- Joined
- Jun 10, 2015
- Messages
- 1,144
Hey All,
SO, I haven't actually written any reviews on here yet, but every once in a while we get our hands on a piece of gear or knife that is just too good to not talk about, especially if we notice that this knife or piece of gear isn't as popular or talked about as it should be.
If I have a second love after knives, it's flashlights. Over the years I've acquired a fair few, from 30 lumen little pocket lights to massive, 1,600 lumen day-makers. However, in the past six months or so I've gotten my hands on a light that is so impressive in its functionality, size and quality that it's pretty much all that I reach for anymore. And that light is my Foursevens Mini M2A.
Size
Firstly, I have to talk about the size. I mean...this thing is so pocketable it's not even funny. It takes 2 AA batteries, and is just a hair thicker than my 2 AAA battery light. Basically, they've built this thing to be as slim as possible, and you can definitely tell once you slip it into your pocket. And not only is the size impressive, by the ratio of size to usability is completely off the charts.
Brightness and Runtimes
I have a Streamlight Stylus Pro that runs on 2 AAA batteries is about the same size. It puts out 65 lumens for 6.5 hours, which is damn impressive. However, for just a little bit bigger of a package, this Foursevens offers me 3 brightness levels: 3 lumens for 88 hours, 43 lumens for 9 hours, and 216 lumens for 1.7 hours. Plus it has some "special" modes (strobe, beacon high, beacon low and SOS) that I never use. Anyway, my point is that, as a flashlight to just throw in your pocket, you get some really serious usage times with some really usable brightness levels. I was surprised by how I often I use the 3 lumen setting, especially around the house. The 43 lumen setting is more than enough for a walk in the dark, and the 216 lumen setting is bright enough for illuminating things in the distance.
Operation
The operation is also really simple once you get used to it. The light is a twisty, so you just tighten the head to turn it on (it always starts on low). To up the setting, you just twist off and then back on within 2 seconds, and then you're on medium. Do it again, and you're on high. Cycle through those 3 settings two times (low, medium, high, low, medium, high) and you get to the special modes. I have no problem operating the light one handed and have come to really appreciate the operation.
Build Quality
This is another place where the Mini M2A really shines. The matte black finish and the knurling are approaching perfection. It's just a great light to look at, let alone use. The threads are smooth enough to operate one handed, but offer enough resistance that I've never had the light accidentally turn on in my pocket. Add to these details that the light is impact resistant for 1 meter drops and that it's waterproof up to three meters and you've got a light with some serious durability that can easily stand up to an EDC role.
Warranty
The one issue that I had was, after 4 months of EDC, the clip loosened a little, and would wiggle slightly from side-to-side. I tried tightening the screw but ended up stripping it. I emailed their warranty department and 1 email later they had already mailed out not a new clip, but a whole replacement tailcap to the light. No cost, no questions asked. That's the kind of warranty that really can't be beat.
Conclusion
Anyhow, this has been my experience with this terrific light. If anyone is looking for a solid EDC option, a light that can handle a number of different situations with style and grace and a top-notch warranty at around a 40 dollar price tag, check this little bad-boy out. Who knows...maybe you'll join a flashlight forum next!
ps: I'm attaching some pictures in my next post. Enjoy!
SO, I haven't actually written any reviews on here yet, but every once in a while we get our hands on a piece of gear or knife that is just too good to not talk about, especially if we notice that this knife or piece of gear isn't as popular or talked about as it should be.
If I have a second love after knives, it's flashlights. Over the years I've acquired a fair few, from 30 lumen little pocket lights to massive, 1,600 lumen day-makers. However, in the past six months or so I've gotten my hands on a light that is so impressive in its functionality, size and quality that it's pretty much all that I reach for anymore. And that light is my Foursevens Mini M2A.
Size
Firstly, I have to talk about the size. I mean...this thing is so pocketable it's not even funny. It takes 2 AA batteries, and is just a hair thicker than my 2 AAA battery light. Basically, they've built this thing to be as slim as possible, and you can definitely tell once you slip it into your pocket. And not only is the size impressive, by the ratio of size to usability is completely off the charts.
Brightness and Runtimes
I have a Streamlight Stylus Pro that runs on 2 AAA batteries is about the same size. It puts out 65 lumens for 6.5 hours, which is damn impressive. However, for just a little bit bigger of a package, this Foursevens offers me 3 brightness levels: 3 lumens for 88 hours, 43 lumens for 9 hours, and 216 lumens for 1.7 hours. Plus it has some "special" modes (strobe, beacon high, beacon low and SOS) that I never use. Anyway, my point is that, as a flashlight to just throw in your pocket, you get some really serious usage times with some really usable brightness levels. I was surprised by how I often I use the 3 lumen setting, especially around the house. The 43 lumen setting is more than enough for a walk in the dark, and the 216 lumen setting is bright enough for illuminating things in the distance.
Operation
The operation is also really simple once you get used to it. The light is a twisty, so you just tighten the head to turn it on (it always starts on low). To up the setting, you just twist off and then back on within 2 seconds, and then you're on medium. Do it again, and you're on high. Cycle through those 3 settings two times (low, medium, high, low, medium, high) and you get to the special modes. I have no problem operating the light one handed and have come to really appreciate the operation.
Build Quality
This is another place where the Mini M2A really shines. The matte black finish and the knurling are approaching perfection. It's just a great light to look at, let alone use. The threads are smooth enough to operate one handed, but offer enough resistance that I've never had the light accidentally turn on in my pocket. Add to these details that the light is impact resistant for 1 meter drops and that it's waterproof up to three meters and you've got a light with some serious durability that can easily stand up to an EDC role.
Warranty
The one issue that I had was, after 4 months of EDC, the clip loosened a little, and would wiggle slightly from side-to-side. I tried tightening the screw but ended up stripping it. I emailed their warranty department and 1 email later they had already mailed out not a new clip, but a whole replacement tailcap to the light. No cost, no questions asked. That's the kind of warranty that really can't be beat.
Conclusion
Anyhow, this has been my experience with this terrific light. If anyone is looking for a solid EDC option, a light that can handle a number of different situations with style and grace and a top-notch warranty at around a 40 dollar price tag, check this little bad-boy out. Who knows...maybe you'll join a flashlight forum next!
ps: I'm attaching some pictures in my next post. Enjoy!
