Review: Manker U11. Built in charger, compact 18650 Eswitch Light. 3.6A on Turbo, Beamshots added.

Presumably they thought most people would prefer the XPL. I do, for what that is worth.

The MH20 is SMO, so the hotspot is more defined and seems slightly smaller. The Manker has much brighter spill and a nice corona that blends them together. Theyre both too cool of a tint for me, but the Manker is easy to mod and the MH20 is available in nw now, so thats a minor issue. For edc use, I give the edge to the Manker but its close.

For UI, I really haven’t figured the Manker out yet. The normal mode is simple enough but I keep tripping the strobe while just trying to change modes, and that’s not fun. But the mh20 took me a while to get used to, too. That two-stage switch is funky, but I kinda like it now. Having direct access to moonlight and turbo at any time, without relying on mode memory, is a big plus for me. Then again the programmability of the Manker gives it a lot more flexibility. So idk, I’m calling the UI a wash at this point. Both have strengths and shortcomings. I think I’d still take Zebralights UI over either of them.

You didn’t ask, but a HUGE deal for me is the form factor. The shape of the Mankers head makes it much more comfortable to carry. That alone is enough to tip the scales in its favor.

So taken all together I’d personally have no trouble declaring the Manker an all-around better light than the MH20.

Thanks for your point of view Emarkd :beer:

Yes, this is what I like as well, other peoples views. If I gush about a light, I mean it, I really like it. Someone else picks up the same light and hates it, neither of us are wrong…

As far a the form factor, the front is round, but it does slim up to an oblong profile right behind the bezel. It does sit very well in the pocket and hand for its size. I like this light a lot, and the ONLY things I found that were negative were the sharp edges in the clip groove and the original clip being not straight, neither of which would prevent me from buying another…

Thanks emarkd, AlexGT and Leif!

I like it too, and the turbo 2 mode is very well regulated which for my purposes - cross country running - is a big bonus.

My 22 year old MetraHit 18 has 10nA resolution.

No, didn’t measure. And now can’t measure because I sold it already.

I decided to remove the clip on mine, to remove it without bending the clip or causing any scratches on the HA3 finish I used a shoelace to slide it under the clip right next to the base where it attaches to the flashlight, then wrap the shoelace to your index finger and pull straight out, grab the rest of the clip with your other fingers as you pull it straight out so it doesn’t move to the sides and scratch the finish.

thank you for this. been hoping someone could compare u11 to mh20.
id also like to change xpl to xpl hi, the head can be easily removed right?

Welcome. If you mean the Manker, then yeah the bezel retaining ring just threads out. If you mean the Nitecore I would imagine so but I haven’t tried. I can get back to you on that if you need me to.

More like ruined us. Nothing is close to what she can cook up

Use the code KUNGHEI to bring the price to $28.06 shipped

Helpful first post! Thanks

Could you please explain this a little more? How do you access the direct drive turbo mode? Do you have to go into programming mode by holding down the button for 10 seconds, then cycling to direct drive everytime?

Yes, the Direct drive turbo as the manufacturer calls it, is the highest level on turbo mode selection. They also have it hidden in the “Pro” mode blinky section.

If you set turbo to level one or two, then you need more light than that, you would go to the direct current turbo. If you leave the turbo program set to level 3 (highest), it is the same (in brightness and amp draw) as the “direct current” hidden turbo.

The diagrams are clear on this in the book, I am not the best explain-er here, but hope this description helps…

Manker’s UI is somewhat similar to Nitecore HC30 - i.e. short click from OFF turns on the lowest mode, 0.5s click - to the last used, BUT Nitecore has yet another option: long (>1.0s) click turns on the highest mode. This last option is what I miss on the U11, a lack of instant turbo access. Perhaps Manker will implement it the next version…

I’ve had my U11 for several weeks now but I really didn’t use it much because that angry blue cool white tint it came with. Not sure why I waited so long to fix it, but I pulled that stock mcpcb out this evening and reflowed a 219c on there. Super easy mod but it made the light so much more pleasant to use.

Current increased too. My sample read 3.72 amps at the tail with the XP-L. Just swapping to the 219c bumps that to 4.08 amps in my light. This little thing is quite a beast.

I have one left and may replace the 5D that is in there now… I replaced the 7B as I wanted it for another light… But then again the 5D has a nice halogen straw color…

It is very easy to reflow this LED, but I wish they would at least put a NW in there stock…

Is it sad that my order has not left China and I want to modify it already. Curious as to the size used to replace…20mm? Did it need to be trimmed or is it a drop in and tack sort of modification? I’ll have a month to prepare lol

Has anybody made it to the driver yet?

Same here. Did you ordered from FT? I ordered mine on CNY a month ago and now they tell me the item is not in stock.