EDC Tactical Torch
Go Turbo With 2000 Lumens
I tested NEBO’s new Edge 2K, a 2,000-lumen tactical flashlight, with a unique form factor. Despite the fact that this is an unusual approach for a tactical torch, it turned out to be the handiest tool in the EDC inventory.
NEBO is a cutting-edge light company that is well known for “Why didn’t I think of that?” innovations. They cover utility, tactical, work, and sporting lights engineered in the US and used around the world. Many of their products use lightweight aircraft aluminum, which blends durability and reduced weight.
Rather than the traditional cylinder pattern for most flashlights, The NEBO Edge 2K is a flat rectangular prism with rounded edges. On one of the flat sides, there is a wheel, which NEBO calls the Dynamic Dial, that has 4 positions. Using the dial and push-button on the bottom of the light allows the user to choose among 5 light modes. The Edge 2K can do Turbo, High, Medium, Low, and Strobe. On Turbo, we are talking 2000 lumens of cranked-up power. It fires for only 20 seconds on turbo, but levels down at 1000 lumens, which it can do for two hours.
Medium gives it 5 hours, while low yields 25 hours. The unit charges in 3 hours. When I tested these times, they were pretty much spot on. Actually, I did not wait around 25 hours to test it in low, but it was at least 24 hours, to be sure. It can get hot, like any torch, but it has pretty efficient cooling, unlike many torches.
Dual Beam Floodlight
The Edge 2K uses a Lithium-polymer rechargeable, 1600mAh, 3.7V, non-replaceable power source. Today’s engineering has made this kind of cell almost memory free and lightweight. It also doesn’t sit there and cook while charging.
There is a line of blue LED lights just above the Dynamic Dial that serve as a charge indicator, which divides the charge status in 25% increments. This is very handy for the user who carries only one light for many tasks.
In actual testing, I was thrilled to see that the flat form factor aided the light in keeping it cool when cranking out maximum power. The one thing that I noticed was that it took a fraction of a second for the light output after I pressed the switch. This is hardly noticeable, but should be factored into the user’s defensive techniques.
It took me forever to figure out how to engage the turbo feature, even after reading the instructions. In any beam mode, just press the button for more than 2 seconds. I have found that leaving the dial on low or medium is the way to go. I bypass the high beam and go right to turbo. It only stays on for a few seconds, but it is awesome.
The front of the light has two side-by-side emitters which also gives the light a tactical advantage. Usually, a single emitter can produce sharp edged shadows, and create engagement blind spots. The Edge 2K is more like a set of dual floodlights that don’t create harsh shadows. There are shadows, don’t get me wrong, but the dual beam floodlight gives a good spread of light. Rather than a central beam and spillbeam, it allows the user to identify and engage targets in the shooters periphery. Why is this important? Sometimes harsh shadows appear to cover up parts of a target that are still engageable. The Edge 2K gives the shooter an easier target image without hot spots.
With a more natural view of the target and surroundings, one can shift target focus without being ambushed by something in the periphery.
Easy Access Dynamic Dial
The push-button switch and USB charging port are opposite the emitter end, covered by rubber caps. It was not hard to orient the light in the hand at all. However, I sometimes had trouble distinguishing between the switch and the USB port by feel. I was clicking it with my thumb, and accessing the Dynamic Dial with my fingertips. If it were me, I would extend the switch a little.
The Dynamic Dial is amazingly easy to access. It has a lock function that prevents accidental firing. I carried the light set to high and medium in my pocket for a couple of weeks. I never had to lock it, and didn’t have problem with it shifting to another setting, or locking me out. This may have a lot to do with the great ergonomics and an outstanding pocket clip.
The pocket clip allows for a deep carry position. The light is 5.3″ long x 1.25″ x 1″, and weights 3.4 oz. Because it is flat, it doesn’t take a lot of real estate in the pocket. Users can simply flip it out, and it is naturally oriented in the hand.
I am big on light fighting techniques, and the Edge 2K works with Harries, FBI, etc, etc. I teach something similar to the Marine Embassy technique (fingertips of the shooting hand to bezel) and the Edge 2K definitely works for my system. I found that the Edge 2K loans itself to several different hand positions, depending on whether the user places the switch closer to, or further from the thumb.
Who will use the Edge 2K? There are users who split their EDC light tasks into utility, like gathering fuel and repairing tools, and emergency response, like guiding bullets in low light. This torch can do both, with plenty of spare power.
MSRP is $59.99 Explore the full line of NEBO products by visiting nebo.acgbrands.com.
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