Recently I had the privilage of trying both the Flare R2A and R2PRO at another members house. Because I was on a tight time schedule over there (lots of iems and hp's to audition in a few hours), I think I only listened to the R2A for about 5-10 minutes before I put them away. They just failed to impress me and now I've read your review, I remember why...
Btw, after that I tried the R2PRO and imo that was a whole new ballgame. They really sounded much better to my ears...

A very good honest review.  Thanks!

I partly blame the Comply Tx200 tips for the dull treble. Switching to ones without wax guards has brought about a significant improvement. I have ordered a set of Flare's silicone tips - maybe they will avoid the treble attenuation for which Comply tips are known.

Good review overall, the overall score seems fair, but I am afraid I don't agree with your impression of bass at all. The bass was very good quality wise indeed, and in no way would I call it "bass-lite".The R2Pro impression thread has already fully agreed that R2A is the bassier version and it has an elevated bass level overall. I think you better change your valuation of being a "part-time" to a "full-time" bass head to make this review better, haha. Furthermore, I suggest changing the ear foam, don't use comply earbuds, the sound improves significantly for the R2A.

Overall, I think the R2A is a headphone destroyed by a over-hyped expectation. It may deserve a higher score than what we are saying now.

I was on the Flare thread for a while, I know people have also posted they thought the R2pro was (too) bass heavy. Again, that's why I mention multiple times that this is my subjective view, also specifically concerning the bass. That being said, I really find the bass very light compared to other iems I have/had. I don't know if there's an absolute standard for what is light/heavy and where that would lie, I can only refer to my own
I totally agree with the R2A being tainted by overhyped expectations. That's also why I mentioned that without those expectations, I would have awarded 4 stars. This also concerns the bass. Both the IE800 and JH16fp have very powerful bass, probably 3x more than the R2A - I don't understand how someone can write that the R2A would set a new standard, just if its a bit more precise.

@twister6 Thanks, means a lot coming from such a professional reviewer as yourself!

Well, the fact that IE800 or JH16fp have 3x more bass quantity is no argument about bass overall. I too think that you should consider yourself as full-pledged bass-head
Depending on source and tips in my opinion R2A has just the right amount of bass and I consider it close to neutral, maybe a little more.
I agree with reviews on headfonics and headfonia - at least based on my comparison with Hifiman re600, Sony XBA-A3 and NuForce Primo 8 (and Hifiman HE400i). Those are amazing pair of IEMs (especially with kickstarter price - though accesories and package is abysmal).
I think your low rating of them is reflected by your preferences, But then again how can one judge headphones objectively?

Indeed, I've purposely very explicitly stated that my low rating is based on my preferences and in this particular case expectations I didn't intend to write this as an objective review, this is just my personal experience with the R2A. More reviews will come, and they will rate the R2A higher. And that's cool too, I think most people are happy with the R2A and if so I'm glad for them.
 
The reason I don't consider myself a full basshead is that true bassheads just prioritize bass as the most important aspect of an iem. I think bass is as equally important as mids or trebles (and imaging etc.), including my personal preference of a certain quantity.
 
But just to be clear, the 3,5 stars isn't because I feel bass quantity is lacking. I can live with that because the quality is good and I can appreciate that as well. Its mostly because of its IMO
uninspiring sound signature. If either that was better, or its soundstage was wider, I would have been more content and given it 4 stars. For the kickstarter price they are worth 4 stars. I just don't think they can compete with >$500 iems, while there are exceptions in the same pricerange that I think can, like the Dunu D2000j or JVC FX-850. 
 
I should have started a thread instead of a review

Very good and honest review. I've had R2A and I agree on everything. Keep it up

Spot on review.  Glad you took the Headphonia review to task.  After reading that review (Headphonia), I didn't think twice and rushed to order the (now) $270 R2A'a.  Wow!  So disappointing!  Yes, imaging and clarity are amazing.  But the bass was minimal (and I'm definitely NOT a bass-head)--even with a proper seal (I tried a number of tips).  Every time I listened to them, I found myself enjoying them for a song or two and then I quickly tired of their sound--simply not engaging.  There are SO many superior IEM's in the $200-$300 price range.  In fact, as I'm writing this, I'm listening to the Yamaha EPH-100SL's, which at $90 are far superior. 

I find very nice bass in the R2As, although treble details is definitely where they shine- I pick up details in the highs I don't hear with my Audeze LCD-X cans.
Proper seal is hugely important. At first I didn't have quite the right seal and was disappointed with the sound. Once I found the right size and item, the bass is there and sound is wonderful. Not LCD-X wonderful, but very musical, detailed. My only complaint is some tracks being a little too low in volume for my ears with an iPhone 6, even set to full volume.