KD XM-L T6 4 mode 2*18650 (TK35 clone) Price paid $35.92
http://www.kaidomain.com/product/details.S020017 Link to product page !
http://www.fenixlight.com/viewproduct.asp?id=138 Fenix TK-35 ! Just in case you were wondering how clone !
KD description :
Brand: | - |
Model: | S020017 |
Emitter Brand/Type: | Cree |
Emitter BIN: | XML T6 |
Color BIN: | White |
Total Emitters: | 1 |
Battery Configurations: | 2 x 18650 rechargeable Ii-on batteries |
Voltage Input: | 7.2~8.4V, 8.4V max |
Switch Type: | Twist/Twisty |
Switch Location: | Tail twist |
Modes: | 4 |
Mode Memory: | - |
Mode Arrangement: | Hi > Mid > Low>Strobe |
Circuitry: | Digital Regulated 1800mA Current Output |
Brightness: | 1200lumens maximum brightness (manufactuer rated) |
Runtime: | 3.5 Hours (manufactuer rated) |
Lens: | Coated Glass Lens |
Reflector: | Aluminum Textured/SMO Reflector |
Body color: | Black |
Carrying Strap: | - |
Other Features: | - |
Accessories Included: |
First Impressions :
First off , took all of about 2 weeks to get the light from kaidomain.com , which is not to bad . On opening the package , I thought the light lacked a little heft for something that looks so boxy , now don't get me wrong , I was pleasantly surprised that the light didn't weigh so much . Over all I'm very pleased with the light , its a very nice concept , fits in the hands well . I also like the modes (all 4 of them) , and there spaced out really well , and the light seems to be very well regulated (very nice) . The fit and finish is very nice for a light in this price range , and the only complaint is a noisy mode switch (2 switches in the tail , on and off = forward clicky, and mode switch), seems there is just enough slop so that when the light is shaken there is a bit of a plastic sounding rattle (not a deal breaker) .
Performance :
This light seems to be both voltage and current regulated (that's something new?) . The batteries are in series (2*18650 = 8.4v) , which should mean the light is extremely well regulated (appears that way from the limited testing so far) , so lets check out the performance figures ...
Low = 20Lumen - 0.368V - 0.061A (0.022Watts) Power drawn from battery (Not related to output)
Medium = 70L - 0.999v - 0.213A (0.212Watts) Power drawn from battery
High = 310L - 3.97v - 0.995A (3.95Watts) Power drawn from battery
Turbo? = 625L - 8v - 2.116A (16.9Watts) Power drawn from battery
Test batteries were 4v each or 8v Total .
Now you have to take the Watt figures with a pinch of salt , as the voltage measurement comes from the battery carrier . So what we need to understand is , that as we change modes the voltage goes up , but (and it might be a big butt) the question is how does the driver behave ? So the Watt figures are going to be most likely out (way out man!) , so you may want to just look at the output and the Amps . And sticking to the Lumen's and Current , we can see that the light is very efficient in the lower modes , but in high mode , the light seems some what inefficient .
Now I had to test with fully charged batteries , and the output stayed the same , but there was a slight current drop (8.4v) to 2A ...
Beamshots :
Tonight ..... To be updated
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/718/12641428.jpg/ [ Full size ]
Conclusion:
I have to admit to being some what keen for the sun to set so I can take this light out into the dark , and take those beamshots . Oh and to play obviously . I really like this light , it has a forward clicky (very nice switch) , also changing modes is easy with the mode switch . There is no mode memory , and the light always starts in low mode , but with 20L , for most occasions , that might be all the light you need , and as its only drawing 0.061A , we are talking about some serious run time .
Now on high , the light delivers some 20,700Lux @ 1Meter , this is rather good throw , not the best , but still very good throw .
So far Im impressed with the KD (?) Clone of the TK35 .. you cant run 16340 or CR123A as the light is limited to 8.4v , and the usual warnings about running two batteries is series goes , make sure you run well matched batteries and monitor them so as to avoid any potential problems . Now aside from the batteries , this is a very nice light (still not dark enough to play outside) , the only real disappointing thing was the minor damage to the head (pictured) , and I would have liked mode memory , and what would have made this light just so sweet , would have been a really nice clip . Now you can tailstand this light , but due to the shape of the tail , it rocks a little and may not be overly stable on anything but a flat surface .
For $36 this does appear to be a very nice light , and if it continues to perform as it has , then I would recommend it to anyone looking at this light .
Two very minor niggles , noise from the mode switch , and the slight damage to the head , but I still give it 9 out of 10 .
PWM - Low = 124 HZ
Med = 137 HZ
High = 132 HZ
Turbo = None (no PWM)
STROBE / SOS = To access strobe - sos , turn on the light and hold down the mode switch , once you have strobe or sos [ starts with sos ] then just quickly click to change between strobe and sos .
Hold the mode switch to get out of strobe / sos mode ...
I took the light for a short walk (beams shortly) , and the light fits into larger pockets (not that its really a pocket light) , and you would not want to walk any distance with it in your pocket , (Wow a belt clip would have been brilliant ) pants pocket that is , might be ok in a jacket pocket . Still a very nice light , was ok in the hand (no P60 host) , but a very nice light never the less .