The JET-1 Pro is the latest product from JETBeam, and the first mass-produced AA cell flashlight with an R2 bin Cree XR-E emitter. The JET-1 Pro uses a noticeably larger reflector than their earlier AA lights. The head is made up of 2 separate parts. The head itself houses the lens and reflector, while the emitter module screws into the rear of the head. I suppose this will allow easier reflector upgrade options in the future if JETBeam decides to provide any. Right up the front end there’s a brass-colored bezel ring which sits inlaid within the head. This ring has some scallops cut all the way around it. It seems to be purely an aesthetic touch by the designers and doesn't have any practical implications with regards to actual usage of the light. Some light also reflects of the ring, but this reflection is only noticeable if you’re really looking for artifacts in the beam. The lens is advertised as being made of sapphire crystal, though it doesn't seem to have any anti-reflective coating. The reflector and emitter are perfectly aligned as far as I can tell visually. The threads between the head and emitter module are well anodized while those on the rear between the emitter and battery tube are coated in an anti-oxidizing chemical which has a golden/yellow hue. Speaking of the threads, they are different from those on other lights in that they have been cut with straight, right-angles edges. There doesn't seem to be an apparent advantage or disadvantage to this. The contact to the “+” end of the emitter module has a spring soldered onto it, so flat-topped 14500 cells will work just fine. The spring is gold plated which help with conductivity. The entire outer surface of the light is coated in a dark gray Type 3 hard anodizing coat which is smooth and consistent throughout. I did notice that the coating on the head has a very subtle brown hue slightly different from the other parts of the light, but it's very minor and almost unnoticeable. No blemishes or marks to be found. Rubber o-rings have been placed on both ends of the emitter module for water resistance.

The battery tube is similar to the JETBeam C-LE, with the additional of a pocket clip slot at the front end. JETBeam states that the clip is easily removable, but I couldn't get it detached its slot by normal means. Externally the battery tube is well anodized, smooth and consistent for the most part with just slight stripes of blemishing running the length of the light, noticeably around the front end where the JETBeam branding is printed. Overall the battery tube is machined very well, no sharp edges or flaws. Threads are clean and free of any machining dust.  There’s a band of knurling about 2.9cm wide which goes completely around the battery tube without any flat faces machined onto it. The diamond textured knurling has some fine machining lines throughout its surface, I do not know if this is intentional or not, but it does provide a nice grip. Not too smooth, nor too rough. The inside wall and rear threads of the battery tube has been coated with anti-oxidizing chemical as well which is a nice touch. However on my sample, this coating seems to have worn out on about half of the rear end threads as can be seen in the image gallery below. The threads are smooth, no grinding or squeaking was experienced and they came well-lubricated. All the threads on the JET-1 Pro are thick and well-spaced, so cross-threading isn't an issue. The tail cap houses a reverse push button switch module, the “-“ spring is also gold-plated, just like the one for the “+” contact. The tail cap has a band of knurling about 1cm wide for grip during battery changes. Machining and anodizing is well done throughout the tail cap as well, again there're some slight stripes of blemishing running its length, still nothing too outstanding. The push button switch is on the stiff side with average travel, and provides good tactile feedback when clicked. The JET-1 Pro comes with an orange rubber switch cap pre-installed, but you can swap it out with a black one which is also included. The rubber caps have checkered texture on them and generally feel good. Right at the end you’ll find 2 rectangular slots for lanyard attachments. The light is able to tail stand since the button cap does not protrude out the tail end. One thing to take note of is that moderate pressure is required when screwing on the tail cap with battery inserted due to the springs on both ends of the light. Also be careful when removing spent batteries as they have the tendency to bounce out of the battery tube when you unscrew the tail cap quickly.

Output from the JETBeam JET-1 Pro is quite impressive, thanks to its larger reflector and premium R2 bin XR-E emitter makes the JET-1 the brightest AA powered light to date. The beam profile does have some slight ring artifacts due to the smooth reflector and shiny bezel ring. While the reflector and emitter are very well aligned, the corona around the hotspot seems to be slightly skewed to one side. This might be due to the leveling of the reflector. Neither of these issues affect practical usage though. The size of the hot spot is narrow, but not too tight and works for general use. However, it's not ideal for close up work. The color temperature on my sample is very nice, slightly on the warm side and very close to sunlight white which I personally think is easier on the eyes than cooler tints.

The user interface of the JET-1 is separated into 2 modes. The general mode allows you to select brightness levels, while advanced mode allows you to select strobe types. Changing between levels is done by half-pressing the switch, while changing modes is done by half-pressing the switch 3 times within 1 second. No high frequency pulsing was detected at all on any of the lower levels. The last light level used is memorized by the circuit if it's been on for 2 seconds or more, and its also indicated by a quick blink. The stated alarm signal is a series of 3 quick blinks, like the "O" pulses of the S.O.S. signal.

General Mode:
Off > Low > Medium > High

Advanced Mode:
Off > Alarm Signal > S.O.S.

While the runtime on high is very good considering the amount of lights it puts out, the medium mode seems run for only a few minutes longer while putting out just slightly more than 50% of the high level. Regulation is maintained consistently on all levels. As the battery drains down to empty, the JET-1 Pro will go into a rapid pulsing to indicate the time for a battery change. If you continue to leave the drained cell running, the JET-1 Pro goes into a beacon mode which blinks once every 10 seconds.

Update: 26 January, 2008.
I've received some questions regarding this light's seemingly lacking performance on the medium level. I actually ran the test multiple times to make sure, all of which produced similar results.

The Good - Impressive output intensity from an AA powered light. Regulation is maintained consistently. Overall build quality and finishing is very good. Nice thick threads which prevents cross-threading. Generous amount of knurling provides nice grip.

The Bad - Circuit doesn't seem to be relatively efficient on the medium level.

The Relative - Uses a reverse push button. Is able to tail stand. Pocket clip fits quite tightly and can be hard to remove.

Head (front view).

Head (side view).

Head (rear view).

Emitter module (front view).

Emitter module (side view).

Emitter module (rear view).

Battery tube (front view).

Battery tube (side view).

Battery tube (rear view).

Tail cap (front view).

Tail cap (side view).

Tail cap (rear view).