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.
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.
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.
Niteye’s TF25 has really impressed us with its unique features and strong design points, which is why it stands out compared to other flashlights in its category.
At first glance, people can notice that the TF25 has been designed with the intention to perform better than the competition by adding an over-sized smooth reflector in the head of the flashlight, that when it is combined with the CREE XM-L LED, it has a fantastic amount of throw, and an impressive amount of spill. The modes on the light can be accessed through Niteye’s infamous ramping ring, that includes a range from 2 to 500 lumens, and a very useful strobe feature.
The lights structure is very sound as well, being constructed out of aerospace aluminum and having an IPX-8 waterproof rating ensure that this tactical flashlight can hold up to some of the toughest conditions, and will minimize any chance of surprise.
The high-powered, multiple LED flashlight craze has been kicking up a storm within the last couple of years with the release of the JETBeam RRT-3, Nitecore TM11, and the Klarus XT20 to name a few. A newer company, known as Niteye (makers of the EYE10, a 500 lumen EDC flashlight) has stepped up to the plate and has released three new multiple LED flashlights that are in the 2000+ lumen range. In this review, we will be discussing the first of the three released flashlights: the Niteye EYE25.
Using three CREE XM-L U2 LED’s to produce 2000 ANSI rated lumens, the EYE25 is an impressive light right off the bat. Using two 18650s or four CR123 batteries, the EYE25 has an incredibly easy user interface that is managed through the ramping ring, located towards the head of the flashlight. With the ramping ring, the user can control the range between the max of 2000 lumens, and a low output of 100 lumens. There is also a strobe feature that can be accessed by twisting the ring to the farthest left, that will be sure to devastate any potential attacker.
Compared to its competitors, the statistics match up evenly across the board in lumen output and battery consumption, but where it stands out best is in price. At $199, the Niteye EYE25 is the best dollar-per-lumen ratio for the high end flashlight realm, and from how we’ve tested it and reviewed it, the light is just as reliable and durable as the rest.
It’s easy to say that Klarus is one of our favorite brands at the store, and most of us actually carry or own some type of Klarus light. When it comes to a quality build that’s reliable and incredibly easy to use, we will always recommend Klarus as one of the best. That is why we’re excited to see that they have just released the new RS11: a 620 lumen flashlight with a few tricks up its sleeve.
The new RS11 is Klarus’s first attempt at creating a light with a charging port, which comes in very handy for those looking for a light to keep in a car or truck, since there is no need to purchase a separate charger to charge the batteries (keeps the light and battery in one convenient package). Since the charging port is located in the back of the light, the infamous dual switch interface has been moved towards the head of the light, and has a bit of a different interface (similar to the ED10 pressure switch for the XT11). At the head of the light, Klarus used a more aggressive bezel to protect the lens of the light, that is also very efficient as a defense tool to thwart off any attackers. The light has three modes (low, medium, high) and a strobe that can be accessed via the secondary switch.
As a rechargeable light, this one has been very impressive so far, and is very versatile and easy to recharge anywhere, which makes it a good light for any commuter.
Sunwayman has always been known for making very innovative lights with a rotary that allows a custom lumen output, making them ideal for those that do not like to have a light with limited settings. This is why the Sunwayman V10R Ti was so popular amongst flashlight users: it was a lightweight EDC light with a titanium body that had an integrated Magnetic Control System (MCS) ring.
Recently, Sunwayman did a re-vamp with all of their lights by introducing the new CREE XM-L U2 LED into most of the models, which included the V10R. Now known as the Sunwayman V10R Ti+, this flashlight has a few new upgrades. For instance, the light has been given the new XM-L U2 LED, a more efficient emitter that can produce up to 500 lumens from a single 16340 battery (190 with a CR123). A heavy duty pocket clip has been added to the light as well, so those that stressed about the previous model sitting too deep in the pocket can now breathe easily, knowing that it will remain in a fixed location and can be reached easily. Instead of keeping the rubber switch, Sunwayman upgraded the V10R Ti+ with a new titanium switch, which gives the light an executive look, and still has the full function of the original switch (they also included the rubber switch for those that would like to have that one instead).
With these new upgrades making the V10RTi+ an even better light, it’s no wonder why so many people love to carry this light on their person.
As an up and coming flashlight company, Niteye is becoming well-known for their magnetically ramping lights: ranging from the monstrous 2000 lumen EYE30, to the tactical TF series. Now, Niteye has released their pocket-sized EDC light that can produce up to 500 lumens with an XM-L U2 LED: the Niteye EYE10.
Using only a rotary to control the interface of the light, the EYE10 allows the user to pick a custom lumen output, and clicks to ensure a hold on the mode (also can be used to count how many clicks to get to your favorite setting). With the lens and LED protected by a stainless steel bezel, the head of the light is reinforced for any kind of impact, and can also double over as an aesthetic appeal to the light. By relying on only using the ring, the tail of the light can be used to attach a lanyard or key chain ring, that makes the light very versatile and easy to grab. It can also be used as a tail stand light, which does come in very handy for power outages, or for a main light while in a tent or car.
The Niteye EYE10 is a fantastic pocket light with a solid ramping ring to control the output, and a sleek design gives the light an executive look.
