General introduction
The Aurora 1.5W LED series is a new series of flashlights with the 1.5W Nichia Jupiter LED. These LEDs have a power consumption of 1.5 watt while outputting upto 42 lumen of pure white light. In front of the LED is a convex lens which produces a spot beam with almost no sidespill. Each flashlight is packed in a clamshell packaging and comes with a carrying strap (wrist lanyard) and a nylon pouch. Each package (except the 2 C model) includes 1 set of Duracell alkaline batteries. The Aurora 1.5W LED series is available in 5 battery configurations : 1 CR123, 2 CR123, 2 AA, 3 AAA and 2 C.
Aurora 1.5W LED series 2 AA (ALJ-012AA)<ul type="square">[*]Click here for a photo of the packaging. The packaging contains the flashlight, 2 AA Duracell alkaline batteries and a nylon pouch.
The frontside of the packaging indicates the main specifications :
- Up to 42 lumens output power
- Optical lens produces a more focused beam for precise illumination
- DC-DC regulated circuit provides maximum light output throughout the entire battery life
- Water resistant
The backside of the packaging contains the detailed specifications :
- Battery type : 2 x 1.5v "AA" alkaline batteries (included)
- Burn time : 3 hours (maximum output: 2.5 hrs)
- Bulb type : 1.5 watt Nichia LED
- Accessories : carrying strap & nylon pouch
- Product size : 28 x 28 x 173 mm
- Product weight : 133 g (with batteries)
Furthermore there is some information on the battery replacement and the bulb replacement ("LED never needs to be replaced" /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif ).
Another interesting thing on the backside of the packaging is the the discharge curve. After about 2 hours and 15 minutes the light output is 50%. Personal note : I haven't measured these values myself, I just read what's on the packaging.[/list]
Aurora 1.5W LED series 2 C (ALJ-112C)<ul type="square">[*]Click here for a photo of the packaging. The packaging contains the flashlight and a nylon pouch.
The frontside of the packaging indicates the main specifications :
- Up to 42 lumens output power
- Optical lens produces a more focused beam for precise illumination
- DC-DC regulated circuit provides maximum light output throughout the entire battery life
- Water resistant
The backside of the packaging contains the detailed specifications :
- Battery type : 2 x 1.5v "C" alkaline batteries (not included)
- Burn time : 12 hours (maximum output: 10 hrs)
- Bulb type : 1.5 watt Nichia LED
- Accessories : carrying strap & nylon pouch
- Product size : 41 x 41 x 172 mm
- Product weight : 340 g (with batteries)
Furthermore there is some information on the battery replacement and the bulb replacement ("LED never needs to be replaced" /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif ).
Another interesting thing on the backside of the packaging is the the discharge curve. After about 10 hours the light output is 50%. Personal note : I haven't measured these values myself, I just read what's on the packaging.[/list]
I don't have one of the CR123 models nor the AAA model. So time for some tests and comparisons right now /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Size comparison
<ul type="square">[*]From left to right : Xnova 1AA 5 LED, Nuwai AL-81A, Nuwai AL-91AA, Xnova 2AA 5 LED, Wicked Lasers green laserpointer, Aurora 2 AA, Aurora 2 C, Nuwai ALX-233C, Nokia 3310 mobile phone, Maglite 2 D, Nuwai ALX-654C.
[*]Click here for a size comparison
[*]Click here for a bezel comparison (the mobile phone isn't on this photo)[/list]
General test information
<ul type="square">[*]All tests have been performed with brand new Duracell alkaline batteries. Lux readings have been done by a Meterman LM631 light meter. Lux values only need to be compared in 1 beamshot and not between different comparisons since the distance from the light source to the lighted wall can differ from beamshot to beamshot. The camera I used is a Canon PowerShot A70 on nightmodus without flash. When the shutter time is specified, manual modus is used.[/list]
Beam comparison 1 : Aurora 2 AA (left) vs. Aurora 2 C (right)
<ul type="square">[*]Click here for the beamshot
[*]Lux readings are exactly equal /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif That's why I will use only the 2 AA to perform further comparisons.[/list]
Beam comparison 2 : Aurora 2 AA (left) vs. Nuwai ALX-233C (3 watt Luxeon with 3 C batteries) (right)
<ul type="square">[*]Click here for the beamshot. Note the blueish-purplish tint of the ALX-233C.
[*]Lux readings : left 1950 lux, right 11720 lux. That's a huge difference, so I looked for an explanation. Apparently the hotspot of the ALX-233C is very small, which is clearly visible with a shutter time of 1/1244th second : click here. On this photo it's clearly visible the Aurora has a bigger hotspot which explains the lower lux reading.[/list]
Beam comparison 3 : Aurora 2 AA (left) vs. Maglite 2D with TerraLUX MaxStar2 bulb (two Luxeon I emitters) (right)
<ul type="square">[*]Click here for the beamshot
[*]Lux readings : left 1850 lux, right 440 lux. The light of the MaxStar2 is very diffused and it doesn't have a clear hotspot. When the shutter time of the camera is set to 1/1000th second, it becomes clearly visible the MaxStar2 can't really throw compared to the Aurora : Click here for the photo.[/list]
Beam comparison 4 : Aurora 2 AA (left) vs. Xnova 2AA 5 LED (right)
<ul type="square">[*]Click here for the beamshot
[*]Lux readings : left 1740, right 430. Same story as the MaxStar2 : the Xnova has a rather diffused beam and doesn't have a clear hotspot when compared to the Aurora. Click here for a beamshot at shutter time 1/640th second.[/list]
Beam comparison 5 : Aurora 2 AA (left) vs. Nuwai AL-91AA (single AA with 1 Nichia CS 5mm LED) (right)
<ul type="square">[*]Click here for the beamshot
[*]Lux readings : left 1694 lux, right 1154 lux. Hotspot of the AL-91AA is smaller but it has an amazing throw for being a single 5mm LED flashlight! This is due to the fact that the AL-91AA has a convex lens in front of the 5mm LED. Even when the shutter time is set to 1/640th second, the AL-91AA performs very good.[/list]
Beam comparison 6 : Aurora 2 AA (left) vs. Nuwai ALX-313A (Luxeon I with 3 AAA batteries) (right)
<ul type="square">[*]First of all a photo that shows the difference between a light with a convex lens and a reflector : Lights with reflectors have sidespill, torches with a convex lens don't.
[*]Click here for the comparing beamshot
[*]Lux readings: left 1880 lux, right 4040 lux. Seems like the ALX-313A performs better than the Aurora, but actually it isn't. It's the same story as with the ALX-233C (3 watt) : the hotspot is smaller than that one of the Aurora. It's clearly visible when the shutter time is set to 1/640th second : click here. This beamshot shows that the Aurora has a way better throw.
[/list]
Conclusion?
It's not easy to give the Aurora flashlight series a rating when compared to other flashlights with reflectors. The above tests were performed on a very short distance, and the real performance of the Aurora will be shown when illuminating on a longer distance (5 meters, 10 meters, 20 meters,...). Since I've performed these tests during the day, I wasn't able to go outside and take beamshots of long distances. Last week I have been on holiday in Switzerland and I took a bunch of lights to see which fits me best. After all I prefered the Aurora 2 AA : little weight, decent runtime, AA batteries (available anywhere when you need 'em), great throw (way better than the Luxeon I and almost as good as the Luxeon III), excellent overall performance.
Please share your beamshots / opinions. Thank you for reading /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif By the way, my English is not good, I've probably made a lot of writing mistakes. Please notify me when anything is unclear.
The Aurora 1.5W LED series is a new series of flashlights with the 1.5W Nichia Jupiter LED. These LEDs have a power consumption of 1.5 watt while outputting upto 42 lumen of pure white light. In front of the LED is a convex lens which produces a spot beam with almost no sidespill. Each flashlight is packed in a clamshell packaging and comes with a carrying strap (wrist lanyard) and a nylon pouch. Each package (except the 2 C model) includes 1 set of Duracell alkaline batteries. The Aurora 1.5W LED series is available in 5 battery configurations : 1 CR123, 2 CR123, 2 AA, 3 AAA and 2 C.
Aurora 1.5W LED series 2 AA (ALJ-012AA)<ul type="square">[*]Click here for a photo of the packaging. The packaging contains the flashlight, 2 AA Duracell alkaline batteries and a nylon pouch.
The frontside of the packaging indicates the main specifications :
- Up to 42 lumens output power
- Optical lens produces a more focused beam for precise illumination
- DC-DC regulated circuit provides maximum light output throughout the entire battery life
- Water resistant
The backside of the packaging contains the detailed specifications :
- Battery type : 2 x 1.5v "AA" alkaline batteries (included)
- Burn time : 3 hours (maximum output: 2.5 hrs)
- Bulb type : 1.5 watt Nichia LED
- Accessories : carrying strap & nylon pouch
- Product size : 28 x 28 x 173 mm
- Product weight : 133 g (with batteries)
Furthermore there is some information on the battery replacement and the bulb replacement ("LED never needs to be replaced" /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif ).
Another interesting thing on the backside of the packaging is the the discharge curve. After about 2 hours and 15 minutes the light output is 50%. Personal note : I haven't measured these values myself, I just read what's on the packaging.[/list]
Aurora 1.5W LED series 2 C (ALJ-112C)<ul type="square">[*]Click here for a photo of the packaging. The packaging contains the flashlight and a nylon pouch.
The frontside of the packaging indicates the main specifications :
- Up to 42 lumens output power
- Optical lens produces a more focused beam for precise illumination
- DC-DC regulated circuit provides maximum light output throughout the entire battery life
- Water resistant
The backside of the packaging contains the detailed specifications :
- Battery type : 2 x 1.5v "C" alkaline batteries (not included)
- Burn time : 12 hours (maximum output: 10 hrs)
- Bulb type : 1.5 watt Nichia LED
- Accessories : carrying strap & nylon pouch
- Product size : 41 x 41 x 172 mm
- Product weight : 340 g (with batteries)
Furthermore there is some information on the battery replacement and the bulb replacement ("LED never needs to be replaced" /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif ).
Another interesting thing on the backside of the packaging is the the discharge curve. After about 10 hours the light output is 50%. Personal note : I haven't measured these values myself, I just read what's on the packaging.[/list]
I don't have one of the CR123 models nor the AAA model. So time for some tests and comparisons right now /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Size comparison
<ul type="square">[*]From left to right : Xnova 1AA 5 LED, Nuwai AL-81A, Nuwai AL-91AA, Xnova 2AA 5 LED, Wicked Lasers green laserpointer, Aurora 2 AA, Aurora 2 C, Nuwai ALX-233C, Nokia 3310 mobile phone, Maglite 2 D, Nuwai ALX-654C.
[*]Click here for a size comparison
[*]Click here for a bezel comparison (the mobile phone isn't on this photo)[/list]
General test information
<ul type="square">[*]All tests have been performed with brand new Duracell alkaline batteries. Lux readings have been done by a Meterman LM631 light meter. Lux values only need to be compared in 1 beamshot and not between different comparisons since the distance from the light source to the lighted wall can differ from beamshot to beamshot. The camera I used is a Canon PowerShot A70 on nightmodus without flash. When the shutter time is specified, manual modus is used.[/list]
Beam comparison 1 : Aurora 2 AA (left) vs. Aurora 2 C (right)
<ul type="square">[*]Click here for the beamshot
[*]Lux readings are exactly equal /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif That's why I will use only the 2 AA to perform further comparisons.[/list]
Beam comparison 2 : Aurora 2 AA (left) vs. Nuwai ALX-233C (3 watt Luxeon with 3 C batteries) (right)
<ul type="square">[*]Click here for the beamshot. Note the blueish-purplish tint of the ALX-233C.
[*]Lux readings : left 1950 lux, right 11720 lux. That's a huge difference, so I looked for an explanation. Apparently the hotspot of the ALX-233C is very small, which is clearly visible with a shutter time of 1/1244th second : click here. On this photo it's clearly visible the Aurora has a bigger hotspot which explains the lower lux reading.[/list]
Beam comparison 3 : Aurora 2 AA (left) vs. Maglite 2D with TerraLUX MaxStar2 bulb (two Luxeon I emitters) (right)
<ul type="square">[*]Click here for the beamshot
[*]Lux readings : left 1850 lux, right 440 lux. The light of the MaxStar2 is very diffused and it doesn't have a clear hotspot. When the shutter time of the camera is set to 1/1000th second, it becomes clearly visible the MaxStar2 can't really throw compared to the Aurora : Click here for the photo.[/list]
Beam comparison 4 : Aurora 2 AA (left) vs. Xnova 2AA 5 LED (right)
<ul type="square">[*]Click here for the beamshot
[*]Lux readings : left 1740, right 430. Same story as the MaxStar2 : the Xnova has a rather diffused beam and doesn't have a clear hotspot when compared to the Aurora. Click here for a beamshot at shutter time 1/640th second.[/list]
Beam comparison 5 : Aurora 2 AA (left) vs. Nuwai AL-91AA (single AA with 1 Nichia CS 5mm LED) (right)
<ul type="square">[*]Click here for the beamshot
[*]Lux readings : left 1694 lux, right 1154 lux. Hotspot of the AL-91AA is smaller but it has an amazing throw for being a single 5mm LED flashlight! This is due to the fact that the AL-91AA has a convex lens in front of the 5mm LED. Even when the shutter time is set to 1/640th second, the AL-91AA performs very good.[/list]
Beam comparison 6 : Aurora 2 AA (left) vs. Nuwai ALX-313A (Luxeon I with 3 AAA batteries) (right)
<ul type="square">[*]First of all a photo that shows the difference between a light with a convex lens and a reflector : Lights with reflectors have sidespill, torches with a convex lens don't.
[*]Click here for the comparing beamshot
[*]Lux readings: left 1880 lux, right 4040 lux. Seems like the ALX-313A performs better than the Aurora, but actually it isn't. It's the same story as with the ALX-233C (3 watt) : the hotspot is smaller than that one of the Aurora. It's clearly visible when the shutter time is set to 1/640th second : click here. This beamshot shows that the Aurora has a way better throw.
[/list]
Conclusion?
It's not easy to give the Aurora flashlight series a rating when compared to other flashlights with reflectors. The above tests were performed on a very short distance, and the real performance of the Aurora will be shown when illuminating on a longer distance (5 meters, 10 meters, 20 meters,...). Since I've performed these tests during the day, I wasn't able to go outside and take beamshots of long distances. Last week I have been on holiday in Switzerland and I took a bunch of lights to see which fits me best. After all I prefered the Aurora 2 AA : little weight, decent runtime, AA batteries (available anywhere when you need 'em), great throw (way better than the Luxeon I and almost as good as the Luxeon III), excellent overall performance.
Please share your beamshots / opinions. Thank you for reading /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif By the way, my English is not good, I've probably made a lot of writing mistakes. Please notify me when anything is unclear.
