The PAD-L is the latest addition to AltusLumen's lines of eco-friendly lighting products. While it looks similar to the earlier TRI-L, there are some notable differences. First up, there's a cluster of four LED arranged in a grid layout. These LED's are inlaid within a rectangular, smoothly polished and shallow plastic reflector. A plastic lens covers and protects the LED's.

The entire body of the PAD-L has a slim profile, though it feels a little wide to hold comfortably in-hand. Most of the case is made of aluminum which is anodized, though it was not stated whether it is in Type 2 or 3. The surface has a slight matte texture, but it really is very light and still feels rather smooth. The entire protective aluminum front cover flips out for access to the battery compartment and flip out stand. The front face of the body is made of polycarbonate plastic. Batteries are housed securely under the screw-on battery cover. This might pose as a hassle to some since it requires a screw driver, or at least a small coin to remove the cover for battery changes. The battery compartment is lines with a rubber gasket which should help keeping moisture out. There's a metal stand which flips down from the top half of the front. When fully extended, the PAD-L stands at a low-directed angle. It's probably works best for working on desks while writing and such. The PAD-L can also be alternatively orientated by means of it's flip out front cover which can also be used as a stand. The third and last method of positioning involves the use of a string or lanyard to hang the PAD-L. A cable organizer is included as well. The switch is a toggle switch button placed along the top-right edge of the PAD-L. Is has minimal travel but produces a tactile feedback. Just above the switch is a red LED which serves as a power indicator.

If you're unfamiliar with any of the terms used in this review, click here for explanations on common flashlight related vocabulary.

The output from the PAD-L is a totally flood beam profile which works great as an area illumination tool. Color temperature is a neutral white with not warm or cool hue to it. By pressing the switch within 3 seconds each time, the PAD-L provides four modes of constant light output level in the following order:

Off > Long Life > Low > Medium > Full

The lower brightness levels do not exhibit any sign of PWM effects at all and provides a visually consistent output. There is also a flashing mode which is activated by holding down the switch for 3 seconds. The intensity of the flashing mode depends on which constant illumination level it was on, thus allowing for four brightness levels of flashing mode. The flashing frequency is rather slow at about once per-second. This is useful for situations such as warning on-coming traffic during a car breakdown.

As mentioned earlier, the PAD-L has a low power red LED indicator. It starts to blink as battery capacity reaches depletion. One thing to note is that the light will just switch off once the regulation is no longer able to be sustained. There is no gradually diminishing output. Of course you may still switch it on at a lower brightness level.

As you can see from the runtime graph below, regulation is very solid. Runtime is also respectable, relative to the output it provides.

The Good - Hold regulation very well with respectable runtime. Intensity variation of output levels were well-chosen, allowing for versatile use. Multiple positioning options.

The Bad - Battery changes requires unscrewing of cover which is a slight hassle.

The Relative - Beam has a totally flood profile and has a neutral white tint. Light switches off without reducing is output before hand.

Front view (cover flipped open).

Rear view.