The Zoomie That Thought it Could
I can definitely see the appeal of a light like this; XM-L, focusing, simple 3-mode UI with no blinkies in a compact package that's not exactly the ugliest flashlight in the world. Still, it can't be a coincidence that this Yezl zoomie says "Raptor" on its focusing head and there just happenes to be a couple of fine little Raptors made by JetBeam and guess what? They focus too, albeit at $110 and $128 respectively. I can imagine Yezl "engineers," flummoxed about what to call their new creation until a Google boolean 'flashlight+zoom+focus' search yields the answer. "Hey, let's call ours an MK II Raptor. Very original.
If you don't think Foy knows a flashlight from a hole in the roof, here's the bottom line: The Yezl T8 tries hard and it does have a nice flood but folks, this is not a good flashlight. The beam pattern is possibly the worst I've ever encountered, it aint all that bright for an 18650/XM-L and the build quality sucks. Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how'd ya like the play? It is a perfect waste of an XM-L emitter and $30.
battery: 1 x 18650
switch: tail cap reverse clickie, non-tail standing, crenulated, drilled for lanyard
modes: 3-mode; high, medium, low
LED: Cree XM-L/T6
lens: aspheric, plastic
water rated: IPX-8 (NOT! see below)
tail cap draw: high - 2.25; medium - .60; low - .19 amps
maximum measured exterior temperature on high: 115° (at base of zooming collar) 105° at tail cap knurling
additional specifications from cnqualitygoods.com
-118 x 32 x 25mm
-100g
-350 lumens
This flashlight was generously provided on loan by Langcjl for evaluation. Originally purchased here - http://www.cnqualitygoods.com/goods.php?id=1068 (appears to be out of stock as of this writing)
order placed: 4-22-11 (Foy's birthday!)
order received: 5-11-11
price: $30.63 including shipping
what I like:
- great flood
- aspheric lens provides pleasant view of emitter
what I do not like:
- eye chartesque beam pattern (when focused for throw)
- activation button too sensitive, a strong breeze will change the modes
- not bright
- poor build quality
- IPX-8 rated light should not get wet inside, right?
First impression is, meh. It does not dazzle with ugliness but with the shiny bling ring below a collar with an arrow and the word "focus," it gives the promise that perhaps there is something entertaining in store. The knurling is worthless, "annodizing" looks like paint and the machine work is horrible.
The bezel is aluminum so, no Foy business going on up here.
Plastic aspheric lens with molding tree separation whateveryacallit. "Lens" comes pre-scratched for that aged patina look so in vogue these days.
The aluminum piece threads and I was barely able to turn it. If the light were mine I would have powered it out of there somehow. The silver reflector was loose and I had to slide it back to center before reassembly.
This is as good a place as any to mention how awful the threads feel. The good news is, you won't have to feel them for long because there's only three.
Since I didn't try to pry the driver/emitter out (remember, not my light) the two above lousy shots will have to do.
Note the random nicks on the end edge of the tube. Niiiice.
This aint quality fit and finish, guys. This is . . . cast it, paint it, thread on a .02¢ laynard and throw it loose in a bin with 3,000 others until they spill over the side.
The brass center contact is spring loaded and it seems to be a threaded plastic ring that keeps everything inside.
The Yezl T8 specs say this fine little light is rated IPX-8. Ergo, into the dreaded "depthsink" for water testing.
The result?
Rest assured Greg, your light was not harmed in any way. Light continued to function all through the test without so much as a flicker but be warned; this flashlight is not waterproof and probably not even rain proof, at least not for long. Maybe if the o-ring were a little thicker?
Drying out.
Here's the eye chart beam pattern that is sure to impress.
Can the Yezl T8 redeem itself with actual performance? Off to the Uglywall to find out. Cactus plant is 55 feet away, it was a bright, nearly full moon tonight, shutter speed was 1/4 second @ f2.8. Since this Yezl is T6 equipped, it should have no problem runnning with the big dogs, in this case an L2P sporting everybody's favorite drop-in, the 3-mode Ultra Fire XM-L from Manafont.
First up, the L2P/UF XM-L.
Now the Yezl focused for throw.
Pulled back for flood.
This is actually the one strength this light has. It possesses a pretty decent flood.
Below are a couple of beam shots a little closer.
Like I said, it's got a good flood so, maybe we should just end on a good note. The problem is, this is an XM-L flashlight that cost $30. Which, might represent a terrific bargain for a quality zoomie that actually delivered the goods. Unfortunately, the Yezl T8X "Raptor MK II" is an under performing, low quality piece of trash.
Foy