Jet-Beam SRA40 Waterproof Torch
The Jet-Beam SRA40 is a stylish IPX8 rated waterproof torch powered by 4 x AA batteries. The unit is capable of outputting 960 lumens of light and has three selectable light output levels along with a strobe, SOS sequence and a built in charging circuit.
The overall build quality of the SRA40 is top-notch. The body has been precision machined from cast aluminum and has an attractive dark gray anodized finish. Traditional knurling and four sided milling has been applied to the hand grip, while stylish cut-outs at the head of the torch serve as discrete heat dissipating fins and provide an
effective anti-roll surface. The tail cap has three slotted rim protrusions, perfect for attaching a lanyard.
The screw thread is a standard triangular cut and is completely anodized. A light coating of dielectric grease coats the thread and O-Ring to make a watertight seal. At the end of the battery compartment are printed polarity marks which clearly indicate the correct orientation for the batteries.
The optics of this torch are awesome. A huge glass lens with double sided anti reflective coating protects an immaculately polished reflector with a relatively large
diameter and throat. A high performance CREE XM -L2 LED is assembled on a centering mechanism to ensuring perfect positioning within the optical assembly.
The control interface is fairly intuitive and incorporates a two-button design. The round button powers the unit on or off and activates the strobe while the square button changes between High, Medium, Low and SOS modes. The mode changing button also has two small blue LED's under its rubber shell that function as a battery power and charging cycle indicators. The torch recalls and activates the last used power mode when restarted.
On the Bottom of the torch there is a DC 0.35 Amp charging socket. This feature allows Ni-MH rechargeable batteries to be charged internally. However with the current set at 350mA, charging high capacity batteries will be a slow process, approximately between 10 to 11 hours. The torch displays the current state of the
charge cycle via the blue LED's on the mode switch.
When the batteries near exhaustion, the SRA40 gives another step down, to Low power, where it is able to continue to operate stably for almost an hour and a half more, then falls off gradually.
Battery Power Indicator:
Pressing the mode button while the torch is off, displays the charge level of the batteries. An indication of the remaining charge is given by displaying one of the three different light sequences shown below.
50 - 100 % Below 50 % Battery level low
Conclusion
I wanted a decent waterproof torch which could operate on AA batteries and this one really hits the mark. It directs light like a large Maglite torch, but it outputs four times as much light. The machining and anodizing are first rate and give the unit a stylish look with an ergonomic feel.
Access to the battery compartment is simple and replacement batteries are just slotted straight in as there is no battery magazine to deal with. The torch also has the ability to charge Ni-MH batteries internally, but it takes a very long time to achieve a full charge.
High quality optics and an intuitive control interface set this torch above its competitors, while ergonomically placed buttons and gripping points give the torch a comfortable feel in the hand with ease of operation. There are some points of concern though and I have listed them below.
The overall build quality of the SRA40 is top-notch. The body has been precision machined from cast aluminum and has an attractive dark gray anodized finish. Traditional knurling and four sided milling has been applied to the hand grip, while stylish cut-outs at the head of the torch serve as discrete heat dissipating fins and provide an
effective anti-roll surface. The tail cap has three slotted rim protrusions, perfect for attaching a lanyard.
The
tail cap is the only detachable part of the torch and it simply screws off providing access to the battery compartment. Inside the tail cap there is a
rotary contact plate with two pin guides for proper contact alignment during installation. The battery compartment has cylindrical slots directly
machined into the block for accommodating the batteries and pin guides.
The screw thread is a standard triangular cut and is completely anodized. A light coating of dielectric grease coats the thread and O-Ring to make a watertight seal. At the end of the battery compartment are printed polarity marks which clearly indicate the correct orientation for the batteries.
The optics of this torch are awesome. A huge glass lens with double sided anti reflective coating protects an immaculately polished reflector with a relatively large
diameter and throat. A high performance CREE XM -L2 LED is assembled on a centering mechanism to ensuring perfect positioning within the optical assembly.
The control interface is fairly intuitive and incorporates a two-button design. The round button powers the unit on or off and activates the strobe while the square button changes between High, Medium, Low and SOS modes. The mode changing button also has two small blue LED's under its rubber shell that function as a battery power and charging cycle indicators. The torch recalls and activates the last used power mode when restarted. 
On the Bottom of the torch there is a DC 0.35 Amp charging socket. This feature allows Ni-MH rechargeable batteries to be charged internally. However with the current set at 350mA, charging high capacity batteries will be a slow process, approximately between 10 to 11 hours. The torch displays the current state of the
charge cycle via the blue LED's on the mode switch.  |
| Charging in Progress |
 |
| Charging Complete |
High Power: Uses a series of time controlled power step downs to conserve battery life and prevent over heating. Full power can be restored at ant time by cycling through levels with the Mode button, or by turning the light off/on. The step down procedure is as follows:
Average of 960 lumens for first 3 minutes, then drops to 640 lumens for the next 10 minutes, before dropping and
staying at 435 lumens for the useful life of the batteries.
When the batteries near exhaustion, the SRA40 gives another step down, to Low power, where it is able to continue to operate stably for almost an hour and a half more, then falls off gradually.
Medium Power: 240 lumens / 5hrs (step down to Low power when batteries near exhaustion)
Low Power: 20 lumens / 45hrs
Strobe Light: Activated by holding the power button down for two
seconds.
S.O.S Sequence: Activated by holding the
mode button for two seconds while the torch is on.
Pressing the mode button while the torch is off, displays the charge level of the batteries. An indication of the remaining charge is given by displaying one of the three different light sequences shown below.
Conclusion
I wanted a decent waterproof torch which could operate on AA batteries and this one really hits the mark. It directs light like a large Maglite torch, but it outputs four times as much light. The machining and anodizing are first rate and give the unit a stylish look with an ergonomic feel.
Access to the battery compartment is simple and replacement batteries are just slotted straight in as there is no battery magazine to deal with. The torch also has the ability to charge Ni-MH batteries internally, but it takes a very long time to achieve a full charge.
High quality optics and an intuitive control interface set this torch above its competitors, while ergonomically placed buttons and gripping points give the torch a comfortable feel in the hand with ease of operation. There are some points of concern though and I have listed them below.
- During High power mode there are two visible power step downs, one after 3 minutes and another 10 minutes later.
- There is no electronic lock-out mode to prevent accidental activation.
- Light comes on automatically when re-installing the tail cap.
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