SL Microstream vs RR 2AAA Question

[flashlife]

According to various reviews and assorted data the SL Microstream outputs about 20 lumens, while the older River Rock 2AAA ( Nuwai TM-311H) puts out about 10 lumens. Of course, the RR runs much longer than the Microstream (RR=8.5hr vs SLM=1.5hr), but I'm interested in comments about the beams and general 'useability' from those who have both lights.

The Microstream is my next light-to-get and since it appears to perform very well on lithiums, runtime isn't an issue. There are several threads here that compare the SLM to the Arc, etc, but I'm just interested in a 1-to-1 comparison of the Microstream and the RR 2AAA.

Anybody got both?

 

[parnass]

I have both lights. The RR 2AAA emits a weak, purple light. Ugh!

The smaller, lighter weight Microstream is so much brighter and whiter, though the hot spot has a warm tint.

TIN's review shows that the Microstream can run for 4 hours on a Lithium AAA battery. Recommend it highly.

 

[p1fiend]

I have both lights. The RR 2AAA emits a weak, purple light. Ugh!

The smaller, lighter weight Microstream is so much brighter and whiter, though the hot spot has a warm tint.

TIN's review shows that the Microstream can run for 4 hours on a Lithium AAA battery. Recommend it highly.

Spot on! I also have both and not much to add other than the following

The RR is more flood (and smoother transition from almost non-existent hot spot to spill) while the Microstream has way more throw. The hot spot on my Microstream is yellow compared to the spill, but doesn't matter much in real use.

I really like both lights - the RR is on my nightstand while the Microstream is clip to my jeans pocket.

Both lights have very convenient forward clickies.

 

[flashlife]

I have both lights. The RR 2AAA emits a weak, purple light. Ugh!
The smaller, lighter weight Microstream is so much brighter and whiter, though the hot spot has a warm tint.
TIN's review shows that the Microstream can run for 4 hours on a Lithium AAA battery. Recommend it highly.

Thanks, Parnass, and P1fiend.
That's what I was hoping.
I recall that the RR 2AAA was the "best bang for the buck" light from Target some years ago, and was my EDC for some time.
Time and LED-progress move on...

 

[defloyd77]

Both lights have very convenient forward clickies.

From what I've read from others and what mine had, it was a momentary twist, do they now have forward clickies? I've also been wanting to see a few comparison shots, I gave my RR away and I miss it and am sort of wanting another. Mine was just cool white, evenly colored, had HUGE hotspot and generous spill and absolutely zero artifacts in the beam. I doubt the SL could really compare as far as that big broad beam.

 

[foxtrot29]

From what I've read from others and what mine had, it was a momentary twist, do they now have forward clickies? I've also been wanting to see a few comparison shots, I gave my RR away and I miss it and am sort of wanting another. Mine was just cool white, evenly colored, had HUGE hotspot and generous spill and absolutely zero artifacts in the beam. I doubt the SL could really compare as far as that big broad beam.

Actually, although the SL microstream has a smooth reflector, the beam on mine (I have two) is very very smooth -- maybe because of the Seoul LED. But, eitherway, very very smooth and nice with lots of throw for a AAA light. And you can't beat the build quality.

 

[defloyd77]

But my question is is the SL sidespill as big as the RR? I honestly don't need much throw, I'm looking for something for close range work. I'd hate to hijack this thread, but is there anyone out there that could throw in the Pentagon Molle in this comparison, it's sort of in the same class as these guys, momentary on capable, half watt, utility lights?

 

[p1fiend]

But my question is is the SL sidespill as big as the RR? I honestly don't need much throw, I'm looking for something for close range work. I'd hate to hijack this thread, but is there anyone out there that could throw in the Pentagon Molle in this comparison, it's sort of in the same class as these guys, momentary on capable, half watt, utility lights?

The RR does have a momentary twist - I stand corrected.

The SL spill is not nearly as big as the RR, but the fact that the SL is much brighter allows it to illuminate areas not within it's spill.

I also have a Molle light:

The molle has the biggest spill of all three, basically it looks like a RR on steriods, minus the ugly RR tint.

I tried to get some pics of the the beams, but they really don't capture the spill of the Molle:

Molle (left) SL (center) RR (right)

The Molle is the best utility light of the three, with greater throw than the RR, just as much spill, but way brighter, and with a nicer tint. It only gives way to the SL in throw.

Out of all three, I'd take the SL without a doubt due to its size, shape, more than adequate spill, and great throw (for its size).

 

[parnass]

...I'd hate to hijack this thread, but is there anyone out there that could throw in the Pentagon Molle in this comparison, it's sort of in the same class as these guys, momentary on capable, half watt, utility lights?

Though a comparison of light output would be interesting, these lights are in different classes. The Microstream is $16 1AAA penlight. The Pentagon Molle light costs twice the price, is powered by an AA battery and has a completely different geometry (thin penlight vs. crookneck shape).

The Microstream is so easy to carry in a pocket.

 

[Mundele]

I agree. The microstream is an awesome light, especially for the price. I've given one away and bought 2 to keep myself. I really like them.

--Matt

 

[defloyd77]

Wow, thanks a lot p1fiend! I'm definately putting the Molle on my list! By class I ment just emitter wise and the fact that they have momentary, the Molle isn't too much bigger length wise than the SL and for shirt pocket wear the Molle has a distinct advantage. It's a shame the price isn't a little lower though.

 

[parnass]

:thumbsup: Thanks for the comparisons and photos, p1fiend.

 

[swrdply400mrelay]

Is the SL a clicky switch or just a momentary (like the Lenser P4)?

 

[Bradlee]

Is the SL a clicky switch or just a momentary (like the Lenser P4)?

Clicky. It takes a fair bit of pressure to click on, so it definitely won't turn on accidentally either.

 

[foxtrot29]

Is the SL a clicky switch or just a momentary (like the Lenser P4)?

Forward clicky and momentary. WOOT!

 

[flashlife]

Forward clicky and momentary. WOOT!

Yeah! That's what 1st drew me to the Microstream...'tactical' clicky;
and, small size,
good beam,
enough output to get around,
good beam color,
4 hr runtime on lithium AAA,
and not too many $$$.

I'm EDCing a 1AA 1 watt Coast light right now, but I may have to retire it in favor of the Microstream.

 

[defloyd77]

Forward clicky and momentary. WOOT!

That's what a forward clicky is, momentary.

 

[toolpig1]

I had a few of the River Rock 2AAA and gave away all but one. I'm now spoiled by brighter, whiter lights. The RR puts out about the blue-ist beam that I've ever seen. My wife carries this light in her purse and won't let me trade her up to something better (she gets attached).

For clarification, the RR has a tailcap twistie switch with a momentary on button. Twist tight for constant on, back off about 1/2 turn for best use of the momentary button, or back off another 1/2 turn for locked off. A light with a forward clickie will allow momentary use by applying pressure to the button. Pressing it all the way will "click" to constant on. Once on, just applying pressure doesn't turn it off, it must be clicked. This is the type of switch we all know well from our full size maglites.

 

[Chadder]

I wish they would upgrade the RR. I was reminded this week how much I liked this light. (Except for the beam color) I was making safety rounds with my maint. crew getting ready for an OSHA visit this week. Of course we all had our lights. I gave several of my maint crew 2aaa RR a couple of years ago. I did not want to blow them away with my e1b that I use for edc so I used my microstream as we toured. They were amazed at the light of the microsteam compared to the RR. I told them that I had a few lights that would really blow them away but did not have the time. I told them I was impressed with the beat up and scratched up look of their lghts.

 

[defloyd77]

Nuwai is already working with Rebels, dang it put one in the 2AAA!!!