Balder SE-2
LED: XM-L T6
Battery: 1x 18650
Modes: 3 (High-Mid-Low) with no memory. (2 strobes & 1 SOS in hidden second group of modes)
Switch: Forward (tailcap)
Price: $ 35
Date: May 2012
Links:
CNQG / ForoLinternas / old4570 review at BLF / RdL
PRESENTATION:
After the resounding success of the Balder SE-1 , one of the first XM-L flashlights powered by one AA battery, here comes the new SE-2 Balder.
The success of the first mentioned SE-1 plays against this new model, as it puts too high expectations.
The presentation is exactly equal to that found in the SE-1: Telescopic plastic box where in addition to the flashlight, we have a small card with instructions for use of the flashlight, and a set of spare O-rings, and an extra tailcap button.
EXTERIOR FINISH:
One of the things I liked about the SE-1 was its anodized. This SE-2 is equal or even better. Has exactly the same tone, with the finish HAIII high strength and rugged but refined touch that gives it so distinctive.
The machining is perfect, no marks or blemishes at sight. Continues the previous line and only has a logo on the base of the head, identical to that found in the SE-1, with the web address of the manufacturer.
The shape is quite characteristic, along the lines of the range. Bears some resemblance to the Balder BD-2 , but more austere.
The walls are thick, giving the impression of being highly resistant to abuse. The threads are perfectly machined, and came lightly greased.
Divided into 3 sections typical in the head have a generous OP reflector threaded inside, sandwiching the glass lens and o-ring. The reflector passes only the dome of the XM-L for its opening, being perfectly centered.
In the tube, the pill is threaded from the top. This piece is machined aluminum, and contains in its upper part the XM-L 16mm PCB, which is secured by a plastic ring, and has applied a silicone layer to improve heat dissipation. On the opposite side, have the regulator circuit with a diameter of 20mm. Inside the tube there is a threaded disk of plastic, which lies between the battery and the circuit, and having a spring with a coating, to ensure contact with the positive pole of the 18650.
Outside the tube found a clip similar to her younger sister. This clip is fixed in a groove specifically for this, and allows their removal.
Finally, in the tail cap forward switch have totally removable.
The silicone coating stands just a couple of millimeters on the profile of the cap, which unfortunately does not allow us to pose the flashlight candle mode.
OPERATION:
The flashlight has three modes, High-Medium-Low with no memory, just as if younger sister. To select the mode, using a push forward, we need to gently press and release without actually taking the click until the desired mode, then press all the way to fix it with the click of the switch.
There is a group of hidden modes , in addition to the 3 modes already mentioned, has two strobes, one fast and one with interruptions, as well as a last SOS. Besides this group if you have memory and remembers the last selected mode. To enter this group of modes, we must do the following:
Select the Low mode, and we expect about 4 seconds. We will see that the flashlight does a little flicker, and then we have to turn it off quickly. When we turn it on again in the second group. Repeat the operation to return to the main group.
Given the high consumption mode, the intensity distribution would be approximately as follows:
- 100% - 20% - 3%
CURRENT DRAWS AND BATTERY LIFE:
Panasonic Li-Ion NCR18650A 3100mAh@4.2V:
- High: 2600mA
- Medium: 550mA
- Low: 80mA
To measure the runtime and regulation I used the Panasonic 3100mAh NCR18650A:
We can see that in the high mode, the flashlight starts demanding about 3 amps, but gradually stabilizes at 2.4 amps, keeping almost linear for about 30 minutes. At this point, the battery voltage is already below the 3.65 V, and the regulation disappears, behaving as if here direct drive. At this point, the lamp blinks for about warning us that goes into “unregulated” and is increasingly demanding as the voltage drops, and consequently reducing its light output. Upon reaching the 3V battery, a low voltage warning comes on the scene, making an odd-shaped ramp signal progressing from more to less and less to more, indicating that it is time to replace the 18650 by another fresh.
In medium mode, we even have a better regulation:
Start consuming 0.5 amperes, and gradually demanding more, to compensate for voltage drop. After an impressive 285 minutes (4 hours and 45 minutes), the protection system comes into play. With almost 5 hours of continuous light at about 170 lumens, this mode provides excellent performance and high efficiency, not seen in similar budget flashlights.
I did not notice the flicker produced by the PWM, seen in the SE-1 especially in the lowest mode.
BEAMSHOTS:
With increased reflector, the SE-2 abandons the concept of total flooding achieved in the SE-1, concentrating the light at a central point, but still with a generous spill around.
PERSONAL CONCLUSION:
Balder, despite being a relatively young brand, this surprising really care products and excellent value for money. When inspecting the new SE-2 one notices that Balder as have spared no effort in maximizing the resources available to build the best possible flashlight within your price range.
As I mentioned earlier, the resounding success of the SE-1 played against this new Balder, putting the bar very high. Well, as you will have guessed, this SE-2 not only equals that mark, but it improved as it incorporates improvements so far unseen in flashlights in its class.
Special mention to regulation, never seen in this price range flashlights.
I like:
- Excellent regulation.
- Outstanding mechanical quality.
- Surprisingly high efficiency.
I dislike:
- Can’t tailstand.
P.S: Sorry for my poor english :weary:
