4Sevens Preon 2: EDC Flashlight

The 4Sevens Preon 2 is as easy to carry as a ball point pen. It’s small form-factor, light weight, amazing out the front (OTF) output, and 6 light modes,  makes this one of the best lighting options for everyday carry (EDC). I touch on the benefits of carrying a light daily in my post Pocket Vomit: My Everyday Carry.

Preon 2 Specs

The Preon 2 is perfect for carrying everyday. It’s about as big as a Sharpie and only weighs around 1.5 oz with batteries. Here’s a rundown of the specs from 4Sevens:

• LED: CREE XP-G R5
• Max Output: 160 Out-the-front OTF lumens
• Material: Hard-anodized Aircraft-grade Aluminum
• Lens: Optical-grade glass lens with anti-reflective coating on both sides
• Reflector: Light orange-peel textured
• Water resistance: IPX-8

Optical-grade lenses along with the orange-peel reflector give this light a clean and even beam with out halos. One of the most useful features of this light are its multipul light modes. I was impressed to find so many in such a small light. Switching between modes is as easy as a button click, or a twist of the emitter head, depending on your set up. In all, there are 7 output modes:

• Low: 2.2 OTF Lumens, 23 hours run time
• Medium: 22 OTF Lumens, 6 hours run time
• High: 160 OTF Lumens, 0.8 hours run time
• Strobe
• SOS
• Beacon (Hi)
• Beacon (Lo)

I ordered the flat tail cap for the Preon for $5 after a week or so of carry. For me, it was too easy to actuate the button on the top of the light, so I had to keep the emitter head loosened anyway to avoid turning the light on accidentally.  Now, rather than pressing the button to switch between modes, I simply tighten/loosen the emitter head. Operation instructions are included in the manual.

Preon Accessories

Along with the flat tail cap there are a few other accessories for the Preon Series. You will receive your light with the removable pocket clip pre-installed, and a split ring for a lanyard along with spar o-rings inside the box. More notably, you can turn your Preon 2 into a Preon 1 by swapping out the body of the light for $7. This will give you an even smaller EDC light, but the single cell reduces  your light output.  All parts are interchangeable in the Preon series

Final Thoughts

Knowing what I know now, I would have purchased a Preon 1, which comes standard with the flat tail-cap, and then order Preon 2 body. In total, it would have cost $1 more than the Preon 2, and would give me the option of the 2 sizes. Overall, its still a great light. Everyone who has seen it is amazed at how bright that little thing is. So, if your in the market for a little pocket light, or a cool gift,  check out the 4Sevens Preon series.