SureFire Titan, First Dimmable LED Flashlight
By Rocky Thompson on May 1st, 2007
The SureFire Titan is the first dimmable LED flashlight. Pretty much every headlamp or LED flashlight lets you step-down the light output, but the Titan has a rotating bevel that allows you to adjust anywhere between 0 and 70 lumens. How much would you be willing to pay for this technology? Forty, fifty-dollars? Not quite, the light sells for $500, but also comes with a titanium case and limited-edition numbering.
via OhGizmo
This is not the first dimmable LED flashlight. Astronomers have been using dimmable LED flashlights for over a decade. Rigel Systems sells one that is very popular (its red, but some are switchable between red and white).
This is true, there are other dimmable LED-based lights available, and there have been for some time. However, this is the first of it’s kind in the high power LED realm. This is part of an entirely new class of flashlight which uses a very high power LED (typically running at 3-5 watts, e.g. Luxeon III or V, Cree XR-E, Seoul P4) with very high output - 70 lumens is more than twice the brightness of a 4D maglight - this light would eclipse the little 5mm ultra-bright LEDs those dorky astronomers run around with. The fundamental difference between this light and others of its class (which are dimmable) is that this light is essentially “infinitely dimmable”, capable of very low output, and does so WITHOUT rapidly PULSING the light (which many people find annoying). The added cost of course coming from a titanium construction and limited edition status. It’s rumored that this light will later be made available in aluminum at a far lower price. For those looking to shave ounces off their packs, this light (especially in Al) may be of interest.
Oops, correction: roughly 50% more output (in lumens) than a 4D maglight with Krypton bulb.
For $500 I’d rather buy a gun.
Actually, I bought an EDC Ultimate while in Iraq. The thing is incredible, and was cheaper, but not cheap. Looks like there is a new version of it due out soon.