Review: CQG S2 Stainless Steel 1 x AA 3 mode EDC

Great review, old!

Have you noticed any PWM-flickering in the lower modes? I could probably live with the somewhat erratic output, but a low PWM-frequency drives me up the wall.

looks to be high frequency ..

I could only detect it VIA the digital camera ...

Have you tried disassembling it and cleaning the threads on the pill? My AAA version of this light was being wonky (wouldn't always turn on, variable light output) but after cleaning it up it seems to be fine now.

Outstanding job as usual Old. Congrats for the review. Hope the switch problem could be solved.

Ive isolated the issue to the switch , unfortunately its jammed in tight , and may need to be destroyed in removal ...

Thank goodness it came with a spare ... But the great race is about to start [ Bathurst ] , so in no great rush ATM to try and fix it ..

'New S2' update:

The driver replacement is supposedly to be wrapped up soon. I suppose "soon" could vary depending on who's saying it, but at least we know they've been keeping on it. I'm ready to get one the moment it's up for sale.

thanks for the review. question:

which are the other two lights counted from the right?

do you know? ;)

The AAA variant of the same flashlight reviewed here and the one with the knurling&clip is the N-light B3.

Thanks!!

found its review. ( i am still waiting for the DQG Tiny Titanium. hehe.. )

So is this light ready to order again? I PM'd Ric but never heard back. I guess I could try again. There's also a 5 mode on the site now too. Anyone know what the status on this light is? Thanks.

The updated CQG S2 is ready to order again. Ric told me recently:

CQG S2 get ready now.

AA/14500

3/5 Modes

R2 NW / R3 CW

Click is good

I believe he meant the "clicky" switch is good. An early reviewer had stated that his clicky was defective, so I asked Ric about that.

I don't know what the 5-mode version's mode arrangement is, but the 3-mode version is Low > Medium > High, with no memory.

I believe at one time, Ric was trying to get the LED upgraded to an XP-G R4 or R5 bin, but I guess that didn't work out.

Update (Feb. 1, 2012): the 3-mode and 5-mode versions available to order as of now are H-M-L(-strobe-SOS), NOT L-M-H. I have the 3-mode version, and it has no memory.

thanks petey. I will try to contact him again to get an order in.

These CQG SS AA S2 lights are in and according to Ric, the 5 mode is:

S2 5 mode is Lo>Mid>HI>Strobe>SOS

Just for those interested.

I have the same light, with the same problems. If it would work as its supposed to it would be one of my favourites! I haven't tried changing switch to the spare one yet.

Edit: Anyone already tried changing the switch btw.? If so, any tips?

Any updates on the switch issues? Did anyone order the light with the "update"? I have seen that they raised the price a little to $17.50. More costs due to better switch?

wasn't this supposed to be a group buy at one time? Although at $17.50 and $1.50 for shipping it's a pretty good deal - how could it be lower, I mean the S1 was $15

I just got 2 of these. One had a bit of a finicky switch a few squirts of WD-40 and some furious clicking seems to have cleared that up fine. My main complaint which I have PM'd Ric about is that the 3 mode is H>M>L w/o memory on the ones I got. I was hoping for the advertised L>M>H. Also, mine came with an extra lens and 4 small split rings but no extra clicky. I'm not sure if I'll be able to get it cleared up anytime soon with the new year either.

I just ordered an S2 about a week ago, and it was shipped, and now I find out that it's H > M > L (I confirmed this with Ric separately). :( Not happy about that, and I'm discussing with Ric what options we have.

I don't know what the mode arrangement of the 5-mode version is. Does anyone?

Update (Feb. 1, 2012): confirmed with Ric: both the 3-mode (which I have in my hand) and the 5-mode are H > M > L (> strobe > SOS).

Ordered on 2/2, ship confirm on 2/3. The order has been changed on the website to H-M-L on both 3- and 5-modes. Let's hope no spare switch means they've cleared up the earlier issues. Looks like beautiful machining on this light, I cannot detect the junction between tailcap and body when it's assembled.

And delivered on 2/9 - a new record! Beautiful little light. I'm at work so I had to wander around and find an AA to put in it (Even though web lists 14500 compatable, I don't trust it based on original review). I can confirm it starts on High no matter what. 1/2 depress to switch modes takes a little practice, may try the WD-40 trick. Did not come with a spare switch, just several metal rings and a (broken) spare lens in a tacky little wooden box. Form, size, modes and AA make this a perfect little EDC light and now I just have to get the AAA version. I am enthralled by the minimalist design and machining. You cannot detect the gap where the tailcap connects to the body. Nice smooth cool white beam with a decent hotspot. Lovin' it.Cool