Overview

The Acebeam T35 (affiliate link) is an old-school dual-switch flashlight with a modern USB-C charging port and a long-throwing Luminus SFT-40 LED.

Ten years ago, nearly every major flashlight manufacturer had a tube-shaped model powered by a single 18650 battery where a tailswitch controlled power, a sideswitch cycled through five brightness levels, and the last-used mode was always remembered. Acebeam's was called the EC35, and its second generation was one of the first to move away from that user interface to one where the tailswitch was high-only and other functions were accessed from the sideswitch. While more complicated to learn, the high-only tailswitch is ideal for the stressful situations in which one might use a duty or "tactical" light. I was surprised to see the T35 return to the old user interface, particularly in combination with "tactical" marketing.

There is a broad category of users for whom a light like the T35 is ideal, but it's not people who respond to life-threatening emergencies; it's people who don't want to have to think about their flashlight. The interface can be explained in seconds, and nearly everyone in the modern world has a USB power supply. That ease of use is combined with excellent build quality and competitive performance, so for the right user, the T35 is recommended

Specifications

Highlights

• Excellent build quality
• Neutral tint
• Compatible with all 18650 batteries

Lowlights

• Low CRI
• Bundled battery has low capacity
• "Tactical" marketing is a mismatch for this light's feature set

Details and technical analysis

Versions

The T35 comes in two versions: black body and 6500K LED, or brown body and 5000K LED. This is the brown, 5000K version. Claimed output is slightly higher with the 6500K LED, but I don't think it's a big enough difference to matter for most use cases.

Accessories

The T35 comes with a 2600 mAh protected 18650 battery, USB A-to-C cable, lanyard, spare USB cover and O-rings, holster, and user manual.

I'm a little disappointed in the low capacity of the battery and the quality of the holster. 18650s usually hold at least 3000 mAh, and often 3500. The holster has a belt loop sewn at both ends, making it incompatible with MOLLE webbing found on many backpacks, and does not feel as well-made as holsters bundled with previous Acebeam models.

Modes and user interface

This interface takes only a second or two to learn and aside from strobe, would be discovered and understood by most people with no explanation. It is limited as a result, and does not have shortcuts to high or low from off, which may be unsatisfying to more advanced users. Slightly loosening the tailcap breaks the electrical contact and disables the light, preventing accidental activation in a bag.

Output, runtime, and efficiency

Modes other than Turbo are stable until the battery is near-dead. The Turbo stepdown is timed and occurs just before the three minute mark regardless of cooling. Maximum output in Turbo is affected by battery voltage, but only slightly; I measured 1252 lumens with a battery discharged to 3.7V, about 50% of its capacity.

Output and throw fall a little short of advertised, but are competitive. There is no power consumption when the light is off due to its mechanical switch.

Light quality

Readings are taken from the center spot diffused with DC Fix diffusion film using an X-rite i1Pro spectrophotometer.

Beamshots

The T35 is shown on the left. The Zebralight SC64c LE is shown on the right as a standard reference; it is not a direct competitor to the T35.

Max levels

Sustainable levels

White wall

Batteries and charging

The T35 uses a single 18650 battery, and nearly any 18650 will work from long protected button-tops to unprotected flat-tops. The latter can rattle a bit if the light is shaken, but it did not flicker even with vigorous shaking. Two CR123A batteries may be used as a backup option.

Charging takes about three hours, which is on the slow side, but good for battery longevity. Both A-to-C and C-to-C power supplies are compatible, so the T35 can be charged nearly anywhere.

Size and ergonomics

The T35 is shaped like a tube, and is lightly checkered for grip. It's effective, but not too grippy. The tailswitch is proud, and the T35 cannot tailstand. The pocket clip is well-ramped and effective, and the entirety of the tailcap remains proud of the pocket. That makes the flashlight easy to access, but does not follow the deep carry aesthetic that's currently popular. The USB cover is secure, and I have not accidentally pulled it open.

Threads are smooth and square-cut. There are springs at both ends of the battery tube, which ensure reliable contact.

Modification potential

The bezel unscrews easily, providing access to the lens, reflector, and LED. Most high-power 3-volt LEDs that are 5mm on a side or less could be used here.