Energizer® Tactical Metal 1AA Light (Luxeon LED)
Reviewer’s Overall Rating:
★★★★☆
Summary:
| Build Material: |
All Aluminum |
| Battery: |
AA/14500 |
| Switch: |
Reverse clicky tail switch |
| Modes: |
Single Mode |
| LED Type: |
Luxeon Rebel |
| Reflector: |
Smooth (Plastic?) |
| Lens: |
Plastic |
| Tailstands: |
NO |
| Price Paid: |
$15.79 |
| From: |
Target (Found Locally) |
Pros:
-
Excelent design, build quality and finish
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Good battery compatibility (Alkaline, NiMH, Li-ion, Li-MN)
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Stunning output with Li-ion, and Li-MN
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Beautiful neutral tint
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Comes with pocket clip, lanyard, and an Energizer Alkaline AA
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Limited lifetime warranty
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Priced right for a brick and mortar bought torch
Cons:
-
Can’t tail-stand
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Clip isn’t reversible
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VERY ringy beam
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Plastic lens
Manufacture Specs:
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50 Lumens
-
4hr Runtime
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75m Throw
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IPX4 Rating (Water splashing against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect.)
Features / Value:
★★★★☆
I have been eyeballing this torch for some time now, and finally decided to pull the trigger. Upon first glance, I knew it was a tank. Heavy duty aluminum construction, and very aggressive grenade type knurling makes thing rightfully deserve it’s ‘Tactical’ name.
The manufacture’s rating of ‘50 lumens’ seems spot on for an alkaline AA. However, a 3.7v Li-ion 14500 CAN be used. Obviously the manufacture doesn’t state this, but I took a gamble, and tossed in one of my AW14500’s. WOW, output seems to have tripled, at least. A Li-ion cell turns this thing from, ‘meh, its a decent store bought torch’ to ‘WHOA! That’s one bright flashlight, where in the hell did ya get that’ My wife, who honestly can’t stand my addiction, is even asking for one to carry in her purse. I have ran it up to 10 minutes straight, with no ill effect, actually, it barely got warm. This is my first Luxeon Rebel LED, but it seems fairly efficient. As much as I am thrilled by the output, I am extremely turned off, by the smooth reflector.
WHY WHY WHY they decided to do a smooth reflector, is beyond me. This thing begs for an OP one. The beam is very ringy, uneven, and riddled with artifacts. With that being said though, I barely notice it outside, or in real world use. For me personally, it is not a deal breaker, YMMV though.
The included clip, lanyard, and AA Alkaline cell, is a great addition. The clip mounts in a ‘head up’ configuration. For me, this is unacceptable. I don’t want my lens sticking out of my pocket, getting banged on stuff. I have yet to do run time test, but I would imagine the 4hr spec with an alkaline is pretty close. As far as Li-ion goes, it would certainly be much less, but with far greater output. Also, I should note, this is a single mode operation.
Design / Build Quality:
★★★★★
Like stated previously, the quality of this torch, feel like it should cost more than $15. The knurling is perfect, and there is not a spec of ano missing. The tail-cap threads are not squared, but they feel surprisingly smooth. EDIT After further inspection, the threads are squared off up top 
There was no oil/grease on the threads out of the package, but that’s to be expected. The tail-cap is fitted with an o-ring, ensuring a watertight seal.
As far as size is concerned, it is probably a little on the large side for a AA torch. The body walls seem very thick. Unfortunately, I don’t have another AA flashlight in my possession to compare it to. Here are a couple pics though, showing it’s size relative to a AA battery, chap-stick tube, a Convoy S5, and a Solarforce P60 host.
Summary:
★★★★☆
All in all, I am satisfied with the Energizer Tactical. It’s built to be a hardcore user, with no regret. And while the rated output with an alkaline AA leaves much to be desired, a Li-ion cell will display astonishing results. I foresee this being a quick go-to flashlight for everyday around the house use, and something I will pocket carry without question.
First is the Tactical with a 14500
And for comparison, my direct drive MTG2 P60 (~3500+ lumens) Identical camera settings.
CHEERS!
