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Detailed
Information:
The Streamlight JR Luxeon is a commercial version of
what a lot of "modders" have been doing for
a while now - placing a Luxeon Star LED and a boost
circuit in a 2 AA aluminum body. Streamlight has done
a very fine job of creating a commercial adaptation
of what was formerly available only as a custom modification.
Brighter than its common 2-AA aluminum incandescent
competitor, the Streamlight JR. Luxeon boasts a tailcap
clickie, an output regulation circuit, and a bulb that
is impervious to impacts and should never need changing.
This is a great upgrade for anyone who carries one of
those common aluminum 2AA flashlights. Sure it's a bit
more expensive, but compared to lights with similar
features, its price is very reasonable.
The body is made of machined aluminum, anodized black
with Type II anodize. The inside is also anodized for
corrosion resistance. The head is slightly larger than
the body with two tapers to bring it down to the body
diameter. There is a band of diamond shaped checkering
on the head and a wide band that covers much of the
body. The rest of the body and head has a slight texture
from concentric rings machined into the surface. The
Streamlight logo is laser etched on the head area.
The head of the light contains a shatterproof polycarbonate
lens followed by an internal reflection collimator lens
which collects the light from the Luxeon I LED.
Beneath the collimator lens is a partial reflector
made from aluminum. This reflector ring has a checkering
texture around its outer edge and it can be unscrewed
from the body (NOT RECOMMENDED).
Removing this aluminum ring will cause the Luxeon Star
platform, regulator circuitry, and a plastic polarity
protection disk (not shown) to drop out of the head
and into your hand (or onto the floor if you aren't
careful!)
Since there really is no reason to do this, I would
strongly recommend leaving the head alone. The bulb
never needs to be changed and opening it up may damage
the circuitry and void your warranty.
Output is in the form of a very nice white beam with
a slightly square central spot. Runtime is advertised
to be "up to 4 hours" so I completed a runtime
test. The result: over 3 hours before really dropping
off. Not bad!
Runtime
completed with Duracell batteries. More information
on runtime plots is available HERE.
The light has what would be called "semi-regulated"
output. It has slightly declining output maintained
for about 3 hours. At that point the light drops out
of regulation and declines over 15 minutes to a low
level which it should be able to maintain for quite
some time. When you see the light starting to diminish,
it's time to change the batteries.
The switch appears at first glance to be a standard
Kroll brand clickie which is readily available on the
web. However, Streamlight decided to either fool everyone
this time or Kroll has upgraded their switch. This switch,
instead of having plastic threads, has aluminum threads.
This should give it a more robust construction.
 
The clicking action is very positive and firm with
an audible "click". Just before clicking "on"
the light illuminates allowing the switch to be used
for momentary activation. The switch does take a firm
press to activate and between that and its conical
design it should not activate accidentally.
The Streamlight JR Luxeon has O-ring seals at the points
of possible water entry and should be able to survive
dunking in water. It is not intended for extended submersion
or diving.
Ergonomics: It's a little longer than a [insert common
2AA aluminum light name here], but about the same diameter.
Comfortable in the hand when held like a common flashlight
or when held like a tactical light. Activation of the
tailcap switch is easy when held in the hand with the
tailcap toward the thumb.
For batteries the Streamlight JR Luxeon takes 2 AA
alkaline batteries. The possible use of rechargeable
or lithium batteries is not indicated on the packaging
and is therefore not recommended without consulting
the manufacturer.
A chromed pocket clip similar to a ball point pen clip
is attached to the light near the tailcap and it can
be slid off by removing the tailcap. A nylon sheath
is included in the package. There is no cover flap,
just a drop-in pocket and belt loop. Batteries are also
included.
What I Liked: Water resistant,
Tough/impact resistant, Regulated, Bright, Easy battery
change, Lightweight
What I Didn't Like: Nothing significant
Other Things I Noticed: Nothing
significant
Conclusions: A very nice light
to replace that worn out, old fashioned, low tech common
2AA aluminum light you have sitting on your belt. True
it's not focusable, but with a beam like this one it
doesn't need to be. Time to step into the 21st century!
Highly recommended.
UPDATE: Kevin C. writes:
I consulted the manufacturer. Here’s
Streamlight’s answer regarding rechargeable batteries
in the Streamlight Jr. Luxeon:
“Sorry, rechargeables will not work for the Jr.
Lux as they are only designed to use regular alkaline
batteries (1.5v). There could be increased risk of damage
by using any battery other than the recommended. Many
times, lithiums and rechargeables are higher in voltage
(3V or more). Also, the lithium and/or rechargeables
are built different than alkaline in regards to the
+ and - parts of the sleeve (sleeve being positive in
alkaline vs. being negative in other battery types).
Any damage incurred from use of non recommended batteries
will void the limited lifetime warranty.”
Thanks Kevin, for taking the effort to clear that up
for everyone! Much appreciated!
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