Underwater Kinetics 2AA

 
 
 
3½ Stars
Good/Very Good
         

Light Type: Incandescent
Light Class: Outdoor / Rough Use

Short Description:

The Underwater Kinetics 2AA light is a small, lightweight flashlight intended for both general and hazardous location use. The 2AA is rated by Underwriter's Laboratories as Class 1 Division 1, which means it can be used in many environments where flammable or explosive gasses and vapors are found. The light features lanyard/strap attachment points, a xenon lamp assembly, pressure vent, and an on-off click switch on the side. Helmet clips can be purchased separately to attach the 2AA to nearly any kind of work helmet available. The UK 2AA is available in black and yellow.

 

Package
Size Reference
Size vs. common aluminum 2-AA light
Beam at one meter
Beam Contour at one meter
Color rendition at 10 feet (3 meters)

Reviewer's Impressions:

The UK 2AA is a fantastic little light for someone needing a hazardous environment rated pocket light or a very lightweight helmet light. Shorter (but wider) than a common 2AA aluminum light, this little critter has the added advantages that go along with being manufactured by a company that specializes in industrial and dive quality lights.

The body of the UK 2AA is ABS plastic and has ridges molded in for grip. On one side are a pair of molded in slots for lanyard/strap attachment, and on the other side is the momentary/constant-on switch. On the rear of the light is a vent to prevent the buildup of pressure inside the light.

Unscrew the bezel to reveal the 2-AA powered lamp assembly with silvered plastic reflector and xenon bulb. Behind the lamp assembly is the battery chamber. Hold the light switch down and drop in the first battery (+) first. The construction inside is designed so that the battery should drop into place. Add the second battery on top of the first, placing it in (-) first. Replace the lamp and the bezel. The bezel is sealed with an O-ring making the light watertight. The batteries are advertised to last 4-5 hours

Output is about what you would expect from a 2AA light. The beam is a tight spot with some rings and inconsistencies.

The switch is watertight and is covered with a rubber seal. There are ridges on the upper surface for grip. Pressing the switch gently will light the lamp in "momentary" mode. Firm pressure will cause the switch to "click" in place for constant-on use.

Durability appears quite good. The bezel has a rubberized cover to help protect the light from impacts, the O-ring seal gives good water resistance, and the ABS plastic body is impact resistant.

Overall, I would say that if the UK 4AA, which is also rated for hazardous environments, is too large or heavy for your use, the 2AA is a good alternative. It is not very bright, but it is lightweight, compact and tough.

+ + + Pluses: Watertight, Impact resistant, Good battery life, Easy battery change, Lightweight, Hazardous locations ratings

- - - Minuses: Not very bright, Beam not very smooth


Quick Facts Table:

Review Date ............................. June 2003
Case Material ........................... ABS, Polycarbonate, PP Rubber
Case Features .......................... Lanyard/Strap attachment points, Pressure vent
Case Access Type .................... Unscrew bezel
Switch Type ............................. Click for constant on. Includes momentary ability
Reflector Type ......................... Smooth silvered plastic
Lens Type ................................

Clear polycarbonate

Bulb Type ................................. Xenon
Beam Type ............................... Tight spot
Beam Characteristics ............... Bright center, Rings and blotches
Throw (Lux) at 1m (click for description) ~ 1060 at beam center. (32.56 Comparison Chart equivalent)
Overall Output (click for description) ~ 700 (7.00 Comparison Chart equivalent)
Battery / Power Type................ 2 AA alkaline batteries
Battery Life (advertised) ........... 4 - 5 hours
Environmental Protection ......... O ring seals
Special Items of Note ............... Hazardous location ratings
Warranty .................................. Limited lifetime
Retail Cost ................................ ~$15.00 US$
 

 

 
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