I’ve had a Preon P2 MkIII for a couple of years. It is my EDC flashlight after trying several other configurations ranging from keychain lights to 1x18650s. It’s a great form factor and a great light.
I think that 2xAAA lights as a category don’t receive the attention they deserve. These lights fit comfortably in a shirt pocket, coat pocket, or wherever you keep whatever writing instrument you carry around. With a modern LED emitter and NiMH cells you get sufficient output for most tasks and acceptable runtime. The 2xAAA format uses low-cost, low-hazard NiMH cells that you swap for fully charged cells and recharge at your leisure, eliminating the charging port and the limitations on water resistance that come with that.
Prometheus Lights have took over the Preon lineup from its original maker. They have made minor improvements while still maintaining the same basic design. The P2 MkIII is back in stock after a hiatus early last year, apparently because they were switching emitters. They are now using a Nichia 519A 9080 emitter, a high-CRI 4000k LED. Per manufacturer this is now supports a 350 lumen burst mode before ramping down to 90 lumens or so as the head becomes thermally limited.
I have the older emitter which is similar except for somewhat lower burst mode output.
Overall the Preon P2 is an extraordinarily well designed light. Attention to detail shows in the thorough waterproofing, the rugged and effective pocket clip, and the tailcap switch.
Mode wise the light can be configured. For my situation I use a simple config with candlelight, medium, high, burst. I have no use for a strobe mode. The device remembers the last mode used and allows access to burst from any mode with a double click.
I purchased a second one of these for my boat. Great lights.
