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The Underwater Kinetics 4AA Fire model is a compact
LED light which runs on common AA alkaline batteries.
It is intended for use by firefighters and has a narrow
beam for penetrating smoky atmospheres. The body and
form factor is very similar to the regular UK 4AA models,
except that the body is extremely fluorescent yellow.
This particular model is bulk packed from Brightguy
and was part of a promotion for the FDIC show in Indy.
They were giving away a fire helmet bracket with the
light at that time, but these do NOT include the bracket.
Body: The body is made of impact resistant ABS.
Very solid construction. You should be able to beat
this light up pretty good without any problems. Texturing
is molded into the body for grip. At the base is a 0
psi vent to prevent any gas buildup and it is waterproof
to 10 feet.
Bezel/Head: The lamp module contains a Luxeon
LED, an integrated lens system in front of the emitter,
and a regulator circuit to provide constant light output
for about 3 hours with diminishing light provided thereafter.
Another lens is found in the end of the bezel. The combination
of these lenses results in a 13 deg. beam. The bezel
has a rubber shroud for protection from impacts. The
module also contains a hydrogen catalyst to try to neutralize
any hydrogen gas that builds up inside the light during
use.
Output: Output is very good, producing a fairly
tight and bright spot. It is permanently focused, so
no adjustments are ever necessary. By the way, this
light is advertised as a 2 Watt light, so I think they
are using a Luxeon III LED and under-driving it so it
doesn't overheat in the polymer casing.
The white light emitted by the LED produces good color
rendition and is almost indistinguishable from sunlight.
Beam at one meter at target center
Runtime Plot: Expect about 2.5 hours of regulated
output and 3 hours to 50% starting output with a lower level
of diminishing output thereafter.
Runtime
completed with Duracell brand batteries. More information
on runtime plots is available HERE.
Switch: The head of the light serves as the
switch. Twist for on/off.
Seals / Water Resistance: It's not a dive light,
but it is advertised as waterproof to 10ft.
If it gets wet inside, just disassemble as much a possible
without tools and let it dry before using again.
Ergonomics: Nothing really to report here. I found
it was easy to use, operate and handle.
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
Batteries: The light takes 4 AA batteries. Simply
unscrew the bezel all the way and remove the lamp module
to insert the batteries. Battery polarity is indicated
on the body of the light. Hold the light so the opening
is angled upwards at about 45 deg. with the strap loops
toward the ceiling. Drop in the bottom two batteries,
then slide in the top two. Don't hold the opening of
the light vertically upward. The batteries will not
settle in place properly.
Accessories: Batteries are included. Fire helmet
bracket NOT included.
What I Liked: Waterproof,
Tough/impact resistant, Regulated/good battery life,
Bright, Easy battery change
What I Didn't Like: Nothing
Picky Little Things: Nothing
Conclusions: An excellent, small,
bright light which has applications across the spectrum
of uses. I think that a lot of people would find this
light to be a great companion in low-light situations.
The fact that it is fully waterproof and designed for
fire fighters means that it should handle a wide variety
of environments without worry of failure. Great all-around-use
light. Although very similar to the MiniQ40
eLED Plus dive light, output is significantly higher
and runtime is longer.
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