ReyLight Pineapple Mini Green Review
ReyLight Pineapple Mini⌗
- Specifications
- Introduction
- Torch in use
- Build quality
- LED, bezel, reflector and beam
- Size and comparison
- User interface
- Batteries and charging
- Performance
- Beamshots
- Conclusion
- Price
- Product page
Specifications⌗
| Brand/model | ReyLight Pineapple Mini |
|---|---|
| LED | Nichia 519A 4000K |
| Maximum lumens | ? lm |
| Maximum beam intensity | ? cd |
| Maximum throw | ? m |
| Battery | 1*10440 Li-ion, 1*AAA Ni-MH |
| Onboard charging | No |
| Material | Aluminium |
| Modes | 4 |
| Blinkies | Strobe, SOS |
| Reflector | OP |
| Review date | March 2023 |
Introduction⌗
The ReyLight Pineapple Mini is my favourite EDC torch. I bought a stonewashed titanium version two years ago, followed by a copper version, and today I am reviewing the aluminium version in green.
Rey has been continuously improving his range of torches and adding optional extras to customise them to suit your preferences.
For example:
- Twisty action was upgraded to a reverse-clicky tailswitch;
- Nichia 219B emitter has been upgraded to a Nichia 519A;
- Centering gasket upgraded from black plastic to glow-in-the-dark;
- Optional ring instead of a pocket clip;
- Optional upgraded tailswitch that allows easier tailstanding and helps prevent accidentally turning the torch on.
Rey generously applied a partial refund to my order when I mentioned that I was going to review the Pineapple Mini and LANapple. I did not expect that! I was just excited. Thank you Rey. He also held a “Buy One Get One Free” sale the next day in preparation for moving to a new workshop.
I have not been paid for this review nor have I held back my opinions of this torch.
Packaging⌗
The Pineapple Mini came wrapped in foam in a small re-usable transparent box. I keep various electronics and gadgets in my ReyLight boxes.
The following was included in the box:
- ReyLight Pineapple Mini
- Flat top 10440 Li-ion 3.7V 320mAh cell
- Two spare o-rings
- ReyLight sticker
- Optional ring (alternative to a pocket clip)
Torch in use⌗
The ReyLight Pineapple Mini fits perfectly in my hand and discretely in my pocket.
I have been using a Pineapple Mini around the house at night for the past two years. It is my “go to” bedside torch.
If I am going somewhere that does not require a big torch then I will slip a Pineapple Mini into my pocket. Sometimes I end up holding the torch in my mouth in situations where both hands are needed to repair something.
I have heard of people accidentally turning their Pineapple Mini on in a pocket but I have not had that happen in two years. Rey went ahead and made a new version (not shown here) of the tailcap to help prevent accidentally turning the torch on.
The torch can tailstand but you may want to get the new version of the tailcap so that it is less likely to topple over.
Build quality⌗
This ReyLight Pineapple Mini is made of aluminium and has a matte green anodised finish. The inside of the tube is also anodised. There are no sharp edges.
The ribbed design of the tube provides additional grip. There may be other versions of the tube available (ribbed, frag, smooth etc).
The pocket clip feels strong and fits tightly onto my pocket.
The reverse-clicky tailswitch gives a satisfying click.
The threads did not come with much (if any) lube. I added some lubricant but then I decided to remove it with isopropyl alcohol. The threads were getting gritty.
It might be better if the threads are also anodised.
The driver has reverse polarity protection, low voltage protection and thermally regulates the output.
Teardown⌗
This is a mod friendly torch! The head and tailswitch assembly can both easily be opened up.
The head can be opened up by unscrewing the head, inserting tweezers into two holes in the pill, unscrewing the pill, removing the pill, removing the reflector, removing the centering gasket, and by removing the lens and o-ring.
The tailswitch assembly can be opened up by unscrewing the bezel, removing the pocket clip, removing the button, removing the switch boot, and by unscrewing the switch.
Video tutorial⌗
Here is a video tutorial for swapping the emitter in a Pineapple Mini:
ReyLight Pineapple Mini modification for twice the throw!
LED, bezel, reflector and beam⌗
This particular ReyLight Pineapple Mini comes with a Nichia 519A 4000K emitter and an orange-peel reflector.
There is an anti-reflective coating on the lens and a glow-in-the-dark o-ring. The centering gasket also glows in the dark.
CCT, CRI, and duv⌗
I have taken Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT) and Colour Rendering Index (CRI, RA of R1-R8) measurements with the torch positioned a metre away from an Opple Light Master Pro III (G3).
The CCT is around 3945K and the CRI is around 96.
The Delta u, v is close to zero (almost pure white).
The beam produced has a hot spot that smoothly blends into a slightly wider spill. It is suitable for EDC use.
| Cell | Mode | CCT (K) | CRI (Ra) | x | y | Duv |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10440 | 2% | 3884 | 97.0 | 0.3865 | 0.3815 | 0.0005 |
| 10440 | 10% | 3992 | 96.8 | 0.3819 | 0.3802 | 0.0012 |
| 10440 | 20% | 3987 | 96.9 | 0.3823 | 0.3807 | 0.0013 |
| 10440 | 50% | 3937 | 97.0 | 0.3841 | 0.3803 | 0.0006 |
| 10440 | 100% | 3925 | 96.9 | 0.3841 | 0.3785 | -0.0002 |
Calculate Duv from CIE 1931 xy coordinates
Dimensions and size comparison⌗
Dimensions⌗
I took the following measurements using a vernier caliper.
| Measurement | Unit (mm) |
|---|---|
| Torch length | 90.30 |
| Head diameter | 15.00 |
| Tube diameter | 13.50 |
| Tailcap diameter | 15.00 |
Weight⌗
I took the following measurements using a digital scale.
| Weight | Unit (g) |
|---|---|
| Torch | 23.95 |
| Battery | 9.21 |
| Torch with battery | 33.16 |
The pocket clip was included in the torch weight.
Size comparison with its competition⌗
From left to right: ReyLight Pineapple Mini Green, ReyLight Pineapple Mini Copper, Olight i3T Brass, Wurkkos WK01, Sofirn C01S
From left to right: ReyLight Pineapple Mini Green, ReyLight Pineapple Mini Copper, Olight i3T Brass, Wurkkos WK01, Sofirn C01S
User interface⌗
The user interface is simple to use but it is complex to configure.
| State | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Off | Click | On |
| On | Click | Off |
| On | Half click (tap) | Cycle (Moonlight, 2%, 20%, 100%) |
| On | Double half click (tap) | 100% |
Here are some of the things that can be configured:
- select one of four mode groups;
- toggle mode memory on or off;
- toggle moonlight mode on or off;
- change the cycle order (Low to High, or High to Low).
Here is a guide from Rey’s website:
Thanks Kevin Manley for the more detailed manual.
Reylight Mini Pineapple Programming Guide
1. (Full click to) Turn on the light.
2. Half click the button 8+ times. The light will now blink once, then strobe, blink twice, then strobe, blink three times, then strobe…After 5 blinks and a strobe, the sequence repeats.
a. 1 blink: mode group selection. Half click the button to enter this menu.
i. 1 blink: (ML)-2%-20%-100%
ii. 2nd blink: (ML)-10%-40%-100%
iii. 3rd blink: (ML)-2%-10%-50%
iv. 4th blink: (ML)-50%-100%-strobe-SOS
It then repeats. Half click the button during any blink to select that mode group.
b. 2 blinks: mode memory on-off toggle (default off). Half click the button during the two blinks or during the strobe after to turn mode memory on. Repeat to turn mode memory off.
c. 3 blinks: moonlight mode off-on toggle (default on). Half click the button during the three blinks or during the strobe after to turn moonlight off. Repeat to turn moonlight on.
d. 4 blinks: mode order toggle (default LMH). Half click the button during the four blinks or during the strobe after to change the mode order from Low Medium High to High Medium Low. Repeat to reverse the order.
e. 5 blinks: factory reset. Half click the button during the five blinks or during the strobe after to reset the light to factory settings.
Shortcut: quick double tap to turbo.
Note: Turbo is 100%.
Strobe⌗
Strobe has an alternating frequency.
Low voltage protection⌗
There is low voltage protection for a Li-ion cell. The emitter turned off at 3.23V and the current dropped to 21 mA.
There is low voltage protection for a Ni-MH cell. The emitter turned off at 0.44V and the current dropped to 45 mA. The current cut off at 0.21V.
I tested low voltage protection by connecting the driver of the torch to a bench power supply and then by lowering the voltage from 4.2V to 0V for a 10440 Li-ion cell, and from 1.5V to 0V for a Ni-MH cell.
PWM⌗
I did not notice any visible PWM (flickering).
What I like about the UI⌗
- Simple to use.
What could be improved⌗
- A user manual with a programming guide might be helpful.
Batteries and charging⌗
Battery⌗
An included flat top 10440 Li-ion 3.7V 320mAh cell arrived with a voltage of 3.68V.
A piece of card was found at the top of the cell to prevent the torch from turning on while being delivered.
I tried the following cells:
| Cell | Top | Compatible? |
|---|---|---|
| 10440 Li-ion 3.7V 320mAh | Flat | Yes |
| eneloop pro AAA Ni-MH 900mAh 1.2V | Button | Yes |
Charging⌗
There is no built-in charging.
This is something to consider when travelling. I am more likely to use a Ni-MH AAA cell for a longer runtime so that I can avoid carrying a charger.
That said, you could get a larger AA-sized torch with a 14500 Li-ion cell with USB-C charging. It would take up a bit more weight but it may be more convenient.
I would highly recommend getting a charger like the Nitecore UMS2 or UM2 where you can manually select a charging current between 100mA and 3A. A charging current of 100mA is much more appropriate for a 10440 cell with a capacity of 320mAh.
Promo code: SG9IP8YKT5PI
Nitecore UMS2 at liteshop.com.au (affiliate link)
Nitecore UM2 at liteshop.com.au (affiliate link)
Performance⌗
Lumen measurements⌗
I used a UNI-T UT210E clamp meter to measure the current at turn on.
| Cell | Mode | Amps at start | Lumens @turn on | Lumens @30 sec | Lumens @10 min |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ni-MH | 2% | 0.06 A | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Ni-MH | 10% | 0.17 A | 18 | 20 | 18 |
| Ni-MH | 20% | 0.24 A | 29 | 29 | 28 |
| Ni-MH | 50% | 0.64 A | 71 | 72 | 37 |
| Ni-MH | 100% | 2.62 A | 126 | 98 | 20 |
| 10440 | 2% | 0.13 A | 25 | 25 | 24 |
| 10440 | 10% | 0.35 A | 67 | 63 | 59 |
| 10440 | 20% | 0.42 A | 90 | 86 | 76 |
| 10440 | 50% | 0.78 A | 189 | 176 | 94 |
| 10440 | 100% | 1.52 A | 394 | 331 | 97 |
Standby drain⌗
There is no standby drain. This torch has a mechanical tailswitch.
Runtime graphs⌗
I used my own DIY lumen tube with a TSL2591 sensor and forked bmengineer’s project RuTiTe to record runtimes.
Note: Lumen measurements may be off by 10% with my DIY lumen tube.
The room temperature was about 20 C.
Runtime⌗
Here is a summary of the runtime results:
| Cell | Mode | Runtime result | Final voltage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10440 | 100% | 51min 53s | 3.20 |
| 10440 | 50% | 54min 12s | 3.12 |
| 10440 | 20% | 10min+ | |
| 10440 | 10% | 10min+ | |
| 10440 | 2% | 10min+ | |
| Ni-MH | 100% | 5h 26min 39s | 1.05 |
| Ni-MH | 50% | 2h 50min 47s | 0.80 |
| Ni-MH | 20% | 10min+ | |
| Ni-MH | 10% | 10min+ | |
| Ni-MH | 2% | 10min+ |
The runtime result is the time until my lumen tube no longer detected more than 1 lumen.
I stopped recording after 10 minutes for 2%, 10% and 20% modes.
The runtime is pretty good with a Ni-MH AAA battery. But I usually keep a 10440 Li-ion cell in my Pineapple Mini’s and charge them once every few months. I use moonlight and 2% modes the most often around the house at night.
Throw⌗
I took lux measurements with a UNI-T UT383BT at 30 seconds. 10% and 20% were measured at one metre. 50% and 100% were measured at two metres.
| Cell | Mode | Candela measured (cd) | Distance (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ni-MH | 10% | 13 | 7 |
| Ni-MH | 20% | 51 | 14 |
| Ni-MH | 50% | 180 | 26 |
| Ni-MH | 100% | 252 | 31 |
| 10440 | 10% | 63 | 15 |
| 10440 | 20% | 228 | 30 |
| 10440 | 50% | 484 | 44 |
| 10440 | 100% | 920 | 60 |
Beamshots⌗
I went to a local park and aimed the ReyLight Pineapple Mini at a tree 70 metres away while using 100%.
Beamshots were taken using a Sony RX100M2 using 3.2", f3.2, ISO 100, 5000K WB.
ReyLight Pineapple Mini (100%)⌗
Acebeam Pokelit 2AA (High)⌗
Lumintop PK27 (High 2xAAA)⌗
Conclusion⌗
The ReyLight Pineapple Mini is my favourite EDC torch. I love the slim profile of this AAA-sized torch.
The runtime results for the 10440 Li-ion cell were not great. But I find a 10440 320mAh cell to be adequate for use around the house.
The simple user interface and advanced configuration makes it easy to use but difficult to configure.
Nichia 519A 4000K produces a high CRI and a warm beam. I might slice the dome off to drop the CCT down and increase the rosiness.
Michael, a torch enthusiast in Australia, sent me a few trits. I have to put a green trit in this green Pineapple Mini next!
There are plenty of different options available to customise your Pineapple Mini. Rey tends to run out of stock very quickly. I would recommend getting one if you see one available!
Pros:⌗
- Excellent build quality.
- Perfect EDC size.
- Simple UI.
- High CRI.
- Warm CCT.
- Mod friendly.
Cons:⌗
- Certain button top 10440 cells are too long.
Price⌗
This aluminium version of the ReyLight Pineapple Mini, with an included 10440 cell, retails for about US$31.50 at the time of writing.
Sales are very rare but Rey did have a “Buy One Get One Free” sale recently while preparing to move to a new workshop.
ReyLight usually produce torches made of titanium, copper, brass etc where those can cost 1.5x to 2x as much.
It is a great price to get started with a ReyLight collection.