For Review :
Updated ThorFire VG-10
4 Mode , single 18650 XM-L Flashlight ( No flashy modes )
High - Medium - Low - Moon Mode / with mode memory .
What came in the Box :
1) Flashlight
2) Nylon Holster
3) Instruction manual
4) Feedback Card
5) Bag of Spares :
O rings , clicky switch , clicky rubber boot , lanyard , spare lens
Here is the original review : https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/32254
ThorFire was kind enough to send me the updated VG-10 for review ( Thank you ) . And the most obvious change is the addition of a cigar ring ( or grip ring if you will ) . So let me tell you that it works , it makes the grip on the light extremely sure and solid . On the negative the cigar ring makes using the clip almost impossible , and to that end I am so happy to see a nylon holster included in the package .
There have been several minor changes , the bezel ring is another rather obvious change to a more aggressive ( Tacticool ) appearance . Unfortunately this also has a few negatives as a result . First is the blocking of some spill ( output ) and the second is a very ringy beam on the outside of the beam that is rather visible at the higher outputs . Also there is a change to the reflector emitter to better insulate or isolate the two components . ( A very smart solution )
The other change is to the clip itself , somewhat larger now and stronger perhaps where it needs to be and yet just a little softer than the original for tension . Unfortunately with the cigar ring in place , the clip is virtually un-usable . If there is future development of the VG-10 ( and why not ) , I would love to see the clip reversed . Rather than open to the tailcap end , I would like to see it open towards the head . I like the design of the clip very much , but perhaps its on the light the less functional way .
The quality of the VG-10 is outstanding , Machining , anodizing , everything is simply impeccable . I have been using the original VG-10 almost constantly since receiving it for review and it has performed extremely well . I simply can not fault the performance / quality of the VG-10 over the last couple of months . Nothing like some other lights that might perform well for a short time and then develop annoying issues . No sir , the VG-10 has performed like a trooper , no issues of any kind .
New VS Old :
New VG-10
High = 664L
Med = 264L
Low = 21L
Moon Mode = To low to read
Old VG-10
High = 825L
Med = 370L
Low = 34L
Moon Mode = To low to read
Ok so whats different , first the bezel and second the emitter . The new VG-10 has a much warmer emitter . So lets see what happens when we remove the bezel on the new VG-10 .
New VG-10 Less bezel ring
High = 724L
Med = 299L
Low = 25L
Moon Mode = Still to low to read
Now its hard to make a direct and fair comparison when the two lights are equipped with different emitters , but there is a sizable price to be paid for a warmer emitter .
Now if we compare power draw from both lights , the older light draws more current :
New VG-10
High = 1.7 to 1.9 amp measured
Med = 0.712
Low = 0.048
Moon mode = To low to measure
Old VG-10
High = 1.95A measured
Med = 0.83
Low = 0.065
Moon mode = to low to measure
Now please dont get upset OK . It is very difficult to get a reading due to the design of the tail , there is a very narrow rim to try and get contact from so please dont be a smart ass and post that the current reading and output dont match , because I know that . Take these readings for measuring current draw in each mode for run time guesstimating .
Output is output , and should be near enough to right as I used my Jetbeam PA40 to calibrate the light box .
Conclusion :
Old VS New , there was nothing about the old one I didn't like until I saw the cigar ring on the new one . There are a few things about the new one that could be improved .
New one , what I like .
Much sharper hot spot , ( improved reflector ? )
That cigar ring , I really like that .
The clip , not as brutal as the old one , but the cigar ring gets in the way . ( ? )
I like the warmer emitter and I think a lot of people love warmer emitters ( but the new bezel blocks spill / output )
What I would like to see :
Put the old bezel ring back on , or offer an option
Keep the cigar ring ( have to keep that )
Keep the new reflector set up , such a sharp hotspot .
Reverse the clip ,
Is there an emitter option , cool , warm ?
I think that the folks at Eachine are very much on the right track , the VG-10 is pretty much the proof of the pudding so to speak . I have absolutely loved the first one for a few months now , forsaking all other flashlights . The new VG-10 feels even better in the hand , is still just as easy to use , and I love the 4 modes . If you want a flashlight thats a flashlight , performs and is reliable , well made and priced competitively , you really need to look at the ThorFire VG-10 .
Oh and by the way , check out the feedback card . How many companies invite you to send them an email to comment on their product . This is a trend I would like to see all companies to take , why wait years to find out what people liked or did not like about a product . Any company that strives to improve , to meet customer needs / wants is a company that needs watching .
I would like to thank ThorFire for the opportunity to test the updated VG-10 ( Thank you ) .