Energizer Hard Case 2AA Swivel Light (Cree Edition)

[Spoonrobot]

A useful review of something useful, The Energizer Hard Case 2xAA 4 LED Swivel Light

New form factors in the lighting industry are bubbling up with increasing frequency. Today we shall look at a light marketed to the general consumer but outfitted with the latest flashaholic LED. This light was originally released in a slightly different form sometime ago with a few different features and a fairly bloated price tag. This iteration brings the price down while upgrading the main LED. Available for 34.97$ at an ever-increasing number of Lowe's Home Improvement Centers nationwide this light runs on 2xAA batteries and features a CREE LED as the main LED. Mounted above the CREE are two red 5mm LEDs and one green LED. The LEDs sit behind a plastic window that is recessed almost a full 3/4 of an inch, the CREE LED is mounted behind a smooth plastic reflector. Activation of the LEDs is accomplished by clicking one of two rubber-coated reverse clickies mounted on the main body of the light, different modes and colors are selected in a round-robin system. Click the top button once and the two red LEDs will come on, click it again and the red LEDs with go out and the green LED will illuminate, one more click and the light is off. The bottom button is tied to the CREE LED, the interface is click one; high, click two; low, click three; off. There is no memory option. The clickies feel firm and respond with an audible positive click. The light also features a clip on it's dorsal side, making outside pocket or pack mounting a possibility. The head of the light rotates about 100 degrees in total and features three stops where the head will hold against some resistence. Similar to the inspection light this light is constructed of plastic and screw construction, the packaging states it will survive a 20 foot drop. The packaging states that the light is made in China.








Compared to the Lowe's 2xAAA Inspection light and the Old Leatherman Wave. This light is a little too large for general EDC pocket carry but would fit reasonably well in a medium carry bag or backpack




The head rotates smoothly and easily.




The pocket clip is stiff and features a plastic stop tab that makes removal once clipped more difficult. A similar tab is found on the Streamlight Sidewinder and does nothing but hinder the clipping in the first place, as soon as I have time I shall remove this tab. Other than that the clip works, not sure what you would actually clip it to that would work well but you have the option.





Link
Showing how the clickies work.

Now that we are familiar with the overall light, lets talk beams. There are three different LEDs on the Swivel Light, beginning with the CREE. Featuring a high and a low mode this LED is primarily a throw beam. There is a very tight hotspot with a mild corona, tint is slightly cool but appears white by intself and in comparison to most of LEDs. Typical CREE rings are present in the beam pattern. Brightness is very good, the package claims 80 Lumens and from ceiling bounce tests and general use I feel this claim may only be off by 15-20 Lumens. The deeply recessed lens and reflector do make for a slightly square beam shape.


High on the left, low on the right. Note the squared up spill beam. High and low are actually not that different on this light, the low beam looks to be @50% of the high, which makes it more medium since it is still too bright for low light tasks.


Rings.

The two red LEDs provide an good flood beam. There are some artifacts and the beam is very busy on a white wall but it evens out when you actually use the light. It is a little too bright for close in night vision preservation but is about right for outdoor navigation, good flood with a little throw.


The lone green LED seems so out of place. I'm not sure what one would use green for and have never used any of the green features on my other lights but it's there. Interestingly enough the package states that green is for "Pipe Inspection." I'm not sure what green light can pick out but I may ask around. The pattern coming from the 5mm LED is typical of lensed LED, tight beam with minimal spill beam that has poor throw and poor brightness unless used in total darkness.


The light will tailstand with ease, it is top heavy so don't rely on this ability on rough terrain, moving vehicles. When tailstanding the head can be angled down to illuminate an area a minimum 11.5 inches away. This would be similar to setting the light on a desk or table and writing or reading, the hotspot lands 11.5 inches awaw from the light.


Overall this light is a good mid-quality CREE based light. It offers different modes and colors for under 40$ and is slowly becoming available nationwide. I do feel the light is a little too bulky as it is now, I would like to see it pared down to pocket-size so there would be a direct competitor to the Streamlight Sidewinder. As it stands now ( ) the light is good replacement/addition to one's home stores or vehicle toolbox. I've had some call to use the light recently and find that for most tasks it works better than the stand flashlight form factors.

[parnass]

Thanks for the review.   I saw these new lights in Lowes and was waiting for someone else to buy them and post a commentary.   

[Spoonrobot]

Thanks for the review.   I saw these new lights in Lowes and was waiting for someone else to buy them and post a commentary.   

 

I did the same thing over at CPF, now the word shall spread to this little corner of the web.

Since it's wintertime with the early darkness I've been using this light quite a bit and have found it to be multitudes more useful than a regular light. The only problem is that it's just too darn large to EDC. I try sometimes though, and it looks like I am smuggling a small woodland creature in my pocket.

[NutSAK]

Thanks for the great review Spoonrobot.  I've looked at these, and just can't bring myself to buy one, but it's helpful to see a comprehensive view from someone who has.

Do you mind if I change the subject of the thread to the name of the light?

[Anthony]

I really like the anglehead design on flashlights; I'm thinking of picking up an old army issue Fulton flashlight on ebay.  After using my Pentagonlight MOLLE LED for a while, when I use a MiniMag or something it's just awkward.

Great review BTW, next time I'm out and about I'll look for one just to fondle in-store

[Spoonrobot]

I really like the anglehead design on flashlights; I'm thinking of picking up an old army issue Fulton flashlight on ebay.  After using my Pentagonlight MOLLE LED for a while, when I use a MiniMag or something it's just awkward.

Great review BTW, next time I'm out and about I'll look for one just to fondle in-store

There is a company/modder who does Luxeon mods to the Fulton flashlight over at the CPF. I think his latest is either a Tri-Lux or Tri-Cree. They always look tempting but I haven't gotten one yet.

[665ae]

Any idea how hard it would be to get to the LEDs?  I'd like to make an infrared light one of these days and I like the way that one works

[Spoonrobot]

Any idea how hard it would be to get to the LEDs?  I'd like to make an infrared light one of these days and I like the way that one works

It seems a simple task of unscrewing enough screws since the light does not appear potted at all. Re-assembly may be more difficult though. I may feel a little froggy and go at it later in the week, if so expect a damage report.

Now, the first model of this light is a little different. It has a 1 watt Luxeon for the main LED and Red/Blue/Infrared 5mm LEDs in the head. It was more expensive at @70$ dollars but it might be what you're looking for. It's called the Energizer Hard Case Tactical.

[NutSAK]

I really like the anglehead design on flashlights; I'm thinking of picking up an old army issue Fulton flashlight on ebay.  After using my Pentagonlight MOLLE LED for a while, when I use a MiniMag or something it's just awkward.

Great review BTW, next time I'm out and about I'll look for one just to fondle in-store

There is a company/modder who does Luxeon mods to the Fulton flashlight over at the CPF. I think his latest is either a Tri-Lux or Tri-Cree. They always look tempting but I haven't gotten one yet.

That is Elektro Lumens.  He is no longer available at CPF, but can be found here: www.illuminationforums.com

[kreskin13]

Spoonrobot, you're killing me! Now that's not one , but TWO more flashlights I have to get. People already think I'm crazy for owning almost 100 flashlights.

Great review and pics. I own 2 of the Hard Case incans., but these LED's will have me reaching for my wallet once again.

Calvin

[Grant Lamontagne]

Just tell them you are really afraid of the dark!

Def

[kreskin13]

I couldn't find any of those over the holidays but yesterday I got a new Brigade Quartermasters catalog in the mail and lookee, lookee what I found.

http://www.actiongear.com/cgi-bin/tame.exe/agcatalog/results.tam?uu=820876

I also found this and don't quite know what to make of it (WARNING, I don't think this is a flashlight!)

http://www.actiongear.com/cgi-bin/tame.exe/agcatalog/results.tam?rlk=820741

Calvin

[hawkchucker]

I actually like that energizer light and have looked at the thing the other day but passes it over for the G2 LED> maybe that thing will be revisited and make a home for it in the trucks. i think it would be a good adition to all the safety gear.

[kreskin13]

I actually like that energizer light and have looked at the thing the other day but passes it over for the G2 LED> maybe that thing will be revisited and make a home for it in the trucks. i think it would be a good adition to all the safety gear.

The one I linked to isn't the one they sell at Lowes is it? Can't be, Lowes isn't that classy!

Calvin

[hawkchucker]

Actually Lowes is the rich guys Home depot. They carry Sog, Surefire, Case and a lot of high end stuff to play with. They also lump everything together. So when you go to flashlights they have them all there. It just surprised me however that they have the 65$ G2 and the 85$ 6P led unlocked. I jsut hope that they dont loose a lot of stock. 

[kreskin13]

Actually Lowes is the rich guys Home depot. They carry Sog, Surefire, Case and a lot of high end stuff to play with. They also lump everything together. So when you go to flashlights they have them all there. It just surprised me however that they have the 65$ G2 and the 85$ 6P led unlocked. I jsut hope that they dont loose a lot of stock. 

Not the ones in Virginia, the "best' flashlights they sell is Coast (or is it Coastal?)   then Mag.

Calvin

[kreskin13]

Well Spoon, I hope you're happy. That's right, Calvin has bought 2 more flashlights. I tried to find these 2 "hardcase" flashlights after reading Spoons great review but couldn't find them locally. Well I found, and bought, both earlier in the week. I'm very impressed, especially with the 2xAA version. I've yet to give it a hard workout but I think it will do just fine for what it is (after all it's only a 35 USD flashlight).

It makes me itching to order this tactical model. Any thoughts?

http://www.opticsplanet.net/energizer-hard-case-tactical-led-ir-flashlight.html

Calvin

[Spoonrobot]

It makes me itching to order this tactical model. Any thoughts?

http://www.opticsplanet.net/energizer-hard-case-tactical-led-ir-flashlight.html

Calvin

 

I handled one of these at BassPro Shops a few months ago. It's quite a different beast than the HardCase version.

Other than the obvious differences; Lux I emitter instead of Cree, Blue instead of Green 5mm LEDs and the IR LED. The light has some more heft to it and looked to have nicer fit and finish. The switches are also much different, being forward clickies and designed to have very quiet audible feedback.

Being that I have no need for IR LEDs, this light isn't worth the price difference for me. As a collector, I would like to acquire one but not for 70$.

Here are some good links on the light:
CPF Thread #1
CPF Thread #2 (Lots of good pics)

[kreskin13]

It makes me itching to order this tactical model. Any thoughts?

http://www.opticsplanet.net/energizer-hard-case-tactical-led-ir-flashlight.html

Calvin

 

I handled one of these at BassPro Shops a few months ago. It's quite a different beast than the HardCase version.

Other than the obvious differences; Lux I emitter instead of Cree, Blue instead of Green 5mm LEDs and the IR LED. The light has some more heft to it and looked to have nicer fit and finish. The switches are also much different, being forward clickies and designed to have very quiet audible feedback.

Being that I have no need for IR LEDs, this light isn't worth the price difference for me. As a collector, I would like to acquire one but not for 70$.

Here are some good links on the light:
CPF Thread #1
CPF Thread #2 (Lots of good pics)

Great links Spoon. Although 70 USD is a bit steep, it's not enough to scare me away. Besides it is a purty light. I think I'm about to scratch that itch.

Calvin

[J-sews]

Be sure to post some beamshots of the infrared LED after you get it. 

[kreskin13]

Be sure to post some beamshots of the infrared LED after you get it. 

I ordered it this morning. Please help me!

Calvin

[kreskin13]

I'm bitter.

I just got an email. My tactical Hard case is on backorder for 1 to 2 weeks!

Calvin

[Benner]

I'm bitter.

I just got an email. My tactical Hard case is on backorder for 1 to 2 weeks!

Calvin

That's how long I have to wait every time I order from the US  .

[kreskin13]

I'm bitter.

I just got an email. My tactical Hard case is on backorder for 1 to 2 weeks!

Calvin

Update on my backordered Tactical Hard Case. It's still backordered. They (Optics Giant) say Energizer expects to ship them any day.

By sending them an email inquiring about the status of my order, I have been moved to the top of the list to receive one when they come in.

I'm going to celebrate my moving to the top of the list by eating a stick of butter.

Calvin

[Spoonrobot]

There's on for sale on the CPF marketplace for 55$. 

http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=174548&highlight=Energizer

[kreskin13]

There's on for sale on the CPF marketplace for 55$. 

http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=174548&highlight=Energizer

Interesting. All those PMs and it's still available? It's a great price but to cancel my order and then order from him to save 15 bucks isn't worth it for me. I won't even walk across the street for 15 bucks! My shipping from Optics Giant is free. Who knows what he wants?

Thanks for the link Spoon, I really appreciate your effort.

Calvin

[kreskin13]

My Energizer Tactical Hard Case came while I was away and the quick review is it's nice but the regular Hard Case is a much better deal. The Tactical is nice from a collector point of view but not worth 70USD.

I really had nothing to say I just wanted to reach 500 posts! I feel so cheap.

Calvin

[Benner]

My Energizer Tactical Hard Case came while I was away and the quick review is it's nice but the regular Hard Case is a much better deal. The Tactical is nice from a collector point of view but not worth 70USD.

I really had nothing to say I just wanted to reach 500 posts! I feel so cheap.

Calvin

Glad it finally arrived mate.

And well done on the 500 posts! 

[kreskin13]

My Energizer Tactical Hard Case came while I was away and the quick review is it's nice but the regular Hard Case is a much better deal. The Tactical is nice from a collector point of view but not worth 70USD.

I really had nothing to say I just wanted to reach 500 posts! I feel so cheap.

Calvin

Glad it finally arrived mate.

And well done on the 500 posts! 

Thanks buddy. I'll do a real review on it later. It really is a nice tough light. I'll make sure to get J-Sews those infrared beamshots!  Thought you snuck that one by me didn't you?

Calvin

[ducktapehero]

Actually Lowes is the rich guys Home depot.

IMHO Lowe's is a whole lot nicer than Home Depot. I've never received good customer service at HD, OTOH I've always had great experience with the folks at Lowe's. Plus they always seem to be a lot cleaner.