Review: Nitecore MH12 Pro - a relatively slim flashlight with a big battery and a long range beam
The Nitecore MH12 Pro is a relatively slim light that can put a lot of light downrange for a few seconds, but that performance comes at a cost. If you're a first responder, this light may be for you, especially if you're on call out of uniform.
read more ...Review: Skilhunt M150, a slim EDC flashlight with high output, great color rendering, USB-magnetic charging, magnetic tailcap and the ability to use AA batteries
The Skilhunt M150 gets AA/14500 right in a way few competitors do, with good modes using either battery type, slim dimensions. ond o lew-veltoge shutoff for both battery types. Add to that magnetic charging for 14500, a high-CRI option, and a magnetic tailcap and the M150 is among my favorites.
read more ...Review: Thrunite T2 - a highly-efficient 1x21700 flooder with USB-C
The Thrunite T2 is a 1x21700 flooder with the highest efficiency I've ever tested in a flashlight. It features USB-C charging, and can be put in a pants pocket in a pinch.
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: 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: 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: 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: Acebeam L30, a 20700/18650/CR123 tactical light with very high output
Acebeam says the L30 is "like a side-arm that takes shotgun shells". That's been done and isn't a great idea, but the L30 is. The high-only tailswitch with all other functions on the side switch is what I would consider an optimal UI for a duty type light. Output is around 4000 lumens until heat limits it to 2000.
read more ...Review: Fenix HM50R, a compact angle headlamp that adjusts its brightness whether you like it or not
The Fenix HM50R is a small right-angle flashlight/headlamp using an included 16340 rechargeable battery and USB charging, or disposable CR123A battery. The HM50R features an intentional slow rampdown of its brightness during use designed to prolong runtime despite having hardware capable of sustaining full brightness. There is no way to turn this feature off. It seems like the HM50R is designed for inattentive users, or to compete with low-quality headlamps that advertise absurdly unrealistic runtimes.
read more ...Review: Klarus XT2CR, a slim dual-tailswitch light with USB
The Klarus XT2CR is a pocket friendly 18650 light with USB charging and dual tailswitches offering shortcuts to useful modes or strobe. It is hampered by output falling well short of advertised, visible flickering, poor thermal regulation and cool white tint.
read more ...Review: Acebeam L16, a rechargeable tactical light with long throw
The Acebeam L16 is a long-throwing tactical light. I usually avoid the T word, but this thing fits. It's intended to be a police duty light, or to be mounted on a rifle, and it fits that role well. What I found most compelling for the use case is that pressing the tailswitch always results in max output, with all other functions controled by the side switch. I strongly recommend looking for the 5000K neutral white version, as the cool white model reviewed here is very harsh.
read more ...Review: Wuben T102, a large 1x26650 light with USB-C
The Wuben T102 is a 1x26650 light with an XHP70 emitter, large reflector for respectable throw, sensor-based thermal regulation, USB-C charging and a boost driver that could provide stable output as the battery drains. Unfortunately, it doesn't, dropping to half output unless the battery is fresh off the charger.
read more ...