XinTD L2 . . . . Flashlight Xanadu
If you're a flashlight nut, International Outdoor is a dangerous place. There is hardly a single light on their site that I do not wish very much to own. I've wanted this bad boy for quite some time and there are other flashlights in my collection I've long awaited, only to be underwhelmed when the big day finally arrived. Either I have learned to temper my expectations or, the XinTD L2 really is that good. Perhaps both but whatever it is, this captivating torch has so far, knocked it out of the park for me. Every flashaholic has buttons that need pushing and this light pushed nearly all of mine. Foy needs superb machine quality/lathe work, flawless anodization, good looks and it has to be bright. The XinTD is all of these and a lot more so, it must certainly be . . .
Foyapproved
Bottom line: The XinTD L2 is bright, extremely well made and is easy on the eyes. It features many quality extras that make using and owning this superb light a uniquely satisfying experience. It has flawless machine work, the anodization is near perfect and did I say how good looking it is? The only possible fly in the ointment is that I specifically chose the 3-mode UI (you're given a choice when ordering, 3 or 5 mode) yet I received the 5-mode. I will admit to owning my XinTD barely 24 hours but until it does something stupid, I have to say its function has been stellar. If you're a flashlight nut, this is about as good as it gets.
What I like:
- machine/lathe work
- anodization, color and texture
- tail cap switch design/execution
- gold contact rings on all threaded ends
- substantial, copper, screw-in pill
- robust construction
- performance
- aesthetics
What I do not like:
- UI (I really wanted the 3-mode)
- under driven?
XinTD L2 1 or 2 x 18650 Cree XM-L/T6 Flashlight
$55.00 International Outdoor http://www.intl-outdoor.com/xintd-l2-12-x-18650-cree-xml-t6-flashlight-p-202.html
ordered: 2-16-12
received: 3-2-12 (15 days, not bad)
XM-L/T6 emitter
designed to work with one or two 18650 lithium-ion batteries (no working voltage given)
5-mode user interface with mode memory: high, medium, low, fast strobe and SOS
6061-T6 aluminum
HA III anodization
aluminum crenulated bezel
tail standing reverse clicky tail cap with 16mm boot (ships with GITD boot)
rated IPX-6: protected against high pressure spray, "heavy seas" not rated for submersion
selected manufacturer specifications:
shipping weight 800g
two-battery length 217; body 25; head 53.5mm (single length 152mm)
run time on high: 2 hours
"790 lumens"
what you get for $55:
L2 flashlight with extension tube and aluminum bezel
extra glass lens
extra switch (switch button only)
2 extra o-rings
lanyard
6mm neodimium magnetic battery spacers (2)
tail cap draw: 2 x unprotected Panasonic 18650/2350
low - .05 amps (about .10 to the emitter)
medium - .61 (1.22 to emitter)
high - 1.12 (2.24 to emitter)
1 x Panasonic 18650/2350
low - .10 amps
medium - 1.23
high - 2.43
Foyometer (discredited but it's all I got for now)
58 - Foy's dimly lit office
160 - Solarforce M8 (2 x Panasonic 2350)
180 - XinTD L2 (2 x Panasonic 2350)
240 - Sky Ray 818/3 x XM-L (2 x Panasonic 2350)
Sorry Int'l-Outdoor; awesome flashlights, lousy shipping department. I ordered through my employer's account (I put 'Flashlight Foy' in the comments) and this is how my package arrived. Luckily, everything was okay but they did send me the 5-mode version instead of the 3-mode that I ordered. Foy likes to feel special and this smashed box failed in that attempt.
As you can see, the XinTD L2 is a looker . . . . under the definition; fancy shelf queen flashlight, sub-heading; not for actual use. I'm guessing not too many XinTDs will be rolling around on Dexron smeared cement. This is flashlight Xanadu and its purpose need not be explained to its intended audience . . . .
. . . . stylistically, there's a lot going on here and most of it is a mere suggestion of functional necessity. With 1.12 amps at the tail, the presence of "cooling fins" serves a much more important artistic purpose and the beautiful knurling is actually quite grippy. This is flashlight style folks and it is here carried out with hip-swinging, runway seduction.
Creative excellence takes many forms and the L2 combines texture and varying surface details to delight any flashaholic. It could be the perfect ambassador to those that incorrectly believe a flashlight is just something to better see with.
This particular XinTD L2 arrived in flawless condition. No exaggeration. Not even a hint of the slightest scratch or imperfection could be found anywhere on the exterior.
Every cut; perfect. Every surface; smooth and the anodization is a spectacular shade of brown in stronger light while appearing grey as it becomes darker. The specs say type 3 and Foy has no plans to test finish durability.
You'll not find a sharp edge anywhere but I guarantee your fingers will enjoy the search. Discovering the quality of this XinTD is similar to my first experience with Solarforce. This L2 however, is little more upmarket . . . .
The XinTD L2 feels great in the hand. I forgot to take a picture of it in single cell livery but I can tell you that it doesn't feel right with just one battery.
For $5 more, you can get a "Super Type" stainless steel bezel but I'm thinking I can eschew the extra weight and polish this guy to a stainless-like mirror shine.
How many flashlights in your collection have gold contact rings on every threaded end? Are clear o-rings better? No. Do they suit the character of this torch perfectly? Yes.
(Does Foy like rhetorical questions? Absolutely.)
The threads glide so smooth, you'll be taking it apart just to experience how good it feels.
Is this just another beautifully drilled, burr-free tail cap . . . . ?
. . . . as a matter of fact, it is not . . . .
I haven't had the light long enough to know how well this switch will hold up but I have never seen a tail cap switch so cleverly designed . . . . or one more robust.
Not too many lights look this good, this close . . . .
More quality is seen in this copper, screw-in pill. I borrowed IO's picture in lieu of taking it out myself.
If you don't like battery rattle/slop you're going to love the XinTD L2. It's a snug fit and if you wrap some of your cells as I do, they might not fit. This picture shows the length of two unprotected Panasonic 18650s. Two Xtar 18700s fit with no problem.
Something not mentioned in the site's description are these two 6mm magnetic battery spacers. The inclusion of an extra switch is interesting, considering it draws just 1.12 amps on high.
Given the tepid tail cap readings, I was surprised by how bright the XinTD is. Eye-balling it side by side, the XinTD seemed slightly brighter than the Solarforce M8 . . . . later confirmed by my Foyometer and the beam shots reveal that the XinTD L2 can run with the big dogs.
All beam shots were taken with 1/4 second shutter speed @f2.8.
Solarforce M8 with 2 x Panasonic 18650/2350.
XinTD L2 with 2 x Panasonic 18650/2350. The M8 might have a bit more reach with its deeper and slightly larger diameter reflector but I'm guessing it won't out-throw it by much. The XinTD is completely smooth while the M8 reflector is a hybrid SMO/OP.
UltraFire MCU-C88 (E1320 edition) with 1 x King Kong 26650/4000.
I never miss an opportunity to show off my E1320 edition C88. When this C88 is in the house, everybody gets an ass-whoopin . . . . as it has just done here, mopping up the floor with the XinTD and the M8.
This is a knock-out flashlight. Killer good looks, top quality inside and out, fit and finish second to none and segment leading performance puts the XinTD L2 in a very hip crowd. It may be an aspirational light for many but from my perspective, Int'l-Outdoor could charge twice as much and probably sell just as many.
The XinTD L2 is a very nice piece of equipment and no doubt, you'll be singing its praises if you get one.
highlyrecommendedFoy