Nebo Redline Tactical Flashlight Strobe S.O.S 220 Lumen #5581

Full Overview

Nebo Redline Tactical Flashlight Strobe S.O.S 220 Lumen #5581

Technical Details

- Output - 220 lumens - White
- Length - 4.5"
- Diameter - 1.5"
- Weight - 0.428 lbs.
- Batteries - 3 AAA batteries (included)

If there was any lingering question, this Redline flashlight from Nebo is a testament to how far LED technology has come. Gone are the days when LED flashlights put out only a fraction of the light of incandescents. This compact flashlight, 4 3/8 inches long and 1 3/8 inches in diameter, puts out 220 lumens of white lights and has 5 modes. You can use it at 220 lumens, 110 lumens, 22 lumens, SOS mode, or strobe mode. The SOS (Morse code) and strobe might be handy for emergencies if you carry the flashlight in the car. At 220 lumens, the flashlight produces an amazing amount of light that can illuminate my entire living room. The 22-lumen mode is good when you want to find your way without disturbing everyone around you with a blinding light.

The Redline also has a 4x adjustable beam, which is adjusted by turning a bezel near the front of the light. Nebo claims that the focused spotlight will shine up to 150 yards. It has a nifty ring around the front that glows red when the light is on. I can't see that it serves any purpose, but it looks nice. The button to turn the flashlight on and off and to change modes is on the back. The button glows in the dark -at least enough so that you can see it. Unfortunately, the button is recessed, which makes it impossible to depress it with my thumb while holding the flashlight. If I want to turn the light on with one hand, I have to depress the button with my index finger. This might not work if you have big hands. A button that protrudes would be preferable.

When you first turn the flashlight on, it is in the bright 220-lumen mode. You cycle though the modes by turning the flashlight on and off in rapid succession. This can be inconvenient. In order to get the flashlight to come back on in bright mode, you have to wait about 15 seconds. If you turn the flashlight off and on again before that, it will come on in the next mode in the succession rather than the full light. Also, if you tend to use the flashlight in a less-light mode, as might be appropriate if you use it primarily in your home, you have to cycle through every time to find your mode. You can't set it to come on in the mode you use most often. That and the recessed power button detract somewhat from the Redline's ease of use.

The flashlight takes 3 AAA batteries (included). It will last 4 hours at 220 lumens, 8 hours at 110 lumens, 15 hours at 22 lumens, and up to 72 hours in strobe or SOS mode on full battery power. The body is waterproof and made of anodized aircraft-grade aluminum. It does hold the temperature around it well, so it can get pretty cold or hot in your glove compartment. The back end of the flashlight is magnetic, which allows hands-free illumination in some situations. The LED bulb will last 110,000+ hours. At first I thought the Redline might be overpriced, but it is well-made, offers a lot of options and a lot of light. In my experience, most compact flashlights last only a few years. If the Redline proves itself more durable, it will have been well worth the money.

Length:: 2:13 Mins

It falls short in other areas.

If you are looking for a very bright light that doesn't cost too much then stop reading, don't watch the video, and click "Add to Cart". You won't be disappointed.

This light appears attractive for two characteristics:

1) It's "tactical"; and
2) It's a lot of light (220 lumens claimed) for a reasonable cost (around $25).

The problem is, it's not really a tactical light and you can get lights that are almost as bright for far less.

The accompanying video does two things. First, using a "real" tactical light, it shows features found on a typical tactical light that is widely used in tactical situations. Granted, the sample light costs several times more than the Nebo and that the reality if you are looking for a light that is tactical in more than its name.

The second part of the video provides a beam comparison between the Nebo and a TechLite Lumen Master High-Intensity Tactical LED Flashlight 3-Pack. That light is only rated at 160 lumens and you can buy three of them for the cost of one Nebo. The Nebo beam is brighter and you'll have to decide if it's brighter enough to cost three times as much.

Two minor points... First, the magnetic base on the Nebo is not quite strong enough to reliably secure the light either horizontally or hanging down from something metal. Second, in an effort to provide a complete, fair, and balanced review I got two Nebo lights, one month apart. They were different and that could explain some of the other reviewer comments. The first one came loose in an envelope and was not as bright as the second one. I used the brighter light in the output comparison.

Bottom line: If you want a tactical light you will have to spend more, if you want a bright light you can spend far less. Otherwise, for your $25 you get a light that is bright and has the word "Tactical" printed on the package.

That said, please feel free to stick around and read a bit more while I hop on my...

Lumen Soapbox:

I remember when transistor radios were first introduced. Consumers used the "number of transistors" as a, and frequently the only, measure of quality. Producers of cheap, low quality electronic equipment (which at the time was Japan) began building radios to use as many transistors as possible. Transistors replaced less expensive diodes and additional amplifier stages were incorporated (increasing the size while decreasing battery life and sound quality) all in the name of upping the transistor count.

A more recent example is digital camera "megapixels". This has become a metric of choice. Many people believe the more megapixels the better the camera and, by inference, the better the images it captures. Megapixels can be a determining factor in how much you can enlarge a picture and I suggest an 8x10 with nice color, good contrast, appropriate sharpness, and no lens distortion is better than a poorly rendered 16x20 or larger print.

So what does this have to do with Lumens, you ask. Just that measuring (flash)light output is tricky business and lumens aren't the only factor to consider. For example, a laser pointer of even average quality puts out lots of lumens. Ever try to find something in the dark using one? For this light the beam needs to be set at a fairly narrow focus to achieve its maximum output. Depending on your application, the "lumens" may need to be spread out over a wider area. There's an example of "less lumens can be more light" in my video review of the Joby Gorillatorch Flare Adjustable and Flexible Tripod Flashlight.

BTW, I feel that honest, effective reviews, accompanied by detailed videos, can take the place of first-hand experiences that are often lacking in online shopping. I've always appreciated the help I've received from other reviewers and try to return the favor as best as I can. I hope you found this review helpful and the video at least entertaining. If there was anything you thought was lacking or unclear leave a comment and I'll do what I can to fix it.

This has to be the best light for the price range. You can always find something better but your going to pay 2 to 5 times more. At 220 lumens and if the air is calm and not dusty I could to almost see up to 200 yards. For the money and what I received I am 100% happy and would recomend to anyone.

Nebo Redline arrived today on time (as usual) via Amazon prime. Packaging was only a non descript plastic bag with a sticker on it to seal it closed (customer return?). I am a flashlight fan with several unique types. Overall, I like the performance of the light it produces and the choices of beam make this an excellent choice for multiple applications but there are several dumb ideas that take a very good concept from 5 stars to 3.

The Great Points: 220 lms of bright white light. I compared it outside next to my highly rated Dorcy 41-4750 180 lms and the beam on the redline seemed to be brighter. The focusing system if first rate. Just the right amount of tension and degree of angle (wide to tight). 3 AAA batteries are easy to get and run time is as good or better than most especially with the high output. 4 beam choices make this very versital. The fact that you can leave it on the preferred mode is great.

The Good Points: Tactical knurled grip is well designed. It is very small (maybe too small) which perfect for back packs, cars and police/tactical belt. It has a unique red ring. Not really sure it serves any purpose but looks cool. Glow in the dark on/off button could be handy if you dropped it in the dark.

The not so good points: Packaging could have just been a fluke so I will mention but let that one slide. Rear on/off button is really difficult to access and in a defense situation would be a huge problem and basically eliminates the use of this flashlight as a potentially life saving tactical light. There is no way to connect a lanyard. The front of the Redline has cut outs (actually sharp edges) which could easlily get caught on something if you were trying to pull this out fast.

Bottom Line: I bought this for about $25. I think I got a lot of flashlight for the money. I am very impressed how much light this little flashlight can produce. That said the on/off button access, and rough edges, lanyard connection make this flashlight a bad choice for tactical defense.

If Nebo makes these cosmetic corrections I would be first in line to buy it. I bet it would be a go to flashlight for law enforcement as a primary or secondary light.

I have several LED lights, and what makes this particularly wonderful for auto use is the built in SOS and strobe. The strobe would be perfect for waving oncoming cars away if you are stuck in a risky spot, and the built in SOS is one of those things that just might come in handy when you need it a lot. The battery life for both of these is rated at 72 hours. The three light intensity levels and the zoom feature make it useful both for outside illumination and for inside use for map reading. It is sturdy, metal, and small, and it is going to live in my glove compartment.

I am a night supervisor at a homeless shelter and so use a flashlight hundreds of times a night. I have gone through about 6 flashlights looking for the most practical one.
My requirements are:
1./ Tough enough to do the job,
2./ Small enough to fit in pocket.
3./ Have a strobe feature for emergency situations,
4./ Have an adjustable focal beam,
5./ Have adjustable brightness.

Here is my read on this flashlight.
1./ Tough enough to do the job: It is definitely tough enough. There is no paint or enamel to scratch off. The head does have a beefy edge to it that could be used in a tactical situation as some have said. I would prefer that it did not chaff my clothes while in my front pocket. I may take a small file and smooth off the edges a bit. The adjustment for focal length is easy to operate. While it is possible to change focal length with one hand using two is much faster and easier, but it can be done with one and the mechanism seems sturdy. The switch in the base is recessed, this means that for most adults the index finger must be used to turn it on and off, and the switch modes. The switch cover is luminous in the dark. So far the switch seems very sturdy; I have had several similar switch mechanisms go bad but none felt as firm as this switch mechanism so I am hopeful it is as sturdy as the rest of the flashlight.

2./ Small enough to fit in pocket: It fits in the pocket, just! The sharp bezel can be uncomfortable so I have ordered a case. I did not order the Nebo brand case as Amazon lists a tactical holster that works like a cell phone case and can be angled! I'll report on that once it arrives and I have had a chance to see how well it works. But the flashlight is small enough to be practical. If I make a fist with my average size hand and put it down on a table top (little finger down) the top of the flashlight is only half an inch taller than my hand; if I rotate the bezel to the tight focal setting it is 3/4 of an inch taller! So, a very handy size in my opinion.

3./ Have a strobe feature for emergency situations: It has a strobe feature, which combined with the red collar that glows when the light is on makes for a very attention getting strobe. Useful for when flagging ambulances and policemen who are needed but don't know exactly where you are. NOTE: the light has three main intensities, plus an S.O.S. flash, and a strobe. You must press the switch on the base to cycle through to each of these modes. HOWEVER, if the light is left off for more than 10 full seconds (I timed it)it will automatically reset to come on with the main high beam. This is a nice feature because when I bought it I was concerned that I may turn it on and find it in the flash/strobe mode. Now I find it is always at the first selection unless I deliberately cycle to another setting! VERY nice feature!

4./ Have an adjustable focal beam: I can cast a fairly tight focal beam the length of two city blocks or I can set it to wide beam and be able to see 10 feet either side of me with its broad disbursement. This was much better than expected.

5./ Have adjustable brightness: With tight beam and high power mode on I can see people two city blocks away or more, that's way more than I need. Reflective street signs 'jump' out even at 5 city blocks or more when I have the focal beam set to tight. This is the brightest light I have ever owned; that it fits in my hand so nicely is a real bonus.

If this light was any better it would probably qualify as a true tactical flashlight at the military grade level for combat. THIS IS A GREAT FLASHLIGHT!

How they can improve it (if they want to)

1./ Take out the S.O.S. flash mode; this is pointless unless you are selling it as a sea fairing flashlight (which it isn't since it is not billed as 'true' water proof nor does it float).

2./ Add in a 'true' (385nm) ultraviolet beam feature for hunting scorpions or checking for biological evidence like germs and filth, cat pee etc.. I realize you have an ultraviolet model similar to this one but the feedback tells me it is substandard (so I have purchased a different ultraviolet model from a different manufacturer until I can get an all in one flashlight like I am describing now!)

3./ change the on/off switch to a recessed rubber thumb button near the front of the light.

4./ Change the mode switching method to a rotatable bezel at the back end that can be left in the desired mode. OR, you could mount the selector bezel just in front of the on/off switch which would be even more practical. But please keep the luminous rubber patch at the end for finding the flashlight in the dark.

5./ Add a laser pointer.

Nite Ize LHS-03 Clip-On Flashlight Holster with Stretch Capability and 8-Position Rotating Clip

Normally, I wouldn't say something as rash as "the negative reviews for this product read like plants from a rival manufacturer," but they simply do. Here's why:

1. The #1 complaint I've read is the inadequate packaging that indicates that the model you receive is refurbished. This is nonsense. Mine arrived in a professionally sealed plastic package, the kind you have to cut open.

2. Ease of use. Unless you are deeply stupid, you won't have the slightest problem operating this flashlight.

3. Not tactical/made of substandard materials. Total BS. It's made of rugged, lightweight aluminum. The first thing I did was jump on it. I'm 6'4" and weigh over 300 lbs. If I can't crush it, you can't either. The serrated edges don't snag on clothing, but they would be very unpleasant to an assailant if you drove it into a tender part of the body.

4. Size. It's fits well in my hand. I can palm a basket ball, so I'd say it's not tool small. It also fits comfortably in the coin pocket of my jeans, so it's not too big. Goldilocks wouldn't be happier.

5. The only substantiated negative comment is that it doesn't have a lanyard/key attachment, which I don't personally mind at all. It's a tactical light, not a key fob after all.

I'm not saying that this flashlight is as good as a $200 model, but if you don't have that kind of cash, it's a great alternative. I've already purchased a second one for my motorcycle.

Length:: 3:51 Mins

Nebo's Redline is a high-output flashlight in a relatively compact and attractive package. It's pretty affordable as well at under $30, so we figured why not, let's review one.

I recently read online that Nebo Tools released a 220 lumen flashlight for under $30. At this price-point I was intrigued but cautious since most 200+ lumen flashlights are well out of my price range.

The light output specs from Nebo's website were fairly impressive, especially given its low price. The Redline has five operating modes - three brightness settings as well as emergency strobe and SOS modes. Its lumen output is 220 lumens at full power, with stepped reductions down to 110 lumens at 50% power and 22 lumens at 10%. The Redline operates at full power when in SOS and strobe modes.

In SOS mode, the Redline can be hand held or placed on its bezel for stationary use, such as on a roadside or auto's rooftop. The Redline's emergency strobe mode can be used for safety lighting, or defensive functions. Nebo mentions that a light beam "above 50 lumens within a 10 yard distance may cause temporary blindness when viewed directly."
Flashlight Body & Switches

For starters, the Redline specs out at 4-1/2"L x 1-1/2"D and 6.85 ounces. The body is well-machined from anodized aircraft-grade aluminum that Nebo says is weather-proof. The main body features smooth knurling and a machined pattern for secure gripping. The body fits well in my extra large hands, but I found the grips to be somewhat slippery especially in cooler weather with dry hands.

The front bezel is tipped with an "aggressive self-defense face" and can be rotated to adjust the focus of the light beam. The bezel twists smoothly when transitioning from a wide beam to a to tighter spot. The single LED is recessed and well protected from abuse and accidental damage. Nebo doesn't state the wattage or type of bulb, but upon closer exam it closely resembles a CREE LED. The removable rear cap features a luminescent weather-proof button and a magnetic base for hands-free lighting.
Nebo CSI Redline High Powered Flashlight Glow in the Dark Button

Nebo claims the spot setting can focus on something up to 450 feet away, while its wide flood light setting can illuminate everything within 60 feet. My test, although highly unscientific, involved a stop sign 400 feet from my position and pine trees 40-50 feet away across the street. I was able to light up the stop sign completely. At the corner of my street is a foreclosed home, so I took aim and lit up the windows and porch. The beam was clear and bright with a 2 foot spot at the target. In its wide beam flood light mode the Redline lit up the front yard effectively, and illuminated the tall pines as well. Thus, their claims are substantiated.
Conclusion

The Nebo Redline is well-made and projects a tremendous amount of light. For only $30 MSRP, the NEBO Redline is great bargain.

You want to talk about big things in small packages this is it. Compare the moonlight to sunlight and Nebo is the sun.

I have a Coast LED Lenser that has been a good companion for over two years now. The Coast, while still a good light at about 140 lumens, is single focus with one function. The funny thing is that it was only about 10 bucks less than this Nebo. Goes to show you that either Nebo has figured out the technology or some of the other high lumen manufacturers are just out to make more money.

First let me say that I concur with many of the complaints about the ease of turning this on and off. My Coast has a rear button which is somewhat elevated. It has never turned on in my pocket or anywhere else unless I wanted it to and with an easy push of the thumb I get light. I suspect that because of the rear magnet function on the Nebo that the on / off button had to be flush with the end. Had it protruded the magnet hold might not have worked. Anyway, I was impressed with the five functions of this light and from high - 220 lumens - to low - 22 lumens - this light is great. 220 lumens provides enough light to light up my family room at wide beam and the focused beam is much like a police officers flood light. I took it out back in the woods and it lit up my back yard like the 4th of July. I didn't really think that the S.O.S. function would actually flash out dot, dot, dot, dash, dash, dash, dot, dot, dot for you - nice touch. Not sure I'll ever get to use that function but, what the heck and the strobe function, well, another nice touch but....

The Nebo did not come as shown in this advertisement and had no instructions. Had I not read these reviews I would not have known how to use it other than to turn it on and off and perhaps stumble through and figure out the functions available with a slight depression of the rear button. I also learned that if you turn this thing off in S.O.S. mode and turn it back on it defaults back to the S.O.S. mode unless you wait about 15 to 20 seconds and then it defaults to the 220 lumen setting. I wonder if there are any other functions that might be available and go unknown until you find them on the internet?

At any rate, if you buy one of these little beauties you won't be disappointed and you'll find yourself looking for darkness in which to use this thing. I don't know if it's a guy thing - one of those throwbacks to when we all lived in fear of darkness and craved fire - or if it's just me but, I have a certain affinity towards flashlights and this will be one of my favorites. I used to get a kick out of using my Coast on bidwalks when we went into dimly lit or basement areas. Most of the other bidders had conventional flashlights or multi lamp led's and my Coast got some attention. When I turn on this puppy I suspect that I will get some inquiries.

As to the little discussed self defense use for this light. I had never considered a flashlight as a self defense weapon but think about it - if you were to shine this light into somebody's eyes, even during the day, it would blind them temporarily. The face of the flashlight, if used as a weapon, would certainly smash and cut somebody's face if used properly. Not sure if you would think about using this as a weapon if you were attached or accosted by a thug but it would certainly work to disorient and a good rap to the face with the front of this and you would have time to do further damage and get away or call the police.

Thank you Nebo for making a low cost light with high cost quality. If you purchase this you won't be sorry.

I use my flashlight 10 times a day, to view, inspect and work inside buildings. This is the smallest most powerful flash light I have ever seen in my life! And I suspect it is the only flashlight in its class of brightness, that has a magnetic base to attach to duct work, iron grid, car hoods, metal tables, etc, which makes this an super valuable, unbeatable combination !!! On day 4 of owning this, it was dropped 8 feet to a hard floor and it still works. I also carry and use a LED maglite (for now) but the maglite (with low lumen output) will soon be left at home. But still, I wish this Nebo light would fit in my Maglite world of holsters and tool pockets slots. This Nebo is the Mecca of small flashlights, A Must Have !

Nov 2011 update. I no longer use my AA LED maglites (too dim). My first purchased Nebo high lamp (220 lumens) setting stopped working after a few months of use. Burned out I guess. Since no other product comes close to this one, with a magnetic base, I ordered a 3 pack. I'm still a believer, dispite being very worried about the short life span of my first purchase. Also, just today, I dropped my Nebo from 12 ft to a hard floor while it was on and lamp hot. It did not break and was still lit!

Nebo holsters are a problem,,,the Nebo holster sticks above my belt line and digs into my side and the clip can come loose after daily use for 3 months. And the leather cover on the belt clips rips open after a few months of daily use and that makes it really hard to put the device on your belt each morning.

The popular generic nite-ize [...] holster is a bit difficult to insert the flashligh body into. I am about to go back to the Nebo holster until I can find a better design.