For review is the N-Light B2 3 Mode Stainless Steel
Available from CNQ http://www.cnqualitygoods.com
Though as I started this review , I could not find the B2 Listed on the CNQ website .
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Left to Right: Tank007 566 , Akoray AK-16 , N-Light B2 , Jetbeam BK 135A .
For review I have the N-Light B2 3 mode Stainless Steel 1 x AA from CNQ . Im not sure if this light is still available or not , as the listing for it has been removed from the CNQ web site . This B3 is very well made , I dont know what it is about stainless , but Im starting to like it in smaller lights . I was for some reason expecting the B2 to be a little smaller , considering how compact the B3 is , in fact looking at the light , there are several areas where size could be compacted , I was expecting a light a little smaller than the Jetbeam , but never mind .
Aside from my expectations , the light is well made , threads are well cut , knurling is well done , and the fit and finish is also well done . The body is made in 3 parts , tailcap - body - and the head . The body has been machined so as to remove some weight by cutting a step inside , so at the head end there is enough material to guide the battery and hold it in place , while at the back , lots of empty space (picture3).
In this picture you can see the weight saving measures taken my N-Light .
I like this type of modular design , as it makes it easy to work on the light should you need to , now obviously it would be nice if you never had to , but it's good to know that should you need to , that you actually can .
Using the light is easy , it has 3 modes/levels , Low - Medium and High , as well it has mode memory so you can have the light starting at your desired light level . The low on this light is actually low , around 1 to 2 lumen , and pulling some 12mA approximately , is going to offer some decent run time with a good AA battery . Doing the math , 2000mAh battery / 12mA = 166 hours . So anyone looking for really long runtime , seriously , with 24 hours in the day , thats some 6.9 days continuous .
Medium is around 33 to 38 depending on the battery and draws a steady 190 to 200mA , offering some 10 hours on a 2000mAh capacity battery .
High produces some 126 to 146 lumen again depending on the battery [ Nimh ] used , and draws what I consider to be a very low 770 to 850mA , giving the user some 2 hours on high .
Lets look at some performance figures :
Recyko AA Nimh Low - 2L - 0.01A , Medium - 38L - 0.2A , High - 146L faded to 140L - 0.85A [ 1.43v of the charger ]
Duracell AA Nimh Low - 2L - 0.01A , Medium - 37L - 0.2A , High - 138L faded to 135L - 0.83A [ 1.42v of the charger ]
Eneloop AA Nimh Low - 2L - 0.01A , Medium - 33L - 0.19A , High - 126L - 0.77A [ 1.34v of the charger ]
Rayovac 4 Nimh Low - 2L - 0.01A , Medium - 36L - 0.19A , High - 136L faded to 134L - 0.78A [ 1.37v of the charger ]
Some more measurements :
1.31 Volts [resiting voltage] returned 120L
1.29 Volts returned 116L
1.26 Volts returned 105L
1.23 Volts returned 99L
1.19 Volts returned 92L
Well , I like it , so far no issues , the output is not the highest for a AA light , but then neither is it the lowest . What it does offer is very low current draw , possibly the lowest current draw of any AA light . When you take output VS current into consideration , this light is just awesome , it is just so efficient . If you were in need of long run time and decent output then the B2 would need to be at the top of your list of must have AA lights . I am really impressed by the efficiency of this light , but at the same time just a little disappointed it was not trimmed some , and made a little smaller . Now I did take the light for a walk in my trouser pocket , and you never really forget its there as it slaps into you leg as you walk along . The Next day I tried carrying it in the sleeve of a jacket [ in a pen pocket ] and again you could not get away from the weight , you really can feel the heft of the stainless steel , and possibly a holster of some kind would be in order to carry it on your belt .
The B2 really wants a Nitecore style belt clip , I love belt clips , especially good ones [ thats just me ] , and I have to mention the light came with a very nice lanyard , which is very well made , and in no way your usual 10c accessory.
3 Mode - Low - Med - High
Glass Lens
O rings through out
Tail stands - even with lanyard in place [ Very Nice ]
XP-G R5 - I ordered this light a long time ago [ and with the light removed from CNQ ] I think its XP-G R5
Excellent driver efficiency
Came with lanyard - wrist strap [ very nice quality ]
Well machined
Knurling well done
Threads well cut
No battery slop - If you shake the light hard enough , you will notice some , but it wont change modes on you
Perhaps N-Light could make a new model , and trim the size a little , if they could make one a little smaller than the Jetbeam , I would be in for another . [ With a sturdy clip ] But my opinions aside , this is a very nice light , the Stainless Steel makes it a little on the heavy side , but not so that you would not want to use it . The B3 has been my EDC for almost 6 months , and that little AAA has been seriously trouble free , and hopefully that quality extends to the B2 . My only suggestion would be for N-light to make the B2 in Aluminum , as it is just such a wonderful light , and if they could do it for $25 or better , it could be a contender .
Beamshots Tonight :