The Nebo Redline Select (5620) is a new LED flashlight that features a blindingly bright 310 lumen output, 2 hours of runtime, IP65 waterproof rating, and 2 meter impact rating.
Nebo’s Redline LED flashlight, reviewed favorable by a guest reviewer nearly 2 years ago, has sold extremely well over at Amazon. There have been a number of reports describing a gradual permanent dimming effect, but this doesn’t seem to be a widespread issue.
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The Redline Select seems to be a substantial improvement over the original Redline, in terms of brightness and housing specs, but it also sports new features. A new smart dial allows users to change light modes with ease and a “stealth ring” allows you to block light from shining through the translucent red Redline ring.
Runtime:
- 2 hours at 100% brightness
- 5 hours at 50% brightness
- 12 hours at 10% brightness
- 60 hours under S.O.S. or strobe modes
Specifications:
- 5″ long
- 1.5″ head diameter
- 1″ barrel diameter
- 0.7 lbs
- 310 lumens max
- “aggressive self-defense face”
- 4x adjustable zoom changes illumination from spot to floot
- anodized aircraft aluminum body
- powered by 3AAA batteries
To be honest, I really don’t know what to make of the Redline Select. It looks interesting, and I’d like to think that Nebo designed it as a major upgrade and refinement over the original Redline. On paper it looks like a solid choice, especially at a sub-$50 price point, but it does look a bit too Tacticool for my linking.
310 lumens is overkill for most users, but many shop for flashlights thinking the brighter the better. It’s good to see that the brightness can be dialed down and the setting locked-in.
The Redline Select is priced at $45.
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Blair
I went to the Nebo website to peruse the specs on this light, and I have to say that from what they have there, I am impressed. They have added some features that I had desired since acquiring my Redline about a year ago, Including a “stealth” setting, that eliminates the red ring around the bezel (I had just put electrical tape around mine, less than perfect, but better for me than the ring). The lanyard will be welcome, as will possibly the side clip.
The addition of more heat sinks may be in response to the dimming issues some users have experienced, but whether this is the case, or not, extra heat dissipation is a good idea.
In the review that Jeff did on the original, it was mentioned that you had to cycle through the modes to get to a lower setting, and this seems to have been addressed as well with the end cap dial.
The addition of a low battery indicator seems a good idea,(even though I would think you would notice if the batteries were below 20 % ).
All in all, I will be adding one of these to my inventory , as my original has served me so well over the past year!
Disclaimer: No, I don’t work for Nebo, nor do I know anyone who does, just like a good product, especially at a good price point.
JeffD
I can’t control my addiction to flashlights, especially the Nebo’s.
James C
I don’t care for 3AAA, but this looks like a nice upgrade to the original Nebo Redline.
The UI with a control ring is a great feature. It’s really nice to be able to select your output without having to switch through 4 other modes to get the one you want.
Cathy
The Nebo Select has gotton “Rave” reviews from the SWAT-Military-Police & regular customer that I sell to. The AAA are a great alternative to the Lithium. So far no complaints or returns from these groups. I think NEBO has a winner.
I am very pleased with this particular product !
Maikeru
I’ve noticed that a lot of L.E.D. flashlight manufacturers have gone with 3xAAA instead 2xAA batteries and I was wondering if it’s a combination of two things:
A) 3 AAA batteries are easier to arrange side-by-side in a small form factor than 2 AA batteries.
B) 3 AAA batteries provide 4.5 volts versus 2 AA batteries and thus are likely easier to provide the required voltage for the massive L.E.D.
My qualms with this is that its easier to get bulk packs of alkaline AAs and rechargeable AAs than either for AAAs, but if at least one of these two reasons is the reason for this choice I can understand. Though I wouldn’t mind a longer and narrower form-factor if it meant that I got to use AAs.
Stuart
I don’t think it’s that AAAs are slimmer than AAs, but that they’re shorter, allowing for a much shorter flashlight than if 2AAs are used in series. A little extra width results in a much shorter body.
As you point out it could also be that the higher voltage is used to maximize brightness in a similar way that over-volting a motor increases its speed and power. This could also lead to shortened usable life, but increased heatsink performance and smart selection of LED emitters could potentially avoid this.
James C
I’d recommend you guys check out Candlepower Forums if you’re interested in learning more about quality flashlights.
A bit of warning, you may become a “flashaholic” and start caring about things like very low modes (not just high lumens), tint, user interface, lenses, flood VS throw, lithium batteries, and many other things you might not care about right now.
I think Maikeru got it right with both A and B. Mainstream lights are limited to AA or AAA (well, C and D too, I suppose), since these are common batteries familiar to just about everyone.
Garrett Sheffield
I’ve been having a problem with the batteries gunking up. I love the flashlight but it won’t even last Lewisetta batteries before the inside gets corroded. I’ve tried everything from sandpaper to electrical cleaner and it still happens every time I put batteries in the flashlight, whether I use it or not. It gets so bad that I cannot even use the flashlight.
SLara
Got one and love it. The only problem is that it is not a 1″ barrel diameter but roughly a 1.3″ barrel diameter. Other than that I would definitely recommend it.
Colin
I hate mine. I don’t use it all the time, but I want to have a flashlight when I need one. However, every time I go to use it, the batteries are dead. I change them, yet don’t use the flashlight for a while, and when I come back the batteries are dead AGAIN. This thing is an expensive paperweight.
Karin
How do I replace the batteries on the Nebo Redline Select flashlight??Thank you!
Pipelayer1
I love the Nebo Redline flashlight but some of these guys commenting or right it does chew through batteries really really quickly but other than that I’m a plumber so I’m in crawl spaces and down in basements and I come to rely on that flashlight like a pocket knife so now I’ve developed a problem along with a pocket knife problem both of which I am very very picky about all in all aside from those small issues and is a fantastic product
OGRE
Purchased mine in 2013 for a 340 mile kayak race. the ability to throw a spotlight a couple hundred yards away was a life saver at night. I could spot river markers, debris and wing dikes in plenty of time to react appropriately. The low power setting on the flood setting was good for in boat use without completely destroying my night vision. Since its LED it would have been nice to have a red light option for night use. I have kept the light in my tool bag at work since then where it tends to get abused by the other tools. Its gets used occasionally and always turns on when i need it. The magnetic base is very handy for hands free operation. The spotlight is handy when i need to draw somebodies attention to a small component in a dark area. I have only replaced the batteries twice in 6 years. The newest version is rechargeable and can be used as a power source for a phone. Just cant bring myself to upgrade since this one has worked so well for me
Misty
Does it matter what kind of batteries I use in this flash light? It belonged to my husband and he passed away.
Stuart
I’m sorry to hear about your husband.
As far as I am aware, it can be used with alkaline batteries. Generally, for long-storage use, such as with flashlights that are not often used, it might be worth using Lithium cells (AA or AAA sized depending on the flashlight). Lithium cells have a longer shelf life than alkaline and they are not supposed to be leak-proof, something that is definitely not true with alkaline batteries.