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BALDER HD-1 (XM-L U2 version)
Led: XM-L U2
Batery: 1x AA / 1x 14500
Modes: 3 (High-Med-Low) with no memory.
Switch: Piston.
Price: $30.99
Date: August 2012
Links:
BALDER HD-1 (Pre-Production)
Balder / Hilo en ForoLinternas / CNQG / RdL
PRESENTATION:
Balder has sent me the new final version of the HD-1, which has been reviewed months ago thanks to the pre-production sample.
Instead of the XP-E featured on that sample, this HD-1 has now a XM-L U2 (CW).
Aside from that, the company has listen the users’ comments on the pre-production reviews and have integrated a few tweaks to the final version, like a new Med mode, and a less tricky shut off function.
EXTERIOR FISNISH:
The exterior finish has zero changes compared to the first sample. The only visual changes are inside the head, and are the new SOP reflector, new driver and new cree XM-L U2.
Something I didn’t point out at my first review is that the space for the battery is a bit tight, causing mode changes or shut down problems when using protected 14500 batteries. Anyway, it works flawless with 4 of my 7 TF flames. (Well know ramdoness leght of the cheap cells)
OPERATION:
IMHO, here we have the main diference.
The mode arrangement goes from two-mode to three-mode, High-Med-Low, introducing a new Med mode, and the current on low mode has been slightly increased.
It also features a new function to shut off the light at any mode, with just pushing the piston for two seconds in any mode, without having to cycle all modes like we saw on the pre-production unit.
Using as reference the current at the high mode, the aprox. intensity arrangement betwen modes is:
100% - 45% - 5%
CURRENT DRAW & BATTERY LIFE:
NiMH Sanyo ENELOOP 2000mAh @1.4V:
High: 2000mA
Med: 1180mA
Low: 140mA
Li-Ion Trustfire “Flame” 14500 900mAh @4.2V:
High: 2250mA
Med: 1000mA
Low: 90mA
This values are an estimation when comparing measurements with Jetbeam RRT01 ceiling bounce test.
BEAM PROFILE:
The new LED XM-L, combined with the small SOP reflector, give us a floody beam, but not near to the insane flood levels featured on the SE-1:
Tint is typical of the U2 bin, cool white with slight greenish hints around the corona.
PERSONAL CONCLUSION:
I only can repeat what I said about this Balder HD-1.
The desire to make things right, hearding the opinion on pre-production sample reviews and having them fully into account when making the final version.
Again, hats off.
Pros:
Compact.
Original and versatile.
Powerful.
Contras:
Tight fit for protected Li-Ion.