Jetbeam BK 135A 1 x AA http://www.jetbeamusa.com/products/BK135%252dA.html
Discontinued - See PA01 [ Current model ]
From Jetbeam:
The new JETBeam BK135A is the smallest AA flashlight in the JETBeam line. It features JETBeam's I.B.S. user interface, which allows the user to set any brightness level from 5-135 lumen on each of the 3 modes. Also features 15 different strobe speeds, SOS, and other beacons to choose from. Small enough to fit on a keychain, but bright enough to light up 1/2 a football field! This latest edition comes in a limited camo finish.
LED Source: Cree XP-G R4
Max Output: 135 lumen
Reflector: Precision Metal Reflector
Lens: Coated Mineral Glass
Material: T6061 Aircraft Aluminum Alloy
Finish: HA III Military Grade Hard Anodized
Battery type: One AA Battery
Waterproof: IPX8 Waterproof Standard (US Military Standard)
. Three modes, with user programmable output levels
. Stainless Steel Collar Bezel
. Anti-reverse battery protection
. Tail stand function
. SIZE: Diameter 17 mm, Length 90 mm
. Weight: 27 g (Battery not included)
. Output and runtime (AA X 1)
Maximum: 135 lumen / 65 Minutes
Minimum: 2 lumen / 50 Hours
Wow , what a nice light , I love the programmable modes (3) , and I really like the fact you can set up the modes the way you want . Hi-Low-Med , Med-Low-High , Low-Hi-Med , Low – Med – Hi , or any combination + Beacons – SOS and 15 different strobe speeds to chose from , and I have gone with Lo-Med-High myself . There is no mode memory to speak of , so it will always start in the first mode , but this is ok as you can set the mode’s up the way you want . Each mode can be set to the light level you want , from about 5 lumen and up to max output .
Now to enter the ramping feature to set the output for the mode you have selected , simply tap the clicky 3 times , now it will ramp to the selected output you desire . To save the output level you want , just turn the light off for 2 seconds or more . To enter hidden functions , strobe – SOS – beacon , chose the mode you want , tap 3 times , then tap one more time , and the light will automatically cycle through the functions , to chose a function , just turn the light off for 2 or more seconds when in the desired function .
Performance .
Now I did try some 5 different Nimh batteries to get an idea of the sort of performance one could expect with this light .
Duracell - Low 4L – Medium 26L – High 170 and sagged to 150 L
Eneloop - Low 5L – Medium 26L – High 180 and sagged to 160L
Kodac - Low 5L – Medium 26L – High 170 and sagged to 150L
Vapex - Low 5L – Medium 26L – High 145 and sagged to 135L
Rayovac - Low 5L – Medium 26L – High 160 and sagged to 145L
Low was as low as I could get it , there was no going lower , I set medium to as near 25 Lumen as I could , as I like the 25-30L range for general lighting [ for when a little more is needed ] and high was simply set to Max .
Current draw with the Eneloop was , 0.08A on low for 5L , which with that particular cell would offer around 27 hours run time . My setting for Medium drew some 0.4A , and would offer some 5 hours + run time . Now I did measure some 2.36A on high , which would equate to about 1 hour run time , but , the light does get warm on high , so expect some heat if running for extended periods on high .
Above Image offers a comparison against a few other lights . On medium the Jetbeam is actually 26L not 29L , and the High on the Jetbeam in the picture is nearly spot on 135L , as I used different batteries in the test to the one when taking the beams .
The build quality of the Jetbeam is just wonderful , as one would expect for what I would call a premium AA light , fit and finish was just spot on , and the knurling is very fine (small) and well machined , in fact simply nothing to complain about . The clicky is firm without being overly so , and is very easy to use , even with the thumb . The light does tailstand , and came with a very nice quality lanyard . The light is packaged in a nice metal case , comes with a spare O-ring and rubber clicky boot , and a instruction sheet .
Ok , I’m impressed , beam quality is very good , each mode is programmable , good output for a AA light [ And for now I would say its AA only – try 14500 at your own risk ] . I would rate the Jetbeam BK 135A as one of the best AA lights available , and while I did not set out to buy a Jetbeam [ I actually purchased a Nitecore – but it went missing in the post – and the seller offered a replacement light ] , I must offer a heartfelt thank you to Joel Jacobson for offering the replacement .
The BK 135A is no longer produced by Jetbeam , having been replaced by the PA01 , and the LED has been upgraded to XP-G R5 . So if you happen to be looking for a really good AA light , you might care to look at a Jetbeam .
Some Beams :