FoxFury Rook CheckMate

Review: FoxFury Rook CheckMate

The FoxFury Rook CheckMate is a compact tactically styled flashlight powered by a pair of lithium primary 123A batteries or a single 18650 lithium-ion rechargeable cell.  Rated to produce 600 lumens at its highest setting, the CheckMate also provides a tactical strobe and lower output 90 lumen mode.

The CheckMate is the most powerful member of the Rook series of flashlights which also includes the 220 lumen Rook MD1 as well as several special purpose lights providing UV and multi-spectrum capability.  The CheckMate used in this review was provided by FoxFury and has a Manufactuer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $233.99.

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Olight S10-L2 Baton

Review: Olight S10-L2 Baton

The Olight S10-L2 Baton is a powerful yet very compact Everyday Carry sized light with a magnetic base for hands-free use.  Powered by a single 123A lithium primary battery or RCR123 (16340) lithium-ion rechargeable cell, the S10-L2 is rated to provide up to 400 lumens of output with its Cree XM-L2 emitter.

A side mounted switch on the body allows access to any of the five operating modes (4 output levels plus strobe) through combinations of button presses and holds.  The S10-L2 Baton used in this review was provided by OlightWorld and typically retails for around $50.

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Anytech XM-L2 P60 Drop-in

Anytech Tactical is based near Brisbane, Australia where they develop, modify, and distribute tactical lighting and equipment.  In addition to a full selection of tactical flashlights and hosts, they also carry their own line of LED drop-in modules for use with SureFire, Solarforce, and other lights that use the common P60 drop-in format.

Based on the Cree XM-L2 emitter, the drop-ins are rated to produce 800 lumens of output when powered by a single 18650 lithium-ion rechargeable battery.  Several different configurations are available with anywhere from 1 to 4 different operating modes allowing various combinations of High, Medium, Low and Strobe outputs.

A sample drop-in module configured for High/Medium/Strobe operation was provided by Anytech for review.

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PK Design Lab PKFL2LE

Review: PK Design Lab PK FL2 LE

Representing the first retail offering from PK Design Lab, the PK FL2 LE is a compact handheld flashlight capable of producing up to 650 lumens with its Cree XM-L2 emitter.  Powered by two 123A lithium primary batteries, the PK FL2 LE provides two modes of operation, a 650 lumen high mode and a longer-running 20 lumen low mode for up close tasks.

Featuring a visually distinctive exterior design, the PK FL2 LE is available in a run of 1000 lights.  Each light is individually numbered and has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $190.00.  The sample used in this review was provided by Paul Kim of PK Design Lab. Continue reading

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INOVA T4R

Review: INOVA T4R

The versatile INOVA T4R is a rechargeable LED flashlight designed for the needs of the professional user. The largest and most powerful rechargeable option from INOVA, the T4R is powered by a user replaceable lithium-ion battery and is rated to produce up to 303 lumens in its highest output mode. Two lower output modes and a flashing strobe are also available, all accessed via the mid-body tactical switch.

With a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $149.99, the INOVA T4R can typically be found at retail for less than $120.00. The sample used in this review was provided by Nite Ize.Continue reading

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INOVA T3R

Review: INOVA T3R

The INOVA T3R is a rechargeable tactical flashlight designed and built with law enforcement and professional use in mind. Equipped with built-in charging capability for its included lithium-ion battery, the T3R offers three modes of operation including a 234 lumen high mode, 20 lumen low mode, and tactical strobe.

To simplify recharging when on the go, the T3R offers a number of options facilitated by its use of a standard mini-USB connector. A wall mounted AC charger and 12VDC vehicle charger are included with the light but it can also be charged using commonly available USB chargers used for phones or other devices.

The INOVA T3R has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $119.99 and can be found at retail for around $100.00.  The sample used in this review was provided by Nite Ize. Continue reading

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FOURSEVENS Maelstrom Regen MMR-X

Review: FOURSEVENS Maelstrom Regen MMR-X

The FOURSEVENS Regen MMR-X is a high-output rechargeable flashlight capable of producing a maximum of 800 lumens in a short duration “Burst” mode and offers up to three lower output levels along with four special strobe/flashing modes.  The MMR-X is user programmable, allowing the choice of any one of five distinct output configurations, ranging from a single output mode to having all eight available. The extremely compact MMR-X is also the first FOURSEVENS product to provide micro-USB recharging capability for the included proprietary lithium-ion 18650 battery.

The MMR-X has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $100.  The sample used in this review was provided by FOURSEVENS.

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Costa SwitchBack Backup Tactical Flashlight Ring

Costa SwitchBack Backup

The Costa SwitchBack Backup from Thyrm LLC is a grip enhancement device intended for use with tactical versions of the SureFire EB1 and EB2 Backup.  Designed in collaboration with Chris Costa of Costa Ludus as a “tactical tool that bridges the gap between flashlight and weapon-light,” the SwitchBack Backup allows the user to quickly deploy the flashlight for searching or single-hand shooting techniques, but then quickly reorient the light for use with a two-handed shooting grip. Continue reading

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Klarus XT11 Upgrade 820 lumens

Review: Klarus XT11 Upgrade Version

The Klarus XT11 is a compact tactically oriented flashlight notable for its cleverly designed two-button tailcap which is used for activation and mode switching.  Designed for hunting, military, or self-defense use, the XT11 produces three output levels as well as a flashing strobe mode and can be powered by a single 18650 lithium-ion rechargeable battery or two 123A lithium primary cells.

Two variants of the XT11 are available, both using the Cree XM-L2 LED.  The original XT11 is rated to produce 600 lumens in its highest mode and features a stainless steel strike bezel.  The XT11 Upgrade version has a higher maximum output of 820 lumens and has a slightly more aggressive crenelated bezel ring.

This review is based upon the XT11 Upgrade version which typically retails for around $80.Continue reading

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Beam N Read Hands Free Light

Review: Beam N Read Hands Free Light

Beam N Read Hands Free Light – Overview

It’s happened to all of us; we want to perform a task but can’t find the “perfect” tool to complete the job.  Searching through the available options leads to nothing but frustration and we sometimes have to settle for something that is just “good enough” and move on.  Arthur Friedman faced this dilemma over 25 years ago when he began his search for a hands-free task light.  However, unlike most of us, he was not willing to lower his expectations and set out to design his own hands-free light. Continue reading

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