REVIEW: A8 BLF Edition - 1x26650 - XM-L T6 NW
Thu, 01/17/2013 - 15:21
+ A8 BLF Edition+
Hi, this is a review of the A8 Budget Light Forum Edition flashlight. I’ll add more beamshots and info as the review progresses.
Specs
Construction Aluminium HA anodising
Power source 26650 Li-ion
Emitter XM-L T6 (3C) Neutral White
Switch Reverse Clicky
Modes H/M/L/Firefly (100%-30%-2%-0.5%) with memory
Reflector SMO
Lens Glass
Dimensions 147×35mm
Weight 162g
Included with the flashlight is tailor fitted holster.
First impressions
I received this light two days ago, and have been using it exclusively since then. My first impressions are on the quality of the feel and look of the light. The machining is simple first class and easily matches any of my lights from Klarus, Eagletac or Solarforce. The anodising is also perfect without a single blemish being present.
All threads seem smooth and well cut as well as being suitably lubed. This also applies to the O-rings.
In the hand the light feels chunky, but in a more comforting way than cumbersome. It really does fit the hand very well.
Use & performance
This light uses a tradition rear clicky located in the tailcap. This has one of thee best switches I’ve used yet. It’s has no squish or play in the boot, but a firm ultra positive movement and activation
To cycle through the modes you simple half press the switch when on, or you can turn off/on if you prefer.
The default order is High – Med – Low – Firefly although it does have memory, so if you prefer your light to activate on a different mode it is possible to attain this.
The modes seem well spaced as though someone has actually sat down and thought about how they might be used and how they compare to the other modes.
High – This is a nice high output but it doesn’t cook the light nor does it cause massive sag on the battery.
Mid – This is nice step down from high and would be good for use in doors or closer quarters where you don’t need high. There is a noticeable difference between High and Mid modes, but Mid still offers up a lot of usable light.
Low – This is ideal for close up work. Shining it at your hand will not cause glare, but it is ample light should you be doing something more complex and need to see what you are doing.
Firefly – This might not be as low as some firefly modes can be. But lets say instead of firefly it’s an ultra low. I think this describes it better. Very good for when you need low out put levels and very subtle but with a nice usable beam and retaining some throw too. This would be ideal for map reading in a car as a navigator.
The body has some nice knurling and grips and even in gloves the light gives a good reassuring grip. It also happily head or tailstands with very good stability.
I can detect no PWM in any of the modes by eye or ear. The light does use PWM for the lower modes but at a high enough frequency that it seems to be a non issue.
Output & Tint
There are no official output claims for this light. I’m running it on a King Kong INR 26650. On a freshly charged battery reading 4.11v I’m getting a tailcap reading of 2.74a on high.
High 2.74a
Med 0.80a
Low 0.04a
Firefly TBC
As an output comparison I have directly compared the A8 BLF Edition to a Crelant V9CS (ANSI rated at 658 lumens). The Crelant has a larger reflector and does throw further while the A8 is a better flooder, however they appear visually to be putting out a similar amount of light overall (I have no way of measuring this for certain). Based on this I would estimate the A8 BLF Edition at around 600-650 lumens OTF.
Personally I think this is a nice output level as it means the light won’t want to overheat and you will be able to be use it on High for extended periods. It also helps to avoid sagging of the battery and the light dropping out of regulation early.
Another big plus point for the A8 BLF Edition is the neutral tint emitter. It’s easy to overlook a neutral tint for wanting max output from a higher bin. But to be honest this NW emitter works very well with the BLF Edition and more importantly is the colour rendering, it is far superior to most cool white tints and I’m really beginning to appreciate how much more pleasant a NW emitter is.
Beamshots
The A8 has a fairly large head (35mm) and this certainly helps with throw vs more compact offerings. But it isn’t an out and out thrower by any means and offers a nice blend of flood with some good beam distance.
With a SMO reflector the beam was never going to be perfectly smooth, however it does offer an artefact free beam with just a couple of transitional rings. If you are white wall hunting you’ll notice these, but once I was outside shining at the grass or trees you really have a hard time even spotting them.
All in all I’m in favour of the beam profile, plenty of flood and immediate area light, but with good usable beam distance that’ll out pace most smaller 18650 lights.
Here are some indoor beamshots to give an idea of beam profile.
And some outdoor beamshots. Please note any streaks you see in the photos is falling snow not dodgy camera work….
You really can see how nice the neutral tint is and it’s colour rendering.
Conclusion
So far I am very impressed with this flashlight. I adore the colour, such a nice change from traditional black. And the quality of the construction, machining and anodising is simple amazing for a light costing what this does. It oozes premium feel at rather more modest prices. Had I paid the same for this light as you would for a Klarus of 4Sevens I feel I would be just as happy. The fact that it cost a lot less is almost unbelievable.
It’s also very refreshing and so very welcome to buy a flashlight without any of the blinky disco modes. This light feels like it has been thought about and designed to actually be used, not just to wow friends with.
I also like the size of the A8, in reality the length and width are no greater than that of most p60 style lights. This means it will fit in your pocket (although a little chunky for some). But with the addition of a 26650 battery you gain in run time and more importantly you gain a longer more stable HIGH output before the voltage drops and you lose regulation.
Should you find it too big to pocket, then the snug holster offers a versatile option for carry.
Pros:
+no blinkies
+mode spacing
+construction
+feel of clicky switch
+general performance
Cons:
-no pocket clip
-basic holster
CD’s rating
9.5/10
Thu, 01/17/2013 - 15:50
#2
Just one question, can you
Just one question, can you arrange some steaks to fall around our end? We just have snow… 
Great review of an awesome light, thanks chicken drumstick, I agree, mines been put to work today and its brilliant in the included holster – you hardly notice it but its there good as gold when you need it, top light! Big thanks to Rey for arranging this.
Thu, 01/17/2013 - 15:57
#3
Yah, I was thinking steaks
Yah, I was thinking steaks would be good for dinner tonight as well. Thanks for the review , CD. Still waiting on mine to arrive.
Thu, 01/17/2013 - 15:57
#4
looks good..where can this be
looks good..where can this be purchased from ? any links ..
Thu, 01/17/2013 - 16:04
#5
lightyear wrote:looks
looks good..where can this be purchased from ? any links ..
Here you go: http://budgetlightforum.com/node/15039
Thu, 01/17/2013 - 16:15
#6
Thanks for posting the review
Thu, 01/17/2013 - 17:03
#7
Nice pics! I really can't
Nice pics! I really can't wait to get mine now. I almost gave up on this light but now I'm beginning to get excited for it again.
Thu, 01/17/2013 - 17:10
#8
(No subject)
Thu, 01/17/2013 - 18:10
#9
Chicken Drumstick. I could
Chicken Drumstick. I could not see your link to the dark side? Nice review.
Thu, 01/17/2013 - 18:16
#10
nice review, like the
nice review, like the comments on the dark side too 
wish i could grab one up now before they are gone, but no funds for it right now 
always seems that way with the BLF editions…
Fri, 01/18/2013 - 02:02
#11
any runtime stats with this
any runtime stats with this bad boy?
Fri, 01/18/2013 - 02:25
#12
635g?
Well, if it’s
635g?
Well, if it’s decimal point mistake, 63.5g would be too light for its size. But 635g… is even heavier than the king with 4 batteries. 
Fri, 01/18/2013 - 04:07
#13
My 1586th post giveaway: Winner is Pulsar!
wish i could grab one up now before they are gone, but no funds for it right now always seems that way with the BLF editions...
always seems that way with the BLF editions...I can't let that happen. Please PM your address and I'll order you one.
Fri, 01/18/2013 - 04:34
#14
Pulsar13 wrote:635g?
Well,
635g?
Well, if it’s decimal point mistake, 63.5g would be too light for its size. But 635g… is even heavier than the king with 4 batteries. :)
oops. Just weighed it myself (cut & paste from another website previously….) and it’s 162g with no battery. Review updated.
Fri, 01/18/2013 - 05:10
#15
CPF review disappeared?
CPF review disappeared? Weird. I wouldn't have thought so.. ;)
Fri, 01/18/2013 - 06:17
#16
_the_ wrote:CPF review
CPF review disappeared? Weird. I wouldn’t have thought so.. ;)
Now that’s just ridiculous. I wonder if Nitecore gave them money, would they pull all mention of Jetbeam products?
Enough said about that…lets not let this thread take a detour.
Fri, 01/18/2013 - 12:53
#17
that’s odd.. mine only
that’s odd.. mine only measure 1.6 Amp high
Fri, 01/18/2013 - 14:43
#18
DayLighter wrote:that’s odd..
that’s odd.. mine only measure 1.6 Amp high :(
What battery are you using?
Fri, 01/18/2013 - 15:54
#19
_the_ wrote:Pulsar wrote:wish
wish i could grab one up now before they are gone, but no funds for it right now always seems that way with the BLF editions…
always seems that way with the BLF editions…I can’t let that happen. Please PM your address and I’ll order you one.
How about if we make it 50 / 50, =the= 
Fri, 01/18/2013 - 15:45
#20
You gotta watch what you say
You gotta watch what you say on this forum lol
Almost feel kind of guilty, since its not really a necessity. But I couldn’t pass it up.
Guess I’ll have to pay it forward in a couple weeks to another lucky blf member or two.
I really appreciate the generosity of this forum
Fri, 01/18/2013 - 15:52
#21
I had no idea about CPF’s
I had no idea about CPF’s censorship.
Fri, 01/18/2013 - 16:18
#22
Pulsar wrote:You gotta watch
You gotta watch what you say on this forum lol
Almost feel kind of guilty, since its not really a necessity. But I couldn’t pass it up.
Guess I’ll have to pay it forward in a couple weeks to another lucky blf member or two.
I really appreciate the generosity of this forum
Almost feel kind of guilty, since its not really a necessity. But I couldn’t pass it up.
Guess I’ll have to pay it forward in a couple weeks to another lucky blf member or two.
I really appreciate the generosity of this forum
That’s what keeps me here, our community willing to share, I agree, when your on your feet, pay it forward, you never know when someone’s on their arse, and its suprising how much of a boost a gift out of the blue can give, both for the recipient and the good Samaritan 
Fri, 01/18/2013 - 16:36
#23
Thanks, but no thanks!
How about if we make it 50 / 50, =the= ;)
Thanks for the offer, but no need. PayPal would be the only winner in this small transfers..
But I dare you to give one to someone else, making both him & Rey happy.
Fri, 01/18/2013 - 16:39
#24
Chicken Drumstick
that’s odd.. mine only measure 1.6 Amp high :(
What battery are you using?
the one that came with it..trustfire
Fri, 01/18/2013 - 16:39
#25
I beleive the CPF ban is a
I beleive the CPF ban is a direct response to the shit they receive on this forum.
You can’t argue that you guys rip the shit out of them.
Fri, 01/18/2013 - 17:01
#26
Justice wrote:I beleive the
I beleive the CPF ban is a direct response to the shit they receive on this forum.
You can’t argue that you guys rip the s*** out of them.
Thankyou for signing up, purely to state the obvious….
The fact is, the only suprise is how long it took for the review to be deleted.
Heck, we took dares on who would post the review.
Now first things first, welcome to the more light hearted side of flashlight forums, second, please edit your language, this is a family forum. Third, cpf is ribbed so much precisely because of their poor management, poor moderation, elitism, Nazi attitude towards conversation, simply crap server maintenance and blind, sheep like demeanor of many of its members. We have news for you, budget lights can be just as reliable, just as well made as brand name lights – many of the brand name lights are in fact made in China….
Hopefully, you’ll take this as the mild mickey taking its partially intended to be, suck it up, have a read and possibly learn a few things, you never know, you might even enjoy yourself here. We all do, because the forum, members and owner are freaking awesome!
Fri, 01/18/2013 - 17:38
#27
Justice wrote:I beleive the
I beleive the CPF ban is a direct response to the shit they receive on this forum.
You can’t argue that you guys rip the shit out of them.
However, I’ve never seen a review of flashlight/gadget published on CPF banned here. On the contrary many link to CPF when there is useful information there.
Banning a honest flashlight review tells me more about CPF than thousand words can.
But I won’t be offtopic. I just received a note from post office that my BLF A8 arrived. I am excited
Fri, 01/18/2013 - 17:38
#28
Hmmm, my rant got derailed
Hmmm, my rant got derailed 
– the post you are replying to has been deleted. I put some effort into that rant too….
Fri, 01/18/2013 - 17:40
#29
gords1001 wrote:Hmmm, my rant
Hmmm, my rant got derailed – the post you are replying to has been deleted. I put some effort into that rant too….
– the post you are replying to has been deleted. I put some effort into that rant too….Don’t you just hate it when that happens. I am kind of a fan of a good rant 
Fri, 01/18/2013 - 17:54
#30
Paranid wrote:gords1001
Hmmm, my rant got derailed – the post you are replying to has been deleted. I put some effort into that rant too….
– the post you are replying to has been deleted. I put some effort into that rant too….Don’t you just hate it when that happens. I am kind of a fan of a good rant :party:
Me too, particularly when I tried to edit out swearing (takes a lot of effort) and make it of comedy value to other readers.
Fri, 01/18/2013 - 17:56
#31
One things for sure,
One things for sure, questions have been raised about the member I quoted, I think this all speaks volumes. As I said in my rant, they’ve hardly contributed and their presense really wouldn’t be missed.
Fri, 01/18/2013 - 18:49
#32
Hm, I´d love to see a
Hm, I´d love to see a comparison with a UF-2100.
Speaking of design I don´t get the idea behind this light (like I don´t get it with 90% of the lights).
Why are the long grooves split into two parts and why does the tailcap has a completely different designed grooves?
Plus, the front part with the cooling fins: at leats three different parts that don´t fit together?
It´s not that it is a problem with this specific model but with almost any light.
Fri, 01/18/2013 - 19:06
#33
The comparison is easy, this
The comparison is easy, this is bigger and won’t over heat. As for the host criticism it works, its extremely grippy, there are no sharp machining points. The nurling to the tailcap aids grip in cell replacement, the fins in the head aid cooling, it has the mass to cope with an xm-l at 3a, the finish on mine is flawless and the modes are perfect. It’s no pocket light, hence the holster, but it edc’s fine on a belt. It will out throw any >20mm 18650edc xm-l host – bigger reflector.
Comparison done.
Fri, 01/18/2013 - 19:08
#34
Yeah, but what about
Yeah, but what about brightness and beam pattern?
- P
Fri, 01/18/2013 - 21:03
#35
MrCG, what do you want to
MrCG, what do you want to see? A comparison of beam profile and a picture of them next to each other sound good? In other news, I got mine today. 
__________________
My LED comparison thread with links.
Tint, Binning, and CRI Explanation (For the XM-L)
Li-ion Battery Safety and Shopping Guide
Now taking suggestions for next article
Sat, 01/19/2013 - 01:34
#36
Paranid wrote:Justice wrote:I
I beleive the CPF ban is a direct response to the shit they receive on this forum.
You can’t argue that you guys rip the shit out of them.
However, I’ve never seen a review of flashlight/gadget published on CPF banned here. On the contrary many link to CPF when there is useful information there.
Banning a honest flashlight review tells me more about CPF than thousand words can.
But I won’t be offtopic. I just received a note from post office that my BLF A8 arrived. I am excited 8)
And conversely you’ll see nothing derogatory ever written about BLF on CPF
Sat, 01/19/2013 - 01:46
#37
thats because any mention of
thats because any mention of BLF gets removed. good or bad.
Sat, 01/19/2013 - 01:58
#38
Pulsar wrote:thats because
thats because any mention of BLF gets removed. good or bad.
My mother always told me if you can’t say something nice, say nothing at all
Sat, 01/19/2013 - 02:04
#39
Justice wrote:Pulsar
thats because any mention of BLF gets removed. good or bad.
My mother always told me if you can’t say something nice, say nothing at all :)
Mummy is always right
Sat, 01/19/2013 - 02:21
#40
_the_ +1 A
_the_ +1 A Gentleman..
Gords - Your response to the new member from CPF was/is poetry. Eloquent and well articulated..
Sat, 01/19/2013 - 04:31
#41
I quite like my A8, although
I quite like my A8, although the one problem is it isn’t floody if you’re referring to spill, in fact the spill is very narrow. The hotspot is similar to to a P60 so this part of the beam profile could be considered floody. The problem is the Bezel as it cuts out a lot of the spill due to it’s recessed design. To get mine off I had to carefully apply some anti adhesive gunk as mine was glued. Once removed the spill size is average.
Sat, 01/19/2013 - 05:41
#42
It's too bad the drivers are
It's too bad the drivers are out of stock. Is there a similar alternative?
Sat, 01/19/2013 - 13:06
#43
Mine arrived today. Works
Mine arrived today. Works great with my new Soshine 26650 LiFePO4 Feels very solid but heavier than I thought it would be. No lanyard hole though.
18650 adapter + holster were included. Overall great price/performance. I wonder how long it would run in moonlight mode? 
Sat, 01/19/2013 - 13:16
#44
whokilledJR wrote:I quite
I quite like my A8, although the one problem is it isn't floody if you're referring to spill, in fact the spill is very narrow. The hotspot is similar to to a P60 so this part of the beam profile could be considered floody. The problem is the Bezel as it cuts out a lot of the spill due to it's recessed design. To get mine off I had to carefully apply some anti adhesive gunk as mine was glued. Once removed the spill size is average.
WKJR, I think we've discussed this before: I had issues with my first A8 spontaneously changing modes while bike riding. With a lot of finagling in the tailcap area, I got it to quit but then I sold the A8 'package' to another cyclist that was just beginning night riding. I'm curious if you've used the BLF version yet on your bike and if you've had any issues with mode switch?
My light is in the Chicago area, I'll be getting it delivered to work on Monday.
Sat, 01/19/2013 - 16:16
#45
BetweenRides
I quite like my A8, although the one problem is it isn’t floody if you’re referring to spill, in fact the spill is very narrow. The hotspot is similar to to a P60 so this part of the beam profile could be considered floody. The problem is the Bezel as it cuts out a lot of the spill due to it’s recessed design. To get mine off I had to carefully apply some anti adhesive gunk as mine was glued. Once removed the spill size is average.
WKJR, I think we’ve discussed this before: I had issues with my first A8 spontaneously changing modes while bike riding. With a lot of finagling in the tailcap area, I got it to quit but then I sold the A8 ‘package’ to another cyclist that was just beginning night riding. I’m curious if you’ve used the BLF version yet on your bike and if you’ve had any issues with mode switch?
My light is in the Chicago area, I’ll be getting it delivered to work on Monday.
I’ve actually tried banging mine about to induce a mode switch, won’t happen. No matter how hard I bang it about it stays locked in, you should be fine I’m using keygos protected cells in mine if it makes a difference, but I can test with button top king kongs if you need?
Sat, 01/19/2013 - 16:18
#46
scaru wrote:MrCG, what do you
MrCG, what do you want to see? A comparison of beam profile and a picture of them next to each other sound good? In other news, I got mine today.
That´d be awesome : )
Sat, 01/19/2013 - 16:23
#47
Thanks, gords but no need.
Thanks, gords but no need. Thanks for the reply, whokilledJR is probably asleep right now. 
Glad to hear your copy works so well. I've missed this light since I sold it and can't wait to get the BLF Edition.
I have unprotected KK and Keeppower 26650 (protected KK) cells to try with it next week.
Sat, 01/19/2013 - 16:27
#48
MrCG wrote:scaru wrote:MrCG,
MrCG, what do you want to see? A comparison of beam profile and a picture of them next to each other sound good? In other news, I got mine today.
Ok, I'll get right on it.
__________________
My LED comparison thread with links.
Tint, Binning, and CRI Explanation (For the XM-L)
Li-ion Battery Safety and Shopping Guide
Now taking suggestions for next article
Sat, 01/19/2013 - 16:28
#49
No need to hurry. The night
No need to hurry. The night is still young.
Sat, 01/19/2013 - 16:30
#50
Thanks for the unintended tip
Thanks for the unintended tip on the keeppower 26650’s, I need some decent protected cells for a build, I was looking at the enerpower? Cells from Germany as they are hkj tested at 4500mah, and I want run time and output from this build.
Protected king kongs sound good to me though and I like my keeppower 18650’s
Great review! Thanks for your efforts!
It’s good to have this review also here..
=the=
My flashlight collection + links to my reviews and beamshots / My photo gallery
Disclaimer: Above post might contain referral links, but only to items that I myself have bought, tested & approved.