[selfbuilt]

JetBeam C-LE v2.0 review with comparison to previous versions: RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS

This thread is a quick comparison of the various iterations of the Jetbeam C-LE. For a more detailed comparison to other 1AA lights, please see my current Multi-stage 1AA Review - Part III: Runtimes, beamshots & more!. Scroll down to a see a mini-review of the new clicky C-LE v2.0.

The contenders:

From left to right: DX X.V (early version of C-LE), Jetbeam C-LE v1, v1.2, and v2.0


Beamshots:

On Hi with Duracell 2650mAh NiMH.




Method: All my output numbers are relative for my home-made light box setup, a la Quickbeam's FR.com method. My relative overall output numbers are typically similar to his, although generally a little lower. You can directly compare all my review graphs - i.e. an output value of "10" in one graph is the same as "10" in another.

Throw values are the square-root of lux measurements taken at 1m using a light meter.

Summary Chart for 2650mAh NiMH on Hi



Runtimes:
"Hi" mode on NiMH (Duracell 2650mAh)


Hi/Med/Lo modes on Alkaline Duracells




C-LE v.2.0 Mini-review:

General observations:

PWM: Both DX X.V and C-LE v1 use 73Hz PWM for lower modes, which is very noticeable, IMO. C-LE v1.2 & v2.0 both use 317Hz, which is not noticeable to me in everyday use.
Memory: C-LE v1.2 and v2.0 both have 2sec memory mode - light flashes to notify you last setting used will be retained
Interface: DX X.V, C-LE v1 and v1.2 all used a head twisty UI. The new C-LE v2.0 uses the a clicky switch (identical to one used on JB MkIIX series).




Presentation

• The new C-LE v2.0 comes in a much nicer package ("Civilian Series" indeed ).
• Now includes authentication features, such as a holographic QC control seal on the box, and warranty card inside with model and serial number.
• Package includes a couple of extra red o-rings and a wrist-strap. But like many, it is too small to fit around an adult wrist. This one features a built-in alligator clip to allow you to attach it to things - but it doesn't seem to work very well (I thought it was broken at first, but now realize it does work with some extra manual effort to open the clamp). No big loss, since I don't see myself using it anyway.

Build

• Thanks to the new tail switch, the light is little longer than previous versions, but can still tailstand.
• The new reverse clicky tailcap is identical to the JB MkIIX series. You soft-press the switch to change modes, rather than rapidly twist the head. Note that the tail threads are anodized, so you can still use this light as twisty by twisting the tailcap instead of the head.
• The tailcap has a slight exterior anodizing mismatch to the body on my sample, and the edges around the wrist strap attachment point are rather sharp.
• The head is basically the same as the earlier v1.2, although no foam spacer is provided any longer (the spring in the tailcap applies more than sufficient pressure to prevent battery rattle).
• The new v2.0 will work with v1.2 body tubes, but the v1.2 head will NOT make proper contact with the new v2.0 body tube. There seems to be a slight change in tolerances for contact.

Output

• Since the new C-LE v2.0 uses the same head as the v1.2, I didn't expect major differences between these versions. Both my v1.2 and v2.0 head use Cree emitters with 4 bond wires instead of 3, raising the prospect that they have Q2 emitters instead of the earlier P4.
• In fact, output on v2.0 was virtually identical to v1.2 in all modes with similar runtime, athough runtime was increased in lower modes by 10-20% on v2.0.
• The drop-off at the end of the runs seem less severe on the new v2.0 over v1.2, perserving at least a bit of a "moon mode" now. v2.0 also shows flashing of the emitter shortly before total shutdown.
• On Low, both C-LE v1.2/v2.0 have about twice the output of earlier versions.
• Memory mode on twisty v1.2 was prone to contact errors if the threads weren't kept clean. I haven't noticed any problems yet on clicky v2.0

Conclusion:

• There is no point in upgrading to v2.0 from v1.2 if you are seeking higher output or runtime. Output was virtually identical, and runtime was only marginally increased, especially in lower modes.
• Both v1.2 & v2.0 are a considerable upgrade over the earlier versions, since the newer lights come with a memory mode, much less noticeable PWM, thicker threads, and greater output on low.
• Main advantage of v2.0 is the high quality reverse clicky switch, which makes switching modes more reliable than the v1.2. But it also makes the light marginally longer. A worthwhile revision, IMO.
• In the end, it simply comes down to your preference for clicky (v2.0) over twisty (v1.2). Note that you can still run v2.0 as a twisty, by twisting the tailcap with the clicky in the "on" position.

There you have it. If you want to see how this light fares against the competition, please see my Multi-stage AA review.