LED flashlights like the ICON Rogue 1 and Rogue 2 are more compact and put out lots of light with less power consumption.
It’s great to see outdoor products becoming lighter and smaller. Less weight is always a good thing, especially when it comes to illumination. A durable flashlight should be one of your 10 Essentials, but they can sometimes be large and heavy.
LED flashlights are not new, but they are getting smaller and lighter. ICON’s Rogue 1 flashlight is a good example of how far LED illumination has come. The intense 50 Lumen light comes from a small 4.5 inch long, aero-space grade aluminum body. There’s no sacrificing performance in this small package. The Rogue 1’s main body features open slots allow for excellent grip with or without gloves.
An O-ring seal allows the Rogue 1 flashlight to be waterproof down to one meter and a small microprocessor controls the LED to provide a consistent and smooth beam. Weighing in at 3.8 ounces, the Rogue 1 makes a great personal light that can also be used as a high-power flashlight on short occasions when you need it.
The Rogue 1 uses a single AA battery and has a rugged tailcap switch that when pushed once, activates the high-output mode. Push it twice and the flashlight goes into the low-output mode of 6 Lumen; perfect for when you’re inside your tent or bivy. The battery lasts about three hours in the high-output mode (50 Lumen) and an amazing 70 hours in the low-output mode (6 Lumen).
If you can sacrafice a little more weight for more power, the Rogue 2 offers 100 Lumens of light from two AA batteries. The Rogue 2 has the same functions as the Rogue 1, but weights 5.8 ounces and has a low-output mode that puts out 10 Lumens. Because it uses two batteries, the Rogue 2 is also longer, 6.5 inches.
Both LED flashlights come with a durable lanyard and have a nice, high-quality finish to them. They are also available in a bright green, blue-gray and black anodized finish that gives the flashlights a high-end quality to them. We really liked the finish quality, and they almost look too good to use. But keep in mind that these flashlights are rugged and can withstand being tossed around in your backpack or tool chest.
There’s also no provision for keeping the LED light from illluminating by accident in your backpack. In addition the front lens can get warm after the light has been on for some time, so it’s a good idea to unscrew the head slightly to avoid any burnt clothing or potential fires.
The Rogue 1 retails under $40 while the Rogue 2 retails under $50. Both feature a one-year limited warranty and come with batteries. For more information, visit www.myiconlight.com.
Specifications: Rogue 1: Weight – (3.8 oz) Length- (4.5 in) Light Output – (50/6 Lumens) Battery – (1 AA) Duration – (3/70 hours) Waterproof – (yes, up to 1-meter for 30 minutes) Rogue 2: Weight – (5.8 oz) Length – (6.5 in) Light Output – (100/10 Lumens) Battery – (2 AA) Duration – (3/72 hours) Waterproof – (yes, up to 1-meter for 30 minutes)