AardvarkSagus
Flashlight Enthusiast
NiteCore EZ AA R5
NiteCore has released their first major revision to the EZ line with their new EZ AA R5 flashlight. Instead of just the usual emitter and aesthetics upgrades, this new model introduces drastic changes to the UI. The question remains, just how well does it honor the EZ name?
NiteCore EZ AA R5
Meat and Potatoes
Previously, the entire EZ line was built around a simple to learn and simple to operate 2 mode twisty user interface. Twist a little for low, twist more for more light. Honestly, it's about as simple as it can get. NiteCore's new concept however opts for drastic changes. The new EZ AA R5 is actually best categorized as a single mode programmable light. The basic twist is simply an on/off function, activating the previously memorized output level. In order to change that level, simply switch the light off and back on immediately and it will enter the programming mode where it slowly ramps up from minimum to maximum (about 4 seconds), with indicator blinks at 50 and 100%. You pick your level by turning the light off and you're good to go. The fact that it always ramps from minimum can make it a little difficult to adjust the light by strictly a small increment, but I haven't found this to be too large a detriment.
Not only has the UI been revised, but the body has a new look as well. The changes here are definitely not as broad and sweeping as they are electronically, but definitely visible none the less. Gone are the brass threading ring and the tripod mounting hole. Yet surprisingly these removals offer no reduction in overall dimensions. The new EZ AA is actually marginally larger than its predecessor. It's not really enough to notice when you are carrying it, but the difference is definitely noticeable during direct comparison.
EZ AA Comparison
The combination of the R5 bin XP-G emitter and the narrow, textured reflector produces a very wide angle flood beam with a bright enough corona and spillbeam that the hotspot is almost undefined. This type of floody light I have found to be extremely useful for every day carry type general illumination. It has quickly become my preference for simply navigating a dark corridor, finding the dropped pen under the desk, or reading jumper configurations inside a computer. The lack of a super tightly focused hotspot doesn't give you tunnel vision and ends up being a far more useful beam for the short to mid distances. Having up to 160 lumens on hand gives a little distance capabilities through sheer power, but this light is not remotely a thrower.
XP-G R5
Constructive Criticism
The user interface of this light is a unique one at least. I am not certain however it really fits the original concept of the EZ series well. While a single mode twisty definitely qualifies as "EZ to use" I have found that it isn't nearly as self explanatory as its initial namesake. Before, a simple "Twist for on, twist more for high" was all it took to explain the lights operation. You could loan it with ease or give it as a gift to anyone expecting them to remember how to use it. Even without the introduction, most people would have it figured out within seconds. The new ramping UI however takes a little more instruction and memory to use. If you try to loan it out without that instruction, it is not only possible, but apparently probable that they will accidentally access the programming mode and, in my experience, usually reprogram it to minimum output.
One of the main reasons that the programming mode is so easily activated is a result of loose threading between the head and the body of the light. Even though these are thicker squared off threads similar to what is found on other manufacturers, they seem to have quite a bit of slop that allows you to accidentally activate the light multiple times when you are turning it on, or even if you just don't have it off far enough. An annoyance to say the least.
NiteCore EZ AA R5
The anodizing on this new EZ AA is a very nice gunmetal grey that I haven't personally seen from NiteCore before. It is very uniform in color through the whole light, but I am a little concerned about its durability. Barely a week into carrying it and I am just starting to see a few bright spots of aluminum showing through the coating, at least on some of the sharp edges in the knurling. In the long run, I don't find this to be a serious problem because I consider it to be more of a patina of faithful service. However, if you are really hoping to keep the light pristine, it may be more of an issue to you.
Conclusions
A tiny AA powered light that still packs a decent punch and has a fantastic flood beam. Add in the customizable output and the EZ AA is a solid light by any reckoning. Its more advanced UI makes me personally believe it doesn't really fit the EZ line. I think it fits better as a light for enthusiasts, than a light for the masses.
NiteCore EZ AA R5
Provided for review by the kind folks at NiteCore.
NiteCore has released their first major revision to the EZ line with their new EZ AA R5 flashlight. Instead of just the usual emitter and aesthetics upgrades, this new model introduces drastic changes to the UI. The question remains, just how well does it honor the EZ name?
NiteCore EZ AA R5
Meat and Potatoes
Previously, the entire EZ line was built around a simple to learn and simple to operate 2 mode twisty user interface. Twist a little for low, twist more for more light. Honestly, it's about as simple as it can get. NiteCore's new concept however opts for drastic changes. The new EZ AA R5 is actually best categorized as a single mode programmable light. The basic twist is simply an on/off function, activating the previously memorized output level. In order to change that level, simply switch the light off and back on immediately and it will enter the programming mode where it slowly ramps up from minimum to maximum (about 4 seconds), with indicator blinks at 50 and 100%. You pick your level by turning the light off and you're good to go. The fact that it always ramps from minimum can make it a little difficult to adjust the light by strictly a small increment, but I haven't found this to be too large a detriment.
Not only has the UI been revised, but the body has a new look as well. The changes here are definitely not as broad and sweeping as they are electronically, but definitely visible none the less. Gone are the brass threading ring and the tripod mounting hole. Yet surprisingly these removals offer no reduction in overall dimensions. The new EZ AA is actually marginally larger than its predecessor. It's not really enough to notice when you are carrying it, but the difference is definitely noticeable during direct comparison.
EZ AA Comparison
The combination of the R5 bin XP-G emitter and the narrow, textured reflector produces a very wide angle flood beam with a bright enough corona and spillbeam that the hotspot is almost undefined. This type of floody light I have found to be extremely useful for every day carry type general illumination. It has quickly become my preference for simply navigating a dark corridor, finding the dropped pen under the desk, or reading jumper configurations inside a computer. The lack of a super tightly focused hotspot doesn't give you tunnel vision and ends up being a far more useful beam for the short to mid distances. Having up to 160 lumens on hand gives a little distance capabilities through sheer power, but this light is not remotely a thrower.
XP-G R5
Constructive Criticism
The user interface of this light is a unique one at least. I am not certain however it really fits the original concept of the EZ series well. While a single mode twisty definitely qualifies as "EZ to use" I have found that it isn't nearly as self explanatory as its initial namesake. Before, a simple "Twist for on, twist more for high" was all it took to explain the lights operation. You could loan it with ease or give it as a gift to anyone expecting them to remember how to use it. Even without the introduction, most people would have it figured out within seconds. The new ramping UI however takes a little more instruction and memory to use. If you try to loan it out without that instruction, it is not only possible, but apparently probable that they will accidentally access the programming mode and, in my experience, usually reprogram it to minimum output.
One of the main reasons that the programming mode is so easily activated is a result of loose threading between the head and the body of the light. Even though these are thicker squared off threads similar to what is found on other manufacturers, they seem to have quite a bit of slop that allows you to accidentally activate the light multiple times when you are turning it on, or even if you just don't have it off far enough. An annoyance to say the least.
NiteCore EZ AA R5
The anodizing on this new EZ AA is a very nice gunmetal grey that I haven't personally seen from NiteCore before. It is very uniform in color through the whole light, but I am a little concerned about its durability. Barely a week into carrying it and I am just starting to see a few bright spots of aluminum showing through the coating, at least on some of the sharp edges in the knurling. In the long run, I don't find this to be a serious problem because I consider it to be more of a patina of faithful service. However, if you are really hoping to keep the light pristine, it may be more of an issue to you.
Conclusions
A tiny AA powered light that still packs a decent punch and has a fantastic flood beam. Add in the customizable output and the EZ AA is a solid light by any reckoning. Its more advanced UI makes me personally believe it doesn't really fit the EZ line. I think it fits better as a light for enthusiasts, than a light for the masses.
NiteCore EZ AA R5
Provided for review by the kind folks at NiteCore.
