gunga
Flashaholic
4Sevens Atoms Family Review
Okay, cue appropriate theme music here…
This is a review of the 4Sevens Atoms Family collection. It will be a companion piece for my 4Sevens Atom AL & 360° Headlamp Kit Quickshot Review, since the bulk of the family is very similar. While I will not be doing precise measurements for output and runtimes etc., I will be providing my impressions on each individual light.
So, welcome to the family!
Family Shot!
Shown below (from L-R) is the Atom A0/Preon P0 (with hand brushed finish), Atom A0 red, Atom AA, Atom AL, Atom ALR2
This review will encompass the following models as shown in the chart below, please note, the Atom A0 is simply the Preon P0 with a new name. My sample is older and was originally called the Preon P0.
+Note: All the LEDs are cool white (except the red LED of course).
*Note: Output of the AA seems to be around 6 and 110 lumens when running 14500 (3.7V battery)
Because of the similarity in all the lights, I will be paraphrasing sections of my Atom AL quickshot review along with added details about the individual lights.
See here for the original review: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...m-AL-amp-360%B0-Headlamp-Kit-Quickshot-Review
Overall Impressions
My overall impressions are very positive. These lights are lightweight but nicely made. While they do not feel substantial, the thin steel walls are quite strong. I see no durability concerns here. Light operation was initially overly stiff but proper lubrication of the O-ring cured this and smoothed things out considerably.
As you can see, these lights are tiny, being barely larger than the batteries they house. The following picture shows the lights next to their respective cells.
The lights are all reflector-less pure flood (or "mule") configurations, so they are best used for close range tasks where a wide, even, flood beam is desired. Any notion of throw should be discarded, these are task lights, not a spotting or tactical lights. That said, I found the beams to be very useful for the intended purposes: close range tasks, reading, working in tight spaces etc.
Instead of a reflector, there is a disk of glow material that provides a nice after-glow when the light has just been used. This may add some green tint to the edge of the beam, but it was not an issue in use. Note that while the Atom A0 red also has glow material around the LED (see picture below), the red LED does not charge the material, hence it will not glow normally.
The A0 red shown below has had the glow material charged by another light.
I also find the magnets on the tails to be very useful. They are strong enough to hold the lights in any position and add an extra degree of utility, making them perhaps a very useful light for automotive work. Note though, that the Atom AA was the least stable in the horizontal position. The long and heavy battery (Nimh especially) could cause the light to slip off a smooth, vertical surface. I do not see any issues if the light is used in most other configurations though.
The Atom AA, AL, ALR2 are progressive twisty lights, that is, twist a little for low, twist more for high. This is an ideal user interface for these lights and is superior to the multi-twists required for many other similar lights (Like the Atom A0!). Internally, it seems that the two levels are controlled by a springy metal disk in the head. Initial battery contact turns on the low beam, and more pressure compresses the disk, closing the circuit and initiating the high beam. This seems like a more durable alternative to similar circuits I have seen in the past that rely on springs or small metal tabs. Only time will tell, but the design seems durable. I find the concept similar to metal membrane buttons one can find in some remote controls. So far, longer term testing of the Atom AL shows no deterioration of the switching action.
The Atom A0/A0 red, unfortunately, are too small to utilize this switching configuration and rely on the more common multi-twist interface (twist for low mode, twist off and on again for high mode. No memory, always resets to low). This is adequate and works well enough. If 4Sevens ever implemented the progressive twisty interface on the Atom A0, it would be more intuitive, however it would also likely increase costs. Long term testing on my Preon P0 (old naming of the Atom A0) is positive, with few problems in heavy use. The finish on my P0 was worn, so I sanded it off to give a nice brushed finish. This is a nice option for steel keychain lights.
The brightness levels seem well spaced and I didn't notice any PWM (pulsing/flicker) in the beams.
Overall, I do find these to be a nice, useful short-range task lights, however, their utility is greatly enhanced by the 360° headlamp kit.
Now here are some individual impressions about each specific light in the family.
Atom AL
As per my original review, this is a great task light. It's tiny, light, and has two useful levels. If I could change anything, I'd reduce the high mode to a longer lasting, somewhat lower level. 110 lumens is impressive but I feel like something in the 50-70 lumen range would be just as useful for the intended shorter range tasks while permitting much longer runtimes and reducing the heat. As it is, the light runs very hot on high mode. The small steel body is not great at dissipating heat.
While 6 lumens is a touch high for a low mode in pitch-black situations, it's very useful if there is ambient light, especially when used in the headlamp configuration. I had originally wished for a lower low mode but have changed my mind on this. This is a very useful level.
Overall, this is my favorite model. It's acceptably small, is compatible with the fairly common CR123 and rechargeable 16340 batteries, and feels good on the head and in the hand.
Atom ALR2
The ALR2 model is great if one wants the smallest possible size or wants compatibility with CR2/RCR2 batteries. While it's barely smaller than the Atom AL and has reduced runtimes due to the smaller battery, sometimes this makes all the difference in the pocket. This is also the most comfortable model in headlamp configuration.
Atom AA
This one is a bit of a paradox for me. It's probably one of the best survival lights (hand held) and is great in low light situations. That said, it's my least favorite model when used in headlamp configuration.
I find the 1.5 lumen low mode is great for wandering around in very dark conditions but is easily washed out if there is ambient light. This is especially true when used as a headlamp. It does however, have amazing long runtimes and could function well as a survival task light. See here for some runtime tests: http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?311607-Long-running-lows-on-the-Atom-AA
I like the 70 lumen high mode, a nice bright flood that provides reasonable runtimes with very little heat buildup. 50 lumens would be even better (longer runtimes) but 70 is very reasonable.
Unfortunately, I find the long light, coupled with the heavier weight of Nimh batteries makes for the least comfortable headlamp configuration couple with the most "unicorn effect". It's not unreasonable, but it's just my least favorite. Of course using lithium primary batteries would alleviate most of the weight issue.
Here is the Atom AA (longest) vs the Atom ALR2 (shortest). While not too unweildy, the AA is the oddest looking and feeling of the family when used as a headlamp.
And another profile shot
I did notice hit or miss results when trying to use 14500 cells. The output is increased to about 6/110 lumens as per the Atom AL/ALR2 models, so this is a nice option to get those levels. The issue is the cell fit. I found my AW 14500 (black) cells did not function because the button top was too low. My AW IMR14500 (red) cells also had the problem of being too short to activate the light while also having a too-short button top. A small magnet in the head provides some functionality but it tends to cause issues and is not recommended. I did get good results using an Ultrafire 14500 cells (with tall button tops) but those are low quality cells and are not recommended. So, one can achieve favourable results using 14500 cells but the cells must be long enough and have tall/small button tops.
The Atom AA is the longest Atom, but is still dwarfed by the Quark AA.
Atom A0/A0 red
The Atom A0 is basically the same light as a Preon P0. The levels make for a great survival light (0.24 lumen low) but as a headlamp are only good in very dark situations. The 25 lumen high mode is very useful and is a good balance of output and runtime for the tiny AAA batteries.
Here is the Atom AL vs the Atom A0 in headlamp configuration
The A0 red is useful in that it helps preserve night vision. Overall it's even more of a niche product, but those who favour red lights will like this one (e.g. Astronomy uses)
It's a shame that these lights don't share the progressive twisty UI of the Atom AA/AL/ALR2, but they are based on the older Preon design. Perhaps future designs could change the switching configuration, but it would likely increase the cost ($25 retail). In any case, the design works well enough and functions well in headlamp configuration.
I won't go into the 360° headlamp kit as I feel that my previous review covers the details quite well. That said, longer term testing has shown no issues with the headlamp kit. This kit is now my go-to headlamp combination. The kit comes with a variety of adapters to fit every Atom and Mini model (well, not the 2AAA model!).
Here is the Atom AA (left) and Atom ALR2 (right) vs the very common Zebralight H51
Overall, the Atom Family provides great versatility and functionality. You can just pick based on your preferred battery type and get a very useful little task light.
Okay, cue appropriate theme music here…
This is a review of the 4Sevens Atoms Family collection. It will be a companion piece for my 4Sevens Atom AL & 360° Headlamp Kit Quickshot Review, since the bulk of the family is very similar. While I will not be doing precise measurements for output and runtimes etc., I will be providing my impressions on each individual light.
So, welcome to the family!
Family Shot!
Shown below (from L-R) is the Atom A0/Preon P0 (with hand brushed finish), Atom A0 red, Atom AA, Atom AL, Atom ALR2
This review will encompass the following models as shown in the chart below, please note, the Atom A0 is simply the Preon P0 with a new name. My sample is older and was originally called the Preon P0.
Atom AA | Atom AL | Atom ALR2 | Atom A0 (red) | Atom A0 | |
Battery Type | AA or 14500 | CR123 or 16340 | CR2 or RCR2 | AAA | AAA |
Low Mode | 1.5 lumens* | 6 lumens | 5 lumens | 0.5 lumens | 0.24 lumens |
High Mode | 70 lumens* | 110 lumens | 100 lumens | 15 lumens | 25 lumens |
LED Type+ | XP-G2 | XP-G2 | XP-G2 | XP-E (red) | XP-E |
Body Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
Lens Material | Plastic Optic lens | Plastic Optic lens | Plastic Optic lens | Glass Optic lens | Glass Optic lens |
Features | Lanyard loop, magnet tail | Lanyard loop, magnet tail | Lanyard loop, magnet tail | Lanyard loop, magnet tail | Lanyard loop, magnet tail |
Size | 2.56x0.71", 1.24 oz | 1.84x0.77", 1.03 oz | 1.67x0.74", 1.05 oz | 2.2x0.5", 0.46 oz | 2.2x0.5", 0.46 oz |
Retail Price | $40 | $40 | $40 | $25 | $25 |
+Note: All the LEDs are cool white (except the red LED of course).
*Note: Output of the AA seems to be around 6 and 110 lumens when running 14500 (3.7V battery)
Because of the similarity in all the lights, I will be paraphrasing sections of my Atom AL quickshot review along with added details about the individual lights.
See here for the original review: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...m-AL-amp-360%B0-Headlamp-Kit-Quickshot-Review
Overall Impressions
My overall impressions are very positive. These lights are lightweight but nicely made. While they do not feel substantial, the thin steel walls are quite strong. I see no durability concerns here. Light operation was initially overly stiff but proper lubrication of the O-ring cured this and smoothed things out considerably.
As you can see, these lights are tiny, being barely larger than the batteries they house. The following picture shows the lights next to their respective cells.
The lights are all reflector-less pure flood (or "mule") configurations, so they are best used for close range tasks where a wide, even, flood beam is desired. Any notion of throw should be discarded, these are task lights, not a spotting or tactical lights. That said, I found the beams to be very useful for the intended purposes: close range tasks, reading, working in tight spaces etc.
Instead of a reflector, there is a disk of glow material that provides a nice after-glow when the light has just been used. This may add some green tint to the edge of the beam, but it was not an issue in use. Note that while the Atom A0 red also has glow material around the LED (see picture below), the red LED does not charge the material, hence it will not glow normally.
The A0 red shown below has had the glow material charged by another light.
I also find the magnets on the tails to be very useful. They are strong enough to hold the lights in any position and add an extra degree of utility, making them perhaps a very useful light for automotive work. Note though, that the Atom AA was the least stable in the horizontal position. The long and heavy battery (Nimh especially) could cause the light to slip off a smooth, vertical surface. I do not see any issues if the light is used in most other configurations though.
The Atom AA, AL, ALR2 are progressive twisty lights, that is, twist a little for low, twist more for high. This is an ideal user interface for these lights and is superior to the multi-twists required for many other similar lights (Like the Atom A0!). Internally, it seems that the two levels are controlled by a springy metal disk in the head. Initial battery contact turns on the low beam, and more pressure compresses the disk, closing the circuit and initiating the high beam. This seems like a more durable alternative to similar circuits I have seen in the past that rely on springs or small metal tabs. Only time will tell, but the design seems durable. I find the concept similar to metal membrane buttons one can find in some remote controls. So far, longer term testing of the Atom AL shows no deterioration of the switching action.
The Atom A0/A0 red, unfortunately, are too small to utilize this switching configuration and rely on the more common multi-twist interface (twist for low mode, twist off and on again for high mode. No memory, always resets to low). This is adequate and works well enough. If 4Sevens ever implemented the progressive twisty interface on the Atom A0, it would be more intuitive, however it would also likely increase costs. Long term testing on my Preon P0 (old naming of the Atom A0) is positive, with few problems in heavy use. The finish on my P0 was worn, so I sanded it off to give a nice brushed finish. This is a nice option for steel keychain lights.
The brightness levels seem well spaced and I didn't notice any PWM (pulsing/flicker) in the beams.
Overall, I do find these to be a nice, useful short-range task lights, however, their utility is greatly enhanced by the 360° headlamp kit.
Now here are some individual impressions about each specific light in the family.
Atom AL
As per my original review, this is a great task light. It's tiny, light, and has two useful levels. If I could change anything, I'd reduce the high mode to a longer lasting, somewhat lower level. 110 lumens is impressive but I feel like something in the 50-70 lumen range would be just as useful for the intended shorter range tasks while permitting much longer runtimes and reducing the heat. As it is, the light runs very hot on high mode. The small steel body is not great at dissipating heat.
While 6 lumens is a touch high for a low mode in pitch-black situations, it's very useful if there is ambient light, especially when used in the headlamp configuration. I had originally wished for a lower low mode but have changed my mind on this. This is a very useful level.
Overall, this is my favorite model. It's acceptably small, is compatible with the fairly common CR123 and rechargeable 16340 batteries, and feels good on the head and in the hand.
Atom ALR2
The ALR2 model is great if one wants the smallest possible size or wants compatibility with CR2/RCR2 batteries. While it's barely smaller than the Atom AL and has reduced runtimes due to the smaller battery, sometimes this makes all the difference in the pocket. This is also the most comfortable model in headlamp configuration.
Atom AA
This one is a bit of a paradox for me. It's probably one of the best survival lights (hand held) and is great in low light situations. That said, it's my least favorite model when used in headlamp configuration.
I find the 1.5 lumen low mode is great for wandering around in very dark conditions but is easily washed out if there is ambient light. This is especially true when used as a headlamp. It does however, have amazing long runtimes and could function well as a survival task light. See here for some runtime tests: http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?311607-Long-running-lows-on-the-Atom-AA
I like the 70 lumen high mode, a nice bright flood that provides reasonable runtimes with very little heat buildup. 50 lumens would be even better (longer runtimes) but 70 is very reasonable.
Unfortunately, I find the long light, coupled with the heavier weight of Nimh batteries makes for the least comfortable headlamp configuration couple with the most "unicorn effect". It's not unreasonable, but it's just my least favorite. Of course using lithium primary batteries would alleviate most of the weight issue.
Here is the Atom AA (longest) vs the Atom ALR2 (shortest). While not too unweildy, the AA is the oddest looking and feeling of the family when used as a headlamp.
And another profile shot
I did notice hit or miss results when trying to use 14500 cells. The output is increased to about 6/110 lumens as per the Atom AL/ALR2 models, so this is a nice option to get those levels. The issue is the cell fit. I found my AW 14500 (black) cells did not function because the button top was too low. My AW IMR14500 (red) cells also had the problem of being too short to activate the light while also having a too-short button top. A small magnet in the head provides some functionality but it tends to cause issues and is not recommended. I did get good results using an Ultrafire 14500 cells (with tall button tops) but those are low quality cells and are not recommended. So, one can achieve favourable results using 14500 cells but the cells must be long enough and have tall/small button tops.
The Atom AA is the longest Atom, but is still dwarfed by the Quark AA.
Atom A0/A0 red
The Atom A0 is basically the same light as a Preon P0. The levels make for a great survival light (0.24 lumen low) but as a headlamp are only good in very dark situations. The 25 lumen high mode is very useful and is a good balance of output and runtime for the tiny AAA batteries.
Here is the Atom AL vs the Atom A0 in headlamp configuration
The A0 red is useful in that it helps preserve night vision. Overall it's even more of a niche product, but those who favour red lights will like this one (e.g. Astronomy uses)
It's a shame that these lights don't share the progressive twisty UI of the Atom AA/AL/ALR2, but they are based on the older Preon design. Perhaps future designs could change the switching configuration, but it would likely increase the cost ($25 retail). In any case, the design works well enough and functions well in headlamp configuration.
I won't go into the 360° headlamp kit as I feel that my previous review covers the details quite well. That said, longer term testing has shown no issues with the headlamp kit. This kit is now my go-to headlamp combination. The kit comes with a variety of adapters to fit every Atom and Mini model (well, not the 2AAA model!).
Here is the Atom AA (left) and Atom ALR2 (right) vs the very common Zebralight H51
Overall, the Atom Family provides great versatility and functionality. You can just pick based on your preferred battery type and get a very useful little task light.
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