The AltusLumen TRI-L is a unique and flexible lighting solution designed for engineers in mind. Its light source come from 2 arrays of 4 LEDs. At the top edge of the TRI-L are 4 pre-focused 5mm LEDs. Since these are already pre-focused, they do not require any secondary optics or reflectors. I did notice that they were slightly slanted to one side, but not very noticeably so. They are protected by a transparent plastic panel. Flipping the TRI-L open exposes the 4 SMD-type LEDs spaced at about 1.5cm apart, each rated at 0.5 watt by the manufacturer. These are protected by a large, rectangular piece of transparent plastic. The 4 SMD-type LEDs only take up about half the surface area of the inner face. When flipped open, you can have the TRI-L orientated in any number of ways, limited only by the amount rotation allowed by its swiveling neck. The metal parts of the TR-L's body is advertised as being made of magnesium which is 1/3 lighter than aluminum. The swiveling mechanism is tight and secure at all positions. The flip-open mechanism opens up to slightly over 180° while the rotating neck allows for indefinite 360° rotation. There 3 legs have rubber feet which prevents the light from sliding or slipping on smooth surfaces. All the controls and connectors are located on one side of the TRI-L. The switch is a slide switch which allows for quick switching between the off, spot and area lighting positions. The area light will also be automatically turned off when the TRI-L is flipped closed, even if the slide switch is in the on position. It will turn on again when flipped back open. In addition, there's the mini USB port which allows the TRI-L to be charged and powered via USB port. Beside the mini USB port is a tiny LED indicator which flashes in red or green depending on the current battery status. The included AC adaptor also allows the TRI-L to be charged and powered via mains supply. An optional Extended Battery Pack is also available which allows the TRI-L to be powered by 4x AA batteries. This battery pack comes with a short cable which also connects via the mini USB port.

If you're unfamiliar with any of the terms used in this review, click here for explanations on common flashlight related vocabulary.

As mentioned earlier, the TRI-L has an array of pre-focused 5mm and SMD-type LEDs. They provide distinct beam profiles with the pre-focused 5mm LEDs provides a soft, oval-shaped spot. The overall output from the 5mm LEDs is significantly lower than the SMD-type LEDs. Flipping open the TRI-L allows activation of the area light which provides a very smooth, area beam profile. In complete darkness, this area light easily lights up a medium-sized room of about 5m by 5m. The overall light provided by the SMD-type LEDs provide a significant boost in output compared to the spot, 5mm LEDs. For those wondering, the TRI-L is not able to activate both spot and area light simultaneously.

The built-in li-ion battery provides good runtime with great regulated output since the LEDs used don't have high current draw. The battery charges in about 3 hours from a completely empty state. During use, the battery status LED on the side will flash in red for 30 seconds when battery level falls below the 25% level. When charging, the status light will be constantly on. When fully charged the status LED turns green.

The Good - Good build quality and finish, no loose parts. Twisting mechanism works well and securely. Great regulated output and runtime from slim built-in rechargeable battery.

The Bad - Beam profile from the spot 5mm LEDs is a little messy.

The Relative - Both light sources have a slightly cool temperature, with the 5mm LEDs having a slightly more violet hue. Built-in battery means spare power can only be had in the form of the Extended Battery Pack which connect via short cable to the mini USB port.

TRI-L (fully extended at maximum height).

77 Lux