Despite this HUGE close-up picture, the CR2 Ion is absolutely tiny in size, as evidenced by the fact that it runs on a single little CR2 lithium cell. However, don't underestimate this torch based on it's stature! It packs some serious output. Intended to be the paramount Every Day Carry light for illumination connoisseurs, this little photonic monster can produce a brilliant wide beam when needed, and yet can also provide a very soft and pleasing glow for close work in a dim environment.

Body: The body of the CR2 Ion is aluminum with a Type-III hard coat anodize. The sample reviewed has the "natural" color which is similar to Olive Drab. Other color selections are available which include black, red, green, blue, maroon, aluminum bronze, and titanium . Four knurled bands surround the body for grip and the head also sports a band of knurling. The tailcap is designed so that the unit can stand on end with a split-ring attached, and the split ring folds over and into the tailcap area to keep it out of the way if desired.

Inside, the body is coated with a corrosion inhibitor (chemkote). This gives the inside a gold finish.

Bezel/Head: Believe it or not, you ar looking at the Cree LED inside the aluminum reflector through a glass lens installed above the reflector. This is no photographic trick. The lens is coated on both sides with an anti-reflective surface treatment and the glass itself is of the "ultra-clear" variety. The result is that unless there is dust or grime on the lens, you'll swear that there is no lens on the light at all. Truthfully, it's so invisible that I had to rap my fingernail on it to check to see if they forgot to install the lens - no kidding.

Sitting behind the lens is the aluminum reflector and Cree XLamp LED. Further back in the head is the fully regulated two-level constant current DC/DC converter which provides steady output in both high and low mode. Additionally a foam ring has been added at the back of the head to help prevent battery rattle.

Output: The white light produced by the LED is a very soft white with a practically unnoticeable slight purplish tint.. The Cree LED and shape of the reflector create a very smooth and even flood-like beam with a slightly brighter center. This type of beam is not designed to light distant targets, but is intended for close range activities which would require illumination of a large area close to the user. High mode is great for searching for that lost something in the dark, while low mode is great for reading. Also, since the Ion uses a constant current regulator instead of a PWM regulator, it does NOT have any annoying flicker when used in the low output mode.

Beam at one meter at target center

Runtime Plot: The CR2 Ion is a shining example of solid output regulation. Practically flat output is provided until the battery simply cannot provide the energy needed to run the LED at the preset level. Then comes a sharp plummet, indicating that it is time to change the battery. This runtime test was completed on "high" using the required tiny CR2 cell, and supports the advertised 1½ hour "high" runtime advertised by the manufacturer. Low output mode is advertised as providing around 140 hours of light.

Note that CR2 cells only have 800mA capacity - that's less energy storage capacity than a AAA cell - and yet you get almost 1½ hours of bright light from the unit. Absolutely amazing.

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

Switch: The head is the switch - simply twist until it comes on in low mode, and continue twisting if you want high mode. It takes about 3/4 of a turn from when it turns on to switch from low to high.

Seals / Water Resistance: O-rings seal the light, and it is advertised as "all weather" compatible. I'd give it a "dunkable" rating. If it gets wet, just dry it off.

Ergonomics: Minute! Teeny! Teensy-weensy! Dinky! I think you get the point. It's very small, super lightweight, and incredibly easy to use.

Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light

Batteries: A single CR2 lithium cell powers the light and a Battery Station CR2 cell is included. I have been told that the Battery Station cells do not perform quite as well as the big name brand cells, so your runtime and output are going to be affected by the cells you choose. I am planning on running a test with Titanium CR2 cells to see how they perform, since I have been very happy with the Titanium 123A cells.

Changing the battery is easy. Unscrew the head until it comes off and drop the cell out. Put the new CR2 cell in negative first and reattach the head.

Accessories: Lanyards are available. The CR2 Ion is also available with a UV LED in place of the standard white.

What I Liked: Everything.

What I Didn't Like: Nothing.

Picky Little Things: The split ring on the tailcap can be difficult to remove from and insert to it's "stowed" position. You may have to fiddle with it a little.

Conclusions: The CR2 Ion is one of the best of the best. An excellent light all the way around. If using good quality cells, and using the light as it is intended to be used, I doubt anyone would be disappointed with this light. It's not a lighthouse for picking out distant subjects, but rather a tiny but powerful personal-use light for generally close-area tasks. Unfortunately, quality of this sort does come at a fairly high price, so be careful not to lose it!

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