NiteCore EZ-AA

The EZ-AA next to the Vietnam war Flashlight MX-991/U 

With the winter fast approaching, I have been looking for a new EDC (every day carry) light that I could attached to my keyring or keep in my pocket. Owning one of its bigger brothers for over 10 months ( a NiteCore D10) I was very interested into their new range of EZ flashlights. I finally opted for the EZ-AA due to the ease in obtaining AA batteries.

The light was ordered from www.flashaholics.co.uk and was received a few days later. It was well packed in a padded envelope ensuring that the cardboard NiteCore box and contents would be received in mint condition. Inside the box is the EZ-AA, a black lanyard, a couple of spare O rings, a key-chain clip, a warranty card and a comprehensive instruction sheet. 
An Alkaline AA battery was also supplied by NiteCore UK  so that the light would be ready for use as soon as received.

The light is switched on to its lower mode by simply turning the head.
The Lower mode is an ample 10 lumens which is sufficient for most jobs, but the beauty of this little wonder is its second mode, 
a whopping 130 lumens achieved by simply turning the head another 5/8 of a turn (on my light). 
This is really bright, with a good throw and spill for such a small light. The only set back (which is normal for this output  on such a small light) is that the light will become hot fairly quickly (after 10 mns on full power my light was quite warm, but still ok to hold). Twisting the head in reverse will bring it back to 10 lumens, then will switch it off.

(130 lumens in daylight)

You will note that there is no clickie switch, the light is just operated by a simple two stage  twist of the head. You can not get more any simpler that this!  The light is 20gm without a battery and 51gm with rechargeable Hahnel 2350mah battery. The head has an AR coated glass lens and a knurling band for twisting grip. A brass heat sinking is integral to the head to help thermal conductance. Water resistance is provided by a small O ring, the body/battery tube has extensive fine knurling. Right at the back of the EZ-AA is a thread  for tripod mounting as well as four holes for lanyard attachments. The light will also tail stand and could be used as a candle but I  would strongly advise to keep it in its lower mode for extended period of time as the light will become very hot on high if left on for a long time. 

Running times:

Low mode to 50%:    19-21 hours (according to brand of batteries)
High mode to 50%:    50-60mn     (according to brand of batteries)

Note:
 Run time can be extended by running  the new Energizer e2 Lithium batteries, 
also the light support :
rechargeable batteries (would advise to use the low discharge type like the Eneloop)
 

(to give you an other idea of its size is from right to left
2-AA MagLite, EZ-AA, Maglite Solitaire AAA)

To conclude this review:
the EZ-AA  is a well balanced small and light flashlight with a very easy interface. It has two well chosen levels of light, good runtime, uses the cheapest and most popular battery available  and will feel at ease on a key ring or as a pocket EDC.
This is a high quality  Military type flashlight which will give you years of service!
Discount is available to Rolling Thunder members. 

Please refer to the links below 
http://www.flashaholics.co.uk/

NOW FOR A BIT OF FUN

Technical stuff

• 83mm (length) * 16.6mm (diameter)

• Ultra-lightweight - just 20 grams (without battery)

• Renowned CREE XR-E LED capable of over 50,000 hours of output

• Using regular single AA battery

• Two modes output, twist the light bezel to adjust

• High Mode: 130 lumens for up to 1.5 hours

• Low Mode: 15 lumens for up to 20 hours

• Brass heat sinking guarantees efficient and effective thermal management

• Twist-activated output for easy one-handed operation

• Straight-forward UI with two modes of output

• Military-grade aluminum alloy

• Mil-Spec Type-III Hard-Anodized finish resists scratches

• Extensive knurling for excellent grip

• Current-regulated circuitry eliminates flickering

• Water resistant to IPX-8 standard

• Reflector optimized for a great balance of output distance and spread

• Impact-resistant optical-grade glass lens with anti-reflective coating

• Flat base allows light to tail-stand like a candle

• Designed to fit standard camera mounts

 Purchase one: www.flashaholics.co.uk (Discount is available to Rolling Thunder members. )