Sky Ray S-A1 AA [ 14500 ] 5 Mode from DX
Description from DX
| Brand: | SKYRAY |
| Model: | S-A1 |
| Emitter Brand/Type: | Cree |
| Emitter BIN: | XPE-Q3 |
| Color BIN: | White |
| Total Emitters: | 1 |
| Battery Configurations: | 1 x AA / 1 x 14500 rechargeable battery |
| Voltage Input: | 0.8~4.2V, 4.2V max |
| Switch Type: | Clicky/Clickie; Glow-in-the-Dark/GITD |
| Switch Location: | Tail-cap |
| Modes: | 5 |
| Mode Memory: | Circuitry Features Mode Memory |
| Mode Arrangement: | Hi > Mid > Lo > Fast Strobe > SOS |
| Circuitry: | Digital Regulated 1000mA Current Output |
| Brightness: | 160 lumens maximum brightness (manufacturer rated) |
| Runtime: | 50 minutes (manufacturer rated) |
| Lens: | Coated Glass Lens |
| Reflector: | Aluminum Textured/OP Reflector |
| Carrying Clip: | - |
| Carrying Strap: | Strap Included |
The very first thing that strikes you is how well focused the hotspot is , its just fantastic and allows for some very nice throw from such a small light , I was impressed I must say . Measuring throw at 1 meter I got some 2700Lux which is rather good for a AA powered light . The overall build quality seems to be good , the threads are acceptable [ dry and just a little rough ] , the clicky switch is excellent , there is no battery slop to speak of , and the wrist strap is a little above average . The light appears to have a glass lens , and has a smooth reflector , and has O rings where needed . The knurling appears to be well done [ shallow ] and the anodizing is nice and even . The rubber tail boot protrudes just enough so the light wont tailstand , and the PWM is extremely slow in the low mode .
AA Performance
Eneloop , High = 104L - 2.12A , Med = 47L - 0.87A , Low = 8L - 0.16A
Rayovac Nimh , High = 114L - 2.17A , Med = 47L - 0.89A , Low = 9L - 0.16A
I just dont know what to say , the Sky Ray is a serious battery Vampire , it really does a good job of draining batteries in all the modes . I havent tried 14500 as yet , as there are some mixed results coming in , some say its ok , while others are frying drivers . One can only hope the driver is optimized for at least the 14500 , so we can see some reasonable output for current draw .
AA Conclusion
On AA's it has proven to be reliable and issue free , even though it does soak up a lot of energy producing light , and the light is very nice in deed . The beam quality is excellent , for the emitter type and output the throw is very nice , and the hotspot is very focused , especially for such a small light . For the price you pay I think your getting value for money , you can buy a better light , but you will have to pay more . I havent tried the 14500 as yet as I wanted to complete the AA part of the review before possibly destroying the driver , so consider this part 1 and I will update shortly with the results of using a 14500 battery .
14500 results
Performance on 14500
14500 @ 4.2v
High = 256L quickly sags to 215L - 1.64A , Med = 120L - 0.64A , Low = 26L - 0.13A
14500 @ 3.82v
High = 235L sags to 220L - 1.17A , Med = 100L - 0.45A , Low = 21L - 0.09A
The 14500 on high is really pushing the emitter , and I will personally stick with AA batteries for now . With the 14500 , its a lot of current for nearly 260L , and the light simply cant handle the thermal load at this current level [ the sag ] . In fact after a few seconds the light actually put out more light with the battery @ 3.82v . If possible , I would recommend Low or Medium mode for anyone deciding to run the 14500 , as the regulation seems to be rather good , and most of the time you dont really need high . If you really feel that you need 200+ Lumen , I would highly recommend you buy another light capable of sustaining such output .