ThruNite Neutron 2A v2 (1xAA/14500/2xAA)XM-L2 REVIEW

[FlashLion]

ThruNite has updated their Neutron models.
The flashlights are now compatible with different size batteries and come with an extension tube for doubling the power source.

The New Neutron 2A v2 pretend to be the brightest flashlights in AA size powered by 1NiMH and 14500 as well.
460 lumens from a single NiMH battery is really impressive achievement.
The 2Av2 can be used in 1xAA or 2xAA configuration.
Working Voltage: 0.9-5V

Black finish. Hard anodized aluminum body.

The switch is electronic push button,placed low in the body compared to some other flashlights with a side switch.
It doesn't protrude too much and in my opinion is relatively hard to press it accidentally.
Of course any electronic side switch could be pressed accidentally by hard object or under too much accidental pressure.
If you afraid of accidental activation,you can lock out the head.
The UI has no locking option.
As many other side switches,finding the switch in the dark requires some time.
The switch has no easy to find by touch shape and could be too small for big fingers.
There is no click sound.


Excellent knurling. Just the right depth-not too light and slippery,not too aggressive to scratch everything around it.

The tail is flat,allowing good tail-stand option.
The pocket clip is removable.Quite stably attached for this type clips.



Standard for ThruNite packaging.
Very nice cardboard box.
Accessories-Pocket clip,Very good Holster,Extending battery tube,Spare O-rings.


Dimensions:
- Length: 96mm 1xAA, 146.5mm 2xAA
- Diameter: 25.4 mm(head)
- Weight:
59gr. 1AA size, 86gr. with a NiMH battery
76gr. 2AA size, 129gr. with NiMH batteries

The 2C v2 has a good anti-roll design.


Size comparison.
Sunwayman S10R,Klarus RS16,JetBeam RRT0,Neutron 2Cv2,Neutron 2Av2, Keeppower 3400


JetBeam RRT0 with extender, ThruNite TN12, Olight ST25,ThruNite 2Av2, AA NiMH battery




Well machined parts.

Physical reverse polarity protection to protect from improper battery installation.
Aluminum body with quite thick walls. All parts fit well,without gaps.







Triangular cut threads with rounded tops.
Anodized.
Well greased O-rings.

CREE XM-L2 U2 LED
Perfectly centered LED on my sample. Aluminum smooth reflector.
Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti0reflective coating.





Identical reflector with TN12(2014) and eutron 2Cv2.All lights with a Cree XM-L2 LED.
ThruNite TN12(2014)- ThruNite 2Cv2- ThruNite 2Av2- Skilhunt DS10



Quite good grip.





User Interface.
The Neutron 2A v2 shares the same UI with its brother Neutron 2C v2.
Same side switch,same mode sequence and operating.My opinion of the UI is the same for both models.

5 brightness modes.
3 main modes High-Mid-Low repeating in sequence High-Mid-Low-Mid-High-Mid...
Switching ON/OFF by short click.
Press and hold the switch to cycle between all modes.
Very smooth transition between all different modes. Very pleasant to the eyes,without sharp changes with stepping from High to Low or Low to High,which is hard for the eye adapting. Mode changing reminds me on a flashlight with magnetic ring with infinite brightness control,not only because of the mode sequence,but also because of the smooth transition mode to mode.

There are two hidden modes-Turbo and Moonlight.
Turbo is accessible by double click from Off.
Press and hold the switch from Off to activate Moomlight mode.

There is an instant memory for the main modes High-Mid-Low.
Turbo and Moonlight are not being memorized.

There's no Strobe or SOS.

The light is current regulated on all modes with no any sign of pwm.
Definitely one of the best User interfaces I have tested.:thumbsup:
Easy and quick to use. Instant memory and good choice of modes are welcome for any EDC light.

Short video demonstration of the UI and design.
(turn on captions)


Max lumen output according to manufacturer:
1xAA NiMH
- Output mode/Runtime:
- Turbo : 480 lumens /80 minutes
- High: 230 lumens / 90 minutes
- Mid: 70 lumens / 3 hrs
- Low: 11 lumens / 72 hrs
- Moonlight:0.04 lumens/33 days
2xAA NiMH
- output mode/Runtime:
- High: 230 lumens / 215 minutes
- Mid: 70 lumens / 7 hrs
- Low: 11 lumens / 7 days
- Moonlight:0.04 lumens/68 days
- Peak Beam Intensity: 8540cd
- Max beam distance: 185m

The ThruNite 2A v2 is impressively bright on Turbo mode for a AA light.

My lumen measurements:
1xAA NiMH
Turbo 460 Lm
High 221 Lm
Mid 67 Lm
Low 9.8 Lm

2xAA
Turbo 750 Lm

1x14500
Low 7.66 Lm
Mid 65.7 Lm
High 221 Lm
Turbo 850 Lm

The Neutron 2A features a Low voltage warning combined with a low voltage protection.
The low voltage protection performed excellend in all tests protecting the batteries from overdischarging.
The warning(flashing) function doesn't work so consistently and sometimes fails to work.
For example in the 2xAA runtime curves is not visible any flashing,but when I insert nearly empty batteries the low voltage warning is activating after a few moments.

Due to the electronic switch,the 2Av2 draws a low Standby current 60 µA.
Threads are anodized=lock-out is possible.

This is a runtime graph.
Displays the Lumen otput for the time in minutes.
I did not test the runtime on Turbo mode with a 1x14500.
Due to the high current in this Mode is recommended using a IMR/high current draw compatible battery.

There is a brightness step down 4 minutes after activation to protect the flashlight from overheating.
The Neutron 2A performs impressively well,maintaining constant brightness after the step down with decreasing the output in the last minutes on 1xAA NiMH battery.:thumbsup:

(click on picture to see it larger)


Beam of the Neutron 2A is almost the same as the Neutron 2Cv2 ThruNite TN12's beam (click to see it).
Both flashlights use Cree XM-L2 LED and visually the same reflector.

The LED on my sample gives a cool white light with no greenish or bluish tint.

As expected from a smooth reflector,produced beam is not clean of artifacts and transition from hotspot to spill is not so smooth.



1 meter 1/20sec white wall
1AA NiMH battery






1 meter 1/250sec white wall
1AA NiMH battery




1meter, 1/20sec
1x14500





1 meter 1/250sec
1x14500




5 meters, 1/6sec
1xAA NiMH





5 meters, 1/50sec
1xAA NiMH


5 meters, 1/50sec
1x14500



Reserved for corrections and opinion after longer time of use.

Thanks for Reading!

Neutron 2Av2 provided by ThruNite for test and review.

 

[Berneck1]

I have this light, and I am very impressed with the output. In my opinion, if this light had a rear clicky and a quickly accessible strobe, it would be the perfect EDC light. One thing I love about my Eagletac D25A is the Turbo/Strobe option, and then a small twist of the head brings me to the other levels (albeit too many options). Also, I find the electronic switch too easy to engage in the pocket. I have to disengage the head so I don't accidentally activate the light. Not to mention the switch is too hard to find by feel. For that reason it doesn't fit the bill as an EDC to me. I like to have the option to access a lot of light very quickly if I need to.

Nitpicking aside, the five levels of brightness are literally all anyone would need for nearly any situation. It's nice to see what is able to be achieved from simple AA batteries. I've been moving away from the less common battery types as a result. While I like to have options it does get a bit tedious having so many battery types, not to mention chargers to go with them.

all in all, an impressive light to have around the house....

 

[Tapis]

Thanks for the review!

I am very much interested in this light because of the well spaced levels of brightness and use of common batteries. I wished it would have a rear magnet like the Olight's, but the feature isn't high on my list. However, I live in a small town where streets are quite dark at night. Not being able to locate the switch could be a real problem.

 

[Berneck1]

However, I live in a small town where streets are quite dark at night. Not being able to locate the switch could be a real problem.

If you need to access the light quickly from your pocket, I would probably advise against this light. However, I walk through Central Park at night with my dog, and keep this light in my hand with my finger on the button. It's excellent in that scenario. Someone suggested using a drop of silicone adhesive on the button, so it would be easier to find. I may try that. As the light is now, there is very little tactile feel to the button. To compound the issue the head is flat on the opposite side from the button, so you will find yourself searching for the button on the wrong side. I hope this helps...

 

[UnderPar]

This seems to be an interesting light

 

[phosphor]

If you need to access the light quickly from your pocket, I would probably advise against this light. However, I walk through Central Park at night with my dog, and keep this light in my hand with my finger on the button. It's excellent in that scenario. Someone suggested using a drop of silicone adhesive on the button, so it would be easier to find. I may try that. As the light is now, there is very little tactile feel to the button. To compound the issue the head is flat on the opposite side from the button, so you will find yourself searching for the button on the wrong side. I hope this helps...

...very helpful.

Is the clip reversible so that the single AA set-up could be clipped to a hat brim for a make-shift head lamp ?

 

[FlashLion]

...very helpful.

Is the clip reversible so that the single AA set-up could be clipped to a hat brim for a make-shift head lamp ?

The flat side may help for a little easier finding the switch,just needs some time to get used to it.
The clip is not reversible.

 

[Bellirr6]

Thank You sooo much for your review, it really helped me pull the trigger on my new ThruNite purchase:thumbsup:

 

[GITD]

The Thrunite Neutron 2A V2 is no longer available? I havn't found the Neutron 2A V2 on http://www.thrunite.com/aa-flashlight/ .