650 Lumen Rock Star
Not many lights in my humble collection have won such praise and attention, as the last few days I've carried this little finger cannon. Every single guy that has seen this torch, wants it. The iconic Mag design cuts a familiar profile but its length invites a second look. It's a magical moment to watch; when peoples' Mini Mag output expectations are met with 650 lumens thundering from a device barely 3-inches long. I was completely smitten, upon first seeing it's precision and shine and immediately anticipated it becoming a cherished shelf queen. Then I discovered how handily it clipped inside my shorts side pocket and how easily it seemed to, simply appear into the palm of my hand at the exact moment I needed a flashlight. It's uncanny, really. For my purposes, the way it fills an engine bay or illuminate an entire undercarriage front to rear with neutral white brilliance, is truly amazing. Also; being the over-sentimental narcissist that I am, I absolutely love owning a Match Mod original and have no current plans to apologize for making waaay too big a deal about it. The good news is; in terms of build quality, creative uniqueness and sizzling performance, the Black Beauty needs no apologies.
Foyapproved +
Bottom Line: The Black Beauty triple XP-G is a high performance creation that begs to be used, not just merely admired. Build quality is superb with no annoying issues or finicky compromises that often accompany a custom build. It's reliable enough to depend on, is not uncomfortably small and its horsepower commands instant respect. High quality, heroic output and gotta-have-it good looks, Black Beauty is more than just pretty. It is pretty damned amazing.
What I like:
- it's a Match Mod classic
- aesthetics
- output
- tint
- beam pattern/profile
- brass tail cap
- clip design
- size
- build quality
- Match's unbelievable generosity
What I do not like:
- battery choosy
- (probably) not waterproof
- run time
- gets a little hot (151ºF)
"Black Beauty" Mini Maglite AA Match Mod Custom Triple XP-G/R2 14500 Flashlight
$70-$90 (est.) from BLF member Match Light generously provided by Match.
received: 4-24-13
3 x Cree XP-G/R2, neutral white emitters (4000k)
20mm Indus LUXdrive star
7135 Atmel driver (stacked chips, emitters in parallel)
pure/solid copper heat sink milled from 1-inch barstock
20mm Carclo 3-Up UV stabilized polycarbonate tir optic
ascending 3-mode with memory: low, medium and high
uses one unprotected 14500 lithium-ion rechargeable battery
brass tail cap with built-in stainless steel clip (cold welded)
head-twist switch/mode change
79.25mm length
25.75mm head diameter
18.35mm tube diameter
weight: ?
measured OTF lumens
high - 650 lumens @ 2.4 amps
medium - 198 lumens
low - 31 lumens
run time: 21 minutes on high, protected TrustFire flame discharged to 3.30 volts. Exterior temperature rose to 151º (F) at the head.
This Black Beauty has the fit and finish of a store-bought retail product with a very polished overall user experience. With battery installed it has substantial heft . . .
Overall length is right at 3.25 inches . . .
Clip is built-in to brass tail cap. Match says it is cold welded . . .
It wasn't until Match linked me the original build/sale thread that I remembered first seeing this incredible flashlight. And, remember wanting it very badly . . .
Match stressed the use of unprotected cells and of course, Foy soon learns that all of his 14500 batteries are protected. Undaunted, I popped each one in just in case Match was wrong. He wasn't, but the Foyluck prevailed when I dropped in an old TrustFire flame and Black Beauty decided it liked this particular power source. Foy completely understands, as he is super picky about his source of energy as well.
With a light this sexy, it is nearly impossible to take a bad picture . . .
Apparently, Black Beauty is a well traveled light, having been to Canada and Australia before coming home for good in the City of Sin . . .
20mm 3-Up Carclo tir . . . (Match can correct me if I'm wrong about the specs)
Polycarbonate lens fits snug and perfect under an unmodified bezel.
The XP-G/R2 emitters are in parallel. The neutral white (400k) tint is wonderful.
Some pictures Match took before clip installation.
(one of) the hand that made these.
(left to right) Nano Mag, Mini Maglite LED AA and Black Beauty.
As Match said, these two guys should stay together . . .
Although Congress declined to establish April 22 (Foy's birthday) as a National day of recognition, it was a holiday in casa de Foy two days later when these arrived. I don't know if it was inspiration or he knew it was my birthday but whatever it was, Match is a class act in more ways than some of you probably know.
Every now and then, the flashlight angels smile upon a needy (and poor) flashaholic and all is right in the universe . . .
Thanks for watching. Tune in next time when another creation from the house of Match gets the full Foy treatment.
samebattimesamebatchannelFoy