The Coupled is a unique little light. It has a focused high output Luxeon LED on one end for distance work and when bright light is needed, and three 5mm LEDs on the other end for a softer, wider field of light which is good for close work and conserving battery life. A DC-DC regulator helps maintain constant output from the light.

The body of the Coupled is made of machined aluminum which has been anodized for resistance to corrosion and abrasion. The body of the sample received was sliver and the light is only available in a silver color.

The head of the light has 6 plateaus and grooves around its circumference which aids with grip. The head is larger in diameter than the body tube and mates with the tube with a smooth taper. The body tube has been checkered in a single wide band around the middle for grip. The switch is located just below the head on the body tube. A single flat panel has been machined into the side of the light body which aligns with the switch making the switch easy to find in the dark. The tailcap also has 6 plateaus and grooves around its circumference which aids with grip.

Overall machining and quality appear good with no serious problems encountered.

There are 2 bezels on this light. The primary light module is in the head and consists of a Luxeon LED focused with a textured reflector to produce a tight spot. On the other end of the light you will find three fairly standard 5mm LEDs which provide a broad directional flood of light. These LEDs rest in a smooth silvered reflector area. Clicking the switch in series first selects the Luxeon, then the 5mm LEDs, then off. Both light elements are protected from the environment by plastic lenses which are slightly recessed.

Output: The Luxeon produces a nice tight spot which is capable of illuminating targets at a fair distance. The Luxeon produces a very white light with no real discernible tint. You will notice that there are some brighter rings and slight irregularities in the beam. The use of a textured reflector helps to blend out the imperfections which would be much worse if a smooth reflector had been used.

   
Beam at one meter; Luxeon (left) and three 5mm LEDs (right).

Runtime Plot: This was quite a surprise! Nice steady regulation for about an hour on 3 AAA cells from the Luxeon before it drops to very low levels. Now the good news is that when it drops to these levels you can still switch to the LEDs for a long, slow burn which will provide enough light for you to (hopefully!) find a new set of batteries. What is even more unusual is that when you turn the Luxeon on with depleted batteries it turns on bright and within 3-5 seconds dims to a low level, but when you then click the switch once more the LEDs turn on low and brighten up to a respectable level within about 3-5 seconds.

Runtime completed with Duracell alkaline batteries. More information on runtime plots is available HERE.

Switch: The switch is a simple rubber covered clickie switch which rests in a dimple on the body tube below the head of the light which gives some protection against accidental activation. The mechanism is actually a reverse clickie. Press until it clicks, then release to activate the light. Pressing in gently will then cause the light to blink. Click once for the Luxeon, click a second time for the three 5mm LEDs, click a third time for off.

Seals: O-ring seals protect both ends of the light at the lens and the threads. I'd rate it as "Splashable" a very minimum. If it gets wet, simply open as much as possible without tools and let it dry before next use.

Ergonomics: A good size, not uncomfortable to use. Feels very solid in the hand. The checkering is not overly abrasive and provides a good grip. The switch is easy to locate and activate.

Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light

Batteries: 3 AAA cell batteries are placed in an good quality battery carrier. To change the batteries, simply remove the tailcap, drop out the carrier, put in 3 AAA cells with the negative (flat) side against the springs (2 point up, one points down) and drop the whole carrier in, positive first. Reattach the tailcap and you're ready to go.

Accessories: An average quality belt sheath is included which has a velcro flap over the top for retaining the light.

Important things to note: Be careful if you turn on the light in Luxeon mode, and thinking it will turn off, press the switch again while looking at the tailcap. Those 3 LEDs in the tailcap are quite bright and you'll be seeing spots when the light surprises you and switches to tailcap LED mode.

What I Liked: Two light elements which produce two different light profiles for different purposes, Can stand up on either end, Good quality

What I Didn't Like: Uses a carrier for the batteries - one more thing to lose or break.

Conclusions: I like it! Great dual purpose flashlight with good power for normal tasks, and can provide plenty of reserve lighting when the batteries are mostly depleted.

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