Review: Acebeam TK16 - a small EDC triple with a tail e-switch and high CRI
The Acebeam TK16 is a 1x16340/CR123A everyday carry light with three emitters and a tail e-switch. It resembles a cross between a Lumintop FW3A and an Olight S1. It combines excellent power efficiency, class-leading max output, and very good color rendering.
read more ...Review: Xtar ST2
The Xtar ST2 is a USB-C PD fast charger for larger cylindrical Li-ion cells. It can charge two cells at up to 4A and has indidivual temperature sensors to prevent overheating. Its performance is impressive, but mine proved unreliable.
read more ...Review: Fenix LD02 v2.0
The Fenix LD02 v2.0 is a 1xAAA light with a reverse-clicky tailswitch, high-CRI warm-white Cree XQ-E HI, and a 365nm UV secondary emitter. It has a useful selection of modes and reasonable output for its class, though the beam pattern isn't ideal. In a market short on 1xAAA tailswitch lights, this is my favorite.
read more ...Warranty report and teardown: Viltrox FA-D10
The Viltrox FA-D10 is a 95 CRI, adustable-color-temperature, 800 lumen LED panel the size of a smartphone, with USB-C power and an internal battery. Mine failed after a minor impact, so I contacted Viltrox via Amazon for warranty replacement. They didn't ask for the old one back, so I took it apart....
read more ...Review: Lumintop FW3A - perhaps the ultimate flashlight enthusiast's EDC light
The Lumintop FW3A is the result of two years of development on enthusiast forums BLF and TLF. It's one of the smallest 18650 flashlights, with three emitters, a tail e-switch, an open source firmware, and a firestarting 2800+ lumen burst mode. It already offers four LED options, with more to come, has great ergonomics, a fantastic user intefrace, optics that are nearly as easy to change as the battery, and no glue anywhere. Did I mention it's under $40? It's under $40.
read more ...Review: Oveready BOSS 70 - the most expensive flashlight I've ever used
The Overready BOSS is the most expensive flashlight I've ever reviewed, and the best built. It's also one of the least efficient at higher outputs, and falls well short of its claimed performance. That's unfortunate, because its Lux-RC buck/boost driver is one of its major selling points over other high-priced lights which mostly use simpler electronics.
read more ...Review: Thrunite TC20 - a powerful house/car light with USB charging
The Thrunite TC20 is a mid-size light for the house, car, backpack, and jacket pocket. Its high initial output of 3800 lumens and sustainable 1800 lumens make it well-suited to most tasks not requiring large amounts of throw. USB charging, a large-capacity 26650 battery, and excellent efficiency provide convenience and long runtime.
read more ...Review: Thrunite TC15, a powerful single-emitter EDC flashlight with USB
The TC15 is a USB-rechargeable general-purpose and everyday carry light from Thrunite with unusually high output for its size. It's powered by a single 18650 rechargeable battery (included), uses a Cree XHP35 LED and advertises an output of 2300 lumens and throw distance of 246m - figures it actually achieves. It also maintains a stable level around 1000 lumens even when the battery is low.
read more ...Review: Thrunite T10 II, a 1xAA/1x14500 EDC
The Thrunite T10 II is an AA/14500 EDC light with a magnetic tail and shortcuts from off to low, high, and last-used for $20. It's a compelling value, and most people should own one.
read more ...Review: Thrunite Ti4, the almost-perfect penlight
The Thrunite Ti4 is a 2xAAA flashlight with a form factor similar to a pen with a design suited to urban and indoor use. Compared to what's typical for the market segment, the Ti5T has a lower low, a higher high, and a choice of cool or neutral tints. At $20, the Ti4T is very competitive. There's a titanium version offered for $30 with a more floody beam pattern. Unfortunately, no high-CRI version is offered, or it would be the perfect penlight.
read more ...Review: Sofirn SP31 v2.0 18650 dual-switch
The Sofirn SP21 v2.0 is a 1x18650 dual-switch flashlight with a Cree XP-L HI emitter, 222m throw and 901 lumens for under $30. It compares well to competitors that are twice as expensive.
read more ...Review: Thrunite T10 v2
The Thrunite T10 v2 is an e-switch AA/14500 EDC light with a tailcap magnet. It was only available briefly before being replaced with an upgraded version, the T10 II.
read more ...Review: Astrolux S43, a powerful EDC quad with USB
The Astrolux S43 is a 1x18350/1x18650 EDC flashlight with optional high CRI and USB charging. For those who wish the Emisar D4 had built-in charging, this may be the light for you.
read more ...Review: Wowtac A4, a low-priced, high-output 764m thrower
The Wowtac A4 is a 2x18650 flashlight intended for long-distance illumination - a thrower. It's the lowest price thrower I know of using the XHP35 HI, giving it high output for its class, and full output on low batteries. I just wish it came in a warmer tint.
read more ...Review: Thrunite TH30, the most powerful 18650 right-angle headlamp
The Thrunite TH30 is a right-angle flashlight/headlamp using a single 18650 battery and a Cree XHP70.2 emitter to make 3350 lumens. It has the highest output of any light in this form factor as of this writing. As a result, the size and weight are higher than average, but manageable for those who value output. It features USB charging and includes a suitable high-drain 18650 battery.
read more ...Review: Wowtac A2S, a budget right-angle headlamp with USB battery
Wowtac is a budget brand affiliated with Thrunite offering a line of 18650-powered flashlights, with an included 18650 battery that has a direct USB charging port, starting at $20. The A2S is the right-angle/headlamp version with higher output and a larger battery capacity for $30. This is probably the best value headlamp on the market and also makes a good handheld.
read more ...Review and safety evaluation: Olight H2R, an 18650 right-angle headlamp with magnetic charging
The Olight H2R is a right-angle flashlight/headlamp/worklight similar to the Armytek Wizard Pro. Its exposed charging contacts presented a fire hazard at the time of this review, but the tailcap design has since been updated. It has high output and a good user interface, but a weak magnet, exposed scratch-prone plastic optic, and a headband I found uncomfortable.
read more ...Review: Rofis MR70, a multifunction flashlight/powerbank
The Rofis MR70 is a combination flashlight, lantern and USB powerbank powered by a standard-size 26650 Li-ion rechargeable battery (included). The lantern is warm white and the main LED is cool white. Neither has an especially low mode, and the timed stepdown for the main LED is quite aggressive. The MR70 is versatile though, offering several functions and a lot of battery capacity.
read more ...Review: Astrolux K1, a high-CRI USB keychain light with red and UV
The Astrolux K1 is a keychain light with white, UV and red emitters, an integrated Li-ion battery and USB charging. There's a choice of a cool white Cree XP-G3 or neutral white 90 CRI Nichia 219C and a variety of body colors. It's prone to activation in the pocket, and quality could be better. It does have a lot of features for the price though.
read more ...Review: Klarus XT12S, a multipurpose
The XT12S is a mid-size duty/utility type flashlight with magnetic charging and dual tail switches using a single 18650 battery. It offers shortcuts from off to high and low (or strobe). Its output falls well short of the advertised 1600 lumens, some modes have visible flickering and audible noise, and my sample was not waterproof. The concept isn't bad, but the execution could use some work.
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