NiteCore EZ AA R5

Meat and Potatoes

Previously, the entire EZ line was built around a simple to learn and simple to operate 2 mode twisty user interface. Twist a little for low, twist more for more light. Honestly, it’s about as simple as it can get. NiteCore’s new concept however opts for drastic changes. The new EZ AA R5 is actually best categorized as a single mode programmable light. The basic twist is simply an on/off function, activating the previously memorized output level. In order to change that level, simply switch the light off and back on immediately and it will enter the programming mode where it slowly ramps up from minimum to maximum (about 4 seconds), with indicator blinks at 50 and 100%. You pick your level by turning the light off and you’re good to go. The fact that it always ramps from minimum can make it a little difficult to adjust the light by strictly a small increment, but I haven’t found this to be too large a detriment.

Not only has the UI been revised, but the body has a new look as well. The changes here are definitely not as broad and sweeping as they are electronically, but definitely visible none the less. Gone are the brass threading ring and the tripod mounting hole. Yet surprisingly these removals offer no reduction in overall dimensions. The new EZ AA is actually marginally larger than its predecessor. It’s not really enough to notice when you are carrying it, but the difference is definitely noticeable during direct comparison.

EZ AA Comparison

The combination of the R5 bin XP-G emitter and the narrow, textured reflector produces a very wide angle flood beam with a bright enough corona and spillbeam that the hotspot is almost undefined. This type of floody light I have found to be extremely useful for every day carry type general illumination. It has quickly become my preference for simply navigating a dark corridor, finding the dropped pen under the desk, or reading jumper configurations inside a computer. The lack of a super tightly focused hotspot doesn’t give you tunnel vision and ends up being a far more useful beam for the short to mid distances. Having up to 160 lumens on hand gives a little distance capabilities through sheer power, but this light is not remotely a thrower.

XP-G R5

Constructive Criticism

The user interface of this light is a unique one at least. I am not certain however it really fits the original concept of the EZ series well. While a single mode twisty definitely qualifies as “EZ to use” I have found that it isn’t nearly as self explanatory as its initial namesake. Before, a simple “Twist for on, twist more for high” was all it took to explain the lights operation. You could loan it with ease or give it as a gift to anyone expecting them to remember how to use it. Even without the introduction, most people would have it figured out within seconds. The new ramping UI however takes a little more instruction and memory to use. If you try to loan it out without that instruction, it is not only possible, but apparently probable that they will accidentally access the programming mode and, in my experience, usually reprogram it to minimum output.

One of the main reasons that the programming mode is so easily activated is a result of loose threading between the head and the body of the light. Even though these are thicker squared off threads similar to what is found on other manufacturers, they seem to have quite a bit of slop that allows you to accidentally activate the light multiple times when you are turning it on, or even if you just don’t have it off far enough. An annoyance to say the least.

NiteCore EZ AA R5

The anodizing on this new EZ AA is a very nice gunmetal grey that I haven’t personally seen from NiteCore before. It is very uniform in color through the whole light, but I am a little concerned about its durability. Barely a week into carrying it and I am just starting to see a few bright spots of aluminum showing through the coating, at least on some of the sharp edges in the knurling. In the long run, I don’t find this to be a serious problem because I consider it to be more of a patina of faithful service. However, if you are really hoping to keep the light pristine, it may be more of an issue to you.

Conclusions

A tiny AA powered light that still packs a decent punch and has a fantastic flood beam. Add in the customizable output and the EZ AA is a solid light by any reckoning. Its more advanced UI makes me personally believe it doesn’t really fit the EZ line. I think it fits better as a light for enthusiasts, than a light for the masses.

NiteCore EZ AA R5

Provided for review by the kind folks at NiteCore.

Olight SR91

Meat and Potatoes

While Olight designed the original SR90 to run at full-tilt, the SR91 takes a slightly more pragmatic approach to filling your illumination needs. Olight has reduced the high end output down from 2,200 lumens to still blindingly bright 1,500 in order to nearly triple the available runtime.

Utilizing the same 6-cell proprietary battery pack as its predecessor, the SR91 is a very large light. Its somewhat smaller head does well to reduce the apparent size and heft of the light, but it is still a heavyweight. There is no doubt that this is not going to be an every day carry type of model. It is very purpose built for the times when you need enormous quantities of light for extended periods of time and are willing to sacrifice some portability to get it.

Olight SR91

Thankfully these changes did little to reduce the tight focus of the beam. The large smooth reflector still projects a very tight spot from the enormous Luminous SST-90 LED. What a beautiful beam it is too. There are precious few lights that have decent looking beams without a textured reflector, but this one fits into that category. There aren’t any artifacts or imperfections worth mentioning in this beam. This is a good thing too, because thanks to that highly polished smooth reflector, this light remains what it was designed to be: an incredible thrower of a torch.

Polished Reflector

The user interface of the SR91 is identical to that of its predecessor. I smooth operating electronic switch on the barrel of the light. This is really the most logical choice since a tailcap switch on a light of this stature would turn it into one of the most ungainly creations imaginable. Olight has stayed the course, again providing a simple two speed interface. The light has just the simple “Bright” and “Really Bright” modes (and of course the obligatory strobe mode that is thankfully hidden away). It does memorize the last mode used, a feature that I generally count more as a liability than an asset, but with so few modes, it isn’t really a problem.

Constructive Criticism

The SR91 Intimidator comes with a very handy shoulder strap just like the original SR90 did. The difference between the two of them however is that on the SR90 the brass attachment brackets were very stable and immobile, but on the new version, they just freely rotated around the light as you moved it. It would still work very well for giving you a bit of a rest when carrying it around, but if you don’t have the strap attached, the brackets were incredibly annoying.

The Complete Package

As I mentioned when I reviewed the SR90, the best part of this torch in my opinion is the fact that it has absolutely no aspirations to be anything other than what it is. Because of this, I can find very little to critique. Sure, it could be smaller, but that would sacrifice power, longevity and tight beam focus. It could be lighter, at the expense of heat dissipation and durability. It could be brighter, but only if you bought the SR90 instead, along with its increases in size and heft. This light is what it is and is unapologetic about it. If you don’t like it, there is probably another light out there for you.

Conclusions

Even after trading off minor amounts of output for modest gains in portability and a significant runtime advantage, this light still presents itself as unpretentious and purpose driven. While not as completely “illumination overkill” as its predecessor, The SR91 still fits into that mold. When you need all the light you can muster, and size and weight are not to be trifled about, this is definitely one of the lights you reach for.

Olight SR91

Provided for the duration of the review by 4Sevens.com.

EagleTac PN20a2

Meat and Potatoes

The EagleTac PN20a2 takes all the best qualities of the previously reviewed PN20a and adds to it the brightness and runtime increases made possible from an extra AAA cell. It also reduces the overall girth that was caused by EagleTac’s two stage switching mechanism, opting instead for a standard forward clicky on the tailcap. The resultant light feels surprisingly trim and nimble given that I took issue with the size of its smaller sibling. The mode changing of the PN20a2 takes place in the same way, the now traditional tightening or loosening of the head, however it can be slimmer since this action doesn’t also handle powering the light on and off.

EagleTac has successfully miniaturized their forward clicky switch to be able to fit into the narrow tail of this torch. It is an excellent feeling switch with a relatively short travel. Included with the light is your choice of tailcap options. The light comes with the standard protruding switch ring pre-installed but allows you the option to change to a recessed switch ring capable of tailstanding or “candle mode”. Unfortunately due to the small diameter of the light and the larger diameter of my thumb, this choice proved fairly difficult to operate. Since this is one of those situations where “your mileage may vary” I am glad that these are included options rather than requirements.

EagleTac PN20a2

Using a Cree XP-E LED sitting in a minute textured reflector, this torch produces one of the most even flood beams I have yet come across. There are no rings or artifacts to be seen, just a nice even dispersal and wide transition from the spot to the spill. EagleTac includes a diffuser filter in with this light, but from what I see, it really is not necessary at all. The beam is wide enough to begin with that you don’t really need to mess with it further. If you do choose to add to the spread though, this diffuser does an excellent job living up to its name.

Constructive Criticism

The pocket clip is one place where I have routinely taken issue with EagleTac’s products. Because of their design, they have either been prone to accidental removal, or have even broken entirely too easily. The clip on the PN20a2 uses this exact same design. Thus far I have had no cause to complain about any of these things happening to this particular unit though. Over the course of some weeks I have not yet experienced any such failures. However, since the clip has remained unchanged in both design and implementation, I find myself chalking this up to the law of averages and still objecting on principle. You are welcome to disagree.

One of the available options that can be obtained is a “RB Kit” consisting of high quality red and blue colorfilters. These units are constructed nearly identically to the diffuser that comes with the light. They are molded plastic friction fit covers with mirror coated glass optical elements. The blue filter actually reflects yellow when viewed at an angle. I am very impressed with the quality of the elements themselves. When it comes to actual attachment, however, I think the design could be improved. As I mentioned, these filters are strictly friction fit and because of that, they have a tendency to slip off over time. I am constantly finding them in the bottom of my pocket.

Plenty of Options

Conclusions

A quality light with a stunningly beautiful beam in the slimline penlight size. EagleTac gets this one right in my book.

EagleTac PN20a2

Provided for review by the kind folks at EagleTac.

EagleTac PN20a

Meat and Potatoes

Even in this world of 1000, 1200, 2200 lumens, squeezing 70 out of one AAA cell for a usable amount of time is still impressive to me. The PN20a is a tiny light that seems to expand the venerable P100 series into an even more pocketable size. Being a bit larger than the Fenix E01 or the 4Sevens Preon I, the EagleTac isn’t quite petite enough to pull keychain duty for me, but I am sure it is still within the tolerances of many people. The extra size does appear to give the light quite a solid build, making it quite robust and more impervious to impact.

Using a Cree XP-E LED sitting in a textured reflector, this torch produces one of the most even flood beams I have yet come across. There are no rings or artifacts to be seen, just a nice even dispersal, wide transition from the spot to the spill. EagleTac includes a diffuser filter in with this light, but from what I see, it really is not necessary at all. The beam is wide enough to begin with that you don’t really need to mess with it further. If you do choose to add to the spread though, this diffuser does an excellent job living up to its name.

EagleTac PN20a

The fit and finish of this light are living up to the later improvements that EagleTac has imparted to their later lights. The anodizing is perfectly flawless and seems to resist damage fairly well everywhere except the point where the spit ring attaches to the body of the light. This junction however tends to be one of the harshest torture tests that I can conceive of for any flashlight. None of the other keychain models I have tried out have fared any better. The machine work is, as expected, top notch and even most of the included extras like the lobster claw clip appear to be quite high quality.

The user interface for the PN20a is a fantastically basic two stage twisty operation that is instantly reminiscent of the Nitecore EZ series. All the excellent simplicity of that UI carries over to this light. It is easily the type of light that can be loaned out to anyone with no more than a couple seconds of explanation. The lengthy preflight checklist that some lights require is enough to make me reach for a much less capable light when it comes time for a quick loan. With this light, that isn’t the case. Better yet, this simplicity allows the light to behave completely predictably when you find yourself needing it quickly. The more complex a light is, the less likely it will do exactly what you want it to when you really need it.

EagleTac PN20a

Constructive Criticism

When I first pulled this light out of the package for initial testing, I was immediately greeted with discouragement as the pocket clip promptly snapped off during extrication from the packaging. I have mentioned EagleTac’s clip attachment method a number of times previously and I still believe it to be one of the weakest points on their lights. I hope someday that this will begin to improve but in the mean time, don’t get your hopes up for a decent clip.

The comparisons that the PN20a’s user interface naturally bring to mind inherently suggest other comparisons between it and the EZ AA as well. Dimensionally speaking there is surprisingly little difference between the two lights at all. The EZ AA is only about half an inch longer and the overall maximum diameter is so close, any differences are negligible. This begs the question as to whether the loss of half or more energy capacity is worth the minor reduction in size.  It really comes down to personal preference however.

One of the available options that can be obtained is a “RB Kit” consisting of high quality red and blue colorfilters. These units are constructed nearly identically to the diffuser that comes with the light. They are molded plastic friction fit covers with mirror coated glass optical elements. The blue filter actually reflects yellow when viewed at an angle. I am very impressed with the quality of the elements themselves. When it comes to actual attachment, however, I think the design could be improved. As I mentioned, these filters are strictly friction fit and because of that, they have a tendency to slip off over time. I am constantly finding them in the bottom of my pocket.

Options

Conclusions

A well solid little light that is easy to use and durable. An impressive pocket dweller that is up to most tasks. It might be a little larger than I would like, but it still has a quality that shows through.

EagleTac PN20a

Provided for review by the kind folks at EagleTac.

LED Modules

Meat and Potatoes

The EagleTac T20C2 comes standard with an R5 bin Cree XP-G LED. Currently one of the latest and greatest LEDs to grace the market. This emitter is naturally quite a good fit for flashlights, generally offering a slightly floodier beam with an excellent transition corona. As I mentioned before, EagleTac has managed to provide a fairly tight focus using the large reflector in this “T”actical model of the line. However, for those who are looking for an even more impressive spotlight, EagleTac is now offering an intentional downgrade (retrograde?) to the older technology R2 bin Cree XR-E LED. This may seem counter-intuitive at first. For a brighter spot, don’t you need a brighter source? Actually, no. The XR-E’s physical structure is such that it creates a much different light emission pattern. This, combined with the XR-E’s smaller die allow the light to be focused into a much tighter beam, resulting in a significantly brighter spot.

Of course, the downfall to this retrograde is that you lose the beautiful transitional corona and even some overall illumination, but what you gain is increased distance of your beam. By my estimations (based strictly on rudimentary knowledge of LED capabilities), I would expect that you are getting no more than 250 lumens total from this light, but EagleTac quoted to me that the lux intensity of the spot is as much as 60-70% increased. This falls pretty well in line with what my precisely calibrated eyeballs are reporting.

These drop-ins are not inter-compatible with other branded lights, like many similar products are because EagleTac uses a proprietary reverse threaded format for their product. This aides dramatically in heat transfer from the electronics to the body of the light, protecting the more sensitive components from damage. The user interface of this drop-in has not changed at all from stock, the only differences are in output.

Beamshot Comparison

Constructive Criticism

The choice of an XR-E in these drop-ins, though tightening the focus, does have a drawback. Once again these lights are afflicted with the series of shadowy and bright concentric rings surrounding the hotspot. EagleTac has tempered these slightly with some very light texture to the reflector, but since this unit was designed for distance illumination, that was a very fine line to walk. These don’t play out to seriously when the light is used outside or at the distances it is intended for, but for closer, indoor work, they are persistent.

With the drop-ins being reverse threaded, there is a slight unique complication that arises. The reflectors are also threaded on to the LED modules, however they use a standard “right-hand” thread. This can sometimes result in the reflector trying to loosen itself from the base as you are attempting to insert the drop-in. If both these threads are relatively equal tension, it can become a bit of comedy trying to get everything installed properly. This point is really nothing more than a trifle, I know, but it did bear worth mentioning.

Conclusions

Business End

A worthwhile product if you are searching for a dedicated thrower. Well constructed, just like the original, but utilizing technology that is better suited for a tight focus, rather than for even illumination. When it comes down to the wire, choices are not a bad thing.

Provided for review by the kind folks at EagleTac.

SunwayLED L10R

Meat and Potatoes

The L10R is a dramatic departure from the other introduction lights by new manufacturer SunwayLED. Thus far the majority of what we have seen are control ring based lights with attractive styling. This model however has kept the stylized overtones nearly completely out of the picture opting instead for simplistic efficiency of design. The body tube of this torch is the most un-decorated flashlight component I have yet seen. The unique head has just enough decorative machining to give a place to put the unusual SunwayLED logo. Thankfully, this unpretentious appearance is covered head to tail with the flawless anodizing that is rapidly becoming trademark for this brand.

SunwayLED has crammed the 4 modes found in the M10R into a completely different user interface with its own benefits and downfalls. Gone is the ability to preselect your output mode before activating the light, but in its place comes a unique feel that is still quite easy to use. The switch for the L10R is an electronic push button similar to the much larger Olight SR90. SunwayLED however has given you the option for either constant on by pressing and immediately releasing, or momentary by just pressing and holding as long as you want light (a feature undocumented in my manual). The L10R activates in High mode every single time and cycles to Low and then to Medium with each double-click. This is somewhat of a unique order, but it works for what it is. Tucked quietly away into the background is a seemingly very hyperactive strobe mode accessed by pressing and holding the button when the light is on in any mode. Even cooler is that it will return to the same mode that it started in when released giving you momentary full power strobe even if you are using Low. Another undocumented feature is the ability to lock it in the strobe mode with a double click and hold (a move that many of you are quite familiar with if you owned any of the Nitecore SmartPD designs).

SunwayLED L10R

Taking a traditional flashlight profile and rotating the head 90° creates an uniquely altered set of ergonomics. With the switch located on the head of the light as it is, it can be located just as easily in the dark as with any tactical tailcap switch. You hold your hand naturally in front of you to point the light forward, instead of having to hold the light over your shoulder. Tailstanding (which this light is very capable of doing) also directs the light forward onto a specific target rather than blindly into the air. You can also lay the light down for ceiling bounce room lighting if you desire.  This light is a little larger than some of the tiniest CR123A powered lights, but it is still not overly large by any stretch.

Single Cell CR123A

Though I have taken issue with previous SunwayLED pocket clips, the clip included with the L10R is definitely an exception. First off it does away with the insecure tension attachment in favor of a much more reliable full loop that is screwed between the body tube and head of the torch. This eliminates any wiggle, free rotation, or chance of accidental removal. Secondly it offers you the option of three positions to secure the clip (back, left or right side) allowing you to attach the light to your belt or pocket and still illuminate your way.

Pocket clip

Constructive Criticism

Utilizing an R2 bin Cree XR-E LED, the SunwayLED struggles against the well established and even infamous Cree ring common to these LEDs. Thankfully the textured reflector goes a long way toward smoothing out these imperfections and creating a usable beam. I suspect that the reflector is actually identical to the M10R since the beams are so similar between the two. Where I don’t see this to be a large problem on the more traditional lights, I believe that a light in this format would greatly benefit from the change to the newer XP-G LED. This diode inherently walks hand in hand with a smoother, floodier beam that would compliment the usage of the L10R very nicely.

Cree XR-E

One interesting note discovered during my testing was some peculiarity of the behavior of the switch. With this style of electronic switch, the operation is a whole lot different than your usual forward or reverse clicky switch. I have found this switch to occasionally not appear to register my presses. I am not entirely certain that this is not just an issue of needing to get used to the light more on my part or if there is some ever so slight hiccup in the light. Usually if I just slow down a little and be more deliberate with my press, it will register correctly and the problem will go away.

Conclusions

The SunwayLED L10R is a unique twist on your classic flashlight and offers a useful new angle on illumination. Tired of the puns? How about this. Spectacular fit and finish pair up with a well thought out light with plenty of excellent features. I am impressed.

SunwayLED L10R

Provided for review by the kind folks at SunwayLED via Battery Junction.

SunwayLED M20C

Meat and Potatoes

The M20C further expands SunwayLED’s initial line of control ring based lights filling a gap with a nice medium-format light. It is powered by either 2 CR123A cells or a single 18650 if you want to take advantage of the usefulness of a rechargeable cell. SunwayLED has again shown they have a propensity for “getting it right” when it comes to the tactile feel and near silent activation of the control ring UI. It just feels excellent. There is no slop or play anywhere and it’s very well blended into the aesthetics of the light.

On that note, the overall aesthetics of the M20C are fantastic. The machine work is superb and the, dark olive anodizing appears thick and flawless. It is beset with coarse square threading furthering the impression of durability given off by its rugged visage. SunwayLED has definitely shown that their designers are competent in creating products that you can’t wait to show off.

SunwayLED M20C

It has the same Low-Medium-High-Strobe settings of the smaller M10R, however this time they are very well spaced, visually. The Low is very adequate for nighttime navigation and the High is really quite bright. More importantly, the Medium mode seemingly halves these two extremes very nicely, allowing for greatly extended runtime and yet much increased brightness over the minimum. I realize that if I were to put the question of what 3 levels would be best to 100 different enthusiasts like ourselves, I would likely receive 89 different answers (statistically some of you have to agree). I do however view myself as particularly average when it comes to lighting desires. Since these levels are right about where I like them, I suspect many of you will feel the same.

Utilizing an R2 bin Cree XR-E LED, the SunwayLED struggles against the well established and even infamous Cree ring common to these LEDs. Thankfully the textured reflector goes a long way toward smoothing out these imperfections and creating a usable beam. Also of interest to some (myself included) is the complete lack of any kind of preflash when you start the light in the lower modes. There is actually some evidence of the opposite in effect, an ever-so-slight hesitation before hitting full brightness in the higher modes. This is by far more tolerable than being hit with a painfully bright flash when trying to preserve some semblance of night adapted vision.

Cree XR-E R2

Constructive Criticism

Since it appears an unwritten rule that every new LED flashlight must have a strobe feature included, I would like to start seeing them tucked a little further out of the way from normal day to day operation. Not in any sort of way that makes them actually difficult to access for those who wish, but just enough to prevent stumbling into that mode by mistake. With the control ring of the M20C I believe this would be relatively simple. My thought for the best separation would be to somehow increase the tension of the tactile click between modes just for the last step up to strobe. This would keep it completely accessible as it is currently, but give it just that little bit of separation that would prevent accidental activation.

One interesting note, since I am testing this light concurrently with the smaller SunwayLED M10R, I am presented with an interesting dilemma. The control ring UI on these two lights are effectively identical with only a sole exception. While facing the light away from you, the M10R rotates the ring to the left (counter-clockwise) to increase brightness where the M20C rotates the ring to the right (clockwise) for the same effect. Taken as an individual light, this poses no trouble at all, but since I am repeatedly switching between the two I find myself selecting an unintended mode relatively often. It presents the question that possibly these lights could benefit from visual indicators as to which output is being selected.

The M20C comes prepacked with a lanyard and removable pocket clip. I am not personally a big lanyard fan so not many points are won that way. However for those that are, this one seems adequate for the task at hand. The included pocket clip is fairly nice allowing the light to be carried deep in your pocket with just the tailcap protruding. The problem is that it is a relatively loose fitting tension attachment that allows the clip to rotate relatively easily around the barrel of the light and is even easily removed. I would like to see some more secure method developed to attach the clip. In the mean time, my light is travelling clipless. Also, for lights of this size, the inclusion of a high quality holster would be an excellent benefit to many people. I don’t really consider many 18650 sized lights to be all that pocketable, so the best method to carry it without it being cumbersome, is holstered.

SunwayLED M20C

Conclusions

An entry level light with a ton to offer, the M2C is a fantastic worklight that isn’t too bulky. Excellent design and workmanship come together with a fan favorite control ring UI to make a quality product that stands out from the pack.

Provided for review by the kind folks at SunwayLED via Battery Junction.

SunwayLED M10R

Meat and Potatoes

The user interface of a multimode light is a difficult hurdle to overcome at best. How do you make it simple enough, and yet provide easy access to however many output modes you choose to provide? I have seen many different types of user interfaces on lights, and yet one of my my absolute favorites still remains the control ring. Having direct access to your desired light output that is independent of the power switch is a very desirable feature. The control ring of the M10R has an excellent feel with light tactile feedback letting you know when you are switching modes and yet maintaining silent operation.

SunwayLED has chosen basic Low, Medium, and High constant outputs plus the seemingly obligatory strobe mode. The constant levels are rated at 4, 20 and 190 lumens respectively, however I feel I have reason to question these numbers. Though the High output seems plausible when compared to other lights in the same vicinity, the Medium output seems far to close in appearance for such a disparity in numerical value. At the same time, the 4 lumen low more closely resembles the “Moon” mode of the 4Sevens Quark series. It is only slightly brighter to the naked eye. I am not saving this for the constructive criticism section strictly because I don’t necessarily believe these to be poorly chosen levels. I just find the labeling to be suspect.

Utilizing an R2 bin Cree XR-E LED, the SunwayLED struggles against the well established and even infamous Cree ring common to these LEDs. Thankfully the textured reflector goes a long way toward smoothing out these imperfections and creating a usable beam. Also of interest to some (myself included) is the complete lack of any kind of preflash when you start the light in the lower modes. There is actually some evidence of the opposite in effect, an ever-so-slight hesitation before hitting full brightness in the higher modes. This is by far more tolerable than being hit with a painfully bright flash when trying to preserve some semblance of night adapted vision.

Cree XR-E R2

Slim and compact, the M10R incorporates this normally bulky UI into a trim and attractive package. The machine work on this light is absolutely superb. All the appropriate edges are bevelled or chamfered leaving no sharp points to catch. They have chosen to leave out the standard crosshatch diamond knurling common to the industry, favoring instead a more unique ridged grip pattern for the barrel of the torch. Close attention to detail has been paid and SunwayLED has managed to turn out a very smart looking product. Thick dark olive anodizing and robust square threading compliment the aesthetic design of the light and make it appear that this light will easily withstand the test of time.

SunwayLED M10R

Constructive Criticism

During daily use of the M10R I have discovered that occasionally the light does not behave in a completely predictable manner. There are times that the torch will activate in low mode when I know for certain that I have put it into another setting. Occasionally, this problem will self correct within a second or two as the light realizes what is supposed to happen, but more often than not, it will stay there until I adjust the output while the light is on and change it back. This seems to happen most in the strobe mode but since that end of the control ring’s travel has some play beyond the last setting, I am not always certain what mode I am in. This brings me directly to my next points.

One interesting note, since I am testing this light concurrently with the larger SunwayLED M20C, I am presented with an interesting dilemma. The control ring UI on these two lights are effectively identical with only a sole exception. While facing the light away from you, the M10R rotates the ring to the left (counter-clockwise) to increase brightness where the M20C rotates the ring to the right (clockwise) for the same effect. Taken as an individual light, this poses no trouble at all, but since I am repeatedly switching between the two I find myself selecting an unintended mode relatively often. It presents the question that possibly these lights could benefit from visual indicators as to which output is being selected.

Since it appears an unwritten rule that every new LED flashlight must have a strobe feature included, I would like to start seeing them tucked a little further out of the way from normal day to day operation. Not in any sort of way that makes them actually difficult to access for those who wish, but just enough to prevent stumbling into that mode by mistake. With the control ring of the M10R I believe this would be relatively simple. My thought for the best separation would be to somehow increase the tension of the tactile click between modes just for the last step up to strobe. This would keep it completely accessible as it is currently, but give it just that little bit of separation that would prevent accidental activation.

The M10R comes prepacked with a lanyard and removable pocket clip. I am not personally a big lanyard fan so not many points are won that way. However for those that are, this one seems adequate for the task at hand. The included pocket clip is a wonderful shape allowing the light to be carried deep in your pocket with just the tip of the tail protruding when carried bezel down. The problem is that it is a relatively loose fitting tension attachment that allows the clip to rotate relatively easily around the barrel of the light and is even easily removed. I would like to see some more secure method developed to attach the clip. In the mean time, my light is travelling clipless.

Tension Clip

Conclusions

Compact, easy to use and really quite bright. The M10R is a single-cell light with a control ring UI that is small and sleek enough to be carried as an EDC torch. The fact that it looks this good while doing it is just icing on the cake. It still has a couple areas where it could improve, but overall it is one excellent introduction piece.

SunwayLED M10R

Provided for review by the kind folks at SunwayLED via Battery Junction.

4Sevens Maelstrom G5

Meat and Potatoes

The Maelstrom’s unadorned exterior design may strike some as overly simple, even boring, but 4Sevens has intentionally left the design spartan, instead focusing on usability and functionality. Simple knurling and very little special machining are the order of the day with the only indication that something is unique being the heat sink fins surrounding the flared head and the tactical cigar grip ring at the tail. At first glance the family resemblance to the existing Quark Turbo lights is evident, but that however is where the similarity ends. This solid, durable torch is built to survive all the rigors of a tactical use, or any other hard working environment.  The anodizing is flawless over every ridge, knurl and fin.  The excellent stainless steel bezel is devoid of machine marks or over-sharp edges.  The fit and finish is, in a word, superb.

Heat Sink Fins

4Sevens chose to engineer a completely new user interface for the Maelstrom, eschewing even their own existing Tactical Quark interface. The available mode selections are familiar still, sporting the same basic output levels and blinky modes as the Quark line, but their access has been drastically changed. No longer do you have to cycle through output modes to find the brightness you are looking for. The Maelstrom G5 has taken the classic head rotation mode selection and added two more stages to it giving you 4 total independently selectable outputs in each of two mode groups. Depending on how much you loosen the head of the light, the Maelstrom G5 begins at a dazzlingly bright “High” output level and dims down to a minuscule “Moon” mode very reminiscent of the Quark series. Alternatively you can switch over to the second group of outputs for all of the blinky modes combined with “Max” output in case you still need a more constant light.  Think of the entire head of the flashlight as a volume knob for output.

Smooth Reflector

At first I questioned the use of a smooth reflector in a light as high quality as this. In my experience, every single light I have used with a smooth reflector has had significant gains to be had from refining the beam with a light stipple. The Maelstrom however, does not necessarily succumb to this guideline. The beam of the G5 is quite exceptionally smooth with only the barest hints of any artifacts to be found. It is definitely focused for throw with a very well defined spot in the center of the beam, but thankfully it also has an adequate corona blending things into the ample spillbeam to allow for a more useful light at many distances. Utilizing a top of the line Cree XP-G LED driven relatively hard, 4Sevens has achieved an outstanding 350 lumens of light out of the front of this torch in “Max” mode, upping the ante in this highly competitive power leapfrogging market.

Designed to accept both a pair of CR123A cells or a single larger 18650 Li-ion rechargeable equally well, the Maelstrom G5 has been cleverly designed not to require the battery magazines utilized by other manufacturers, nor does it suffer from the battery rattle typical of lights that ignore it. Its unique method manages to absolutely eliminate battery rattle at least in the primary and secondary mode settings in either group, while still allowing the use of an 18650 without any adaptation.  Simply brilliant.

4Sevens Maelstrom G5

Constructive Criticism

Removable tactical grip rings have always been a bit of a pet peeve of mine. I’ve seen them made from metal, rigid plastic, and pliable rubber, and it’s only the rubber ones that have had any longevity in my collection. Every other grip ring has always been deemed too harsh and uncomfortable to use and been removed permanently immediately following the photo shoot. The only rubber grip ring I used was actually a joy to use. It was unobtrusive and very handy. It would be nice to see the Maelstrom updated with something similar. Since the Maelstrom G5 is actually a pre-release evaluation copy I do not have any information as to what accessories may be included in the final packaging, I assume that since the threaded grip ring is also used to hold the high quality clip in place that a smooth option will also be available.

The method of adjustment employed by the Maelstrom G5 is in its implementation very similar to the selector ring utilized by other companies. The biggest drawback to this method that I have seen is not the lack of physical indicators but rather the lack of visual ones. A series of 4 indicator marks depicting the rough locations of the 4 output modes would, in my opinion, be immensely helpful in pre-selecting your output.

Lastly, I have a very slight point of fussiness that is probably just my own idiosyncrasies coming into play. The two output groups available on the Maelstrom are very well chosen, in my opinion. There is just the slight issue I take with the fact that “Max” output is not in the same circuit as the remainder of the constant modes, but rather grouped in with the Strobe, SOS and Beacon modes. I would rather that the “High” mode be equal to “Max” to keep the full range of outputs available without having to change groups.  Thankfully, the 4 modes that are instantly available when in this set offer a very wide range of usable light.  The actual need to visit the “Max” output is entirely debatable since “High” is already copiously bright with likely a considerable runtime advantage.

4Sevens Maelstrom G5

Conclusions

The Maelstrom G5 is an incredibly durable flashlight that is a collection of extremely well thought out decisions. Spectacular brightness, tightly focused beam, and intuitive UI all come together in one solid, attractive package. It has been quite a wait for some who have been anticipating this light since the early hints to its existence, but my opinion is that it was well worth your patience.

Lupine Tesla TL 1200

Meat and Potatoes

Affectionately named after one of the worlds most iconic authorities on all things electric, the Tesla TL 1200 set its sights high from the start. With its unpretentious attire, Lupine has instead turned its focus inward toward quality and power. The body of this torch is actually a proprietary battery pack, yielding 2.5Ah at 7.2V from two lithium ion cells of unknown proportions. This allows the TL 1200 to be significantly more compact than if they had instead chosen two equally capacious 18650‘s, the usual suspect cell in lights of this caste. It is simply the smallest light I have used with this kind of power.

Lupine Tesla TL 1200

You have oft heard me tout the benefits of a textured reflector. Its orange peel like surface randomizes the emitted light just enough to remove beam artifacts left by the LED or imperfections in the reflector’s polish or shape. Lupine takes that concept a step further, utilizing instead an array of precisely aimed facets on their reflector. Each minute hexagon is specifically positioned to provide an optimal beam pattern and exceptional smoothness. They have eschewed the traditional beam profile designed to focus the light into as tight of a point as possible, for distance illumination. Instead they believe that you are carrying a flashlight mostly because you are interested in seeing what you are doing in the dark, so they have chosen to light up everything nearby with a widely focused flood beam.

Faceted Reflector

TL 1200 Beamshot

Sitting behind that gem of a reflector is the equally beautiful Luminous SST-90 LED. This enormous, single-die power LED allows the TL 1200 to be driven at incredibly high levels producing huge quantities of light. Its copious surface area also assists in producing the lights beautiful wide-angle beam. The downside to using such a powerful emitter and high amount of energy is that it tends to create quite a bit of heat, the natural enemy of electronics. Thankfully Lupine has already addressed this issue with active thermal management that monitors temperature levels and steplessly throttles back the power to the LED until heat is no longer a concern. The TL 1200 even has a unique soft-start that quickly ramps the light up to maximum instead of just immediately switching on. I am not certain what purpose this fulfills, but it is an interesting feature none the less.

Lupine Tesla TL 1200

Though not a “fully” programmable light, the Tesla TL 1200 does allow you to set one of several preselected output modes. Lupine also allows you to decide on a couple of other minor settings for the light such as whether it turns on in low or high output for those modes. The choices are not by any stretch all encompassing, and the “Low Start” mode is a little confusing (more about that later) but they are definitely enough to give this light a wide variety of usefulness. There is even a rather unique soft-start to the light that ramps the light up to full power when you turn it on rather than immediately blasting 1200 lumens with no warning. I am not sure about the purpose of such programming, but it is an interesting addition none the less.

Lupine Tesla TL 1200

The machine work on the Lupine Tesla TL 1200, though very simplistic, is superb in quality. Every portion of this light positively oozes quality. The anodizing appears to be one of the thickest and most nicely textured of any that I have seen. All of the accessories that come with this torch are also comparably premium. The Lupine Charger One is, hands down, the highest quality battery charger I have ever used. It is nothing short of magnificent and I wish it would work with the rest of my Li-ion cells. The rugged nylon compartmentalized carrying case has all the room you could need for the TL 1200 and accouterments. It is even the only light I have reviewed thus far that comes with an actual leather holster.

Lupine Accessories

Constructive Criticism

Of minor mention here is the fact that this light has definitely one of the more complex user interfaces that I have seen. It is one that you are going to want to explain carefully if you need to hand the light to someone else to use or they will quite possibly start randomly changing modes and get stuck in one that is less desirable. This is a little easier to handle when using the battery pack that has the various modes printed on the side, however only one of the two batteries my light came with was attired as such. The other pack was a much more simply adorned unit sporting only the Lupine and Tesla logo and nomenclature. As such I found it more attractive, but somewhat less useful. I would propose some method that bridges the gap providing the programming legend while somehow making it less obvious.

Battery Differences

Also, relating to the user interface, in the light settings section there is an option to make the light start on low. In my experience, this setting is confusing. In mode 3(2-step Flash), and 6(1-step) it behaves exactly as I would expect it to, starting with the strobe or not changing anything. However in modes 1(2-step Low), 2(2-step High), and 4(3 step SOS) it behaves a little uniquely. Instead of starting directly in the secondary output, it starts at absolutely the lowest brightness it seems capable of (a nice “moon” mode actually) and then gradually and barely noticeably fades up to that secondary output over the course of a minute or two. In mode 5(4-step) it starts in the second brightest output and cycles down in the same manner as usual. Because of these peculiarities, I find the light makes much more sense to operate with the “Low Start” mode deactivated.

Operation Legend inscribed battery

Conclusions

The Lupine Tesla TL 1200 is a light that is simply designed to be used. It has no aspirations to be the prettiest light on your shelf. It doesn’t try to put the brightest spot on a squirrel 400 yards away. Its host of features including many I haven’t mentioned (Battery gauge, voltage readout, etc.) are all designed to make this a light that you want to carry with you.

Lupine

Provided for review by Lupine.