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.
CRITICAL UPDATES POSTED: This post refers to the first generation Lumen Master with the translucent tail switch. Techlite has made major updates in their 2nd Gen lights. You can read all about the new lights here.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hey Admin: Loved your reply to John!
Thanks for your detailed review, by the way! I am one who appreciates it.
This review is oozing with bias. I have a TechLite and it is an AMAZING piece of equipment, I have had none of these problems, it is extremely reliable and it rapes your overpriced Surefire piece of garbage on EVERY LEVEL. Did Surefire pay you to write or something? Threaten your family or something? What the hell? Put the two flashlights together and then ACTUALLY TURN THEM ON and you will see what I’m talking about…
I see a lot of people who payed way too much for a mediocre flashlight trying to defend their decision.
I’ve had a pair of these for almost a year now and have had none of the problems you all are complaining about. I just bought 3 more packs of 3 each a Costco tonight and will be giving them as gifts to my sons for Christmas. I have used mine for camping and tactical use and have been very pleased with the quality for the price. By the way, if you hold the button down while using any mode it will shut off when let go after about 2 seconds, thus saving you from having to waste your precious seconds in cycling through the other modes. A little practice go’s a LONG way. DUH
I am in the same boat as “Rubbertoes” — found this forum looking for a battery holder source for this product. Hopefully, there is a better version than the one that comes with the light. Both of mine had cracks when I did the FIRST battery changes. The second time I changed the batteries in the one most often used, the holder fell apart as soon as I removed it from the chamber. I am going to take the advice of many who point out the constant drain, and remove the holders when not in use — assuming, of course, that I can find better holders somewhere. Otherwise, I will have to return these to Costco. Too bad — when they work, they are nice. I hope to see a posting for replacements soon!
Have noticed the difficulty with the battery holder as well. Is there a source for replacement holders? Is there a Replacement Parts site for the Techlite Lumen Master? Looking for that information is how I found this site.
I am rather surprised at the number of negative comments about the Lights as I bought a 3 pack of Lumen Masters and have found them to be the exact opposite. I have used Maglites for 25 years, including 8 years while a Paramedic where at night in the more dangerous parts of the city, visibility was absolutely essential. Now that I have tried the Lumen, I can say that they are superior to the Mag in ALL respects. All three worked from the start, the battery placement is easy to determine as anyone who uses batteries knows that the end with the spring is negative in every case.
I highly recommend this light and have bought extras for friends, including ex-military and all have the same opinion.
My only concern is where or not it is intrinsically safe for work in hazardous environments as I do confined space entry and rescue. I know that Mags and Pelicans are considered safe to use, but is the Lumen Master also safe? Good product and good price.
100% I agree I went on a five mile walk, before i left the house I replace the tech light with so brand new duracell battery’s and the light performed ok till the real test I was walking on a very dark walkway and needed to see in front of me the light was ok but the beam is not adjustable that great so I had to pull my favorite xl100 mag light. Totally a big difference I could see over 100 plus feet in front of me no problem. Overall I would rate this a 5 out of ten the maglight output it 80 lumens and shines light a spotlight with a solid fresh light I would recommend the mag over the tech light any day but the price is 40+ v.s the 17$ for 3 of the tech light batteries by the the time you replace the tech light just get the mag.
I have NO IDEA which of these flashlights you guys are screaming about with the batery holder issues. I am sitting here at work with one of these flashlights, and the battery holder is fine. It is a semi-clear plastic, and on the wall of each individual battery slot is a black image of the battery, about an inch and a half long, printed VERY CLEARLY, with a definite polarity marking. Additionally, there is the traditional spring on the negative side just in case you can’t see the image. As for the plastic carrier, I’m not sure how that breaks. there is really no place where you put pressure on the plastic when inserting or removing batteries.
Drain from the switch, I can see that happening, but I’m not sure how people can’t figure out the batteries. As for the quality, I only use them around the house and in the vehicles, but I’m 5 for 5 so far. Maybe we got a newer batch in SLC or something?
Bought some at Costco. The main issue with the units, and why it fails after a few months is because the battery holder fails after a few replacements of the batteries. At least that’s my experience. 2 of the 6 I bought have died that way. The 4 remaining ones I believe will soon end in the same manner. Fragile battery holder is made of cheap plastic.
Nobody has mentioned that the battery polarity marking is minuscule, and placed inside the battery case in such a way that it seems impossible to read correctly. I tried four times to insert the batteries correctly, but in each case, they were shorting out, overheating dangerously. Back to Costco for these things, they scare me.
Wish I had read this before buying these, they suck.
One battery holder fell apart, the other on is still running, but the low battery indicator makes it useless.
shuts off at will
ihad the same problem as wearenotalone, as the back broke out of the batt. holder at first batt change. no other probs. so far but a good deal is only as good as the operation of the product regardless of cost.
It’s a TERRIBLE design! I keep it in my toolcase, and simply rubbing up against other tools must turn it on, because I’ve replaced the batteries 3 times and it gets drained before I’ve even used it. Another ANNOYING thing is I have to press the on switch 3 TIMES everytime I want to turn it on, to get it to the high beam I need. I’m going to return these to Costco for my money back.
Brought Costco 2 PK version, the battery last no more than 15-20 minutes on fully charged batteies. Like the brightness, but practically it is not useful on such short battery life.
I BUY THE LUMEN MASTER AT COSTCO 3 SETS =6 PC”S I GIVE 4 AT WORK TO FRIENDS, THE LOW BATTERY INDICATOR LIGHT KEEP DRAINIG BATTERYS,UNEEDED ‘FEATURE”, ALL NOT GOOD, Serengety brand,from sam’s club give no problem $28.98+tax 160 lumens,bery nice color hope this help
Some additional info:
Just got thru inspecting (9) Costco_-_Tech Lite High-intensity CREE XPC L.E.D.100 lumens Tactical Flashlight, item_531804 (3pk)_$17.89.
Out of (9) (3 packs)
1: I have (1) good battery carrier, on the other (8) carriers the (3) screws which hold the carrier together were tightened down TOO MUCH. On some the back plate is cracked, on other the legs that the screws “screw into” (That holds the carrier together) have cracks in them. 🙁
2: Switch assemblies… on (1) of the switches a resistor needs to be resoldered.
3: On another switch, the ON-OFF switch is not parallel, it’s soldered at a angle.
4: There is excessive clearance, lens assembly to body on (6). 3 are ok. Not a big issue, affected is focus of beam…. and possible water intrusion. (Water intrusion is my biggest concern)
Q: Would anyone happen to know what kind of glue could be used on the battery carriers? It’s a clear plastic.
.
Aug 8-2010
For general info:
Costco sells /is selling (2) versions:
(160 version as of 8-2010 no longer available)
Costco_-_Tech Lite High-intensity CREE XPC L.E.D.160 lumens Tactical Flashlight, item_406343 (2pk)_$19.99
(Some people got these for $14.99 after a $5 coupon/instant rebate was applied May+/-2010)
Costco_-_Tech Lite High-intensity CREE XPC L.E.D.100 lumens Tactical Flashlight, item_531804 (3pk)_$17.89
1: Plan on throwing them in the glovebox/toolbox? Think again as the low-battery circuitry will DRAIN the batteries.
If you are planning on LONG term storage:
1: Remove end cap, drop in a piece of plastic/ other type of insulating material. When you need to use the flashlight take out insert.
2: Replace switch assembly with a regular ON/OFF type. Dealextreme (dot) com
Clicky Switch for Flashlights (16mm 5-Pack)
sku.5632~r.53733725
3: O-rings… should be lubricated with SILGLYDE LUBE COMPOUND
(Sources:NAPA, Advance Auto, Autozone, Wally Mart, etc..
It’s a Silcone based lubricating compound.)
Product Description
Lubricates, Silences, Freeze proofs. A longer-lasting, high film strength lubricant for all surfaces. Use on rubber, metal, wood, and glass. Weatherproof. Performs from -20 F to +500 F. Tube sizes SG-2, SG-4, SG-8 are recommended for contact points on brake backing plates. Grease consistency stays put. Wont drip off like silicone oils.
Other uses for SILGLYDE LUBE…
Put a light coating on rubber door/trunk seals during the winter months. Keeps seals from sticking to door jam. 🙂
.
I bought a 3 pack for 17.40 just now b4 I read this in-depth review. Granted they’re not the best tactical lights, but I’m not into worst case scenarios either. Good enough.
I returned my first set when one of the seals started to come out as I tried the beam adjustment before I left the Costco parking lot. The second one suffered the same fate as Jaybobb’s. Fresh batteries, but the light won’t come on. If I unscrew the cap to disconnect the batteries, it will come on for a few seconds then turn off. Very disappointed. These are going back to Costco.
Jaybobb,
I guess I am not the only one that this happened to. I was hoping it was a freak occurrence. It happened to me with the same light I use in the photos above… just days after I wrote this post. Less than 2 months old, no drops/damage. After 2 or 3 sets of batteries, it won’t turn on at all. The low batt light just flashes even with fresh batteries. I tried interchanging the parts with the other light to see if I could isolate the issue, and it appears that the problem is with the power switch assembly. The only thing you can do is return it to Costco. They have a great return policy. I wish I could be more help, but I doubt this problem can be fixed at home.
Needless to say, it is very disappointing, and brings further scrutiny to the companies so-called “tactical” claims. Ain’t nothin’ tactical about a light that stops working for no apparent reason.
Best of luck.
I recently bought a pair of Tactical Lumen Master flashlites from Costco and after a couple of battery changes neither will turn on.
Any suggestions?( neither have been dropped or damaged)
A great review, I was looking around for a summary after getting one as a gift. I would like to add however that the low battery indicator has changed, perhaps a new modification in maufacturing. The light will still work for perhaps another 10 minutes after the indicator light comes on.
Good job.
Prior to reading this review I wasted my time reading others on YouTube, etc.
This review is more concise.