RovyVon has released an update to their very popular Aurora A2/A3 series of lights. RovyVon sent over an updated A3 light – the A3x. This is as much a new light as it is an update, but addresses issues raised from the initial release. Have a look, and see if the improvements are compelling!

Official Specs and Features

Here’s a link to the official product page.

Versions

There are a number of bodies for the Aurora x series. The A3x is a coated aluminum body light, with two emitter options: Cree XP-G3, and Nichia 219c (seen here). The aluminum looks to be available in gunmetal (seen here) and red (as an option, but no photos if it yet).

Also available is a stainless steel version, which is the A2x series. It’s available in the same emitter choices, but with many body colors. Raw, black, gunmetal, blue, and “gold” (which actually looks very much like copper).

Price and Coupon

The aluminum body lights here go for $32.95, and the stainless options are a little more expensive at $39.95.

Short Review

I like the improvements in this Aurora line, and I think this is still a compelling little light. The PWM does seem to be improved, but is not yet “constant current” as stated in the ad copy. I like the updated switch better, too.

Long Review

The Big Table

* Measurement disclaimer: I am an amateur flashlight reviewer. I don’t have $10,000 or even $1,000 worth of testing equipment. I test output and such in PVC tubes!! Please consider claims within 10% of what I measure to be perfectly reasonable (accurate, even).

What’s Included

RovyVon A3x Keychain Flashlight

Pocket clip (unattached)

Charge cable (USB to micro-USB)

Lanyard

Split ring

Manual

Package and Manual

Nice little package.

Manual is in four languages, and is sufficient.

Build Quality and Disassembly

Up front: I didn’t disassemble this light. It was somewhat possible with the old series, but the bezel is glued down.

In general this updated series probably feels at least a little better built than the originals. I can’t put my finger on why, but it just feels a shade more sturdy. It’s basically just a scaled up version, though.

It’s possible to see the seam for the bezel, below, but mine didn’t budge.

Size and Comps

Officially:

Length: 57.3mm

Diameter: 15.6mm

Weight: 19.5g

Bigger than the original yes, but still perfect for a keychain.

And here’s the real test: Beside some of the originals, just just barely bigger.

Retention and Carry

The main way this will be carried is probably a keychain, for which there is a split ring included. That split ring will attach to the loop on the end of the body. Also this is the lanyard attachment point (and a lanyard is included).

It’s just possible to tailstand the A3x on this loop.

The included pocket clip is not updated (but it’s a bit bigger of course) from the original. One change is that the body now has only one clip attachment point – probably good for those of us already on the edge of analysis paralysis with daily life decisions. And the clip will go either direction, so the light can work as a hatlight just great.

Power and Runtime

The A3x, as the models before, is powered by a built-in lipo pouch battery. This is not replaceable, except by RovyVon.

The runtime for high and medium follow. Output doesn’t hit the claim when considered to FL1 standards, but at initial output the specs are met.

Output isn’t regulated either; as the battery voltage drops, so does the output. The switch gives a warning that voltage is low, but in neither case did the light shut off.

Of course since the battery is built in, there must be on-board charging too. There is, in the form of a micro-USB port in the side of the tail. It’s covered with a press-in translucent silicone cover.

This cover is easy to take out but doesn’t just fall out easily on its own.

The included cable is USB to micro-USB.

Charging proceeds about as fast as you’d want it to – around 0.5A. And the claim of 260mAh looks to be easily met since from the USB source I’m seeing around 260mAh put in to the battery (after conversions, it’s likely the battery holds well over the rated 260mAh).

Modes and Currents

Mode Mode Claimed Output (lm) Claimed Runtime Measured Lumens High 450 1.5m/75m 246 Medium 260 1.5m/95m 204 Low 15 8h Moonlight 2 30h

Sorry, since I can’t get into the light, I also can’t measure mode-current.

PWM

PWM is still present, but it’s greatly improved from the originals. I can’t even see this PWM by eye, and the older model had extremely evident PWM. So this is much better.

For reference, here’s a baseline shot, with all the room lights off and almost nothing hitting the sensor. And here’s the worst PWM light I have ever owned. Also one of the very first lights I ordered directly from China!

User Interface and Operation

There’s a single side switch for operating the Aurora A3x. It’s a clicky indicating side e-switch. Despite how it looks, it’s still a silicone switch cover.

That’s different from the original too, which had a much bigger and fairly prouder switch. I have no complaints about the upgrade, except I wish they’d thrown a metal (or at least hard) switch cover on there.

I am seeing a little bit of (fairly important) discrepancy between the manual (what I want) and what my light has with regards to UI. Namely that double clicking to turn the light on steady does not go to moonlight as we wish, but goes to Medium (consistently, though).

Here’s a UI table!

State Action Result Off Hold Momentary High Off Double Click Moonlight (technically the manually memorized mode*) On Click Mode Cycle (Moon > Low > Med > High) On Hold Off On >3m Click Off Any Click 3x Strobe

* It’s possible to memorize any of the 4 modes with this UI. Just leave the light on for around 3 minutes, and that mode is memorized (except for secondary emitters). Your light will likely ship with this mode set to High!

LED and Beam

My review copy has Nichia 219c, which is a high CRI variant. I’m very pleased this is an option both because I’d prefer the high CRI (90+) and also I think XP-G3 is just really, really bad. So I have Nichia, and I think you’ll be happier with it too.

These beamshots are always with the following settings: f8, ISO100, 0.3s shutter, and manual 5000K exposure.

Tint vs BLF-348 (Killzone 219b version)

Killzone 219b on the right below.

I compare everything to the Killzone 219b BLF-348, because it’s inexpensive and has the best tint!

Random Comparisons and Competitive Options….

Here’s a link to a relevantly filtered page on parametrek.com. I use that site a lot!

Conclusion

What I like

New battery is twice the capacity as the old

Output is good (but rated from turn-on not 30s FL1 standard)

Build quality is good – sturdy light

Many body materials /finishes available

What I don’t like

Switch cover could be metal (like the bigger A23 lights)

PWM still present (though greatly improved!)

UI discrepancy between light in-hand and manual

Notes

This light was provided by RovyVon for review. I was not paid to write this review.

This content originally appeared at zeroair.org. Please visit there for the best experience!

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