Ultratac S20

Also I see that KD has all of the Ultratac line, so we will probably see this one there as well sometime.
http://www.kaidomain.com/Search/SearchResult.UltraTac

EDIT: I’ve asked in the KD thread, BanL keeps up with that. KD (kaidomain): Deals and new products thread - #912 by beam0

Unfortunately all of the Ultratac line has Cool White tint. So I seriously doubt this one will have that option.

http://www.ultratac.com/

http://www.kaidomain.com/Search/SearchResult.UltraTac

I’m thinking this probably has the same UI as the K18:

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Frpm UPz’s K18 review (2017): [Review]UltraTac K18 v2017 (XP-G2 S4, 1x AAA / 1x 10440)

  • On and off: To turn on the flashlight, we must press the digital switch for half a second, and repeat the operation if we want to turn off the flashlight.
  • Changing modes: With the flashlight on, simply click on the digital switch to change modes, alternating between the three intensities in ascending order: L-> M-> H
  • Memory: The K18 features mode memory function. This is remembering the last mode we used prior to its shutdown, and turns on it on its next power up. The memory is maintained even if, when the flashlight is off, we remove the battery.
  • Strobe Mode: Like other small AAA flashlights, we have a hidden stroboscopic mode, which we can access if we make a quick double click with the flashlight on.
  • Lock-out: As I mentioned, the new K18 v2017 can be electronically locked to prevent accidental activation. Simply make a double click from the off to lock and unlock it. Of course, we can continue blocking the K18 v2017 by a slight unscrewing of his head.
  • Low voltage warning: When using a 10440 the new K18 v2017 will warn us when the battery voltage is too low, going to low mode and performing a triple blink every approximately 5 seconds.

^ thanks for the UI.
Hmm, if I read this well it seems there is no option to avoid memory and go directly to the lowest mode.
(I often want low without getting blinded first and with my memory it is best to avoid it)

Hmm . . . ran across this light in the KD thread. I’d be interested if it did NOT have memory (or simply a way to force it on in low level first) and had a NW option (or at least knew it was an easy emitter swap).

Keeping an eye on this,
-Garry

Keep in mind this is not for sure the UI, but most likely:

It’s listed at KD now: http://www.kaidomain.com/p/S027575.UltraTac-S20-CREE-XP-L-1100-Lumens-4-Mode-Rechargeable-Pocket-EDC-LED-Flashlight

Could somebody make a comparison with Sofirn SP32A?
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Sofirn-New-SP32A-Powerful-LED-Flashlight-18650-Cree-XPL2-1500lm-High-Power-Two-Groups-Light-Torch/32836337317.html

I have the SP32A only, I think this Ultratac S20 is relatively new, only one review on amazon and no reviews anywhere else I could find.

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Differences from what I see already:

Sofirn is longer length. (122.7mm vs 100mm)

Sofirn has NW emitter (CCT Range): 5350K-5700K (Neural White) Apparently Ultratac is CW.

Sofirn has 2 mode groups, regular and ramping, Ultratac only one group, no ramping.

Sofirn in regular group has 5 levels (LL-L-M-H-Turbo) Ultratac only 3 levels (L-M-H) Both lights have Strobe.

Sofirn has quick access to turbo (double click from OFF or any mode)

Sofirn has metal switch, Ultratac appears a rubber cap.

Sofirn is brighter and has the latest Cree XP-L 2nd generation, Ultratac has older version Cree XP-L:

  • Sofirn:…….XP-L2………1500lm
  • Ultratac:… XP-L V3……1100lm

So the Sofirn is better, unless your main concern is length and you don’t mind CW tint and the lower max output.

I like just 3 modes, length is critical to me (18650 lights are on the border of pocketable), and I can replace leds myself. So that makes the S20 more interesting to me than the SP32A. Critical as well is direct access to low mode from off, that still has to be confirmed.

Wow, sounds like you (djozz) and I have similar taste in EDC’s - direct access to low, no memory, LED swappable to our own choice, simple 3 (or maybe 4) modes, as short as possible - just add deep pocket clip availability to that list for me. I know it’s anathema, but I’m actually not carrying an EDC much anymore because I need to find something shorter than doesn’t bother me in my pocket. Phones keep getting larger which means more of a problem carrying my EDC light. I started trying to put the light in my rear pocket, but that’s not always comfortable either. I might try going to a belt clip/pouch.

-Garry

@beam0,

Thanks for the “detailed” comparison despite not having much detailed info.

Brightness of 1500lm intrigues me when others in this category is about 1200 — 1000lm. (Will 300lm difference be noticeable?)

I like the look of the S20 as long as it is l-m-h and not h-m-l.

Maybe they will make an “S10”? would be good for 18350. Maybe 60mm long etc?

I’m always looking for the shortest 18650 light, that’s why I’m subscribed to this thread.

I already have the SP32A and it’s a great light but it’s long…

However the main reason I got the SP32A is because it legos with the Convoy / Jaxman 18350 & 18500 tubes:

  • 106.7mm with the 18500
  • 89.3mm with the 18350

So it’s a real gem with the shorty tubes.

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So for this Ultratac I agree with you djozz, 3-mode is fine and I will also swap the LED, but I also need to know the UI.
One thing I would miss (if it doesn’t have) is direct access to the highest mode.

1200 to 1500, maybe not so much
1000 to 1500, it will be noticeable

BLF A6 and Zanflare F1 are supposed to be 1200 lumens (Turbo). Turns out SP32A also gives out only 1200 lumens instead of the listed 1500 lumens, according to 2 reports. So my question becomes moot.

(Thanks for others responses.)

Yeah, I though 1500lm sounded a little high for what I’m seeing, but 1200lm is quite bright. I’ve got to get a light meter, at least to do basic comparisons.

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………………… S20 User Interface: ……………………

  • Long press for ON/OFF (memory - starts on last mode used)
  • Single clicks to change modes L-M-H

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  • Hidden Strobe: Fast double click (from ON)
  • Lock out: Double click (when OFF) to activate/deactivate

I wished mode memory was never invented :frowning: If I can not even remember the important things in life, why on earth should I know in what mode my flashlight was last time I switched it off?

I agree, I despise mode memory.

Instead of memory, a better solution would be having shortcuts from off to various levels, like this:

(UI of DQG Tiny 26650 III)

From OFF
–1 click to med
–2 clicks to high
–3 clicks to low
-Hold for turbo

From ON
–1 click to off
–2 click to turbo
-Hold to change modes: low-mid-high

It would be great to have a UI like DQG’s above, with programmable firmware that you could pre-set/change your desired levels for the turn on clicks.