Kel-Lite D-Cell
Kel-Lite D-Cell
For the D-cell series, the first generation had a plastic switch, which was actually quite durable. The second generation featured a metal switch, which was designed by Norm Nelson after the original founder, Don Keller, left the company he had established. The history of this transition is detailed on the Kel-Lite website.
For the D-cell series, the first generation had a plastic switch, which was actually quite durable. The second generation featured a metal switch, which was designed by Norm Nelson after the original founder, Don Keller, left the company he had established. The history of this transition is detailed on the Kel-Lite website.
The metal switch had three positions: fully open, middle, and fully closed. In the middle position, the flashlight would not turn on, but pressing the red dot in the middle would activate the light. This functionality was already present in some earlier flashlight designs.
The metal switch had three positions: fully open, middle, and fully closed. In the middle position, the flashlight would not turn on, but pressing the red dot in the middle would activate the light. This functionality was already present in some earlier flashlight designs.
The switch materials were mainly copper and aluminum. The first generation D-cell models, like the KL-2 that used two D-cell batteries, were followed by the second generation KL-2B models.
The switch materials were mainly copper and aluminum. The first generation D-cell models, like the KL-2 that used two D-cell batteries, were followed by the second generation KL-2B models.
The flashlights were incredibly rugged and durable. The bezel was even larger than the Maglite, giving it a great balance and visual appeal, far surpassing the Maglite D-cell models. The beam was a wider floodlight, and the throw was also longer, though it could not be focused.
The second generation D-cell models had a tailcap that could store spare bulbs, and it could hold up to three extra bulbs.
