Rofis R2 Review
I received the Rofis R2 from skyben.trade for evaluation purposes. I’d like to thank skyben.trade for their generosity. I’ve purchased numerous items from skyben.trade myself, and can personally verify that the experience has been completely positive every time.
My first foray into Rofis products was the TR15 – a rotating-head model that just blew me away. I said, in my review, that Rofis had hit a home run with the TR15 and I still believe that is the case. That flashlight proved to be infinitely useful and impressed me even more over time. In fact I liked that light so much that I struggled to find anything that I’d consider an improvement.
The R2 is better; quite a bit better in fact.
In almost every imaginable manner; from fit and finish, to an improved user interface, to the inclusion of additional features, the Rofis R2 is a better product. At $59.95 (price in skyben.trade Amazon store) the R2 is very competitive with products of similar quality and function.
The size is nearly the same; the R2 is 3.83 inches long and a bit thinner in diameter (compared to the TR15) – almost exactly the size of a US penny. This makes the R2 very comfortable to carry in my front pants pocket – with or without using the included clip. I like this size of flashlight a lot – not too small, and not too large; it is there when I need it, but does not interfere with movement or comfort.
Build quality and finish are both stellar – among the very best that I’ve used or seen. Rofis has obviously done their homework, as there are grooves exactly where they should be for excellent grip: including small grooves located on the head so the user gets a good grip while rotating the head of the R2.
The included clip is reversible and removable; though I’d prefer that the clip location was based a bit further back on the body (I like head-down carrying and don’t want much of the body extending above my pants pocket). That said, the clip location is ideal for use on the brim of a cap, or in a shirt/jacket pocket with the head turned 90 degrees. The clip itself is reasonably stout; enough so that it is very unlikely that the clip can be accidentally removed from the body. The spring portion of the clip is reasonably stout as well. Due to the rotating head and the side switch, the clip is best positioned one quarter turn clockwise (as you look down at the switch, with the head pointing away) of the switch. With the clip in the head-up carry position, the clip can be turned so a portion of the clip actually covers the side switch – effectively preventing accidentally turning the R2 on while carrying it in your pocket (it does have an electronic switch lockout).
There is one switch – located near the head of the flashlight. It is rubber-coated and has excellent feedback when pressed and released. It does have an audible click, but that is faint and wouldn’t be an issue for any reason I’m aware of. The switch itself is just barely raised above the body, but I had absolutely no issues finding the switch even in pitch black conditions. Part of that is due to the location of the clip – I merely find the clip with my fingers and move slightly to the left. Surrounding the switch is a stainless steel bezel and in the center of the switch there is a slight opening that allows either a green or a red led light to shine through. That small light gives the user information on battery status and charging status.
Opposite the switch is a magnetic charging port. This is one of the new features that I really like. It makes charging the battery very simple – just plug in the cord to an energy source and place the other end near the charging port on the flashlight. The magnetic end will instantly couple with the flashlight’s charging port and begin charging the R2 battery. I think this type of in-flashlight charging is far superior; due to its ease of use and decreased chance of a breach for water and/or dirt.
The reflector is smooth and fairly shallow – giving the R2 a beam that is perfect for the purpose behind this flashlight (everyday use). The bezel is smooth, polished stainless steel. It does not seem to be removable.
Looking down at the switch, with the head pointing away from your body, the head can be rotated, up to 90 degrees, by grasping the head and twisting/pulling it to your left - while holding the body steady with your other hand. The movement is a bit stiff at first, but it does loosen up a bit with time and use. This adjustable head feature is one of the more useful features I’ve ever seen on a flashlight. It allows the user to position the light exactly where it is needed. It is remarkably useful in practice.
Among the improvements (over the TR15) is the fact that there is no sharp edge when the head is rotated on the R2. Thanks to the design of the head, the edge (at 90 degrees) is very nicely beveled and very comfortable.
The tail features a robust magnet. It’s probably the best magnetic tail I’ve had the opportunity to use. The magnetic tail, coupled with the rotating head, gives the R2 outstanding usefulness in a wide variety of situations that the ordinary user is likely to encounter over time. From home repair situations, to working on the car, to putting the kid’s presents together at midnight: the Rofis R2 flashlight is indispensable.
I find the user interface to be well thought out and quite intuitive. Rofis has added a moonlight mode and a turbo mode – neither of which were found on the TR15. Both can be instantly accessed: moonlight mode by pressing and holding the switch (about 1 second) until the light comes on, and turbo mode by double clicking the switch from either on or off. The R2 had memory mode as well, but only for the three main modes (low, medium, and high). On and Off are a matter of clicking the switch. Changing modes is achieved by pressing and holding the switch, then releasing once you’ve reach the desired mode. Disco modes (strobe and SOS) are available too: just fast click three times (On or Off position) to go into strobe. Press and hold the switch to change to SOS mode. Press and hold again to go back into strobe mode. Click to turn the light off. The next time the light is turned on, it will be in the last used regular mode.
Cree XM-L2 U3 Led
The R2 has a cool white beam (light temperature). Rofis rates the maximum output at 700 Lumens, with a maximum distance rated at 120 meters (using a 14500 battery). The real usable distance is closer to 65 meters. Clearly the R2 is not going to win a throwing contest, but it wasn’t designed to be a thrower. It’s biased toward flood, with some throwing ability. There is a bit of a hot-spot in the center beam; from there the light spills out wonderfully to create a very wide viewing area.
For my use, the beam is perfect for an EDC flashlight; enough throw for those times when I want to check something out at a bit of a distance, but featuring the flood ability needed when I’m trying to work on something in the dark.
Rofis included a headband strap: it is of good quality, size adjustable, and it gives an already extremely useful product even more usability. There are two rubber rings that you slide the body (of the R2) into. It is easier to do if you take the clip off, but that isn’t absolutely necessary. The strap, once adjusted, is comfortable to wear and it does a good job of keeping the R2 in place; even if the user is moving quite a bit. Being right-handed, I fastened the R2 so the head was toward my right hand; making it easier for me to change modes if needed. Granted, a purpose built headlamp is usually going to be a bit easier to adjust, but this system works very well. There’s also the option of wearing the headband so the rubber rings are on the side of your head (above an ear) so the flashlight is pointing straight forward.
Instead of writing down all the information found in the owner’s manual, I’ve include a link to the manual and copies of the manual. Click on the pictures to make it possible to enlarge them.
I do want to mention the 5 year warranty. I believe that to be an important feature, as well as an indication of just how well made Rofis flashlights are.
I mentioned, at the beginning of this review, that I had called the TR15 a home run for Rofis. I maintain that position yet today. That said, the R2 is a superior product with numerous improvements and additional features. In my opinion Rofis hit a grand slam with the R2.
I say that because everything has been improved (over the TR15 – which was/is a fantastic product). The R2 is sized right – easy to carry and easy to fit into tight spaces. It has the power (700 Lumens) and the beam (biased toward flood) to provide excellent peripheral vision. With instant access to moonlight and turbo, and mode memory that provides instant access to the last used regular mode (typically low or medium for me) the R2 is basically a one (or two) click flashlight that can be maneuvered to put the light exactly where it is needed. It’s a working man’s (or woman’s) flashlight: effective, useful, and tough. It’s also among my favorite flashlights I’ve ever used.