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23.05.2014, 23:43
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Увлеченный
Регистрация: 26.04.2011 Последняя активность: 10.11.2015 10:40 Адрес: Canada
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4xAA Round-up Review: RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, VIDEOS, PROS & CONS, and more!
UPDATE JANUARY 8, 2015: I've added additional comparisons for the Thrunite TN4A and Nitecore EA41 2015.
Welcome to my 4xAA round-up review for 2014! :wave: I haven't done one of these in a while, but the goal is to compare the performance of currently available lights in a given class - in this case, 4xAA. For examples of some of my previous round-up reviews, check out my chronological review list at flashlightreviews.ca. Note as always for a round-up review, this is going to be very pic-heavy. :sweat: Let's take a look of the lineup that I have prepared here:  From left to right: AA Panasonic Eneloop Pro (2550mAh) NiMH; Nitecore EA41, EA4; Fenix E41; Sunwayman D40A, F40A; Eagletac GX25A3; IMALENT SA04; Lumintop SD10; JetBeam SRA40. And the extra two additions, compared to some of the other lights up there:  From left to right: Panasonic Eneloop Pro (2550mAh) NiMH; Thrunite TN4A; Nitecore EA41 2015; Fenix E41; Sunwayman D40A, F40A; Eagletac GX25A3. I will start by providing some general overview measures and results for each light, compiled from my various tests. I will then focus on each light individually, providing an overview of build (through my videos) and a personal assessment of pros/cons for each model. For more specific information on each light, I will refer you to the individual full reviews. I will then wrap up with some general comparison comments at the end. This is going to me a long one! :sweat: Here are directly measured dimensions of my samples of the above lights. All are given with no batteries installed. A modern Panasonic Eneloop Pro (2550mAh capacity) weighs about 30.0g, if you want to estimate weight with batteries installed. Eagletac GX25A3 3xAA: Weight: 151.4g, Length: 109.2mm (114.2mm with switch tailcap), Width (bezel): 38.6mm Fenix E41 4xAA: Weight: 204.1g , Length: 115.9mm, Width (bezel): 44.1mm IMALENT SA04 4xAA: Weight: 207.8, Length: 119.5mm, Width (bezel): 43.0mm JetBeam SRA40 4xAA: Weight 236.0g, Length: 126.1mm, Width (bezel): 48.5mm Lumintop SD10 3xAA: Weight: 117.6g, Length: 120.3mm, Width (bezel): 40.1mm Nitecore EA4 4xAA: Weight: 161.6g , Length: 117.9mm, Width (bezel): 40.2mm Nitecore EA41 2014 4xAA: Weight: 149.9g , Length: 118.2mm, Width (bezel): 40.1mm Nitecore EA41 2015 4xAA: Weight: 147.9g , Length: 118.4mm, Width (bezel): 40.1mm Sunwayman D40A 4xAA: Weight: 167.9g, Length: 120.4mm, Width (bezel): 40.0mm Sunwayman F40A 4xAA: Weight: 182.0g, Length: 109.3mm, Width (bezel): 42.0mm Thrunite TN4A 4xAA: Weight: 217.6g, Length: 112.6mm, Width (bezel): 45.5mm, (tail): 42.0mm You can click on the individual review links above to get further specs and details. Before we get into the actual testing results for this round-up, a few words about my methods and how the results are reported. Videos: These are designed to provide a build overview, and show general functioning of the light. For beamshot comparisons, please refer to the standardized white beamshots below. For all my videos, I recommend you have annotations turned on. I commonly update the commentary with additional information or clarifications before publicly releasing the video. As an aside, if you want to get an instant notification for every new review that I post, you can subscribe to my YouTube channel. The vids go public at the same time as the reviews here on CPF. :whistle: Output/Runtime Testing and Reporting All my output numbers are relative for my home-made light box setup, as described on my flashlightreviews.ca website. You can directly compare all my relative output values from different reviews - i.e. an output value of "10" in one graph is the same as "10" in another. All runtimes are done under a cooling fan, except for any extended run Lo/Min modes (i.e. >12 hours) which are done without cooling. I have devised a method for converting my lightbox relative output values (ROV) to estimated Lumens. See my How to convert Selfbuilt's Lightbox values to Lumens thread for more info. My summary tables are reported in a manner consistent with the ANSI FL-1 standard for flashlight testing. Please see http://www.flashlightreview... for a discussion, and a description of all the terms used in these tables. Effective July 2012, I have updated all my Peak Intensity/Beam Distance measures with a NIST-certified Extech EA31 lightmeter (orange highlights). Beamshots All lights are on Sanyo Eneloop NiMH (4x). Lights are about ~0.75 meter from a white wall (with the camera ~1.25 meters back from the wall). Automatic white balance on the camera, to minimize tint differences (except for IMALENT SA04, which is set to a Daylight white balance to better compare tints). Note the 2014 edition of the Nitecore EA41 is simply labeled "EA41". Alright, let's get started with the direct comparisons …                                         Color modes, where available                Beam Diffusers As you can see above, many of the lights reviewed here are relatively "throwy" (i.e., very good centre-beam reach). And only the Fenix E41 has a relatively wider than typical spillbeam width. As such, you may be interested in adding a diffuser option, to turn these lights into more "floody" beams. There are a number of diffusers out there from different manufacturers that can fit different size bezel opening. The fairly common ~40mm bezel opening used on many of these 4xAA lights means that the Nitecore NFD40 and Olight M22X diffusers are suitable.   Here is an example of what they do to the Nitecore EA4. Note for these shots, the light is on Hi (not Turbo), and about 3/4 of a meter back from a white wall (to let the camera capture more of the spill).    As you can see, the Nitecore NFD40 diffuses the light to a greater extent than the Olight M22X diffuser. You can expect these diffusers to reduce overall output by ~15-20%. But another option is a DIY project using an inexpensive Butler Creek Blizzard flip-open scope cover (my thanks to SCEMan for the original suggestion). Shown below is the size 5 model with my own personally-applied diffuser film, next to the Olight M22X diffuser.   Here is an example of how it looks on the Nitecore EA4.   The cover hinge is spring-loaded, so it flips up with ease. This allows you to access throw or flood quickly, literally at the flip of a finger (a la Eagletac GX25C2 style). It also stays closed petty well, as long as you fully seat it (by pressing down on the two protruding flanges to close). :thumbsup: Since these come with a clear plastic lens, so you would have to add your own diffuser film or change the lens. But there are plenty of adhesive-type frosted films to choose from (check out your local hardware stores for privacy films). For that matter, even things like Glad press'n seal or frosted Scotch tape will work (but I find privacy films work better). In addition to diffusion, you could even replace with your own color filter if you like. The possibilities are endless.  For adding a diffuser film or changing the plastic lens on these flip covers, there is a metal retaining ring holding the plastic lens in place. You just need to get the metal retaining ring unhooked from the first plastic restrainer, and then can easily proceed through all of them in sequence (start from the end that is jagged, as you can slip a fine jeweler's screwdriver or tweezer in there). Once you get it out, the clear plastic lens falls out - which you can cover with your choice of material (or replace), and then reassemble. You could even sandpaper the clear lens, etc. One advantage to this method is that there are a wide range of sizes that you can order for these flip covers, to fit various opening diameters. Of particular relevance to the lights compared here, you could consider the following Butler Creek Blizzard models that I have personally tested: Size 4 (1.5-1.55 inch, 38.1-40.38mm) - suitable for the Eagletac GX25A3 Size 5 (1.6-1.69 inch, 40.64-42.92mm) - suitable for the Lumintop SD10, Nitecore EA4, EA41, Sunwayman D40A Size 6 (1.7-1.79 inch, 43.18-45.46mm) - suitable for the IMALENT SA04, Sunwayman F40A Size 7 (1.8-1.89 inch, 45.72—48.0mm) - suitable for the Thrunite TN4A, and Fenix E41 (with a few layers of tape in-between, to shim the fit) Size 8 (1.9-1.99 inch) - suitable for the Jetbeam SRA40 For other lights not listed here, keep in mind that the lower diameter for the Butler Creek spec size is really what you should focus on. The higher limit involves stretching the cover - which, while feasible, can prevent it from staying closed. If you are unsure about a size for a given light, it is always better to go one size up - you can always wrap a layer of electrical tape about the end of the light (or inside the cover) to enhance the snugness of the fit. This is why I recommend the size 7 for the Fenix E41 (with a shim of some sort) - technically, the size 6 can be forced on, but you will find it hard to keep the lid closed. Have fun experimenting! :wave: Summary Table:  Output/Runtime Graphs: Reviewer's Note: I have begun to switch to using newer Panasonic Eneloop Pro (2550mAh typical capacity) for my NIMH testing. Panasonic acquired Sanyo a little while back, and the new Panasonic-branded Eneloop Pro cells are an updated version of the former Eneloop XX cells (i.e., Panasonic Pros are basically 3rd generation XX cells, with improved charge holding ability). For the time being, most of my runtime data is still using 2000mAh Eneloops, so both types are shown below. UPDATE JANUARY 8, 2015: Since many of these graphs are very busy, I've only added results for the Thrunite TN4A and Nitecore EA41-2015 to the Eneloop Pro and L91 runtimes. Please see my full reviews of those lights for more additional comparisons.        ------- Ok, that was a lot of data. :sweat: Let's run through each of the lights in a little more specific detail. Again, please refer to the actual full review of each light for more information on the various points highlighted below. ------- Eagletac GX25A3  
 Pros
------- Fenix E41  
 Pros
------- IMALENT SA04  
Pros
------- JetBeam SRA40  
 Pros
------- Lumintop SD10  
 Pros
------- Nitecore EA4 2014  
 Pros
------- Nitecore EA41 - 2014 edition and 2015 edition Common appearance:    2014 edition:
2015: edition
 Pros (both models)
------- Sunwayman D40A  
 Pros
------- Sunwayman F40A  
 Pros
------- Thrunite TN4A  
 Pros
------- General Comments I generally try to avoid "recommending" lights in my reviews. :whistle: I prefer to let them stand as relatively objective comparative assessments of a given light's performance. For explicit recommendations, I tend to leave that to the Recommendations page on my flashlightreviews.ca website, where I provide general suggestions of quality lights broken down by battery type. I also don't include a Pros/Cons section in individual reviews - this is extremely subjective, and one persons "pro" can easily be another's "con" (and vice versa). But for this round-up review, my goal is a bit different. Here, I'm trying to help guide you to the lights that might best meet your needs, within a given class. So it's worthwhile to consistently compare relative build features, and try to wrap up with a discussion of some of the strengths of various members of this group. As you will see from my personal pro/con assessment above, I find a two-switch interface to be a positive development. Single-switches can work fine depending on your specific preferences, but there are often significant design tradeoffs when you have to combine all the functions of a light into one switch. Typically, true dual-switch designs offer a more consistent control mechanism, with a greater number of output modes and general feature set (e.g., ability to jump to min/max/strobe from off, etc.). Going just by this aspect, the Jeatbeam SRA40, Nitecore EA41, Sunwayman D40A and F40A are top picks to consider. That said, the Nitecore EA4 and Eagletac GX25A3 both have additional functions (i.e., the EA41 switch has a two-stage pressure mechanism, and the GX25A3 uses both head twists and a switch for extra versatility). Personally, I'm most partial to the user interface of the EA41 - it has a wide range of modes and features, good shortcuts, and an intuitive Min>Max sequence of constant output modes. :thumbsup: Either 2014 or 2015 editions will do – the lights are basically identical, except for slightly higher output levels on the 2015 edition (see my full review of that model for details). If output/runtime efficiency matters most to you, the Thrunite TN4A and Fenix E41 are excellent performers - but most of the lights here are current-controlled as well, and also show very good efficiency. I haven't done a stand-alone review of the Fenix E41, so I suggest you review the comparison comments in that section above. Note that the E41 lacks a true low mode, so absolute max runtimes will be less than some of the competition. The TN4A and E41 both have extremely high max output – although the E41 is only as a momentary mode. The TN4A is particularly impressive for its max output (highest I've seen, constant-on with no timed step-downs). :ooo: The TN4A is also the efficiency champ at lower levels – and has true Low and Moonlight levels to boot. In terms of versatility, the IMALENT SA04 probably has the widest feature set - with the ability to adjust the relative beam tint across the full range from fully warm to fully cool, with everything in-between. It also features nearly continuously-variable white output, and R/G/B color modes to boot. Of course, that also means it has the most complex interface, with multiple switches and a pressure-sensitive touch screen. In terms of beam pattern, the JetBeam SRA40 is the clear winner for peak throw. But as a group, these are generally all quite "throwy" (i.e., I find the beam distance of all these models to be more than sufficient for regular tasks). The Fenix E41 and Thrunite TN4A have the widest spillbeams of all the lights. But I recommend you consider removable diffuser options, to turn the lights into true "flooders" - see my diffuser discussion back under the beamshots section, with options to fit each model. If size matters, the SRA40 is the largest light, and the Eagletac GX25A3 and Sunwayman F40A are definitely the smallest lights. The F40A also has additional red/blue color modes. Aesthetics are always a question of personal taste, and yours may differ from mine. But I have to admit to having a fondness for the styling of the Sunwayman D40A. It has a bit more bling than many of the lights here,  with a quality hand feel. And like the Nitecore and Eagletac offerings, you have the option to get it in a Neutral white tint (which I personally prefer).Beyond that, each of the lights above has specific things to recommend them (and others that may hold you back). At the end of the day, any of them could probably serve your needs in this class. But please refer to the specific sections above, and the full individual reviews (where available) for more details. Hope you found the overview useful! :wave: ------- All samples were received directly from the manufacturer for review, except for the Fenix E41 and Nitecore EA41-2014, which were purchased from authorized North American dealers. |
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R-2 (15.12.2018)
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