burn time), and the E2D light lacks “constant drain” technology. This means that the light will become less bright as the batteries are used up.
Copyright 2010 Brasstard.com
The Techlite Lumen Master LED has “constant drain” technology, meaning that the light output is regulated until the batteries reach a critical low point of drainage at which it just stops working. The Lumen Master battery life is not bad, but not great. You may get an hour or more of continuous use at best. Nonetheless, AAA batteries are cheap, and readily available virtually everywhere. Also, it should be noted that the activation switch does drain the batteries even when the light is off. So, if you leave it sitting for a long time with batteries inside, it will be dead when you get to it. The Surfire does not suffer from this issue.
Copyright 2010 Brasstard.com
Another feature the Techlite offers is the low battery indicator. When the batteries reach 20% capacity, a small red LED turns on in the translucent activation switch to let you know it’s time for a swap. Unfortunately, there is one critical problem with the Techlite low battery indicator. When the battery power reaches the critical 20% level and the low battery indicator turns on, the “constant drain” regulator makes it so that the flashlight will not turn on anymore. This happens without warning, leaving you (in an unpredictable instant) without a working light. I believe that the low battery indicator should turn on before the battery fails. This is a major weakness in any “tactical” situation. What is the point of having a low battery indicator if it does not warn you ahead of time?
The final diagnosis…
As I mentioned before, it is hard to beat a Surefire when it comes to durability, reliability, and simplicity… three things that I believe are essential in a “tactical” situation. However, it can be hard to justify spending $100-$150 on a flashlight unless it also doubles as a light saber. The Techlite Lumen Master costs about 1/20 the price of the E2D LED version, but you get what you pay for. My first Lumen Master failed after less than two months of very light use around the house, and the switch tends to be finicky and unreliable; hardly desirable in a defensive “tactical” light. The E2D on the other hand, has been working flawlessly for several years now despite being thoroughly abused.
Both lights are water resistant. Both come with a body attachment; the E2D has an integrated clip, and the Techlight comes with a lanyard. Both are made of high grade aluminum, and both have strike bezel’s on their cap and tail ends.
As much as I like the Techlite and the value it offers, I am not a big fan of the activation switch, or much less the lack of reliability. And, the bulk of the Lumen Master is a bit taxing on my limited pocket space. The Techlite is more complex, less robust, experiences instantaneous battery failures, and suffers a delay in the momentary on/off switch. Regardless of this, I do plan on buying another two pack from Costco because they are a decent value for a utility light. I will put one in my vehicles, my motorcycle, and my tool box… and plan on keeping the battery insert out during storage.
Unfortunately, I cannot recommend the Techlite as a viable alternative to a high-end “tactical” light such as the E2D. It just does not contain the right balance of functional elements that I prefer in a life or death situation. Despite the fact that the Techlite is not a perfect “tactical” lighting solution, it is still pretty useful for such a low price.
I purchased a 3 pack of these flashlights last summer from Costco and have had absolutely no problems with them. They no longer have the battery light in the push button and the lens is no longer adjustable. Use all three a lot and the original batteries are still in them working fine.
Wow’ I don’t know what you guys are Talking about I had these flaslite’s going on 5 years. Now ,and had no problem I’m going back to get me som more
I have two of the units. The switch does not work on either. All I can get is a flashing red light. I will try a switch replacement as suggested above.
the battery holder sucks! it didn’t work
For all these outdated reveiws….I have the three pack witch I purchased at Costco Ive had them for months, I use one dialy the other two are on standby with batteries intact they all work as should. Note: these do not have the low power indicator switch… they have a plain black three position unit with momentary feature I would say this was the solution to the battery drain problem…Battery life is good and produces a nice bright beam..As the issue of battery holder The holder in my lites has givin me no problems and seems robust enough to me..All in All these are great lites for the money I belive this lite has been revised due to switch and is very reliable…Great little lite.
I purchased a three pack from Costco about two months ago. I have absolutly no problems with them. They do not have the low battery indacator just a black rubber button. They have the same batteries in them that I put in them. Kirkland alkalines.I use them a lot and the battery pack still reads 4.35 volts. Fresh batteries read 4.6 volts plus. The wife uses hers every night. The other one is in our bed room. All working fine. I’m glad I did not buy the early ones. I also just found out about how to use the button to turn them off without going through th three steps. Thank you who ever posted that info.
Here is a link with a guy that found a fix for the battery drain issue. To be honest I have not notticed it on mine that have the black switch (not the white/clear) but apparently the ones with black also have the issue But all of mine have been fine for over a year.
Here is the link for the “fix” but like above I would recommend taking the white switch ones back and buying black ones if you got it from Costco.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVgjK8Y2N_w
Just an FYI guys…. Costco Return Policy lets you take them back even without a recite you just need to take all of them back you cant just take one. There is no limitation on how many days you can take them back even 5 years after the date of purchace no problem (I used to work for Costco) If yours stopped working take it back and buy the new 3 pack set which I like much better for the same price. They are slightly different but very similar.
is there any way we can ”neutralize” that dam ”battery eater switch” ? …
Every time i need that flashlight for emergency situation, the batteries are drained !
Realizing the issue of battery drain while not in use, I simply cut a small nickel-sized circle of plastic (from a packaging blister-pack) and inserted it between the battery and the screw on cap. This effectively disables the battery drain. Just need to remember to remove it when the flashlight is needed. I dislike the drain issue and didn’t realize this was a problem till reading online. But these flashlights are placed around the house for occasional use when the lights go out, so not a big deal to “reactivate” them when needed. I can live with that.
Took me about a second to think of battery drain issue…
Unscrew the Rearcap and flip over the battery retainer so that both springs are facing each other. Rethread cap turning just once or twice.
I have had my pair of techlites for a few years and luckily have had 0 issues.
As you say “a real pity because they are sorugged and bright”……..the suggestion about keping it in the car glove comparment for an emergency was good but not if it runs down on its own. I therefore thought it might be a good idea to prevent it running down.
Take a small piece of thin plastic sheet (cut from a plastic milk bottle)……..draw a circle
on it around a small coin with a Sharpie……..cut out the disc with a pair of scissors..
Unscrew the base of the torch and put the disc on the bottom of the battery. Assemble torch and store in glove compartment. In an emergency, remove the disc and screw back the base.
Yes, the battery holders break easily…candidly, they are junk. I have already had two of them break inside the flashlight. Other than that, the flashlight is a good value.
I like the Coleman LED 90 Lumens Flashlight – $17.00 at WalMart can’t beat it.
If anyone could tell me where can i get a replacement tri battery holder which fits into the flashlite. It was broken when the wife nolan ryaned it at me during a small disagreement. Please advise as i dont want to throw this lite away.
Thanks, Mike
Pure Junk! If you don”t use it regularly the batteries drain, acid is released from the batteries and the plastic holder for the batteries is toast. DON’T WASTE YOUR MONEY!
ditto on the comment from Russell Smith (7-23-11). My cassette has also fractured and I can’t seem to locate a replacement part.
I have tried to find where I can get a warranty replacement for the 3-Cell cassette. Both of the two I own are fractured and will not hold the batteries correctly in place.
Anyone have a phone number or web site for the TechLite manufacturer?
i purchased the 3-pack techlite from Costco last year, for time i only store with rechargeables batteries and check them every couple months. one of them i store with standard batteries and for 3+ months still has same brightness and redlight has not come on. i like them and refer them to others.
I purchased 2 “lightmates” from Costco and found them to be an excellent product. So when I saw a 3 pack of “techlites” on display at Costco those were also purchased this past winter. What a piece of junk! The red low battery warning lite comes on despite the batteries being fully charged. In order to get the lite working again the batteries must be removed & then reinserted… and this only works for little while and the process begins again !!!! What will you do about it?
I have two of the techlite lumen master. I bought them some time ago at Costco. Now they are both flashing red, changed batteries, but it did no good. They turn on once and then stop and start the flashing again. I don’t use them very often. So should I just toss them. Needless to say, I am very disappointed.
Excellent review and unfortuantely, the drain feature or so called low-battery indicator is the culprit for a discouraging review. I kept changing the batteries every two months and finally figured out it’s not the battery but the flashlight.
I will only place batteries in the unit when I need it…like camping, late night picnics, etc.
Thank you for confirming what a lot of us didn’t know. I want to write to the manufacturer and Costco, but it probably isn’t worth the time.
Cheers’ Dwight
I also have experienced the battery unit failure after a few months of very low impact use, seems to be the 3rd battery change. i read one poster say take the flashlite apart, push the button a few times and it will reset the low-battery indicator mechism but that did not work for me. Priceless.
Thanks for this review. I have the new version 150 lumen version 3 pack from costco. So far I am impressed with the quality and brightness for the price of $16 for 3 lights after coupon. Battery life is a little disappointing, but for the amount of light output and nice beam spread (smooth flood to spot without adjustments) I can live with it.
I also wanted to say this review taught me two important things I did not know about the light which make me that much happier with them … the ability to push button half way to get temporary light. I tried this and just figured it did not have the feature. But now I know you have to hold down for 1 second to activate. I also wish this was instant, but at least the light does have this feature. Also appreciated Dales comment about bypassing the strobe mode by again holding the switch for 1 second before release. Cycling through all three modes to turn off is a bit of a pain. Note this works from either low or high mode … cool.
I’ve been checking all three of the lights I purchased three weeks ago and I haven’t had to replace any batteries and they have NOT lost ANY functionality.
I would venture to say that they have fixed the problem at this point.
Yes, I can confirm that the new light does not have the drain problem. In addition, in my opinion the new reflector is also better than the previous one.
Can Anyone confirm that the new version (black rubber end) has the same battery drain problem?
Couple things I forgot to add above. Advertised run time is 1 hour at high (150 lumens) and 4 hours on low, which cuts full strength and advertised 50 percent.
If you don’t want to cycle through the strobe for off, from low you can hold the button only 1 second andl you see the high beam activate, at which time you can let go and it will be off. From the high beam, you hold the button for only 1 second and it will by-pass the strobe and turn off.
I turned on the low beam and dropped the light on my shops concrete floor from 4 feet up and it works fine. I then turned it to high and dropped it from 4 feet and it is still working. Leaving it on high, I reached over my head (I’m 6 foot 2 inches) to about 7 or 8 feet and dropped it… still works excellent.
I decided to push my luck and threw it across the office in my shop. It traveled 10 feet, banked off the metal file cabinet into the steel door and dropped to the floor. Still works great.
Unscientific, I know. But, definately makes me feel a lot better about it. The 3-pack was 19.99, but there is a 4 dollar coupon to bring it down to 15.99 expiring at the end of the month.
I purchased a three pack this evening. The packaging (item number 564808) is a three pack for states using a CREE XPE, advertising 150 Lumens, has a rubber end which does NOT have the low battery indicator, and does NOT have an adjustable head.
I would guess this is the latest rendition. I kept one sitting on my desk and will turn it on once or twice a week to see if it drains batteries like the previous versions. If it does still have a battery drain issue, I’ll take WeAreNotAlone’s advice and pick up the simple on/off clicky switches from DealExtreme (dot) com (SKU 05632). As he stated above, you get 5 switches for a couple bucks, free shipping. Can’t beat that with a stick!
I bought a triple of these lights. Only one of the three drains the batteries…And it’s drained in just a few days with no use. It doesn’t get warm or anything…Just dead and batteries test about .35 volts. Obviously there is a problem in the design if all these people have the same problem…What’s your solution and what’s in your wallet?
This flashlight uses a IC instead of a switch to turn it off and on. Because of this it drains the battery continually! The batteries die quickly because of this. This makes the flashlight JUNK! When you need a flashlight, this one will be useless with a small red blinking light on the top!
In all fairness to Costco and Tech Lite the Admin reply comment should be moved to the top of the comment section and the comments should be reordered so that the latest is first.
And by the way, if I am going to spend $100 on a flashlight it is going to have to be more than just a dumb light. Say something like the Next Torch – My Torch.
If you are looking for a tactical self-defense weapon there are not many that are more intimidating than a six “D” cell Maglite hanging from your belt or slipped inside your over the shoulder bag ready to be swung at an assailant.
I own the Tech Lite v.2 with rechargeable cells so I will just have to remember to swap out the batteries every couple of weeks. The new NiMH cells have a much improved shelf life.
I just bought two 3 packs from Costco tonight.
None of these have low battery indicators. The on/off button is a solid black.
Plus there is no focus adjustment.
Neither of the above are complaints, and are pluses as far as I’m concerned.
These are going into vehicles and drawers, so I’ll find out in a couple months if the battery drain issue has been corrected.
The light is not bad looking … however, constant drain is a bad feature. The inferior plastic, battery carrier, butt plate broke while replacing batteries. I’m now looking for a replacement.
…Wish I’d read this great review before buying this Costco ‘bargain’
Is there a comparable light that comes with a red lens and interminent flashing?
I’m considering using as a rear tail light on my bike?
I honestly don’t know why people are crying so much about the techlight. You get what you pay for. The techlight may not be the best thing out there but it sure does the job. I have not had one problem with it since Ive had it and have nothing to complain about. I could understand if you guys spent $100 plus dollars for a surefire or something and it give you problems but for the price of the techlight and the awesome job that it does there is really nothing to complain about.
Since the low battery indicator (color red) keeps the battery draining, we opened the inside of the switch button and removed the light/connection of the red light in the circuit board. Maybe this will help save the batteries.
DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY BOUGHT TWO PACKS, WORK GREAT AN PUT OUT LOTS OF LIGHT. BUT I ALSO NOW HAVE THREE BROKEN BATTERY HOLDERS AN NO THEY DONT LAST VERY LONG SO DONT COUNT ON THEM IN AN EMERGENCY!!!!!THESE ARE GOING BACK.
I have 6 so far 2 have broken battery holders I haven’t changed the batteries on any of then yet.
The free ones I got from Harbor Freight Tools (HFT) are ALL working fine. No broken battery holders . Unfortunately the HFT holders are too short to replace the Costcop ones.
LOL-FUNNY COMMENTS-I JUST BOUGHT THE 3 PACK TODAY AND IT WAS PITCH DARK OUTSIDE AND I CLICKED ONE ON AND I WAS SHOCKED TO SEE HOW FAR THE BEAM WENT AND BRIGHT IT WAS-THEN I SPLASHED IT WITH A BUNCH OF WATER AND IT WAS STILL OK-I DROPPED IT A FEW TIMES AND IT STOPPED WORKING! JK -AFTER ALL THAT IT STILL WORKS GREAT!
on Costco TECH LITE flash lights. For the price flashlight does the trick. I see lots of similar units being sold for lots more. Three for under $19 dollars. I can afford to buy 10 and place whereever I may need light and place an extra unit ot two where I may think I need additional light. Batteries are reasonable in cost. We get what we pay for. For that price it is a darn good source of intense light(when battery is fresh) The strobe is great when needed. Unless flashlight shoot a bullet I will not pay over a hundred bucks.
Ya got me John… I get paid by SF to lie to you folks since my opinion matters that much.
FYI, I am not sponsored or supported by any firearm, ammo, or accessory firm. I earn my bread by working for it like the rest of us. I only tell you my real, personal experience here at Brasstard. You might not like it or agree with it all the time, but it is the honest truth.
I have two, bought at a swap meet. Evidently, the guy bought a 3-pack, kept one, and put the other 2 up for sale. None of the problems outlined above have shown up YET, but I’ve only had them a week. They’re both carrying Duracells, so they’ve at least had one battery change (Chinese flashlights come stock with Chinese batteries). Which brings me to a point:
They’re CHINESE!
I ignored that critical bit of information when I got them at what I thought was a super-cheap price ($12 each); but now I’m sure the guy I bought ‘em from made a profit. Maybe enough to pay for the 3-pack I think he must’ve bought. At least I got good batteries in the deal.
But back to my point. They’re Chinese. Manufactured no doubt in a state-run sweat-shop type factory by undereducated, underpaid and most likely underskilled workers who are being pushed hard to keep production numbers sky-high, so quality control is at a minimum. And we’re surprised when the lights fail so quickly, even right out of the box?
I sacrificed a usual principle of mine (don’t buy Chinese) by telling myself that these had already been bought at retail, so I wasn’t sending MY money to a not-so-friendly-to-America Communist dictatorship in exchange for what is most likely crap. But hindsight is 20/20. I supported a guy who DID send his American money to a Communist dictatorship in exchange for what will most likely turn out to be crap. China wins. My bad.
China will not need an army if they want to ruin us. Most of our billions (or is it trillions) of borrowed dollars are owed to China. Khruschev couldn’t bury us, but China might. But they’ll bleed us dry economically first, then bury the husk.
And my greedy part, thinking it was gettin’ away cheap with something is what betrayed me and my principled and reasoning parts.
When will I learn?
I just found one of these flaslights, turned on laying in the middle of a busy highway in the middle of town. Stopped snatched it up and has worked nicely. I can’t say much for the longevity of the light over the months but it looks like this light has been struck by more than 1 vehicle, and looks more abused than other flashlights I have used daily for years. So far I must say I am impressed this light works at all, much less with all functions, I am definitely not complaining for FREE !
Hey ya all I have had the lights for a month now and I have had not issues in regards to these flashlights being junk. They put out about as much light as my streamlight SL20 its just that the batteries don’t last as long. What do you expect for $19.75. I bought 3 packages of them.
Just got a 3 pack of the Lumen Masters and they all work as advertised. Batteries installed no problem (just follow standard battery prectices – negative to spring side). Hold the pressure swith for full second + and you don’t have to cycle through the strobe option. The beam is as good as my 200.00 Inova. Time will tell if battery life is an issue but I can deal with some minor issues for the price of AAAs. I am a big believer in “you get what you pay for” but I am always open to being pleasently suprised. Either way for $20.00 it was worth a shot.
You make some good points Darrell. I am glad to see that yours worked out for you because they are quite nice when they work.
I didn’t find the review to be particularly biased. I’ve had a couple of these Tech Lite flashlights for a couple of years now. I have no complaints. And I have used them in a couple of dangerous situations – .45 drawn and ready, etc., etc.
A person shouldn’t judge something by just one or two examples. I’ve had one Surefire light and it was a piece of crap, especially considering the price I paid. But I on’t say that Surefire is a piece of crap just based on that one example. however, I was VERY disappointed in the company’s lack of response. So, I Doubt if I’ll ever buy another Surefire.
If I’m going to pay over $100 for a light, then I’ll get a Blackhawk. I know 3 people that have them and I am impressed with what I’ve seen.
Btw, if a person can’t figure out how to put batteries in a flashlight, then thast person shouldn’t be allowed to have a flashlight, much less anything with sharp, pointy ends. The spring is ALWAYS on the negative end. Even my 2 year old granddaughter knows that.
Thanks Ken. And yes, the scalloped bezel is intended to be used as a last-ditch striking weapon if all else fails.
Admin, or anyone who can answer this…why do so many of these small LED flashlights have a scalloped edge on the front? A store clerk said he thinks it’s intended to be a weapon, but that seems a bit far-fetched to me.