If you’re in the market for a new flashlight, the Tetra Beam might have caught your eye with its bold claims. But before you click “Buy Now,” let me take you through my experience with this flashlight.
Trust me, there are a few things you need to know before you make up your mind.
My Experience Using The Tetra Beam Flashlight
When I first got my hands on the Tetra Beam flashlight, I was excited to put it to the test.
The marketing made some bold promises, and I wanted to see if it could live up to them. Initially, I was impressed by the ergonomic design.
It felt comfortable in my hand, and the textured grip ensured it wouldn’t slip, even when my hands were slightly wet.
The USB charging feature was convenient, and I appreciated not having to worry about disposable batteries.
The flashlight’s high beam mode was bright enough for basic tasks, such as walking around the house during a power outage or taking the dog for a quick walk at night.
The multiple light modes, including the strobe and COB area light, were useful additions, offering versatility depending on the situation.
However, as I continued to use it, some of the initial excitement started to fade. The build quality felt less robust than I had hoped. The plastic construction, although lightweight, didn’t give me confidence that it could withstand much rough handling.
It felt more like a budget flashlight rather than the “military-grade” product it was advertised to be.
The brightness, while adequate for casual use, wasn’t as impressive as I expected from the advanced COB LED technology.
The beam didn’t reach as far as I had hoped, and it certainly wasn’t capable of the extreme feats advertised, like starting fires or cutting through metal. These claims were clearly exaggerated, and it left me feeling a bit misled.
Overall, my experience with the Tetra Beam flashlight was mixed. It worked well enough for basic tasks, but the exaggerated marketing and questionable build quality made it hard to fully recommend, especially given the price.
The Pros of Everyfite Flashlight
- Multiple Light Modes: The Tetra Beam flashlight does come with a variety of light modes, which gives it a sense of versatility. There’s a high beam, a low beam, an emergency strobe, and a COB area light. For everyday use, this range can be quite handy. The high beam is bright enough to light up a reasonable area—sufficient for a nighttime walk or an emergency during a power outage.
- USB Rechargeable Convenience: One of my favorite features is its USB-rechargeable capability. Instead of fumbling with disposable batteries, I could simply plug it in, and I was good to go. Plus, there’s a power indicator, which, though simple, is helpful to know when a recharge is needed. This feature definitely makes it more convenient compared to older models that require constant battery replacements.
- Ergonomic Design: The flashlight’s ergonomic design feels good in the hand. It’s lightweight, and the textured grip ensures it won’t slip easily—even if you’re outside in damp conditions. You can hold it for extended periods without getting tired. The Tetra Beam scores some points here for user comfort.
- Water Resistance: Tetra Beam’s IPX4 rating means it can withstand light rain or splashes. I used it during some light rain, and it performed as expected. If you’re caught in an unexpected drizzle, you won’t have to worry about the flashlight dying on you, which is a plus.
The Cons of Everyfite Flashlight
- Questionable Build Quality: This is where things started to go downhill for me. The Tetra Beam flashlight is made of plastic, and although it’s advertised as “robust ABS material,” it doesn’t give the confidence that the term “military grade” implies. It feels cheap in the hand. In my opinion, a flashlight intended for emergency and rugged use should feel durable, and the Tetra Beam doesn’t quite live up to that expectation.
- Misleading Marketing Claims: Perhaps my biggest frustration with the Tetra Beam flashlight was the gap between the marketing and the reality. The advertisements make some wild claims—that it can start fires or cut through metal. But realistically, this flashlight isn’t capable of anything beyond its basic functionality. If you’re buying it with these claims in mind, you’re going to be disappointed. I even held it up to my arm for several minutes to test the supposed heat generation claim, and—not surprisingly—it didn’t even get warm.
- Brightness Could Be Better: Despite boasting advanced COB LED technology, the brightness was just okay. It’s sufficient for basic tasks, but it doesn’t compare to other flashlights in a similar price range. If you’re expecting a super-bright, blinding beam, you’re going to be underwhelmed. This flashlight may light up a trail, but it doesn’t reach the level of illumination that some competitors offer, which left me feeling let down.
- Plastic Feel and Value for Money: For the price, I expected something a bit more substantial. There are several cheaper options on the market that offer similar—if not better—performance. The plastic casing felt flimsy, and if I’m honest, I wouldn’t be confident dropping it without damaging it. When compared to some other products I’ve used, this simply doesn’t feel like a good value for the money.
Tetra Beam Vs. Other Brands: How Does It Compare?
To give you a clearer picture of how the Tetra Beam flashlight stands against other options in the market, let’s compare it with some popular brands: Everyfite flashlight, Fenix flashlight, and Nightstorm flashlight.
- Tetra Beam Vs. Everyfite Flashlight
The Everyfite flashlight is known for its durability and sturdy construction.
Unlike the Tetra Beam, which is made from plastic, the Everyfite flashlight features a metal body that feels much more rugged and robust.
This gives it an edge in terms of build quality, especially if you plan to use it in tough environments.
In terms of brightness, the Everyfite flashlight also outperforms the Tetra Beam.
It provides a higher lumen output, making it more suitable for outdoor activities that require long-distance illumination.
The USB-rechargeable feature is present in both flashlights, but the Everyfite also boasts a longer battery life, meaning fewer recharges are required. If durability and brightness are priorities for you, the Everyfite flashlight is the better option.
- Tetra Beam Vs. Fenix Flashlight
The Fenix flashlight is a premium option that is well-regarded for its reliability and performance.
Compared to the Tetra Beam, the Fenix flashlight offers a significantly higher lumen output, reaching up to 1,600 lumens depending on the model.
This makes it ideal for those who need a powerful beam, such as campers, hikers, or emergency responders.
The build quality of the Fenix flashlight is another standout feature.
Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, it’s designed to handle drops and rough use without any issues. In contrast, the Tetra Beam’s plastic construction feels inadequate for demanding situations.
Additionally, the Fenix flashlight has advanced features like multiple beam settings and a more intuitive user interface, which make it easier to use. While the Tetra Beam is more affordable, the Fenix flashlight provides superior value in terms of performance and durability.
- Tetra Beam Vs. Nightstorm Flashlight
The Nightstorm flashlight is another strong competitor, particularly for those who need a reliable, high-performance light source. The Nightstorm offers multiple light modes, similar to the Tetra Beam, but with more customization options.
It also features a turbo mode that provides a short burst of extreme brightness, which is something the Tetra Beam lacks.
When it comes to construction, the Nightstorm flashlight uses high-quality aluminum, making it both lightweight and durable. Unlike the Tetra Beam, which struggles in rugged environments, the Nightstorm is built to withstand harsh conditions, including drops and exposure to water.
The Nightstorm also has a more efficient power management system, providing longer runtimes even at higher brightness levels.
Where the Tetra Beam does have an advantage is in its affordability and the inclusion of a COB area light, which is handy for close-up work or area lighting. However, if you need a flashlight that combines brightness, durability, and reliability, the Nightstorm is a much better investment.
Maintenance Tips For Tetra Beam Flashlight
If you decide to purchase the Tetra Beam flashlight despite its drawbacks, there are a few maintenance tips you should follow to extend its lifespan and get the most out of your purchase.
- Regular Cleaning: Keep the flashlight clean by wiping it down with a dry cloth after every use, especially if you take it outdoors. Dust and grime can accumulate over time, affecting the lens and brightness. Avoid using water or any harsh chemicals as this might compromise its water resistance and damage the plastic body.
- Charge It Properly: Since the Tetra Beam is USB rechargeable, it’s essential to charge it properly. Avoid overcharging it overnight, as it could impact battery life in the long term. Make sure to unplug it once it reaches full capacity. The power indicator will help you know when it’s ready.
- Store in a Safe Place: Given its plastic construction, I recommend storing the Tetra Beam in a safe place where it won’t get crushed or accidentally dropped. Keep it in a dry location to avoid any potential moisture damage, despite its IPX4 rating.
- Check the Battery Regularly: Before any planned outdoor adventure or emergency, ensure the flashlight is fully charged. The last thing you need is for it to die when you need it most. Regularly check the power level, and recharge it if it shows signs of low battery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, the Tetra Beam flashlight is a real product, but the marketing claims tend to overpromise on what it can deliver. It’s a functional flashlight for basic tasks, but it does not live up to claims like starting fires or cutting through metal.
There isn’t a single “best” flashlight brand as it often depends on your specific needs. However, reputable brands like Olight, Maglite, Everyfite, Fenix, and Nightstorm are known for their quality, reliability, and durability. Each has different models suited to various use cases, from camping to everyday carry.
A good flashlight for general use should have between 300 to 1,000 lumens. For basic household use, 300 to 500 lumens is sufficient. For outdoor activities like hiking or camping, something in the range of 700 to 1,000 lumens will give you the brightness and range you need.
The strongest flashlight in the world is currently the Imalent MS18, which boasts an incredible 100,000 lumens. It’s a high-performance flashlight meant for specialized use and is far brighter than any average consumer flashlight.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, while the Tetra Beam flashlight does have a few practical features, such as USB charging, multiple light modes, and an ergonomic design, it falls short in areas like build quality, brightness, and living up to its marketing hype.
If you’re looking for a decent, everyday flashlight for casual use, it might work for you. But if you’re seeking reliability, durability, and a product that matches its bold claims, I recommend considering other brands like Everyfite, Fenix, or Nightstorm.
