4Sevens Preon 2: “World’s Best Penlight” by Nutnfancy

As of 2010, few lights will compare to capabilities contained within the 1.6 ounce Preon 2 flashlight by “4Sevens.” It’s not the only game in town when it comes to subcompact lighting technologies, but it’s one of the best. The Preon 1 is its little brother (single AAA, not reviewed in depth here) and it differs in having a twist versus a clicky UI (both interchangeable if desired). For its excellent ergonomics (discussed), longer burn times, and attention getting brightness level, I prefer the Preon 2. It incorporates capabilities that had previously been the domain of larger flashlights and gives its user more versatility. While single mode, medium-brightness level lights (like the still excellent, high value Streamlight Stylus Pro) will continue to win fans for their simplicity, the 2-cell AAA Preon 2 is a more flexible illumination tool. In the primary mode, it gives the user a choice of: Low 2.2 lumens (a useful illumination level), Med 22, or a class-leading High mode giving 160 lumens. The high mode gives the dimunitive light some serious searching capabilities, leaving dimmer lights in the dust. These primary modes are accessed by either a hard-click on the end push button or, once turned on, by soft presses on the switch. Special modes of Strobe, SOS, Beacon High, or Beacon Low are also easily accessed but reside deep enough in the interface where accidental actuation is unlikely. All the special modes further give a depth to the Preon that other penlights just lack. If users don’t like the clicky UI (it can come on in the pocket, needs to be stiffer), a $5 flat cap can be purchased from 4Sevens, transforming the light into a twist UI. The tuned Preon beam is best suited for area lighting which is appropriate for the POU. It possesses a wide and clean hotspot, useful spill beam devoid of artifacts. No PWM or circuitry whine was noted in testing. Construction is top notch and promises excellent durability (like the aluminum button covered switch). Anodizing on the 6061 aluminum barrel provides some smooth traction, is durable, and good looking (red, gold, blue, black finishes have been made; titanium version also offered in 20102nds Kind of Cool too). The pocket clip is tough, rides deep in pocket, and locks into position. The Preon 2 passed 3 foot dynamic waterproofness tests easily. 2010 Cost on the Preon 2 hovered around $50 for the aluminum with some discounts available at times. Given the capabilities, the price is fair. About the same size as a writing pen, the Preon 2 fits in pen pockets readily and is an unobtrusive companion until needed. And therein lies the charm for this tiny lighting tool: huge capability in such a compact, elegant form. The 4Sevens Preon lights make a statement that will impress onlookers when they are called into action. /////////////////////// Nutnfancy Likability Scale: 10 out of 10//////// Music: TNP origination composition called Sudden Impulse