note: article first appeared January 2015
Let me start this review of the LED Lenser V2 by describing what I was looking for in a flashlight.
The mission was:
“A single flashlight that was compact, lightweight and bright enough to standardize on a single brand & model.”
Here were the flashlight requirements:
- Metal & tough enough to handle any field or tactical handling.
- Lightweight & compact enough for pocket use.
- AAA or AA batteries.
- Water resistant/proof enough to handle any rain and momentary submersion.
- Bright enough for any tactical weapon usage. Minimum beam distance 100 yards. Narrow beam.
- Fit any 1” light mount.
To sum it all up – This flashlight does the job in every aspect, excels at each requirement.
So here are the technical details –
- Length: 4-1/2”
- Diameter: 1”
- Weight: 3.6oz
- Tough aluminum housing with checker boarding for sure non-slip grip.
- Uses 3 AAA batteries.
- IPX4 water resistant rating (it’s not designed as a submersible light but is water resistant under pressure).
- 94 – 104 lumens (brightness) in a narrow beam that can reach nearly 180+ yards.
- 4 hour constant burn time with medium quality batteries.
- Finish: Black matte
I first started using this brand/model of flashlight over 10 years ago and I’ve never been disappointed. Actually, I’ve been thrilled with it! It is a great size for my pants pocket and fits any flashlight holder or belt mounted light/magazine holster that I use. I use a Command Arms Accessories Flashlight Holder Grip Adapter on my AR and this light fits it perfectly. The light shines a very bright narrow beam of light that exceeds my expectations of a tactical light. The light is not so bright that it will washout my vision in the dark but plenty bright enough for me to do whatever I need to with it. The distance the beam goes is amazing for such a little unit running on AAA batteries.
My Duracell batteries will last well over two years in the light depending on how much I use it. The battery carrier/cartridge is absolutely high quality, as is the entire housing. I felt the quality and close tolerances as soon as I began to unscrew the battery cartridge. This flashlight is a top-quality piece of equipment.
The checker boarding on the body is substantial but not uncomfortable, they struck a happy medium. It has never slipped in my hand under any conditions, wet or dry. The newer models have a thumb switch that has ‘nubs’ on it as well to ensure that your thumb won’t slip off. And speaking of the switch, it does have the momentary-on capability or the ‘click-on’ for a constant light.
This flashlight has replaced all my other flashlights except my big 4 x D-cell Mag light that I keep under the front seat of the truck. You won’t need another flashlight (other than a ‘tire checker’) once you’ve tried out this keeper.
You’ll love it!
Use with absolute confidence.
The price on this can vary from about $28 – $40 out on the Internet so shop around. I’ve bought mine (6 of them now) off of eBay.
Note: If you are going to submerse your tactical light for any length of time you might not want to search elsewhere or waterproof the Lenser yourself. I don’t think it would hold up too long underwater but I haven’t done any conclusive testing on it for that particular mission. Why? I don’t swim underwater with my flashlight.
2019 NOTE: This flashlight is no longer retail available. However, I’ve seen them on eBay. I would not hesitate to buy a sued one as long as it worked and the insides were clear of corrosion.