| NlightD L2 | |
|---|---|
| LEP type / class | shine through |
| Max. beam intensity (candelas) | 122,600 cd |
| Max. beam distance (meters) | 700 meters |
| Max. output (lumens) | 300 lm |
| Modes | 2 |
| Avg. Price | $120 |
NlightD L2, the small destroyer
There are flashlight throwers and tiny flashlight throwers, and the NlightD L2 throws farther than 95% of normal flashlights that are twice as big because it uses an LEP module. LEP stands for Laser Excited Phosphor, meaning the light source is a blue laser that uses phosphor to turn blue light into a white-ish beam, just like a standard LED flashlight. This is the fourth flashlight in the NlightD lineup and the second LEP built and sold by Nealsgadgets, following the much bigger and more powerful NlightD L1. This time it’s all about size, using a small 14500 lithium-ion battery.
The L2 looks and feels very nice, mainly due to its white MAO (micro-arc oxidation) coating rather than its basic design. It features a protruding metal forward-clicky switch that allows momentary operation, though it takes a few milliseconds to produce light and might not respond to rapid morse coding. The tailcap has 8 small slots for glow tubes or tritium vials, and uses a metallic cover instead of rubber boot, making it a bit squeaky. The white MAO anodization looks pretty and feels less slippery than regular anodized flashlights, though it gets spots and marks more easily. The deep-carry pocket clip functions as an anti-roll feature, and the light is available in various materials including black aluminum, copper, and titanium options.
I can see it being used as a backup light for hiking or trekking to help pinpoint location or see things far ahead. The beam on the L2 is really nice and probably one of the best of smaller LEP flashlights, producing a very intense hotspot with smooth transition into spill without weird artifacts or rainbow colors. The flashlight doesn’t come with a battery but works with various 14500 types, though longer ones only work with the tailcap slightly unscrewed. At turn-on, it measures almost 150,000 cd, which is in the territory of large LED flashlights, and even after output drops it stays around 60,000 cd equaling 490 meters. Despite a few cons, it’s still a recommended little LEP flashlight and one of the best-performing 14500 battery-powered LEP flashlights currently available.
Performance
Lumen
I tested the L2 with 2 different batteries, the Lumintop 14500 920mAh, and a Weltool INR14-06P. The difference between them was very small, especially in the
| Mode | Specified output | Turn on | 30 sec. | 10 min. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low (Lumintop) | 100 lm | 120 lm | 117 lm | 109 lm |
| Low (Weltool) | 100 lm | 118 lm | 115 lm | 110 lm |
| High (Lumintop) | 300 lm | 301 lm | 290 lm | 123 lm |
| High (Weltool) | 300 lm | 302 lm | 291 lm | 124 lm |
Runtime
he batteries used: Lumintop 14500 920mAh, and a Weltool INR14-06P with 650mAh.
| Mode | Specified runtime | Runtime (ANSI FL1) | Time till shut off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low (Lumintop) 21.9°C | – | 1h 05min | 1h 05min |
| Low (Weltool) 22.4°C | – | 50min | 50min |
| High (Lumintop) 22.9°C | – | 49min 55sec | 49min 55sec |
| High (Weltool) 22.7°C | – | 37min | 37min |
Throw measurements
Measurements were taken outdoors at 20 meters with a Hagner E4-X Lux Meter. The measurements were taken 30 seconds after turn on.
| Mode | Specified intensity | Specified beam distance | Candela measured | Meters | Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | – cd | – m | 62,000 cd | 498 m | 545 yd |
| High | 122,600 cd | 700 m | 143,200 cd | 757 m | 828 yd |
