I noticed HomeDepot had some new Defiant lights in, this time its a 2-pack of Penlights.
They were selling for only $ 6.50 for the pair, so i took a gamble on a pack of them to pick at the bones of one to see how they are.
These are all aluminum, with very nice smooth Anodizing, uses 2 AAA cells, is a tail clicky, has pocket clip, smooth reflector and uses a CREE ML-E emitter in a cool white, ( A SMD emitter) and a single mode, ( which i prefer in a pocket penlight for inspection use at work.)
- The output seems to be accurate at a claimed 35 or so Lumens, and a bit brighter than most 5mm LED type penlights, but not as powerful as other 2-AAA lights, like a Hugsby XP-2.
- Run time however is good on a pair of AAA Generic Alcalines, i got over 3 and half hours run time before it was probably less than 50 % output. ( Defiant claimed 3 hours on the package) Tail cap amp draw was 0.17 amps for both of the lights i tested.
- The beam pattern was somewhat odd, the spill being a nice neutral white, but the center hotspot was a very bluish tint. I added a frosted filter/diffuser under the lens and it was a bit better and smoother.
The pill is removable, and it looks like this light could be easily upgraded with a XP-E or XP-G series emitter.
Specs:
- 2-AAA
- 35 Lumens
–3 Hour run time
- 1 Mode
- Pocket clip
- 30 Meters throw distance
- All Aluminum Anodized construction
- Reverse Clicky
- CREE ML-E Emitter
- Cool White
My quick evaluation of the light:
PROS:
- Low cost / approximately $ 3.25 per light)
- good anodizing.
- good run time on alcalines.
- Single mode+
CONS
- ringy pattern with blue hotspot.
- Plastic reflector and lens.
Photos below show the light, packaging, business-end profile, pill and emitter, also with a photo of the stock beam patter showing the blue hotspot and neutral white spill.
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