Taking a departure from the variety of multi-mode offering as of late, JETBeam has released the new Bx line of flashlight which are simpler, and fairly economical. The 2x AA offering is represented by the BA20. Overall, the design adheres close to the familiar design of such flashlights in this category. The head is of a simple and clean cylindrical design. Up the front is a scratch-resistant mineral glass lens for optimal light transmission. Behind this sits a lightly textured aluminum reflector which is well finished and polished with no noticeable surface flaws upon visual inspection. The LED which sits at the bottom of the reflector cup is just a hair of from being perfectly centered which is really not a big deal from a practical standpoint. The exterior of the head section is pretty much smooth throughout other than a narrow band of knurling towards the rear end which helps by providing grip for mode changing. The rear has the electrical contacts for the battery. It has a physically raised plastic region which serves as a reverse-polarity protection mechanism.

The battery tube continues the clean cylindrical design, but is mostly machined with knurling for good grip. The black Type 3 anodizing is consistent throughout with no flaws to be found as well. The battery tube has notches on either ends where the removable pocket clip can be attached. This allows flexibility and the option of carrying the light either head-up or head-down as per your preference. The clip is very stiff and secures tightly, even on the thinnest of clothing. Threads on both ends are well machined as well, with the those on the rear end being anodized which allows the light to be locked-out when the tail cap is slightly loosened. The tail cap has a familiar design to most recent JETBeam offerings with the band on knurling around the middle region, and a scalloped end which allows for easy switch activation/accessibility while still allowing the light to tail stand without issues. There are also a couple of wide loops for lanyard attachments. The switch module used is of the forward push-button variety which allows for momentary activation by half-press. Mechanical tension of the switch is slightly lighter than average with moderate travel, overall pretty comfortable. Fully engaging the switch presents a positive tactile and audible click.

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

The BA20 has a simple user interface by providing 2 modes of output. With the head tightened, the light turns on high mode, while loosened activates low mode. Beam profile has a narrow hotspot with a soft corona which tapers gradually towards the spill region. The beam is clean with no artifacts and has a color temperature very close to pure white, good to see that most recent LED's are consistently producing pleasing white tints instead of the occasional blue/green hues of earlier generations. Output intensity is pretty much on par with most current 2x AA powered lights and regulation is maintained nicely untill battery runs dry.

The Good - Practical and intuitive user interface. Simple user interface. Cleanly machined and constructed.

The Bad - Nothing significant.

The Relative - Clean beam profile with slightly cool white tint. Forward push button allows for momentary activation. Is able to tail stand.