old4570
Flashlight Enthusiast
http://mybalder.com/product/html/?60.html Link to Manufacturers Product Page ( Balder SE-2 )
I would like to thank Balder for making this review possible :
After my first review of the Balder SE-2 ( earlier version ) , seems many were not happy with the regulation , personally I thought it not to bad for a $35 flash light , but apparently I was in the minority . And Balder themselves were also not happy with the lights regulation , and therefore the light was modified to a much higher level . Seem Balder was not happy just producing a good light , they want to bring prospective customers the best possible flash light , no matter the price point targeted . $35 is the point where budget becomes mid priced , and is within the means of the budget minded , and Balder wants to bring a quality product to this segment of the market , something to entice people to quality , and the Balder SE-2 does just that .
old review @ , FLN and CPF
Spec's from Balder
Features:
1. Mil-Spec Type III Hard Anodized finish.
2. Made from Aluminum alloy, really strong.
3. Water proof to IPX-8 standard.
4. Precision Aluminum reflector (Orange Peel)
5. Simple operation. High-Medium-Low. No SOS and strobe modes
6. Single 18650 for stronger beam and longer runtime
7. Tactical switch for momentary on.
8. Prominent runtime
9. Advanced Cree XML-T6 LED
Specifications:
1. Dimension: Head diameter 33mm, Tail diameter 26mm, length 138mm
2. Cree XML-T6 LED
3. Lumen and runtime:
Single 18650:
Maximum output of 500 lumens for 1.5 hours
Medium output of 120 lumens for 10 hours
Minimum output of 20 lumens for 150 hours
4. Material: Aircraft Aluminum Alloy T6061
5. Weight: 110g (without battery)
6. Water proof to IPX-8 standard
7. Battery: Single 18650
8. Accessories: O-rings, user's manual, lanyard[FONT=宋](optional accessories[FONT=宋]), holster(optional accessories)[/FONT][/FONT]
1. Mil-Spec Type III Hard Anodized finish.
2. Made from Aluminum alloy, really strong.
3. Water proof to IPX-8 standard.
4. Precision Aluminum reflector (Orange Peel)
5. Simple operation. High-Medium-Low. No SOS and strobe modes
6. Single 18650 for stronger beam and longer runtime
7. Tactical switch for momentary on.
8. Prominent runtime
9. Advanced Cree XML-T6 LED
Specifications:
1. Dimension: Head diameter 33mm, Tail diameter 26mm, length 138mm
2. Cree XML-T6 LED
3. Lumen and runtime:
Single 18650:
Maximum output of 500 lumens for 1.5 hours
Medium output of 120 lumens for 10 hours
Minimum output of 20 lumens for 150 hours
4. Material: Aircraft Aluminum Alloy T6061
5. Weight: 110g (without battery)
6. Water proof to IPX-8 standard
7. Battery: Single 18650
8. Accessories: O-rings, user's manual, lanyard[FONT=宋](optional accessories[FONT=宋]), holster(optional accessories)[/FONT][/FONT]
About the Regulation
Now while I was happy with the first light , many were not , so lets see how the newer SE-2 does ..
Testing Procedure :
I ran the battery down in another light , and at various voltage levels tested the new SE-2 for output . And as can be seen the light maintained regulation all the way to 3.65v [ Battery Voltage measured outside the light ] So taking into account voltage sag under load etc , it would be quite a bit lower in actual use .. [ running ] I measured a maximum of 3A current draw from the light , which slowly dropped to 2.8A around 3.7v and still maintaining regulation , leading me to think that driver efficiency may actually increase as the battery depletes , ( as regulation was maintained ). Now when the light falls out of regulation , it lets you know with a short strobe . And every time you turn on the light once the battery can no longer maintain regulation, there is a short strobe, to let you know your no longer in regulation .
High - Starts 690L and stabilizes @ 750L / Current draw started @ 2.3A and stabilized @ 3A
Once the light warms up , it starts @ 730L and climbs to 750L
Medium - 170L - 0.51A
Low - 11L - 0.032A
I have nothing to complain about [ ok , the rubber boot for the tail clicky stops tailstanding as it protrudes a little to much ] , this is a Flashlight that is evolving to become the best in class , in fact it would be near on impossible to match the quality and performance at this price point . Balder seems to be making a serious effort to bring quality to the lower end of the flash light market , and I can only applaud them for doing so . The Balder SE-2 represents a monumental effort on behalf of a company to lift standards , to bring better products to consumers , and be competitively priced . Balder has brought out the gauntlet and smacked the budget segment silly , and the only question begging an answer is , who is going to pick up the gauntlet ?
Im very pleased to be chosen to review the updated SE-2 , and I must say it has not disappointed . Very much like the first light tested , the build quality is just fantastic , anodizing , fits , machining of the threads , everything is top notch . The Balder SE-2 is giving prospective owners fantastic value , that used to come at a much higher price point , and competes with the likes of Olight - Fenix - Jetbeam just to mention . Im not sure how Balder is doing it for the price , but if you can afford $35 , I cant think of a better place to spend it than on a Balder SE-2 .
OP Reflector
Well centred emitter
Excellent Anodizing
Excellent Cut Threads
Excellent fit between parts
Functional clip
3 modes [ No memory - No junk modes ] Starts on High
Regulated output
Does not tailstand as clicky rubber boot sticks out the back some
Above average beam
Other than not tailstanding , the Balder SE-2 is brilliant , especially considering the selling price . With what I have seen so far I can only highly recommend this light , for anyone looking for a single 18650 solution to there lighting needs . There is nothing to complain about ( well , not from me ) , and I can see this light becoming my No1 to reach for light around the home or when I go for a evening walk , and I have to confess the earlier SE-2 was nudging the No1 spot for my evening walk light , seems the updated version is going to be a shoe in for my single 18650 light of choice .
If there is no competition forthcoming to the Balder SE-2 in 2012 , it could very well be the light of the year ! ( Its quite possibly that good )
Last edited by a moderator: