Elzetta Bravo High Output Light Review

[Mrgunsngear]

Earlier this year Elzetta mentioned on the forums that they were going to come out with a high output light to compete with the slew of high end light makers that have come out with 500 lumen and up lights this year. Well, it's a reality now with their 650 lumen Bravo model and 900 lumen Charley model. Here's what I've found so far with my Bravo model…

Pros:
-The light just screams quality. All the components are top notch as is the fit/finish. All operations are smooth and have positive actuations when used.
-650 lumen output in the 2 cell, 900 lumens in the 3 cell model. The AVS head automatically senses the power source and the output generated corresponds to the power (i.e. 650 or 900 lumens)
-Uses an acrylic lens vs reflectors for softer edges on the beam pattern (see video for a demonstration). The lens is field replaceable without tools and apparently different lenses are in the works (like a larger flood version).
-Cree XM-L2 LED
-Elzetta designs their lights to be interchangeable. So, you can pick the tailcap, to include tapeswitch models) you want. There are several models to choose from though. They also have 2 bezels (crenellated and standard) and two bodies to choose from. If you have the old ZFL-M60s you can just purchase the high output head and get the same performance.
-Fully potted electronics so shock/impact will not have any influence on output or reliability of the light. These lights have a reputation as the toughest lights in the world and I believe it.
-Lights come lubricated/greased where they should be and have o-rings on the head/tail for use in wet environments.
-100% made in the USA.
-Springs are used on the head/tail for shock resistance so you won't have the light flickering under recoil should you mount it on a gun.
-The beam has a bright hotspot. Spill is generous with good flooding as well for peripheral vision (again see video for example).


Cons:
-Really the only one I can think of is Elzetta states not to use 18650 batteries with it and some folks will be very put off by that.
-Price is roughly $190-235 depending on the options you chose. But, as I stated above the quality is top notch.

Here's a video with some shooting, beam comparisons with other lights, a demonstration of the properties of the light, and my overall thoughts on it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HG3oCwKibQY

[KevinBLC]

Really nice review... you doing more reviews in the future?

[Mrgunsngear]

Really nice review... you doing more reviews in the future?

I am. I've got about 280 on my channel and don't plan on stopping any time soon.

[KevinBLC]

I am. I've got about 280 on my channel and don't plan on stopping any time soon.

Hope to see you post a few more then... wow 280?!

[zero7one]

I am. I've got about 280 on my channel and don't plan on stopping any time soon.

Dude...great review. I know that you have your own channel, but feel free to post any of your reviews on here as well.

[Mrgunsngear]

Thank you. Will do!

[UWone77]

Thank you. Will do!

Great review, shared it on our Facebook page to get the word out.

[RiverRat]

-Cree XM-L2 LED

This is why I have been looking hard at Elzetta as my primary go-to emergency light. The recent Colorado flood reinforced the need for at least one over-built, completely dependable light. The other bullet-proof choice, Surefire, doesn't offer Cree XM-L2 emitters in a production 2-cell light.

After testing several really good moderate-cost lights, I am extremely comfortable with this Cree emitter. It's nearly perfect for any use I am likely to require in an emergency situation. No hot spot with any reflector textrure, broad spill, good throw and solid run-time. It does benefit from being run fully regulated (the Elzetta is) so that the light remains constant-output until the batteries drop dead. I'm OK with the slight blue-tint the cool version of the XM-L2 needed to squeeze every possible lumen out of the LED.

So yes, I'm very happy with the Cree-based EagleTacs and Olight I'm running now and believe that they would work reliably when needed. But I'm price-shopping for a B133 that I KNOW will fire up when I click it.