In a previous post, I went over the EagleTac D25 flashlight series (D25C, D25A, D25LC2, D25A2), which covered four variations of EagleTac’s well-known pocket lights. The difference between that D25 series and this series lies in the upgraded XM-L LEDs and the new tail switch application. By using a CREE XM-L LED, the D25 series lights are now much brighter than their predecessors, which gives the user a great amount of light in a very small body. The tail switch of the Clicky series moves the focus of changing interface from the twist head to the tail switch, making it much easier to use for first time flashlight users. The stainless steel bezel on the D25 Clicky series has been painted to match the color of the rest of the body, which actually gives the light a better look while still giving the same amount of protection to the lens and emitter. All four lights come standard with the IPX-8 waterproof rating and are constructed out of heavy duty aluminum. All in all, the D25 series is a great choice for those that are looking for a reliable EDC pocket light that is very bright along with an easy-to-use interface.
The largest of the Niteye Bike light series, the B30 has three CREE LEDs that produces a turbo output of 1000 lumens. The light has the same functions and capabilities as the Niteye B20 and B10, but the additional LED creates an even more impressive amount of flood for those late night trail rides. The mount of the B series lights allows the B30 to be mounted to almost any diameter tube, and the high number of threads on the screw ensures that the light will not come off unless done so by the user itself. With the pressure pad attached, the user can easily access all of the B30′s modes by simply pressing the switch, and can be attached to the handlebar with the velcro that is included.
In the second installment on the bike light trilogy, the Niteye B20 bicycle light is the B10, but double the LEDs and double the lumen output. By increasing the output to 1200 lumens, and distributing it between two CREE XM-L LEDs, the B20 is able to create a larger area of flood, which is perfect for mountain bikes that need to navigate quick turns and any possible surprises that cannot be seen outside of their peripheral vision. This medium-sized bike light has the same battery set up as the other B series Niteye bike lights, which allows the light to have an incredibly long run time thanks to its four 18650 cell battery pack. The mount of the light allows the B20 to be attached to the handle bars of the bicycle, or to any other surface if necessary. The pressure switch is used to cycle through the modes of the B20, making it simple and easy to use during any bike ride.
After many requests, we have finally decided to expand our light selection to start carrying illumination tools for cyclists. Better known as bike lights, the ability to mount a light source to the handlebars of a bicycle can really extend any expedition well into the night and early morning. Being easy to use and durable to handle any kind of accidents is necessary, which is why we have picked up the Niteye B10, B20, and B30 bicycle lights.
Starting with the review of the smallest of three lights, the single XM-L LED Niteye B10 packs a great amount of light into such a tiny body. The light produces a turbo output of 600 lumens that has multiple modes that can easily be accessed through its pressure switch. By using four rechargeable 18650 batteries, the run time of the B10 is almost double of a traditional flashlight, making it a perfect choice for those long hauls into the night. The light can easily be mounted to any handlebar with the light’s ultra sturdy mount, which will hold the light snugly to the bike to prevent any movement or slips.
For a compact bike light, it’s tough to match the B10′s durability and superior runtime, not to mention how little room is necessary to use it.
The TF20 is one of many tactical rotary flashlights under the Niteye company, which has shown a lot of promise in their performance and unique application of a rotary ring into a type of light to where the ring is usually seen as taboo. What makes this light stand out from its counterparts is not necessarily it’s applications, but it’s size.
The super slim profile on the TF20 allows the user the ability to pocket the light, or even use it in the holster in a more concealed manner. The light itself is powered by two CR123′s or a single 18650 to produce an output of 480 lumens from its CREE XM-L U2 LED. The modes can be accessed through the infamous Niteye ramping ring that allows the user to select a custom output for the light that includes a hidden strobe feature. The body of the light is constructed of a heavy duty aluminum and the ring is made of stainless steel, making the light very durable and shock resistant. The durability of the light is only complimented by the waterproof IPX-8 rating, making the TF20 a perfect choice for an EDC light or makes a great camping light.
Previously, we covered the new Transformer series from the Rofis flashlight company: an adaptive flashlight that can pivot 90 degrees to be used as an angle light. This time, the light in review is the more power model that is larger and more powerful than the JR series.
The Rofis TR51 is the company’s first attempt at producing a high power handheld flashlight that can be used to illuminate objects at long distances. Using four CR123′s or two 18650′s to power the CREE XM-L U2 LED, the TR51 can produce up to 880 lumens, and combined with a smooth and deep reflector allows a perfect combination of flood and throw. The double tube isolation of the battery cells acts as a more comfortable grip for the user, and allows easier access to the side switch on the flashlight to access the four preset modes.
For those looking for a solid large light that has a great ergonomic design that compliments the output and performance of a high quality light, the Rofis TR51 makes a great choice for any situation or task.
Surefire flashlights are as American as apple pie and baseball, and is most likely a household name for any flashlight enthusiast. Recently, Surefire has decided to expand its market of flashlights into the realm of headlights, with their brand new Maximus headlight.
Using an internal rechargeable battery, the Surefire Maximus can produce up to 500 ANSI lumens from it’s high-power LED, the Maximus headlight is designed to handle extreme conditions, and the ramping function interface to control a custom lumen output combines ruggedness with luxury for a fine quality light. The Maximus has been designed to rotate up and down to 90 degrees, allowing the light to be directed in any specific way as necessary by the user of the light itself.
While performance is important to the user of the flashlight, comfort can also be a big issue, and having a sweat-filled headband can ruin the appeal of any headlight user quickly. By using the Breathe-O-Prene forehead pad, the Maximus is placed comfortably on the user’s head, and actually wicks away moisture from the pad, which will keep the forehead virtually dry and will keep the pad from smelling.
For a rechargeable headlight produced by the biggest name in the flashlight world, the Surefire Maximus sets the standard for all high quality headlamps.
Ever since the creation of flashlights, people have always wanted to have the biggest and baddest torch that ever existed. Not necessarily as a need, but a tool that can be used to easily illuminate a great amount of space, and could possibly be seen from the international space station (just kidding). One problem, however, has always been the cost of purchasing a high-power flashlight for a decent price, but Xtar’s S1 has provided the answer to the question of a good light that can produce a lot of light for a fair price.
Producing a whopping 2350 lumens from its three XM-L LED’s, the S1 is powered by three 18650 batteries and has a total reach of 475 meters (which is very impressive for any 3x XM-L light). The light uses a ramping ring to control the lumen output between 15 and 2350 lumens, along with a strobe and SOS feature that can be easily accessed, which is perfect to use for defense or in emergency situations. By eliminating the need of a tail switch, the S1 can be used as a tail stand light, which only compliments its heavy duty aluminum body and IPX-8 waterproof rating.
When it comes to heavy duty lights that perform extremely well for a great price, the Xtar S1 seems to be the best choice out there.
So far for the new Niteye brand, we’ve reviewed a great selection of lights that fit the wants and needs of any person that’s looking for a good pocket light or a good and functional tactical light. What we have yet to review, however, is a light that uses AA batteries instead of CR123′s or 18650′s. Granted that the lithium-powered cells are more powerful and better performing than the traditional alkaline batteries, but when it comes down to convenience and affordability, the Niteye EYE12‘s AA capability makes it a perfect choice for an EDC or emergency flashlight.
Using a CREE XM-L U2 LED that produces an impressive 260 lumens, the EYE12 is powered by two AA battery cells, which makes it a perfect starting light for those that are looking to delve into the high performance flashlight realm and wanting to stick with convenience first. The light has a tail switch that is used to turn the beam on and off, while the ramping ring located towards the head of the light is used to manage the lumen output, which allows the user to set the beam at a preferred mode rather than using programmed settings.
The body of the EYE12 is constructed out of aerospace aluminum, which allows the light to be durable and reduces damage by impact or accidents. The stainless steel bezel located on the head gives the light an executive finish, while it doubles over as reinforced protection of the lens and LED. Just like the other Niteye flashlights, the EYE12 comes standard with the IPX-8 waterproof rating, meaning that the light can handle heavy rain storms and can be dropped in water without any worries.
Nitecore has a very impressive tactical flashlight line that covers a broad spectrum of wants and needs for flashlight users alike. The last Niteye flashlight we reviewed was the TF25, which is a great light for those that are looking for a beam that has a good amount of throw and a great amount of flood with its over-sized head and a ramping ring that allows a customized output. But for those that are looking for a light with a smaller profile and a no-nonsense interface approach that packs a punch, the Niteye TR20 tactical flashlight is a great candidate.
Starting with the most unique feature of the light, the TR20 is actually a rechargeable light (but batteries are NOT included). By using the connection port that is located towards the head of the light, the battery does not have to be removed from the light, making it a simple package for those that are not looking to invest in a battery charging set up. The charging port is protected by a rubber stopper, which keeps out dirt and also allows the TR20 to maintain its IPX-8 waterproof rating.
Powered by either two CR123 batteries or a single 18650, the light’s CREE XM-L U2 LED can produce up to 650 lumens, and has a total of three simple modes that are all managed by the tail switch. By quickly pressing on the tail switch, the user can cycle through a high, low, and strobe mode until the preferred mode is chosen. Once selected, the light should be left on that mode for a minimum of two seconds before turning it off in order to allow the light to memorize the last mode used.
This light is a great choice for those that are looking to minimize cost by excluding an external charging unit, or for those that are looking for a high-powered light with simple functionality.
