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Detailed
Information:
The Bright
Star Responder 4AA has two features that really
stand out. First is the hazardous location ratings which
include Division 1 and 2 ratings printed on the side
of the light. The other is the unique bulb which appears
to be an adaptation of a BI-pin bulb to a PR base. Before
someone asks, the BI-pin bulb cannot be removed from
the base separately.
The body of the light itself is a very tough polymer
that can really take a beating. Numerous drops and tosses
resulted in no damage or failures. The fluorescent yellow
body (tested) shows up very well against almost any
background.
The bezel has a resilient rubber shroud that affords
a certain degree of impact protection and allows for
easy grip when changing the focus of the beam. Unscrewing
the bezel completely reveals the reflector and bulb
carrier and an O-ring which seals the light. Removal
of the xenon bulb is accomplished by pressing the top
and bottom of the reflector/bulb carrier assembly together
and giving a slight twist. Inside, the bulb is suspended
on two springs for contact and shock protection. The
bulb can be replaced with a conventional PR based bulb
if necessary. Inside the light is a sticker which displays
the proper battery polarity for the 4AA batteries.
The switch is on the tailcap of the light and is protected
from accidental activation by raised ridges on either
side of the light. This will keep the light from coming
on accidentally in most circumstances and will prevent
the light from turning off if dropped on its tail.
The switch is hidden underneath a rubber shroud. Pressing
the switch gently will activate a momentary-on region
in the switch. Release the switch to turn off. There
is a very, very tiny click to indicate that the switch
has locked in position when pressed harder. I found
that pressing it with the thumb felt a little awkward
and sometimes resulted in failure to fully activate.
Pressing with the finger is more reliable.
Beam quality is rather typical for a smooth reflector
light. The beam is focusable, however when the focus
is dialed out to produce a wide beam, noticeable rings
and holes appear in the beam. When focused to a tight
spot, the Responder has very good throw with a very
useful spillbeam. Overall output is very good and the
Responder produces a lot of light for its size.
Beam at wide focus
The light is sealed by O-rings at the bezel end and
the switch has a rubber cover which is seated well in
the tail of the light to provide a high degree of water
resistance. The light is dive rated to 100 feet by the
manufacturer.
Batteries are included in the package and I would expect
the 4 AA alkaline batteries to run the light for 3 to
5 hours. A split ring is affixed to one side of the
light for lanyard attachment.
What I Liked: Waterproof, Tough, Bright, Easy
battery change, Lightweight, Comfortable in the hand,
Hazardous location use approvals,
What I Didn't Like: Wide focus
beam is blotchy and distracting. This is typical of
lights with smooth reflectors.
Other Things I Noticed: No spare
bulb, Click switch does not have much tactile feedback
at all.
Conclusions: The Responder 4AA
is a bright, solid, effective flashlight which provides
excellent utility and ease of use. The flat profile
of the body makes it easy and comfortable to slip in
the back pocket, the switch makes one-handed operation
simple, and the focusing bezel allows the production
of a tight spot. A good choice for general use, light
diving use, outdoors use, and of course use in hazardous
location use (provided the ratings are appropriate for
the environment).
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