The Underwater Kinetics eLED Zoom is a compact LED utility light which runs on common AA alkaline batteries, has an adjustable beam and both high and low output levels. The body and form factor is very similar to the regular UK eLED.

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. On the side are loops formed in the plastic for straps or a lanyard. Texturing is molded into the body for grip. Imprinted on one side are the hazardous environment ratings which include Class I, II, and III ratings. On the tail end is a vent to prevent the buildup of pressure inside the light.

Bezel/Head: The lamp module contains a Luxeon LED, an integrated lens system in front of the emitter, a spring for focus adjustment, and a regulator circuit to provide constant light output for about 2 hours with diminishing light provided thereafter. Another lens is found in the end of the bezel. The bezel has a rubber shroud for protection from impacts. Twisting the shroud from fully tight to one turn loose adjusts the beam through its full range. 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 which can be adjusted from about 21° to about 13°. It can also be adjusted from high output mode to low output mode by flicking the switch off and then on again very quickly. It always turns on in high mode. Low mode produces a bit less than half the output of high mode, with a resulting increase in battery life.

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 produced by the LED is a high color temperature and produces good color rendition. A slight bluish tint is detectable when compared against a near sunlight-white source, but this tinting is not really noticeable during normal use.

   
Beam at one meter at target center, wide and narrow focus

Runtime Plot: Expect about 2 hours of regulated output and 3 hours 20 min 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 switch, protected by a ribbed rubber cover, makes a barely audible spring-type click when depressed and locked on. The switch allows one-handed operation of the light. The light always turns on in High mode. A quick click off and on flips the light into low mode.

Seals / Water Resistance: Water resistance is very good, equating to my rating of "dunkable". It is waterproof, but not rated for diving applications. The O-ring should be kept lubricated with silicone grease when necessary. If the light floods, it should be disassembled and allowed to dry.

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 Q40+ 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.

Accessories: Batteries and a mask attachment strap are included.

What I Liked: Waterproof, Dustproof, Smokeproof, Tough/impact resistant, Good battery life, Good output, Easy battery change, Lightweight, Hazardous location approvals, Regulated

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. Being able to switch to low output mode for battery conservation makes this a good light for power outage kits and camping. The fact that it is hazardous location rated means that it can handle a wide variety of environments without worry of failure due to internal contamination. Great all-around-use light.

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