JETBeam RRT0SE Raptor (XM-L2)
LED: XM-L2 (T6)
BATTERY: 1XCR123A/1XRCR123A/1XAA/1X14500 (extender included)
MODES: Variable continuous and preset positions (Strobe/SOS/Off)
INTERFACE: Magnetic Rig + Rear Switch (forward)
DATE: 2014 October
SELLER: Banggood (see end of review)
INTRODUCTION
My favorite format for flashlights is the AA NiMH, but I recognize that a perfect EDC light must be cr123a (compatible with recheargable lithium, of course). What is the best interface for this format, I think Magnetic ring with rear witch. If we also 730 lumens in a flashlight of this size, we have in our hand one of the best edc flashlights that exist out there.
This new version of Jetbeam RRT0, the RRT0SE , is in direct competition with 2 excellent flashlights with magnetic ring, rear switch and extender for best chemistry compatibility: Nitecore SRT3 and Sunwayman V11R (this V11R not included on the package the extend, sunwayman must improve this).
The flashlight comes in a plastic blister, that ensures the integrity of the flashlight, the extender is placed. We can see the flashlight but not the extras.
The Extras: Clip, Orings, rubber, lanyard, and holster. The holster has a side pocket allows us to place a battery (or such a small AAA flashlight with clip, I put a I3S). The holster is perfect for flashlight in AA format, but is too large for RCR123A format.
Some pics; we can see a difference with the previous model (possibly was my first high-end flashlight few years ago). Changes in tone anodized different arrangement of the threads in addition to the incorporation of the new “SE” a XM-L2 led. The new clip has a matte finish, I like it.
These pictures, the clip you can see is the original comes standard (it is strong and allows 2 different placements). In other pictures you will see one that I bought separately and I like most aesthetically.
How does it feel in your hand?
With and without extender
GROUP PICS
CR123A format
AA format
THE FLASHLIGHT
As in previous versions, the quality of materials, construction, and attention to detail is maximum.
2 main pieces when we use the CR123A version and the extender to AA.
Great quality orings and threads, this are not anodized (this is no problem with this interface is no danger of an accidental start).
The rear switch: the hardness was increased over previous models. I think there is over quality. No excel, tailstand allowed.
There are holes for the lanyard, also for the placement of a clip (screw) we can separate purchase. Anyway, clip series is quality and allows placement in both directions.
The original package clip
I prefer this clip: Titanium alloy clip banggood . I’ve bought the long version, the shortest is ok for cr123a version of the flashlight, but for AA it is not nice. But you must remember that the long versión slashing on the edge of the flashlight, please see the pics. I think original is more funcional clip, and the “titanium alloy clip” is more beautiful.
Magnetic ring. Notches which facilitate handling. No signs or letters indicating the position of the ring. It has greatly improved the relationship between the rotation and the visual perception of increased brightness.
Poles +, - . We can see protection for accidental reverse battery placement.
LED/BEAM
The flashlight mounted an XM-L2 T6 surrounded by orange peel reflector. Perfectly centered.
Tint is between neutral and cold.
Projection is relatively flooder, although we are promised a range of 155 meters. Probably by the brute force of the initial 730 lumens a (few seconds), with rechargeable lithium battery.
RRT0SE and the others (SW V11R and Nitecore SRT3) RCR123A Magnetic Ring flashlights with rear switch. The three flashlights are XM-L2.
My old RRT0 with XP-G S2 is not a rival for the new RRT0SE with XM-L2
RRT0SE tailstand with RCR123A, it may well light up a room of 12 m2.
This is just a curiosity, I compare this compact flashlight with a completely different flashlight. The Armytek Predator XP-G2 NW, a compact thrower.
Only one small criticism. I miss the old model super-low modes. Now depending on batteries, the low is between 2 and 4-5 lumens. For me this is the only thing I change about this flashlight. With NiMH aa, no problem 1,5-2 lumens, but rcr123a would be a littles lower.
Can compare the lowest at this pic:
INTERFACE/BATTERY
We have a rear switch (forward), we can turn on and off the flashlight in the preselected position with the magnetic ring. Momentary on allowed at any position.
The magnetic ring allows us to move between the different modes:
-There are three fixed positions, in which the ring is retained; STROBE-SOS-OFF,
-then an area of continuous variation of the intensity. Another end fixed position in the highest mode.
The relationship between degree turn the ring, and the visual perception of increased brightness has been improved over the S2 models that I have. It is very correct, similar to Nitecore SRT3.
RUNTIME/POWER
This RRT0SE is now my most powerful in this format flashlight battery (I mean the RCR123A). We are officially listed 730 lumens high, I have no reason to doubt it, but as you can then check the graph of discharge soon begins a rapid decline, right now I do not have batteries IMR in this format, but soon hope to check if with them, you can better maintain the brutal demand requesting to offer those numbers flashlight lumens.
Respect to low mode, here one of the few things I think you lose some of the beauty of the old model, who offered us some of the lowest lows I’ve seen. In RRT0SE when using RCR123A batteries can be 4-5 lumens minimum, CR123A primary battery gets better and maybe walk by 3 lumens, using NiMH AA we are around 1-2 lumens.
Fall is fast with RC123A, with primary cr123a there may be excess conservatism, we started about 300 lumens and there is a gradual decline to establish a flat line for just over an hour at about 200 lumens after a fall up to 70-80 lumens which is maintained for another hour and finally a progressive fall of about 20 minutes, with primary will not stay abruptly without light.
With a rechargeable Eneloop AA NiMH 2400mA have less power than we are used to these batteries in recent times, but it is the price to pay for a flashlight that can run such a variety of formats. I think we move around the 130 lumens (we will have decent light for about 2 hours with it).
Finally a little more detail for the first 5 minutes of the 3 chemicals selected for testing.
CONCLUSION
The best thing about this flashlight is its interface and chemical compatibility. The great interface of the old RRT0 raptor, is now improved adding an extra position for “SOS” in the magnetic ring. Also the quality of the rear switch is improved.
With the upgrading Led XM-L2, we have one of the most powerful RCR123A flaslights (for a short period of time), good regulation and balanced power with CR123A primaries, as an emergency solution provides acceptable solution for working with AA NiMH (of course we can choose 14500 option, but I prefer a good quality 16340 (for the length of the flashlight). Nice tint of this T6.
The clip quality and finish is more attractive than the old models, provides appropriate support and allows placement in both directions, in addition to thanking the option of having holes for those who prefer the option of this other clip (titanium alloy clip, see the link).
Allows tailstand stable (we can control the output power millimeter while in Candle mode), easily removable front steel crown to access the reflector and LED front, cover with extra battery department, Lanyard, Orings …
I have only two complaints about this new version. The holster is ok for AA format, but will not be useful for the short version of the flashlight, this is not really a problem, but this quality flashlight is necessary to complain about everything that hinders perfection. The only thing I like less than other models is the loss of low moonlight option, it’s a shame. With AA NiMh is ok (1-2 lumens), but with RCR123A, perhaps 4-5 lumens (with full battery).
Aplicable coupon RRT0SE