This Super Flashlight III Mk. 3 shows big emitters can throw. Pictured, left to right, is the Super Flashlight Mk 3, Osram SMT emitter, 1x 18650; Super Flashlight Mk 2, Lux V, 1x 18650; Surefire 6P with a very popular drop-in that I will call “SF-M”, 2x RCR123; Maglite 2xC cell with incandescent. The Mk. 3 should have been set for medium or aimed further down the building.
There is a very small fan base for the Super Flashlight. Like a few others, I want to keep my classic. It is strange concept in a rise, saturate, then decline to start over again market that flips lights every three months. The SF lights are economical. It’s the ‘change the parts, not the car’ philosophy. People still don’t get how this is value.
In 2003, the SF lights are built and overbuilt with 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, made in the US with assembly in Japan. Each have 65-lumens Lux III emitters, Fraen optic, Kroll switch, and runs on 2x CR123A. Owners praise the unusual quality and balance. Radical, they become classics but times are changing and people don’t see the value of the big platform. Smaller lights like “Nuwai Q3”,” Longbow”, and “Li-On Heart Mr. Bulk (SIC)” take the limelight so I get mine cheap. Yes, I own them all.
Renovation-2 in 2005 internally modernizes them. Around twenty-five are upgraded. Rare Lux V emitters make them brighter than the others. Each gets new reflectors and converters. New Kroll switches are modified for high/low. And many opted to bore-out the thick bodies to fit larger 18650 cells. Overbuilt, they easily handle the extra power. They are envied for the brightness and versatility.
2010: renovation-3 internally modernizes them and updates the tail. Four are revised: two in the Western world and two in Japan. They have 710-lumen ±11% Ostar SMT emitters making them silly-bright. Super Flashlight V reflectors are installed. The converters are different and good: 3-mode electronics with automatic ramp-down to extend battery life (makes a handy out-in-the-field battery capacity/quality tester.) Power is now 1x18650 or 2x CR123A/RCR123. The problematic Kroll is replaced by a new 10-Amp switch in a newly designed anti-roll tail. The sleeper emitters fit their ‘I’m different’ personality. The big heads can still handle the power. I upgraded in steps but imagine if you had the first model and jumped to the third. The difference would be amazing.
The beam is a head-turner. A repair man was here when I got the package from Japan. I ripped open the package but he didn’t understand the excitement of a flashlight. Then he pulled out his two LED Task Lights from Orchard Supply & Hardware. He showed the heads with a cluster of 5mm LED emitters and proudly turned one on. Oh- come on…dim and a soft blue beam; you know I had to take up the challenge. I told him to turn on the second one to make it fair fight. Honestly, neither of us knew what would happen. His six batteries to my one tired 18650 and my single, little, miserable emitter made him overconfident. To me it was the trivial versus love. Old faithful instantly gave an intense spot and filled the room with white light. He sucked in air and exclaimed, "DAMN!" I was thinking, “wow, one cell.” It was magic when he saw the beam multimode operate.
They are amazing: almost 11x more output then they were designed for. Only 16% dimmer then the SF-V but the smaller size makes them much easier to carry. The intense spot makes people think the Mk. 3 is brighter. The head is much larger than the 15-3 and uses less power so the thermal safety doesn’t kick in. At least is hasn’t in mine. You are going to love the warm tint: just a cozy warm feel. And theoretically, they generate less heat and should be more efficient then the other brutes and should also extend the runtime of the beam in medium or low. The design doesn’t yell ‘grab me!’ but more of ‘I’m serious’ look. Understated, they give a hint to what is inside.
I use one battery, the 18650. I don’t like fumbling around and charging a bunch of cells. I think one cell is safer. Look around and I think you’ll see problems using multiple battery configurations. BTW, I have a hell of a time getting the light out of the holster because the anti-roll tail locks it in place. How about an oval anti-roll for an upgrade? I guess I could get another holster.
The disadvantage to the upgrade is they had to return to their creator in Japan. The advantage is ARC mania never does shortcuts…never…never…NEVER! You think you are obsessed? His fixation makes lights cost more but you get what you pay for. I like that attitude.
I don’t understand the nonstop light-buying frenzies at another forum. Maybe they are not getting the promised rewards, don’t know better, or led down the wrong path. Maybe it is an outlet to make money. I just find it sad to see armchair amateurs and shills leading the new. But it is a free Internet-country and free entertainment! A 7-year-old light is a loooong time in anyone’s book so it better be good. The true cost shows my SF III even with updates is a bargain and built better than the quick crowd-pleasers. Try flipping a light that is out of fashion and see. I don’t bother with them knowing that the SF III lights, and others, are an adaptable system, not co-op sales. I often wonder if others know real value anymore.
Flame suit on, just in case.
