Mediocrity Has a Price ($19.95)
This is a well contructed flashlight. Put in a AA battery, push the button and 105 lumens comes out reliably every time you click it on. It is IPX-6 rated so you can't dunk it but throw it in the front yard under a sprinkler and in the morning, your light will still work. For my money, I might forget and just leave it there. I don't hate this flashlight but I haven't yet found anything endearing about it either. It is a single AA torch that works when it's supposed to. (meh) This flashlight was provided me for purposes of evaluation.
The bottom line: 2 out of 5 Foys because it possesses a unique intesity of boredom.
If you need a very well made flashlight that is reliable, not offensive to look at that runs on commonly available batteries, you might consider the XTAR Wk25. It is quite adequate. So, if you need a ho-hum, non-offensive, common flashlight that is wholly adequate with the additional benefit of not being overly burdened with brightness, head on over the szwolesale.com and get yourself an XTAR Wk25.
What I like:
- neat box
- extra switch boot (and it's blue!)
- decent quality
- nice tint
What I do not like:
- low output
- fussy UI
- switch boot seems a little loose
- low output
XTAR Wk25 3-Mode Single AA Flashlight Available from szwolesale.com
Specs from xtarlight.com http://www.xtarlight.com/en/05-chanpin/p-001-1.asp?styleid=99
- Cree XR-E Q4 emitter
- 105 lumens maxium output
- uses 1 AA battery
- IPX-6 rated ("heavy seas" can withstand jets of water @100 liters per minute from 3 meters away)
- reverse clicky tail cap switch: high 100%; low 29%; strobe
- 21.5 x 16.5 x 102mm
XTARs site says the "set" comes with a flashlight, lanyard, package and manual. Mine came with the light, the gift box, a lanyard, an extra blue switch boot and two o-rings. (no manual)
This light arrived in my mail box along with an XTAR Wk20 and an XTAR CR123 battery.
As I said in the previous review, I'm a sucker for nice packages. It makes me feel special.
aesthetics:
It's not the worst looking torch I ever saw. In fact, I'll throw caution to the wind and breathlessly report that I think it looks . . . pleasant. I will also say that XTAR lights usually look very competent and the Wk25 is no exception. I don't know if it's the all-business font with an official looking serial number (akin to putting a S/N on a stapler) or the no-nonsense anodizing but when you see and hold the Wk25, you know this is not a toy.
build quality/reliability:
This is a very well built light. Aluminum machining is superb, the threads feel okay and during a week of normal use I experienced no failures or unwanted surprises. The only possible concern might be the loose fitting switch boot. It moves back and forth much more than I would expect. When I saw the pretty blue boot I immediately went for my handy pointed tweezers (pilfered from my wife's toiletry drawer) to install this cool, provided switch cover. The blue boot fit was worse and even when firmly reassembled, the switch boot is simply too loose. Not a huge deal and I'm glad I didn't waste half a paragraph saying so.
Head threads.
Tail threads.
user interface:
This light has mode memory but it is very poorly executed. If you turn it off on high, you must wait about 7 seconds before turning it on again unless you don't mind soft pressing through the modes again, any less and it turns on in the next mode. With the forward clicky, you must be very deliberate about turning the light on or it will go to another mode.
ergonomics:
Despite its recessed switch, the Wk25 will not tail stand because it is not recessed enough. In all other respects this light handles quite well. I've seen reviews that mention the "cigar hold" and the value of a flashlight properly shaped for this critical grip. I feel very "tactical" when I employ the cigar hold but other than an odd desire to casually tap the ashes with no break in the conversation, I don't get it. The Wk25 is the right size and the right shape, especially for close-up work.
performance:
In a word, mediocre. I'm sorry to say, this Q4 yawner barely gets the job done. I bet it has great run time (XTAR says 900 minutes on low - how 'bout well call it 15 hours) and I can say from experience that it is in fact, bright enough to avoid tripping over the cat. Does it throw? No. Good flood? Maybe.
If you're familiar with my drivel, you know that the cactus plant is 55 feet away and all shots were 1/4 second shutter speed @ f2.8.
Let's use a Mini Mag LED for the control shot.
Now the Wk25.
Indoors, the Wk25 is a little ringy but has a useful hot spot and decent enough flood but this is definitely not an outdoor light.
cost/value:
I truly believe the XTAR Wk25 is worth its $20 asking price. It's just not worth that to me.