The Zanflare F2 and F2S are Gearbest's 2xAA flashlights under the Zanflare brand. The F2 and F2S are 2xAA long tube lights which utilize a domed Cree XP-G2s in an OP reflector with a balanced throwy general purpose beam. For the F2, output is speced at a max of 200 lumens (I estimate closer to 250+) on High. There is also a 15 lumen Low and 50 lumen Medium mode (I measured 21 and 66 respectively). The F2 comes from the factory with both Neutral White (4500-5000K) and Cool White (6500-7000K) options. I chose the Neutral White (4500-5000K) option.
I was provided a copy for review by Zanflare.
Official Product Specifications
Waterproof, Impact Resistant, Anti-corrosion, Abrasion Resistant
Machined from a solid aluminum bar give F2 its superior shock and impact resistance; All metal outer appearance and metal nut provide IPX-8 highest grade waterproof and weather two meters submersible adventure.
High Technology-Made Surface
"Crystal Coating Technology" combines "precision digital optics" to provide extremely high reflector performance; Toughened ultra transparent mineral glass and anti - reflective coating; Light weight, high strength aviation grade aluminum alloy, HA11l military grade hard anodized.
Smart Indicator
when you turn on the flashlight, if the battery power is higher than 30%, the blue light will blink for 5 seconds, if between 30% and 10% a red light will blink for 5 seconds, when the power is less than 10%, the red light will flash.
Low Battery Warning
-When the battery is less than 10%, a red light will start flashing in order to warn the user to change the battery and avoid any possible damage.
-If the user continues to use it without replacing the battery, the flashlight may flash abnormally and the user may fail to access to other modes.
-The flashlight will turn off automatically only when the battery is completely discharged.
Package
1 x Flashlight (2 AA batteries are not included)
1 x Lanyard
1 x Clip
2 x O-ring
Instructions
1. Press the tail switch to turn the flashlight on / off ;
2. Once turned on, gently press the tail switch to switch between the four different modes: low - medium - high- strobe.
Packaging and Contents
The F2 arrived in a very nice retail-quality cardboard box and packaging. The light was cushioned in a form-fitting piece of white foam. Accessories included clip, 2 spare O-rings, lanyard, and manual. The packaging both looked very nice and protected the light perfectly. In addition, the box was inside a plastic bag to prevent the box from coming open accidentally as well as to keep the box in good condition.
1 x Zanflare F2
1 x Lanyard
1 x Clip
1 x Manual
2 x Spare O-ring
Fit and Finish
The F2 has solid and smooth black anodizing (Type III HA). The anodizing was applied well and seems thicker than many budget lights, even in the same price category. My copy did not have any notable defects in the finish. The anodizing was a smooth and non-glossy. I felt that this finish looks very nice and professional in quality.
The body of the light is a 2xAA "long tube" design. The tube is noticeably thinner and longer than a 1x18650 tube. Due to the design, there is minimal roll-resistance unless the clip is attached.
The body has a unique diagonal pattern which adds grip and a clean look, and some scratch resistance. The pattern is very smooth while still adding grip. It feels very very nice in hand.
The threads were cut perfectly square and there is anodizing on the tail threads.
Comment: Like with the Zanflare F1, I originally wasn't sure whether or not I would like the diagonal pattern on the grip based on pictures. However, in person, the pattern is very nice and in fact I think that it works a lot better in hand than the traditional knurling on most lights. It's able to add grip while feeling smooth.
The battery indicator LED is off-center. #OCDalert
Accessories: Lanyard and Clip
The lanyard was nice and the perfect length on mine.
The clip is nice material. However, I would have liked a deep carry clip and the clip seems short compared to the length of the tube.
Tail Stand
The F2 cannot tail-stand because the button on the tail protrudes.
User Interface and Modes
The light has a rear reverse-clicky (On/Off) and uses a half-presses to control modes.
Operation:
- To turn the light ON, press tail switch.
- To advance modes, half-press tail switch (Low -> Med -> High -> Strobe)
- To turn the light OFF, press tail switch.
Comments: I dislike the "forced" strobe and wish that there was a way to turn it off.
Output, Runtime and Power
Measurements were done using a freshly charged 2450mAh NiMH.
I estimate that the Zanflare F2 performs better than official specs.
My measured runtime on High was 75 minutes (1.25h). The official runtime stated for High is much lower than reality.
PWM
I did not detect PWM via video method. If it has PWM, it is very high frequency.
Regulation
Starting from High, this light will hold an output of over 200 lumens for about 150 minutes. In my case, right at about the 150 minute mark, the output dropped from 200 to 100 lumens over the course of ~2 minutes. After that, it immediately dropped down to just 2 lumens. I call this a "vampire mode". It will run at 2 lumens indefinitely until the batteries are completely drained.
Emitter: XP-G2 vs XP-G3
The Zanflare F2 was originally speced to use the XP-G3. However, the initial production run uses the XP-G2. Zanflare has stated that they may do a run with the XP-G3 in the future if there is enough demand.
The manual that was provided with mine still states XP-G3 in error.
Beam Profile
Throwy but Balanced. The F2 uses a domed Cree XP-G2 in an OP reflector. The beam is throwy but balanced. The hotspot size is average. The beam has smooth defined edges. This light works very well for people who want some throw but also enough spill for general work.
Beamshots, Color Temperature and Tint
The F2 "Neutral White" is a very nice warm neutral white at 4700K. When white-balanced in Adobe Lightroom against "Daylight 5500K", the beamshots appear slightly warm to neutral. The light appears slightly warm white in practice. This is a very good choice of color temperature and I'm really happy to see a manufacturer using this color temperature for a light.
Battery Support and Fitment
The F2 is powered by 2xAA (Alkaline, NiMH, etc.)
2450mAh Eneloops or Equivalent Batteries Fit. Tested using IKEA LADDA 2450s.
Lock-Out
You can physically lock-out the light by loosening the tail slightly to break the circuit.
If there is a possibility of accidental activation, you can lock-out the light.
Size Reference
Flashlight pictured next to AAs, 18650 and Zanflare F1 for size reference.
Other Reviews
Summary and Conclusion
This is a really nice 2xAA light to keep around the house. The AA battery format is very accessible and can be handled by anyone. I am now keeping this light as a bedside light (as I'm paranoid about having a Li-ion light next to my bed). This light is nice and well-built and performs at spec at 250+ lumens on High. The light is easily capable of sustained run-times on High (see run-time graph). I recommend a light like this for people looking something that runs well on AAs and provides a usable (but not blinding) amount of light.This size light is a "long tube" 2xAA design. It is thin enough to fit in a pocket but only if the pocket is deep enough (or you are okay with it sticking out a bit). The finish looks excellent, is clean and my copy had no defects.
The beam profile is very balanced and is well-suited for general usage. My copy was a very pleasant 4700K color temperature (warm neutral). I like the trend of manufacturers offering "neutral white" lights in this color temperature range.
