Review: Hugsby XP-12

Hugsby XP-12 Review

Reviewer’s Rating:

Special thanks to TOMTOP for providing the flashlight for review

SKU:L0028 Mini Flashlight - (note: aid link is for tracking purposes only, no compensatory affiliation)

Price: ~$6.00

Manufacturer’s Features:
Super mini size (only 15.3cm) , very convenient to carry and store.
Equipped with high quality CREE XPE R3 LED, dispel darkness around you.
The maximum output brightness is up to 120 lumens.
Only one mode, easy to use.
Uses aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, with a very solid construction.
With wrist strap for easy carry.
Skid-proof, abrasion resistance and waterproof design.
Special reflector design can enhance light output efficiency.

Manufacturer’s Specifications:
Item Color: Black
Material: Aluminum alloy
LED Type: CREE XPE R3
Light Color: White
Lumen: 120LM
LED Span:50,000h
Waterproof Level: Daily life waterproof
Battery: 2 * AA battery (Not included)
Item Size: Approx. 15.3 * 1.9cm / 6.0 * 0.7in
Item Weight: Approx. 39g / 1.4oz
Package Size: Approx. 15.6 * 2.5 * 2.5cm / 6.1 * 1.0 * 1.0in
Package Weight: Approx. 48g / 1.7oz


Recently, Hugsby flashlights have started to gain a reputation as affordable yet well made alternatives to other budget lights in its class. These days, AA flashlights are a dime a dozen and it’s easy to get lost in the shell game of guessing which budget light will deliver what they really say they can. Long story short, there’s good reason why their reputation has been climbing.

The light isn’t much longer than the two AA batteries which power it. It’s also not much thicker either.

From what I can tell, it has a genuine XP-E insdie. It also has a very lightly textured orange peel reflector inside. It’s difficult to tell from this picture, but the reflector is actually quite deep, which is why it’s able to throw its 120 lumens as far as it does.

Here’s a top view of the tail cap on the left and the head on the right. The head features a foam right for physical reverse polarity protection. There also seems to be no retaining ring. Instead, under the foam, the driver seems to be soldered to the edges. I had no way of removing the driver, emitter, or reflector from the head.

Here’s a side view of the threads. They came a bit dry and gritty, but nothing a clean rag and some lube can’t fix. After that, they turn with ease and the o-rings are perfectly sized to fit nice and snug.

I had a little more luck taking apart the tail cap assembly (after bending a pair of my needle nose pliers. Boy that retaining ring was screwed on tight!) Simple switch, copper spring and a rubber cover that’s stuck inside the tail cap. The switch is nice and solid.

Here’s a living room beam shot collage of some lights in the same class. The XP-12 may take 2 AAs compared to the other lights, but the output is about the same on its one mode. The pictures are taken at 1/3, f4, ISO-100.

Pros:

  • Solid build quality
  • Slim design, making it easy to carry
  • Good useful output
  • 2*AA on 120 lumens gives great runtime
  • Deep reflector for great throw
  • Unbeatable price point for similar lights in this class
  • One mode only, great gift for non-flashlight enthusiasts
  • Knurling is simple yet extremely effective and well placed

Cons:

  • Doesn’t seem to be easily moddable
  • One mode only, less versatility

Takeaway:

At a $6 price point, it’s hard not to be recommending this to everyone. If you’re looking for a light to keep in the car, buy this. If you’re looking for a quality gift that won’t break the bank, buy this. If you need a simple light for every day use, buy this. If you have spare change, buy this.

If Hugsby lights are all made to this standard and this affordable, I might just start a separate Hugsby collection. Really. Buy this light.

Wow it throws real well

It really does. I was messing around with it outside my 12th floor window and the throw seems to edge out my 2800mA Convoy M2 on low.

Great review and one of my favorite lights.

Mine is on the way to me.

Received XP-11 the other day, very well built, pretty good throw, consumes about 0.75A maximum with AA Eneloop.

Not sure how its with XP-12, but when I received XP-11, first thought was - they have put XP-1, an AAA model, too thin!

Eneloop Pro’s and some other NiMhs wont fit, battery tube too tight.

Just happened to use mine earlier this pm, very nice light for the price.

wow wow wow! Looking an awesome giveaway light! Need to find $6 sources that ship to my country :smiley:

The link you provided links to a 18650 flashlight…
Is this the link?
http://www.tomtop.com/mini-portable-led-flashlight-cree-xpe-r3-120lm-pocket-torch-light-with-hand-wrist-strap-rope-l0028.html

Might have to jump on this and get a couple _. Shipping costs $0.88 per item unregistered for me!

Edit: What is the runtime and is it kind of regulated? (estimated) No need some scientific testing there.

Yeah, that’s the one. Sorry about that. I fixed it in the OP. I’m swimming in links. :bigsmile: Yeah, it’s practically a steal at this price. I’m thinking of using it as stocking stuffers for Christmas. Not entirely sure if it’s regulated, but I used a fresh set of eneloops for well over an hour for pictures and doing other stuff outside and it doesn’t seem to be dimming yet.

BTW, wrist strap broke on mine during first use - its too small to fit on and off easily especially if wearing gloves.

This and not centered emitter, thats about it, nothing substantial at this price point :)!

Ok. Ordering 3 via aff link as gifters :slight_smile: Thanks for the review!

I’m not even entirely sure what affiliate links do. I just put in the links I was given. Would I be able to still put in a link to the company website who provided the product and a link to that specific item just copied from the website?

Then you better not to use this word :wink:

Affiliate link is “your link” and if someone buy through it you get some reward for it. The first one if probably an affilate link, the second one is probaly
a tracking link for the seller to know how many visits or purchases they have got from your review.
Anyway, here is a direct link, just use it to remove all doubts:
http://www.tomtop.com/mini-portable-led-flashlight-cree-xpe-r3-120lm-pocket-torch-light-with-hand-wrist-strap-rope-l0028.html

Are the Hugsbys pretty good about having cree or other high quality leds? SK68’s have kinda capped out, from what I’ve read :frowning: Looks nice, think I’ll get one, at least :slight_smile:

BTW the link in op still isnt working

I think genuine Hugsby’s use genuine Cree. The problem is they became too popular and there are plenty of fakes out there. Topmop and LiteTeck (aliexpress seller) sell the genuine ones.

I couldn’t resist one, so it’s on the way :slight_smile: And thanks for the review!

The xp-12 is a little gem. It also has a coated glass lense, not sure if I saw that mentioned in the review.

as someone has posted elsewhere, XP-11 and XP-12 are cheaper here after shipping is calculated eventho it says free ship:

Mini CREE XPE R3 Portable Pocket LED Flashlight Penlight Torch Light 120LM Black for sale | eBay?
XPE-R3 Portable Pocket LED Flashlight Torch Light 120LM + Hand Wrist Strap N8TK | eBay?

Take into account currency exchange rates and the difference might be the other way around ;)!

For me these appear to be more expensive than the plain .com US$ ones.