Earlier in the month I published a review of the JETBeam PA20: a two cell AA flashlight that has a tactical purpose in mind. For those that liked the features of the light, but were looking for a smaller version/CR123 version, we have officially received three new lights from the P series. The JETBeam PA10, PC10, and PC20 are the single cell AA, single cell CR123, and the double cell CR123 answers to the PA20 by providing smaller size and a higher lumen rating. Surprising enough, the most powerful out of the series is not the PC20, but the PA10 (when powered by a lithium-ion 14500 battery) can produce a whopping 650 lumens. The PC10 (using an RCR123/16340) can produce 550 lumens, and the PC20 can produce 410 lumens. While the three new lights may be brighter, they do still keep true to the easy user interface that is loaded with different outputs and modes, and includes a heavy duty carrying case and holster with accessories.
The JETBeam PA20 is one of the company’s higher end, EDC sized lights that has a very durable build with a simple and easy-to-use interface. Designed with a tactical purpose, this dual cell AA powered flashlight has a turbo mode that produces an impressive 230 lumens, and has a plethora of modes that can be accessed with the head of the flashlight loosened (this includes a moonlight, strobe, SOS, etc). The light is great to use for instant flashes of lights thanks to its forward motion tail switch, and can also be used to cycle through the modes quickly for the PA20. This light comes standard with an IPX-8 waterproof rating with an anti-roll body design that will keep this light by your side, even if it is placed on a slanted surface. For those that love the grand mode selection with a tough aluminum body that’s powered by the convenience of two AA batteries, then this is a great choice.
A new addition to its Raptor Series, the JETBeam RRT-01 is by far the smallest of the collection (even smaller than the RRT-0 itself). Using an RCR123/16340 battery to power its XM-L T6 LED bulb, this pocket light can produce up to 500 lumens, and is controlled by the magnetic ramping ring located towards the head of the flashlight. With the ramping ring having an incredibly smooth interface, the RRT-01 is a great choice for those that like the ability to customize their lumen output while having a simple single switch that is easy to use with one hand. The butt of the flashlight has a key ring attachment if desired for a possible lanyard attachment, and is a great option for a tail stand light. As compact as it is smooth, the RRT-01 is a great EDC light with a great interface and build quality.
JETBeam’s value series, the B line, has released a new light that is designed to be mounted to a weapon: the JETBeam BC25. Powered by either 2 x CR123′s or a single 18650, this basic tactical light can produce 650 lumens from its XM-L T6 LED from its high mode, and 100 lumens in its low mode. The light is a great option for those that are looking for a weapons mountable light that is simple to use and does not feature a complex programming system. It’s a bright light that’s easy to use for a very good price, and a very durable light for those that are looking to use it in harsh conditions.
Just as JetBeam redesigned the RRT-2 with an upgraded XML LED, they decided to do the same with the RRT-0 by creating the RRT-0 XML. The RRT-0 still has the ramping ring, allowing the user to create a custom lumen output and can cycle through modes easily with one hand. However, unlike its predecessor, the XML boosts the light’s lumen output from 255 to a staggering 550 lumens. But the best feature of the RRT-0 series is its ability to adapt to batteries: as an option, the user can add a AA extender to the light, which comes in handy for dire situations where CR123 batteries are not available.
There’s a lot of flashlights on the market that say that they are the best for cycling, but JETBeam has a response to that: The III ST Cycler flashlight. Producing 425 lumens from its CREE XM-L LED emitter, the JETBeam III ST Cycler is a great tool for the avid cycler, camper, hiker, mountaineer. The reflector allows the beam to combine a considerate amount of throw with a very uniform flood that allows the user to see a large amount of area that will leave no surprises from being illuminated. The light can use either two CR123 batteries or one 18650 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery. For anyone looking to use the light as a cycling light, there is a rotating bike mount that fits perfectly with the light.
For those that have used the JETBeam RRT-2 before and loved its tactical style and features: it’s back, and it has a new LED bulb. The LED from the light has been upgraded from the previous R5 LED to a CREE XM-L LED, which has bumped the lumen output up to 460 lumens along with a hybrid style reflector that gives it a greater amount of flood and throw. Everything else about the RRT-2 has been kept the same with its magnetic-controlled ramping ring and deep toothed bezel, which allows the light to be used as a glass breaker or defense tool while keeping the lens protected from drops. The light can use two CR123s/two 16340′s or one 18650 Lithium Ion battery.
The new JETBeam RRT-3 is a true monster of a light. Instead of the single SST-50 that the old version used, this new version uses triple CREE XM-L LEDs to pump out a blistering 1950 lumens. The ideal power source for the RRT-3 is three 18650 rechargeable lithium batteries. The 18650 cell will offer the highest output and the longest run time when compared with the CR123 primaries that most lights use. Operation of the RRT-3 is made simple with the use of a rotary switch paired with a tail cap clicky. The clicky turns the light on, and the rotary ring adjusts the output – it’s really that easy. Check the video below out to get a feel for just how insane this light really is.
When you need to turn night into day, the choices don’t get much better than the RRT-3.
When someone asks for an affordable, high output light the JETBeam BC40 is the one that I mention almost every time. The performance is amazing at its very modest price, which is well under 100 dollars.
Using a CREE XM-L and 4 CR123 batteries the BC40 can spit out 830 lumens on the max brightness setting. Performance like that is mostly only seen in high dollar lights which are 4 to 5 times the cost of the BC40. The version in the video uses a warm tint LED which will represent colors with higher fidelity. The warmer tint means that greens and browns will still be green and brown, without having a blue tint cast over them.
With output that high and a price that low, there is a reason the BC40 is one of our most popular lights. If you’re in the market for a mega torch that won’t break the bank, then look no further than the BC40. Seriously, it’s that good.
The JETBeam RRT-15 is the upgraded version of the RRT-1. The new upgrades improve the functionality immensely and also provide higher output than the previous version of this light.
The RRT-15 is now equipped with a CREE XM-L LED which provides a higher overall volume of light. The new larger XM-L give the beam more spill while still maintaining a bright hot spot. Along with the LED upgrade the RRT-15 got a new infinitely adjustable rotary ring. The rotary ring allows the user to choose minimum brightness, the max of 480, and anything in between. The end user can quite literally choose the exact amount of light he or she needs for the task at hand. Three CR123 batteries power the RRT-15 instead of 2 like the old version used.
If you liked the RRT-1 then you will definitely love this light. The rotary ring combined with an XM-L makes this one fun to use!
