[Review] Frelux Synergy 2

Thetasigma

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 10, 2015
Messages
1,197
Location
Michigan, USA
Hello everyone, these are my thoughts on Frelux's latest creation, the Synergy 2. This is a side by side format light that runs off a variety of cell options, custom made in Illinois, USA. This was purchased by me and I have no ties to Frelux.

2OdfXp2.jpg


Specifications:
-6061 anodized aluminum
-Samsung LH351D LED, 5000K, 90+ CRI
-Frelux driver, multi-voltage, constant current
-Frelux ramping UI
-Low voltage protection for both voltage ranges
-Physical reverse polarity protection
-Overtemp protection
-Weight (empty): 5.5 oz
-Dimensions (approx.) 95mm L x 43mm W x 21mm T


Price: $250 USD + shipping


Estimated runtimes and outputs:
Eneloop Pro - Low Output: 5lm
Eneloop Pro - Low Run Time: 200 hours
Eneloop Pro - High Output: 250lm

Eneloop Pro - High Run Time: 2 hrs 45 mins (tested)


Vapcell ICR14500 - Low Output: 5lm
Vapcell ICR14500 - Low Run Time: 90 hours
Vapcell ICR14500 - High Output: 500lm
Vapcell ICR14500 - High Run Time: 40 minutes
Vapcell ICR14500 - Turbo Output: 700lm
Vapcell ICR14500 - Turbo Run Time: 30 minutes

aLYGR5J.jpg
iNiqyRs.jpg
q3Dsilx.jpg



Driver: This is a highly capable constant current regulated buck/boost driver, where the batteries are in a parallel circuit, such that it can be powered off of 1-2 AA, NiMH, 1.7V Energizers, or 3.7V 14500s. It also offers the expected features of a quality light with low voltage protection, temperature protection, and reverse polarity protection. Switching between voltage ranges is automatically handled by the driver when switching cells. On 1.2-1.7V cells the output maxes out at ~250 lumens with a very long runtime, on 3.7V cells the output is bumped up and turbo is enabled.
This is what I would consider a holy grail of an EDC driver with the constant current output and wide voltage range which enables a wide range of options for powering the light off common cells and lithium-ion cells alike.


User Interface: The e-switch controls a simple and intuitive ramping interface. A click ON returns to the last used mode, holding the switch will ramp UP, releasing and holding again will ramp DOWN. A double click from ON or OFF will jump to turbo. Holding from OFF goes straight to moonlight.
In practice this interface is very simple to use and versatile. The ramping speed is a touch slower than some of the other contemporary ramping UIs, but faster than some of the older options like Bulk and LF2XT, this yields ramping slow enough to be precise but quick enough to not be annoying.


Reflector/Beam: This uses a 15mm SMO reflector that produces a fairly clean beam with minimal to no artifacts, with the Samsung's large die size making a large spot with a wide spill. This setup yields a nice combination of throw and flood that makes it suitably versatile for an EDC role.

qVxgzNv.jpg



Clip: A point I consider vital for an EDC light, Frelux's implementation is excellent. The clip is reversible so it can be mounted on either side of the light, is deep carry at nearly full depth, and has adjustable tension. The adjustable tension is a neat feature enabled by a slot in the clip where the main shaft and knob pass through, and the clip itself rides in its own dovetail groove, such that the tension can be set while tightening down the assembly knob. The tension ranges from loose for larger fabrics, pockets, etc, to extremely tight. The edge of the clip flush with the edge of the body in the groove is my preferred position for a firm tension on jeans pockets. An additional detail is Frelux has provided a clear sticker that can be mounted under the clip landing on your preferred side to protect the body from developing contact dents where the clip snaps against the body over long repeated use. The Frelux brand is also engraved into the clip.

NoVx97I.jpg



Switch: This light uses an electronic switch on the driver, actuated by a sealed metal button. The tactile response is distinct but quiet, with a smooth feel. The switch is also moderately stiff, a nice change from many of the flimsy switches I've experienced in other e-switch lights. While the switch is stiff for an e-switch, Frelux has built a physical lockout option into the metal button. With the aid of the cutouts on the edge of the button, it can rotated clockwise and will not depress, twisting it counter-clockwise unlocks it for use. In practice this lockout implementation is excellent, and can be done without loosing grip of the light.

gYkNh2r.jpg


Build Quality: I have had the light completely apart and inspected thoroughly, machining quality is excellent throughout with good surface finish and tight fit. Assembly methods provide a solid location of parts repeatably, and ensure a good electrical path throughout the light. Solder-work on the driver and assembly is clean and precise. The anodizing process Frelux uses produces some of the best anodizing work of any flashlight, with an even, durable finish. The olive being used for the Synergy 2, is particularly stunning for fans of olive/green colors.
Note: Photo is stock from Frelux, I neglected to photograph mine while it was apart.


IZeEmMi.png


Grip: Being a side by side light running off AA sized cells, the light comfortable fills the hand, with the hourglass shape providing a very secure and natural grip even with the smooth finish. There are still some of the BFG grip lines as used on the S1 BFG, but they are more subtle this time around, providing an indexing point without being sharp or abrasive to the hand or pocket. The larger size of the Synergy 2 compared to the Synergy 1 makes the "pistol" grip very comfortable, putting the light in line with the natural flow of the wrist, and the switch under the index finger for easy control, all while being a very secure grip position. With the clip on the right side for right side draw, I did not experience any hotspots as the clip is devoid of sharp edges and well finished. Similarly with the clip mounted on the left side while still in a right hand grip, the clip does not provide any hotspots either.

nx1puSa.jpg
DJBIjTz.jpg


Battery cap: A challenge of the side by side format, Frelux's solution is simple with a main-shaft that runs the length of the light with a pair of retaining nuts holding the front and middle sections of the light together in normal use, along with the body pieces interlocking at their sealing surfaces. The assembly knob threads on to this shaft as well to secure the battery cap. Replacing the battery cap after changing batteries like the Synergy 1 still requires some dexterity, I recommend compressing the battery cap on to the body with one hand and threading the knob on with the other hand, but the clip being retained in the groove simplifies it a bit over the loose clip present in the Synergy 1. A note on threading the assembly knob, it should start very easily and smoothly, if it is difficult to start it is likely crooked and would cross-thread, like any small thread application take a bit of care here.
Overall, while requiring a bit of dexterity I think the simplicity and the deep-carry reversible and adjustable clip it enables is worth the any minor inconvenience a battery change entails.

BcOGzyZ.jpg
6HZZ6Vk.jpg



Conclusion: At present, the features and execution of the Synergy 2 lead me to conclude that this is without doubt one of the best EDC lights made to date, with an unmatched level of versatility and utility mixed with excellent build quality, simplicity of use, and at a price from a small USA maker that remains competitive with higher end production lights and wipes the floor of most custom lights, in an unusual but excellent compact form factor.

q3Dsilx.jpg
 
Last edited:

aZhu

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Jul 30, 2009
Messages
82
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Excellent write up Devin. Couldn't agree more with your point of view! This is an excellent EDC option and I can't wait to see if these new changes of the S2 would translate to the S1.
 

LuxTacGear

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Feb 3, 2019
Messages
112
Really nice review, I can't wait to hold mine, I'm so excited! Just one question, is 5 lumens the minimum or is there (hopefully) an even lower sub lumen mode?
 

Thetasigma

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 10, 2015
Messages
1,197
Location
Michigan, USA
Excellent write up Devin. Couldn't agree more with your point of view! This is an excellent EDC option and I can't wait to see if these new changes of the S2 would translate to the S1.
Thanks!

Really nice review, I can't wait to hold mine, I'm so excited! Just one question, is 5 lumens the minimum or is there (hopefully) an even lower sub lumen mode?
Thanks, I forgot to mention that above.Keep in mind the output levels are estimated, but the low is comparable to other moonlight/firefly levels on other lights in the 1-5mA current range, and the floodier pattern of the Samsung LED produces keeps the lux down so unless you're after a firefly mode that is almost invisible at midnight, I think it will suit most well. There is no programmability on this driver, and from what I understand there isn't much room for additional code due to the robust code for handling the LVP and different voltage ranges.
Excellent review Devin! :twothumbs
Thanks!
 

Stoneking

Enlightened
Joined
Jan 18, 2014
Messages
641
Location
USA
So excited for this light! Your review didn't surprise me at all... Watching this project unfold on Instagram I could tell just how much attention to detail went into it.
 

bla2000

Enlightened
Joined
Oct 2, 2007
Messages
443
Location
Canada
Devin, your photos of your green light look really good. I didn't consider getting a green because I like the clear anodizing on my synergy1 so much that I wanted a matching synergy2. If I order more in the future then perhaps I'll get a green like yours.

Thanks for the great photos and review.
 

badtziscool

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Oct 13, 2006
Messages
1,722
Thanks for the quality review Thetasigma! Very insightful thoughts and comments as always. Just need a stonewashed Ti version, though that OD green is compelling. :)
 

Thetasigma

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 10, 2015
Messages
1,197
Location
Michigan, USA
So excited for this light! Your review didn't surprise me at all... Watching this project unfold on Instagram I could tell just how much attention to detail went into it.
The work that he put into both the light and the tooling is quite impressive, and as I hope my review gets across, it definitely paid off as the result is excellent.

Devin, your photos of your green light look really good. I didn't consider getting a green because I like the clear anodizing on my synergy1 so much that I wanted a matching synergy2. If I order more in the future then perhaps I'll get a green like yours.
Thanks for the great photos and review.
It is a bit tricky to photograph, but the blue/white blanket background photos are reasonably close on my screen. I was pleasantly surprised as the olive is even better in person than I was expecting. Truthfully of the initial offerings I don't think there is a bad combination among them, but the olive is definitely my favorite.

Thanks for the quality review Thetasigma! Very insightful thoughts and comments as always. Just need a stonewashed Ti version, though that OD green is compelling. :)
I too am looking forward to a titanium version at some point, but I think it will be hard to argue against the price and weight of the aluminum by comparison. I'd strongly recommend an olive one on the next pre-order if it is calling to you.
 

Johnnyh

Enlightened
Joined
Jan 5, 2017
Messages
922
Location
Upstate NY
I'm so dull...(but I like it that way)...I went with the gray...that green looks great! It is described on the website as Olive Drab...curious choice since it's anything but drab. Great review, thanks!
 

antuxd

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Apr 6, 2020
Messages
1
So glad to see the replies here. I'm going to get one light for sure!! :D
 

TIP AND RING

Enlightened
Joined
Nov 13, 2005
Messages
322
Great review! Disappointed I missed out on the pre-order. I like the U.I. and that it will function off of a single cell.
 

Johnnyh

Enlightened
Joined
Jan 5, 2017
Messages
922
Location
Upstate NY
According to Frelux Instagram, a batch of "super-matte black" Synergy 2's will be available tomorrow. Looks really nice but can't afford another!
 
Top