Category Archives: Illumination

Lighting including flashlights, lanterns, headlamps, etc.

Review: Fenix UC35

The UC35 is my first experience with Fenix and the UC35 is a serious flashlight and may be my new favorite. AT about $90 the UC35 is priced as a premium light and it operates as one. The UC35 is a reasonable size, produces a very bright beam, has exceptional power options, and is easy to operate.

The UC35 is on the larger side and the machined aluminum body of the light fits in the palm of my hand and extends past my palm. This extremely rugged tactical light produces a 1,000 lumen beam with 17,700 candelas. A beam of this intensity is powerful enough to temporarily blind an attacker. The flat front bezel is a smaller diameter and would inflict damage on an attacker even without crenellations. The rear bezel has two raised area for attaching a lanyard but these would also increase the striking effectiveness. The finely knurled grip is easy to hold but I would prefer a larger knurled area with a more aggressive pattern.

Two areas that really caught my attention are the power options and the operation. The UC35 comes with a 18650 rechargeable battery and USB charging cable. The battery can be charged in the flashlight using the USB cable. It can also run on two CR-123 lithium batteries. Operating the light is easy and intuitive. The side switch selects the brightness level. The tail switch can provide momentary light or clicking the button provides sustained light. The tail switch turns the flashlight on at the level at which it was last powered off. Holding down the selector switch activates the tactical strobe at maximum brightness. The selector switch also has a battery indicator light.

  • Power: The UC35 includes a 3500 mAhr 18650 Li-ion rechargeable battery and it can alternatively use two CR-123 batteries. The 18650 battery can be charged in the flashlight using a USB connector on the head of the light.
  • Construction: The light is machined from aircraft grade aluminum and has a smooth front bezel and two raised areas on the back bezel. The threads are tight and very smooth and a O-rings provide additional water sealing.
  • Size: 5.5” (140mm) long, 0.9” (23.5mm) body, 1.0” (25.4mm) head. The diameter is large enough for my fingers to wrap around the flashlight when I grip the light.
  • Waterproof: IP68 waterproof to 2 meters.
  • Durability: Withstands 1-meter drop.
  • Features: Five light levels from turbo (1,000 lumens) to moonlight (1 lumen).
  • Light Output: (turbo) 1,000 lumens at 17,700 candelas for 2.25 hours, (high) 350 lumens at 6,400 candelas for 4.17 hours, (medium) 150 lumens at 2,400 candelas for 10.67 hours, (low) 50 lumens at 1,000 candelas for 28.17 hours, and (moonlight) 1 lumen at 25 candelas for 800 hours.
  • Beam Pattern: 50″ x 6″ at 3′ (Beam Scale)
  • Power Fail: Each time the light is activated the battery level indicator display2 the battery status for 3 seconds:
    • Green constant on: saturated
    • Green flashes: sufficient
    • Red constant on: poor
    • Red flashes: critical

    Note: There is no power indication when CR123A battery is used.

Before purchasing this flashlight my favorite lights were the Steamlight HL or HL -x and the Streamlight 1L-1AA. I used the Streamlights for years but I have to say that I now prefer the UC35 as a pure tactical flashlight. The modes are easy to operate and the tactical strobe is activated by merely holding the side button. The Streamlights require double tapping the tail switch. In an extreme situation it will probably be more difficult to activate the Streamlight strobe. The one HUGE advantage with the Fenix is the power indicator. With my Streamlights they will be working fine one day and have almost no light the next. If you have to use it tactically you need the light to have full brightness. The UC35 power indicator, in my opinion, is a critically important feature. The power indicator does not work when using CR-123 batteries but I plan on using the rechargeable 18650 battery almost exclusively and using the CR-123 batteries when I need emergency power.

I will still carry the Streamlight 1L-1AA because this small flashlight is very useful. It has a double-sided clip which is very handy in a small flashlight. I can quickly clip the 1L-1AA to the bill of my cap and have an instant headlamp. I can also use an AA battery which I can recharge using my solar panels. For these reasons the 1L-1AA will remain a component in my emergency kits. However, for a tactical carry light I prefer the UC35.

Additional Reviews & Information

Olight M2R Warrior Flashlight

The Olight M2R Warrior is a medium-sized, tactical flashlight that generates a 1,500 lumen (682′) beam. It can use either two CR123 batteries or a 18650 rechargeable battery. The M2R is 5.12″ long with a body diameter of 0.96″ (1″ at the head). It is a bit larger than most EDC flashlights and it is at the upper limit of what I would use as a concealable EDC (EveryDay Carry) flashlight. It has both side and tail switches and a magnetic coupler to recharge the 18650 battery.

Features include:

  • Beam: 1500, 700, 250, 15, 1 lumens
  • Runtime: 1 hour 50 minutes on highest setting
  • Construction: Machined from aircraft grade aluminum, mild strike bezel on front, tight/smooth threads, O-ring for water sealing.
  • Size/Weight: 5.12″ long, 5.26 oz
  • Batteries: Two CR123s or one 18650 rechargeable battery
  • Charging via a magnetic coupler that connects to tail
  • Waterproof: IPX8 waterproof
  • Durability: Unknown
  • Price: About $100
  • Switches: Silent switch and tail switch has momentary ON with instant access to strobe
  • Clip: Friction fit and removable double clip
  • Beam Pattern: 54″ x 13″ at 3′ (Beam Scale)

The M2R is a larger, high-powered, tactical flashlight that uses duel fuel (two CR123s or one 18650 battery), has a magnetic charger coupling, and machined aircraft aluminum body. The M2R can be used as an EDC light but it is at the upper limit of what I would want for EDC. The length allows the flashlight to be a good tactical choice for those with very large hands.

Advantages

The M2R would be a good choice for a larger everyday carry (EDC) flashlight.

  • Turbo beam of 1,500 lumens with almost 2 hours of run time
  • Low beam of 15 lumens with 70-hour battery life
  • Aluminum construction with front tactical bezel with mild crenellation
  • Larger but still concealable
  • Large enough to extend across the palm of those who have large hands
  • Instant strobe mode using tail switch

Disadvantages

  • Sleeve required when using CR123 batteries.
  • Complicated user interface but easy to use in normal light modes.
  • Larger than I prefer for a pocket EDC light.

These are minor disadvantages and should NOT dissuade you from purchasing this light.

Recommendation

I had the chance to briefly play with this light and I was pretty impressed. I liked the way that I could instantly access the strobe mode using the tail switch. I like the dual fuel option and the magnetic charger coupling. The M2R is larger and it is at the very top limit for what I would use for EDC.

Additional Reviews & Information

Review: Streamlight ProTac 2L-X

The StreamLight ProTac 2L-X is a medium-sized, tactical flashlight that generates a 500 lumen (6,800 candela) beam. It can use either two CR123 batteries or a 18650 rechargeable battery. The 2L-X is 5.14″ long and could easily be carried in a holster. The 2L-X is a bit larger than most EDC flashlights and it is near the upper limit of what I would use as an easily concealable EDC flashlight. It uses the standard Streamlight programming with High/Strobe/Low and also offers the TEN Tap programming to switch it to High only or Low/High only.

Features include:

  • Beam: 500 lumens at 6,800 candela with 165m beam
  • Runtime: 2.75 hours from two CR123s or 3.25 hours from 18650
  • Construction: Machined from aircraft grade aluminum, mild strike bezel on both head/tail, tight/smooth threads, O-ring for water sealing.
  • Size/Weight: 5.14″ long, 3.9 oz w/CR123 batteries, 4.4 oz w/18650 battery
  • Batteries: Two CR123s or one 18650 rechargeable battery
  • Waterproof: IPX68 dust/waterproof — waterproof to 2 meters for 30 minutes.
  • Durability: Withstands 2-meter drop.
  • Price: About $50.
  • Features: High/strobe/low by default and Ten-Tap Programming for High only and low/high.
  • Beam Pattern: 46″ x 6″ at 3′ (Beam Scale)

It is a larger, high-powered, tactical flashlight, that uses duel fuel (two CR123s or one 18650 battery), has high/strobe/low modes, and the body is machined from aircraft aluminum. The 2L-X is larger than the ProTac 2L but is still small enough to be used as an EDC light. The length allows the flashlight to be a good tactical choice for those with very large hands.

Advantages

The 2L-X would be a good choice for a larger everyday carry (EDC) flashlight.

  • High beam of 500 lumens with up to 3.25 hour run time
  • Low beam of 40 lumens with 30-hour battery life
  • Aluminum construction with tactical bezels on the front and back
  • Larger but still concealable
  • Large enough to extend across the palm of those who have large hands

Disadvantages

  • No low battery indicator: This light will work fine until the batteries get low and then it will stop working with very little warning. If you needed to light in a tactical situation and the batteries were low you may have a completely non-working light.
  • The light does not tail-stand easily. While this is a disadvantage if you want to tail-stand the light it means that the button is easier to press use to less material on the back of the light.

These are minor disadvantages and should NOT dissuade you from purchasing this light.

Recommendation

My favorite Everyday Carry (EDC) is still the ProTac 1L-1AA but the 2L-X is a good choice due to its size and brightness. Also consider the ProTac 2L-X flashlight. The 2L is a bit smaller, generates a 350-lumen beam, and uses two CR-123 batteries.

Review: Smith & Wesson CS-10

The Smith & Wesson® Delta Force CS-10 flashlight is a very small flashlight that generates 130 lumens using a single AA battery. It is billed as a tactical flash but at 4″ I consider it too small to be used as a practical, tactical flashlight. I prefer a flashlight that extends past my palm when held tightly in my hand. The CS-10 is a good choice for those who need a bright, rugged, waterproof, and very compact flashlight that uses a standard AA battery. It has high, low, and strobe modes available in both momentary and sustained ON. It also has a semi-aggressive front strike bezel. The CREE XBH LED generates a 130 lumens beam that lasts for nearly 4.25 hours.

  • Construction: Machined from aircraft grade aluminum, fairly aggressive front strike bezel (no rear strike bezel), hard anodized finished, and steel pocket double clip
  • Size: 4″ long, head 0.82″, 2.05 oz.
  • Waterproof: IPX7 (waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes)
  • Durability: Withstands 1-meter drop
  • Features: High/low/strobe modes in momentary or sustained ON
  • Light Output: (high) 130 Lumens for 4.25 hours, (low) 20 lumens for 9.5 hours
  • Beam Pattern: 41″ x 6″ at 3′ (Beam Scale)
  • Power: 1 AA battery

Recommendation

I prefer flashlights that are larger and fit across the palm of my hand. Advantages of the CS-10 include compact size, bright (130 lumens), very long runtime, and it uses a single AA battery. I would NOT use this flashlight as a tactical everyday carry (EDC) light but it would make a good utility or backup light especially if you need small size and light weight. This light has decent brightness, uses a standard battery, and has a long runtime.

Review: Streamlight ProTac 2L

The StreamLight ProTac 2L is a medium-sized, tactical flashlight that generates a 350 lumen beam and uses two CR123 batteries. The 2L is 4.77″ long and could easily be carried in a pocket or holster. It uses the standard Streamlight programming with High/Strobe/Low and also offers the TEN Tap programming to switch it to High only or Low/High only. This flashlight is a good choice if you want a tactical light that is easy to carry and you have larger hands (tactical lights should be longer than the width of your palm).
Features include:

  • Beam: 350 lumens at 6,300 candela with 159m beam
  • Runtime: 3.25 hours from two CR123 batteries
  • Construction: Machined from aircraft grade aluminum, mild strike bezel on head/tail, tight/smooth threads, O-ring for water sealing
  • Size/Weight: 4.77″ long, 2.8 oz w/batteries, small enough to fit in my pants pocket, large enough to extend past the palm of my hand
  • Batteries: Two CR123s
  • Waterproof: IPX7 waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes
  • Durability: Withstands 2-meter drop
  • Price: About $45
  • Features: High/strobe/low by default and Ten-Tap Programming for High only and low/high
  • Beam Pattern: 43″ x 6″ at 3′ (Beam Scale)

It is a basic, tactical flashlight that is easy to carry. It uses two CR123 batteries, has high/strobe/low modes, and the body is machined from aircraft aluminum. The 2L is nearly the perfect size for a tactical flashlight. The length allows the flashlight to extend past the palm of my hand. The flashlight diameter is small enough to easily fit in one’s pocket.

Advantages

The 2L would be a good choice for an everyday carry (EDC) flashlight.

  • High beam of 350 lumens with 3.25 hour battery life
  • Low beam of 30 lumens with 35-hour battery life
  • Aluminum construction with tactical bezels on the front and back
  • Small size allows the flashlight to be easily concealed
  • Large enough to extend across the palm of my hand

Disadvantages

  • No low battery indicator: This light will work fine until the batteries get low and then it will stop working with very little warning. If you needed to light in a tactical situation and the batteries were low you may have a completely non-working light.
  • The light does not tail-stand easily. While this is a disadvantage if you want to tail-stand the light it means that the button is easier to press use to less material on the back of the light.

These are minor disadvantages and should NOT dissuade you from purchasing this light.

Recommendation

My favorite Everyday Carry (EDC) is still the ProTac 1L-1AA but the 2L is a good choice due to its size and brightness. Also consider the ProTac 2L-X flashlight. The 2L-X is a bit larger, generates a 500-lumen beam, and can use either two CR-123s or a single 18650 rechargeable battery.

Review: Smith & Wesson CS-20

The Smith & Wesson® Delta Force CS-20 flashlight is a very small flashlight that generates 215 lumens. It is billed as a tactical flash but at 3.5″ I consider it too small to be used as a practical, tactical flashlight. I prefer a flashlight that extends past my palm when held tightly in my hand. However, the CS-20 is a good choice for those who need a bright, rugged, waterproof, and very compact flashlight. It has high, low, and strobe modes available in both momentary and sustained ON. It also has a crenulated front strike bezel. The XPG2-R4 Cree LED generates a 215 lumens beam that extends to 120 meters and lasts for nearly 2.5 hours.

  • Construction: Machined from aircraft grade aluminum, fairly aggressive front strike bezel (no rear strike bezel), hard anodized finished, and steel pocket clip
  • Size: 3.5″ (88.9 mm) long, head 0.81″ (20.6 mm), 2.54 oz. (72 g).
  • Waterproof: IPX7 (waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes)
  • Durability: Withstands 1-meter drop
  • Features: High/low/strobe modes in momentary or sustained ON
  • Light Output: (high) 215 Lumens for 2.4 hours, (low) 25 lumens for 7.25 hours
  • Beam Pattern: 42″ x 10″ at 3′ (Beam Scale)
  • Power: 1 CR-123 lithium battery

Recommendation

I prefer flashlights that are larger and fit across the palm of my hand. But if you want a very compact and bright flashlight with a reasonably long runtime then the CS-20 would be a good choice. I would NOT use this flashlight as a tactical everyday carry (EDC) light but it would make a good utility or backup light especially if you need small size and light weight.

Review: Streamlight ProTac 2AA

The StreamLight ProTac 2AA is a medium-sized, tactical flashlight that generates a 250 lumen beam and uses standard AA batteries. The 2AA is about the size of a very large marking pen and could easily be carried in a pocket or holster. It uses the standard Streamlight programming with High/Strobe/Low and also offers the TEN Tap programming to switch it to High/Low only or Low/High only. This flashlight is a good choice if you want a light that is easy to carry that also uses standard AA batteries.

Features include:

  • Beam: 250 lumens at 4,250 candela with 130m beam
  • Runtime: 2 hours from two AA batteries
  • Holster: Tear-resistant nylon holster included
  • Construction: Anodized aircraft aluminum with polycarbonate lens
  • Durability: IPX7 waterproof at 1 meter for a minimum of 30 minutes
  • Size/Weight: 6.14″ long and 3.4 oz w/batteries
  • Beam Pattern: 41″ x 8″ at 3′ (Beam Scale)
  • Colors: Black
  • Cost: About $40

It is a basic, tactical flashlight that is easy to carry. It uses two AA batteries, has high/strobe/low modes, and the body is machined from aircraft aluminum. The 2AA is on a low size of the tactical scale. While 250 lumens is bright I would prefer more lumens and higher candela power for a tactical flashlight.

Recommendation

Always consider batteries when building your emergency kits. There are better tactical lights but most use CR123 batteries. CR123s cannot be charged but it is easy to find rechargeable AA and AAA batteries. There are rechargeable 123 batteries but you must be very careful when using these because they output a higher voltage than standard CR123s and they could damage your flashlight. Solar charges such as the Goal Zero Nomad can charge AA and AAA batteries. If you need to charge batteries in the field then you may want to standardize on AA and AAA batteries. If you find the need for an AA powered flashlight then the Streamlight ProTac 2AA is a very good choice. Also, if your headlamp uses AA batteries then the ProTac 2AA would make an excellent backup light.

Review: Streamlight ProTac 1AAA

The StreamLight ProTac 1AAA is a very small, non-tactical flashlight that produces a surprising amount of light. It is a little over twice the length of a AAA battery. Many headlamps use AAA batteries and the ProTac 1AAA would make an excellent backup light and has a long runtime for a single battery flashlight. When building your hiking and emergency packs try to use devices that use the same type of batteries.

Features include:

  • Beam: 115 lumens at 890 candela with 60m beam
  • Runtime: 2.25 hours (lithium), 1.75 hours (alkaline)
  • Holster: Tear-resistant nylon holster included
  • Construction: Anodized aircraft aluminum with polycarbonate lens
  • Durability: IPX7 waterproof and impact resistant to 1 meter
  • Size/Weight: 3.94″ long and 1.3 oz with alkaline battery
  • Beam Pattern: 48″ x 10″ at 3′ (Beam Scale)
  • Colors: Black
  • Cost: About $30-$40

The ProTac 1AAA is a very compact flashlight that is extremely easy to carry and use. The 1.75 hour runtime is very good for a single battery flashlight. It has three beam modes (1) high, (2) strobe, and (3) low. Due to its small size limited light output I would NOT use this flashlight as a tactical light. The body is machined from aircraft aluminum and sealed to IPX7 (waterproof to 1 meter for a minimum of 30 minutes).

This light is NOT a replacement for a high-powered tactical flashlight but it is a good addition to your light collection. If you want to carry a very compact, non-tactical flashlight then this one is small, affordable, easy to carry, and has a decent runtime.

Recommendation

This is an excellent light to include in a hiking and emergency kit. You should have two forms of light in your kits and these two lights should use the same type of batteries. Many headlamps use AAA batteries and this light would pair very well with those headlamps. The small size and light weight of the ProTac 1AAA would make it a good choice as a backup flashlight.

Review: Cabela’s E-VAC Rechargeable

The Cabela’s E-VAC Rechargeable is nearly identical to the Cabela’s 2 CR-123. Please read the review of the E-VAC 2CR flashlight before reading this review. Differences between the E-VAC 2CR and the E-VAC Rechargeable include:

  • 360 lumen output (2CR is 300 lumen)
  • Single 18650 battery (2CR uses 2 CR-123s)
  • External recharger included

Recommendations

I really flashlights with an even beam pattern for photography and inspections. The rechargeable battery makes sense for those who use their flashlight frequently. This light would excellent for a trucker who needs to do daily equipment inspections. The focusable beam can also provide a narrow, long distance beam for reading distant signs or address numbers. If you purchase an additional 18650 battery or two then you could have a hot spare when the flashlight battery goes flat.

Review: Goal Zero Guide 10

I look at the Goal Zero Guide 10 and wonder why I did not buy one of these sooner. It is a simple, relatively inexpensive, and multi-use battery charger and power block. The Guide 10 is a two-way battery charger: (1) connect it to a USB port to charge its AA or AAA batteries, or (2) draw power from the Guide 10 to charge your USB device (mobile phone, tablet, etc). You can connect the Guide 10 to a solar panel for off-grid charging. The Guide 10 is small and with high-capacity NiHd batteries (2300 mAHr) will hold 9200 mAHrs of power).

My lanterns and camera strobes use AA batteries and my headlamp and backup flashlight use AAAs. The Guide 10 can keep these batteries charged and the USB port can charge my phone. If the batteries lose capacity then I can replace them without having to replace the entire battery pack. I can also charge multiple sets of batteries and keep those batteries in reserve. The Guide 10 also includes a small flashlight which could be useful. An inset (included) allows charging of AAA batteries.

  • Weight: 6.4 oz (181 g) with batteries
  • Dimensions: 2.5 x 4 x 0.75 in (6.4 x 10.2 x 1.9 cm)
  • Operating Temperature: 32-104°F (0-40°C)
  • Certifications: CE, FCC, ROHS
  • Warranty: 6 months
  • Charge Times:
    USB Power Source: 6-10 hours
    Nomad 7 Solar Panel: 3-6 Hours
    Nomad 13 Solar Panel: 2.5-5 Hours
  • Ports:
    USB Port (output): 5V, up to 1A (5W max), regulated
    USB Port (input): 5V, up to 0.8A (4W max), regulated
    Mini solar port (input): 6.5V, up to 1.1A
  • Battery Details:
    Battery Type: NiMH only!
    Battery Size: 11Wh (included batteries are 4.8V at 2300mAh)
    Lifecycles: 500 cycles
    Shelf-life: Keep plugged in, or charge every 3-6 months
    Power Management: Built-in charging and low-battery protection

When using non-Goal Zero batteries be sure to choose only NiMH batteries. Batteries are rated in milliamp hours (mAHr) and this is the capacity of the battery, or, the amount of power that the battery can store. If a battery was a car then the mAHr rating would be the size of the gas tank. Look for batteries with a high mAHr rating. You may see two brands next to each other and one may be more expensive. The more expensive batteries probably have a higher mAHr rating or greater capacity for storing electricity. Each battery included with the Guide 10 is 2300 mAHr.

Recommendations

Goal Zero makes good stuff. Goal Zero provides an array of modular products that work together. They have a variety of solar panels, large battery systems, and several devices with bi-directional USB ports. These bi-directional devices include the Guide 10, lanterns, power blocks, flashlights, etc. These devices can be charged using the USB port and can also supply power to charge external devices such as mobile phones.

I purchased a Guide 10 and Nomad 7 Plus solar panel. The Nomad 7+ can charge the batteries in the Guide 10 as well as connect to a mobile device and charge it directly. The Nomad 7+ is rugged, lightweight, small, and I can carry it my emergency pack along with spare batteries and the Guide 10. Here is what I did to create a modular power system:

  • Guide 10 battery charger and power block.
  • Nomad 7 Plus to charge Guide 10 batteries and mobile devices directly.
  • Use devices powered by AA and AAA batteries. For example, my devices include: Stramlight 1L-1AA tactical flashlight (AA or CR-123), Stylus Pro backup flashlight with long runtime (2 AAAs), Streamlight Siege AAlantern, and Black Diamond Spot headlamp (3 AAAs).
  • Create a power kit with at least two sets of disposable and rechargeable AA and AAA batteries. Store the batteries in tiny poly zip bags to limit damage if (or when) a battery leaks.(
  • The Nomad 7+ includes a standard and mini USB plug and you will probably need other types of USB connects for your devices.

Before Using

These details were taken from the page included with my Guide 10.

  • Ensure that the batteries are correctly oriented (negative towards top of Guide 10)
  • Use only rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries
  • Never use less than 4 batteries (batteries need not all be at the same charge level when inserted)
  • It is normal for the unit to get hot during operation — when solar charging try to place the Guide 10 in shade or behind the solar panel