Ra Clicky Tactical vs Liteflux LF3XT
I now own two flashlights that I had previously been caught between, the Ra Clicky Tactical and the Liteflux LF3XT. Although they differ in many ways, these flashlights are just about two of a kind due to their complex user interfaces. So which is better?
Body
As you can see above, the Clicky is a bigger light. I find that its length it perfect for me - the LF3XT's size can make it harder to handle. On the flip side, if space really matters, the LF3XT is more compact.
Most aluminum flashlights are fairly heavy, but the Clicky is especially so, due to its thick construction shown below. This gives it a rugged feel. The LF3XT is about the weight you would expect for an aluminum flashlight its size.
The Clicky implements a rather spartan design: a cylindrical body with a slimmer battery tube, all of which is almost completely covered with knurling. Although it is simple, this is the most useful flashlight design I have experienced, as well as good looking in my opinion. The LF3XT doesn't have the indent, and the knurling is less pronounced, giving it a slicker grip and blander appearance.
Winner: Clicky
Switch
The Clicky's button could be said to be ideal for its purpose: it protrudes so as to be easy to press, has a short travel and therefore fast response time, and has a rubber cover that seems to be very high quality. If you don't want a protruding switch you can buy a Ra Clicky Executive, which can be configured to be otherwise identical.
The LF3XT uses a metal button, which is an intriguing concept, but unfortunately not well implemented in this flashlight. The button has a surprisingly long travel, which is a real problem since you have to press it all the way to activate it, and the button is small and flush with the end of the flashlight. It is not difficult to press, but certainly not convenient. In addition, you have to put a bit of pressure on the LF3XT's switch when holding is down, which is not necessary with the Clicky. The Clicky's button is noticeably louder than the LF3XTs, as well as harder to press.
Winner: Clicky
Fit and finish
The first thing I noticed upon unboxing (or unbagging rather) the Clicky was that the anodizing was dinged in quite a few places. It isn't quite as noticeable in the picture as it is in real life.
Next was the tailcap, which is skewed vertically.
Since I read that a misaligned bezel is a fairly common problem with this flashlight, I checked mine, and found that the bezel actually seems to be slightly slimmer than the body. It is flush with the body on one side, and falls short on the other.
Additionally, the emitter is slightly off center, although this does not show up in the beam.
None of these problems impact the Clicky’s performance, but they are disconcerting when found on a $160 flashlight.
On the other hand, the LF3XT is immaculate. Upon arrival, the anodizing was flawless, the emitter centered, and all parts perfectly aligned to my eye. It is beautiful inside and out.
Winner: LF3XT
User interface
The Clicky offers four modes, three of which are directly accessible from any other mode, and two of which are directly accessible from off. All four modes can be set to any of 23 output levels, as well as strobe, SOS, or beacon. Other options adjustable after purchase include mode memory, momentary activation, button lock, automatic turn off, and locator flash. A full description of the user interface can be found in this pdf.
The LF3XT actually offers two different interfaces to switch between. The first offers between one and five modes, as set by the user. Each mode can be set to either constant output, any frequency of strobe including randomized, SOS, or beacon. The intensity of any type of output can be adjusted. Modes are scrolled through in a circular pattern, with shortcuts to high and strobe available. Options adjustable after purchase include mode memory and momentary activation. The second interface offers three modes, one of which can be set to any brightness level, and all of which can be jumped to quickly. For a full description, see this thread on candlepowerforums marketplace.
Both interfaces do not require the user to memorize the entire interface. If you want, you can use these flashlights like a normal flashlight, clicking on and clicking off. Or you can memorize just a few operations; it is never necessary, only helpful, to remember all of the complicated click combinations.
In the end I prefer the Clicky's interface, because of the quick access to three modes, all of which are adjustable.
Winner: Clicky
Versatility
The Clicky allows adjustment of any of its four modes to any of 23 brightness levels and several additional functions. However, the LF3XT offers a nearly continuous spectrum of intensity to choose from, and the functions are individually adjustable. For example, you can set the frequency and intensity of the strobe mode, or even select randomized strobe. The number of modes it adjustable only on the LF3XT. To top it all off, the LF3XT has a second very operable interface built in.
Winner: LF3XT
Output
The Clicky I purchased was a standard Ra Clicky Tactical, at 140 lumens. Although you can get a 170 and sometimes a 200 lumen Clicky via Ra's custom service, this is the highest output standard model Ra Clicky at the moment. This is the tactical model, which according to Ra throws 20% further than their executive model flashlights.
Both flashlights are approximately equal in brightness. Their intensity is subpar for single CR123A flashlights, by a noticeable but not significant amount. Whether their runtimes benefit from this will be determined once I have bought a lux meter.
The Ra Clicky treats its highest output level like a burst output. After about 10 seconds it automatically steps down to a dimmer level. This seems to be timer based, since it will repeat the sequence if turned off and immediately back on.
The two flashlights have different beam patterns. The LF3XT's beam has a dimmer hotspot and brighter but narrower spill. The hotspot fades very smoothly into the surrounding beam. The Clicky produces a hotspot of roughly the same size but slightly greater intensity, surrounded by a distinct corona before fading into spill beam. There are no artifacts in the beams of either flashlight. The tint of the Clicky is somewhat warmer than the LF3XTs, although it gets a slight purplish hue at maximum output.
Tint and intensity may vary slightly between flashlights. The LF3XT produces a noticeable whine, while the Clicky does not.
Tie
Price
You know this already, but let me emphasize it - the LF3XT is an amazing deal! The Clicky, $160 at the time of this review, is not overpriced if you appreciate its features, but the LF3XT, at $60, is remarkable. If you can do with a little less output you can buy a Ra EDC flashlight for $50 less.
Winner: LF3XT
Overall Winner: Ra Clicky Tactical
Although the LF3XT does very well, and even outperforms the Clicky in several areas, my pick for the best of these two flashlights overall is the Ra Clicky Tactical. That being said, I really wish Ra would get their fit and finish up to the level we expect after shelling out $160.
However, keep in mind the LF3XT is only $60.