If there was any lingering question, this Redline flashlight from Nebo is a testament to how far LED technology has come. Gone are the days when LED flashlights put out only a fraction of the light of incandescents. This compact flashlight, 4 3/8 inches long and 1 3/8 inches in diameter, puts out 220 lumens of white lights and has 5 modes. You can use it at 220 lumens, 110 lumens, 22 lumens, SOS mode, or strobe mode. The SOS (Morse code) and strobe might be handy for emergencies if you carry the flashlight in the car. At 220 lumens, the flashlight produces an amazing amount of light that can illuminate my entire living room. The 22-lumen mode is good when you want to find your way without disturbing everyone around you with a blinding light.
The Redline also has a 4x adjustable beam, which is adjusted by turning a bezel near the front of the light. Nebo claims that the focused spotlight will shine up to 150 yards. It has a nifty ring around the front that glows red when the light is on. I can't see that it serves any purpose, but it looks nice. The button to turn the flashlight on and off and to change modes is on the back. The button glows in the dark -at least enough so that you can see it. Unfortunately, the button is recessed, which makes it impossible to depress it with my thumb while holding the flashlight. If I want to turn the light on with one hand, I have to depress the button with my index finger. This might not work if you have big hands. A button that protrudes would be preferable.
When you first turn the flashlight on, it is in the bright 220-lumen mode. You cycle though the modes by turning the flashlight on and off in rapid succession. This can be inconvenient. In order to get the flashlight to come back on in bright mode, you have to wait about 15 seconds. If you turn the flashlight off and on again before that, it will come on in the next mode in the succession rather than the full light. Also, if you tend to use the flashlight in a less-light mode, as might be appropriate if you use it primarily in your home, you have to cycle through every time to find your mode. You can't set it to come on in the mode you use most often. That and the recessed power button detract somewhat from the Redline's ease of use.
The flashlight takes 3 AAA batteries (included). It will last 4 hours at 220 lumens, 8 hours at 110 lumens, 15 hours at 22 lumens, and up to 72 hours in strobe or SOS mode on full battery power. The body is waterproof and made of anodized aircraft-grade aluminum. It does hold the temperature around it well, so it can get pretty cold or hot in your glove compartment. The back end of the flashlight is magnetic, which allows hands-free illumination in some situations. The LED bulb will last 110,000+ hours. At first I thought the Redline might be overpriced, but it is well-made, offers a lot of options and a lot of light. In my experience, most compact flashlights last only a few years. If the Redline proves itself more durable, it will have been well worth the money.
This has to be the best light for the price range. You can always find something better but your going to pay 2 to 5 times more. At 220 lumens and if the air is calm and not dusty I could to almost see up to 200 yards. For the money and what I received I am 100% happy and would recomend to anyone.
I have several LED lights, and what makes this particularly wonderful for auto use is the built in SOS and strobe. The strobe would be perfect for waving oncoming cars away if you are stuck in a risky spot, and the built in SOS is one of those things that just might come in handy when you need it a lot. The battery life for both of these is rated at 72 hours. The three light intensity levels and the zoom feature make it useful both for outside illumination and for inside use for map reading. It is sturdy, metal, and small, and it is going to live in my glove compartment.
Nebo Redline arrived today on time (as usual) via Amazon prime. Packaging was only a non descript plastic bag with a sticker on it to seal it closed (customer return?). I am a flashlight fan with several unique types. Overall, I like the performance of the light it produces and the choices of beam make this an excellent choice for multiple applications but there are several dumb ideas that take a very good concept from 5 stars to 3.
The Great Points: 220 lms of bright white light. I compared it outside next to my highly rated Dorcy 41-4750 180 lms and the beam on the redline seemed to be brighter. The focusing system if first rate. Just the right amount of tension and degree of angle (wide to tight). 3 AAA batteries are easy to get and run time is as good or better than most especially with the high output. 4 beam choices make this very versital. The fact that you can leave it on the preferred mode is great.
The Good Points: Tactical knurled grip is well designed. It is very small (maybe too small) which perfect for back packs, cars and police/tactical belt. It has a unique red ring. Not really sure it serves any purpose but looks cool. Glow in the dark on/off button could be handy if you dropped it in the dark.
The not so good points: Packaging could have just been a fluke so I will mention but let that one slide. Rear on/off button is really difficult to access and in a defense situation would be a huge problem and basically eliminates the use of this flashlight as a potentially life saving tactical light. There is no way to connect a lanyard. The front of the Redline has cut outs (actually sharp edges) which could easlily get caught on something if you were trying to pull this out fast.
Bottom Line: I bought this for about $25. I think I got a lot of flashlight for the money. I am very impressed how much light this little flashlight can produce. That said the on/off button access, and rough edges, lanyard connection make this flashlight a bad choice for tactical defense.
If Nebo makes these cosmetic corrections I would be first in line to buy it. I bet it would be a go to flashlight for law enforcement as a primary or secondary light.'
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