http://www.cnqualitygoods.com/goods.php?id=1288
CITCAT CREE R5 1xAA/14500 350-lumen EDC Flashlight
- Size: 96mmx20mm
- Netweight: 50g
- Use CREE XP-G R5 : 500,00 hrs lifespan
- Max output: 240-350 lumen
- 2 groups: 3+4 mode setting-- Goup I: 3 modes - brightness hi>mid>lo + Group II: 4mode--Lo>Hi>Strobe>SOS; When the light blink once on Lo mode, turn it off; then turn it on again to change Group.
- Made of aluminum alloy
- Battery: AA / 14500 (not included)
- Switch: Stainless Steel tail cap Click on/off
- Waterproof:IPX 8
For review , the Citcat AA - 14500 .
Now why does this light look like a 1970's Lipstick ? Damn I must be old to remember something like that .
Anyhow , the Citcat is a well made light , the clicky feels fine , and works just fine . Due to the way the reflector is situated the beam is some what ringy on a white wall , but once outside is not noticeable . Threads are excellent , the knurling is good as is the anodizing , in fact no complaints for the construction .
Now where I have issue with this light is the terribly inefficient driver , it is not good on a AA , and its not good on a 14500 , in fact the only place it impresses is on high with either battery , and that's just a shame , but then you may be impressed enough to buy one , so lets move onto the performance figures ..
AA Nimh = High 153 @ 1.95A / Medium 64 @ 1.35A / Low 30 @ 1.06A
Alkaline = High 106 @ 1.53A / Medium 60 @ 1.16A / Low 30 @ 1.03A
Dry Cell = High 72 @ 1.31A / Medium 49 @ 1.16A / Low 31 @ 0.86A
14500 = High 420 @ 1.63A sags to 350 - in 60seconds / Medium 94 @ 0.8A / Low 33 @ 0.28A
The performance VS current is terrible in any mode except high ...
I have to say , driver efficiency aside , the Citcat is a interesting light , and it really does look like some effort has gone into making the light water proof , in fact it looks like a great deal of thought was put into the design .
Apart from the driver efficiency , this is a very nice light .
As long as you leave the light on for more than 5 seconds it will restart in that mode , even if you only turn it off for one second .
The button [ clicky ] does extend out past the back of the body , but being a metal button the light is able to tailstand on the button .
To change mode levels , start in or go to low mode , wait for the blink [ light turns of and back on ] then click three times and you in the other level .. I prefer 3 mode less the junk , but should you enjoy strobe and SOS , they are there for you .
There is only the slightest battery slop when shaking the light vigorously , but nothing to worry about [ not anywhere close enough to change modes on you ] .
Well machined threads
Glass Lens
Well finished
Tailstands [ on clicky ]
Good output on high
Terrible efficiency in Low and Medium
Negligible battery slop when shaken vigorously
Beam is slightly ringy [ white wall ]
Comes with spare O rings + clicky
Very Blue'ish beam color in low and medium [ turns whiter in high ]
Low - Med - High on a AA