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Available from PeakLEDSolutions.com
This light incorporates a Luxeon LED and uses a regulator
circuit in tandem with a single AA alkaline cell to
produce good output for 1½ hours. Three body
materials are also available - Type III anodized aluminum
(reviewed), Solid Brass, and Solid Stainless Steel.
(packaging example - unit shown is not the same as unit
reviewed)
The body of the unit is machined aluminum with a Type
III anodize finish - very tough stuff. Three bands of
checkering surround the body. There are 6 flat facets
machined into the side of the head that serve as anti-roll
stops when the light is placed on its side. At the tail
end of the light is a removable keyring/lanyard attachment
post. It can be unscrewed from the body to provide a
flat bottom for tailcap standing. An O-ring provides
resistance to prevent the tail post from unscrewing
by itself, but the body is sealed regardless of whether
the post is in place or not.
The bezel contains a reflector, Luxeon I LED, and a
regulating circuit to provide fairly constant energy
to the LED over the usable life of the battery. The
smooth silvered reflector provides a surprisingly nice
beam.
Output is in the form of a smooth spot with a wide corona. The color temperature of the LED is high, but it does provide for good color rendition across the spectrum.
Beam at one meter at target center.
Runtime Plot: Alkaline AA cell: Only about 37 min to
50% output. Surprisingly short runtime performance.
I was expecting much more than that.
Runtime
completed with included "Varta" AA battery.
More information on runtime plots is available HERE.
Runtime Plot: Energizer 2300mAh NiMH AA cell: Almost
twice the runtime of an alkaline cell and better output
during that time. It looks like this is the way to go
for the best cost/benefit ratio.
Runtime
completed with included "Energizer 2300mAh NiMH"
AA battery. More information on runtime plots is available
HERE.
Runtime Plot: Energizer lithium AA cell: A lot better
performance, but the batteries are expensive.
Runtime
completed with included "Energizer lithium"
AA battery. More information on runtime plots is available
HERE.
To turn the light on and off, simply twist the bezel.
Tighten for on, loosen for off. Turning resistance is
provided by a single O-ring in a groove which is quite
sufficient to prevent accidental turning.
The light is completely sealed with O-rings and other
rubber seals for water resistance. I'd classify it as
dunkable. Shake it off and keep going.
Ergonomics: It's a tiny little light but easy to use. Easy to grip, easy to operate.
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
A single AA lithium cell powers the light (included).
To change the battery just unscrew the head, drop out
the old cell, and place a new one in negative first.
What I Liked: Water resistant,
Tough/impact resistant, Bright, Easy battery change,
Lightweight, Removable lanyard lug
What I Didn't Like: Short battery
life, Not very good regulation
Other Things I Noticed: Nothing
Conclusions: Great little pocket
light. Bright, long lasting good output, and built pretty
tough. Extremely lightweight. Since it uses inexpensive
AA cells, it won't break your budget and you should
be able to get them almost anywhere in the world.
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