Hi everyone,

I just got my Prometheus/Dark Sucks Beta on Thursday. It’s temporarily kicked my Peak Eiger out of the pocket. Have to say…it’s a beauty and this quick-release is a nice feature.

Rather than do a “review” I just wanted to share a few quick impressions and show you the comparative tint and throw compared to a light (or LED) you might be used to. The Peak Ultra head has a Cree XP-G High CRI (warm, about 3000-3500k tint) whereas the Mule and Beta have the Nichia 219 which is also a High CRI but neutral tint (about 4200-4500k). Both emitters have the same footprint and relative beam patterns if using the same reflector…hence the interesting test.

All pics were done with an iPhone 5s in the dark except for the light. I don’t have the skills or equipment to measure lumens, lux, or even throw comparative throw outdoors. I also uploaded them on the medium iPhone preset for size. Sorry in advance .

** I’ve noticed some of these pictures are flipped depending on your viewing device. This might be a mobile compatibility issue.

First some glam picks of the Beta attached to a Spyderco Balance. I’m using the excellent thin knife as a dangler clip:

Next some basic color rendering of the relatively neutral Nichia 219 High CRI to some household items. Again, pitch black except for the light. You can tell it doesn’t wash out colors like some more blue/green cool low CRI emitters:

Next is comparative size and wall-shots to show the impact on the same size emitter subject to different reflectors. Perhaps not “true” to your own tangible experiences but certainly relevant as a comparison between the tools in this scenario keeping variables to a minimum:

Eiger Ultra High CRI (non-x) and the P.L. Beta with the keychain removed:

Reflector comparison (Peak uses an optic):

Wall hotspot comparison (not full brightness but same distance and ambient lighting)
Peak left, Beta QR right

Here is the same size comparison but with the “Mule” head which uses a Nichia219 but no optic for a non-hotspot floody beam. The keychain on the Beta has been reattached:

The Mule head is much smaller than the Ultra head as you can see:

The Mule was so floody I had to move the lights closer to the wall to get the relative difference. I recall both lights being the same distance from the wall (but closer than previously)…the perspective is off due to my fumbling camera skills. FYI
Peak left, Beta QR right

Final thoughts:

The Beta is a very nice little light. I do enjoy the nuances of QTC and the variance of modes you have access to with a simple twist. Still, having three usable presets is a nice change. I don’t seem to notice any PWM on the lower modes so either it’s current controlled or high enough frequency to not tell. Certainly it’s not akin to my old Zebralight SC51…. On that regard, with an Energizer L92 it also doesn’t have a very low “moonlight”; it’s probably half a lumen or more. Definitely usable, just not a feint flicker compared to some. You can stare at the emitter in the dark, it just doesn’t feel great. 

Thanks for reading and viewing. Overall, a great light. For a copper-fanatic it’s nice to have one more option. Until TnC (or Matchbox Instruments) makes a copper boost-driver version of their lights in AAA format this will have to do.