Looking at the selection of AA high-powered flashlights, it is easy to see that there are very few selections that can push the output of the light over the 600 lumen mark, or even hitting a high output without the use of a ton of batteries. Thankfully, the Nitecore EA4 solves this issue with a few good traits.
The most noticeable part of this AA torch, is the output. With its CREE XM-L U2 LED, the EA4 Pioneer has a maximum output of 900 lumens with an even more impressive beam. The range of the beam can reach as far as 283 meters from only using four AA batteries, which makes it a perfect choice for those that want to stick with the convenience and value of AA batteries.
This EA4 series also has a fantastic set up of the user interface, which is similar to the Tiny Monster series. Manageable through the use of a single side switch, a full press of the button allows the user to access the turbo mode, while a half press of the switch allows the user to access the other six modes and cycle through the available choices. In order to access the strobe feature, a simple double click of the switch will engage the 900 lumen strobe, providing an extra measure of security and visibility.
The EA4 series is fairly priced, and also comes in a Neutral White version for those that prefer the ambiance of a pure white.
As of recently, it seems that this is the season of the flashlight companies to release their biggest and baddest flashlights. With Nitecore unveiling its TM26 Quad Ray and MH40, JETBeam releasing the DDR30, and Blackshadow (the underdog that is rising quickly in the ranks) producing the Terminator, it was only natural for the boys and girls of Fenix to show of their new powerhouse: the TK75.
Hosting three CREE XM-L U2 LED’s in the deep reflector, this light can push up to 2600 ANSI lumens. Using the deep reflector for the three XM-L’s allows the beam of the light to be more concentrated than others, which helps boost the throw distance of the light, while maintaining a fantastic flood beam as well.
The interface of the TK75 is perfectly tuned for any flashlight user with the two button layout on the side of the light. The first button is used to turn the light on and off, while the second button allows the user to quickly access the other modes on the light, leaving out the annoyance of twisting the head, or trying to access secret features from a one button switch.
One thing that definitely gives this light a competitive advantage over the other lights is the optional battery extender. Attaching the extender to the light will not only give the user a good defense mechanism (kidding), but will also increase the run time, which is incredibly helpful for long periods of use.
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.
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.
As stated previously, Niteye has a wide range of flashlights that fits the needs of any flashlight user. Regarding the tactical flashlight division of Niteye, there are a few variations of the T series lights, in which there is a unique characteristic that makes each light stand out from the other.
What makes the Niteye TS20 stand out from the other T series lights is its simplicity. By only using a tail switch to turn the light on/off and a side switch to access the modes, the TS20 is a perfect light for those that are looking for a simple interface that can easily be used either on a rail mount or as a stand alone light.
The TS20 uses a CREE XM-L U2 LED that is powered by two CR123′s or a single 18650 battery to produce 650 ANSI lumens, packing a lot of lumens into such a small body. Unlike the TF25′s over-sized head, the slimmer profile of the TS20′s body allows the light to be mounted easily to a wide array of weapons, and it has been designed to handle any type of recoil or drops.
All in all, if you’re looking for a light like the TR20, but something with an easier interface, the Niteye TS20 fulfills all of the requirements for any tactical flashlight user.
