Whenever people like to camp or go outdoors, there tends to be a big push for people to pick two different lights: one traditional, handheld flashlight and a hands-free light. This is a great option, but to pick two separate lights for one event can really take a toll on the wallet. Fortunately, Rofis found a way to solve this age-old issue, and has released the JR10, JR20 and JR30 Transformer flashlights.
Inspired by the robots themselves, the Transformer lights have the ability to go from a traditional flashlight to “transform” into an angle light by twisting the head of the light until it reaches a 90 degree angle. As mentioned previously, the strong point behind this light is its ability to be used as a hands-free light, which comes in handy for camping or any kind of work that requires both hands. While most people may assume that the pivoting capability of the Transformers would compromise the waterproofing, all three of the lights do come standard with the IPX-8 waterproof rating: meaning the light is submersible up to two meters.
Each light uses a CREE XP-G R5 LED, which makes the light better at throwing, yet the short reflector does allow a fair amount of throw. The JR10 has a high output of 180 lumens and takes a single CR123, the JR20 produces up to 310 lumens and takes two CR123′s, and the JR30 produces 120 lumens and takes a single AA battery.
When Fenix upgraded the PD20 and PD30 to the PD22 and PD32 respectively, they only found it fair to make the same upgrades to the small AA cell-powered flashlights as well. Therefore, the Fenix LD10 and LD20 have been upgraded to the LD12 and LD22 with all new dual switch operation and an anti-roll body design, but still has the same reliability as its predecessors. The LD12 is an ideal light for those that are looking for something compact, while the LD22 is for those that are looking for a solid EDC light that has a little more firepower, all while using the conveniently available AA battery cells. With a single AA, the LD12 can produce up to 115 lumens and the LD22 can produce 190 lumens from the XP-G R5 LED, and include four different modes with an easy to learn interface using the side switch. Both lights do come with a removable pocket clip, which allows the light to remain still and quickly accessible while in the pocket, or attached to another location.
The Fenix PD20 was a fantastic EDC pocket light thanks to its small body and impressive output, along with having a great price. While most users found the PD20 to be an impressive light, the engineers at Fenix decided that the light could use an upgrade: integrate an even easier user interface with the same design and features of the older model. The Fenix PD22 is simply the PD20, but with a dual switch operation instead of one. This allows the user to access all of the light’s modes by pressing the side switch on the light and even allowing access to the strobe feature. Powered by a single cell CR123, the PD22 can push 180 lumens with its R5 LED, making it perfect for a pocket throwing light. Just like the rest of the Fenix flashlight line, this light comes standard with the IPX-8 waterproof rating, and makes for a great pocket light for your daily needs.
The Sunwayman V10A and V20A are both excellent every day carry lights suited for most any task.
Both lights use the ubiquitous AA cell allowing you to replace the battery without thinning your wallet. The V10A uses a single AA, and is capable of 140 lumens on high. The V20A uses 2 AA batteries and is a little brighter, maxing out at 210 lumens. Both torches put out more than enough light to handle most situations. The best feature of these lights has to be the variable output ring. This ring allows the user to choose between minimum and maximum brightness, and anywhere in between. No longer will you be stuck with preset brightnesses that can be too bright or too dim for the task at hand. A simple twist of the ring allows you to dial in the exact amount of brightness you desire. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
Of course, both the V10A and V20A have the same quality in manufacturing as all other Sunwayman lights, so you know you are buying a quality tool. Words are good, but video is better. Play the video below to get an idea of how these lights perform in the real world.
If you are looking for a well built flashlight that has a ton of output and throws to the moon, then you’ve found it. The JETBeam RRT-1 fits that role perfectly.
Running off of 2 CR123 primaries or a single 18650, the RRT-1 puts out a max of 313 lumens for two hours. If you do choose to use a rechargeable lithium battery, you won’t have to worry about over discharging your cell since the RRT-1 has a built in protection circuit. A tail cap clicky is used to power on the light, and output modes are chosen using a rotary ring near the bezel. Rotary ring selectors make switching between output modes very fast and intuitive. The R5 LED paired with the extra deep reflector allows the RRT-1 to throw for days. The beam stays very tight making it easy to illuminate objects for hundreds of yards. Even on lower brightness settings the RRT-1 is able to light up objects out to 100 yards, allowing you to save battery life if the max brightness isn’t needed.
That’s enough talk, watch the video and lighten your wallet!
