SKILHUNT DS15
LED: XM-L2
BATTERY: 1XAA (NiMH,Alkaline,14500) 0.9-4.2V
MODES: 4 (Low-Mid-HIGH-TURBO) + STROBE
SWITCH: SIDE SWITCH
DATE: May,2014
Useful LinK: Silhunt DS15 Oficial Web
Flashlight was provided for review by Skilhunt
INTRODUCTION
The Skilhunt factory has released new launches in the EDC flashlights segment; DS10 (1xCR123A), DS15 (1xAA) and DS20 (1x18650). I’ve been long waiting for this release . From among the development. Finally I decided to try the DS15 model (1XAA is my favorite), with a large compatibility with different chemicals of this size, decisive was the indicator for low voltage batteries (14500), side switch and the ability to use or remove the Tail’s magnet.
Pictures of my two skilhunts:
I’ve received the flashlight in a very colorful cardboard box with transparent front to allow the flashlight to observe inside. The DS15 is accompanied by a clip (we place ourselves), 2 white Orings of quality, Oring thick for the case you want to replace the magnet that comes installed in the Tail, a very basic Lanyard, extensive instructions and card warranty. The lack of a holster should not be surprised, (Often we find premium flashlights without holster and we must find one).
Let’s talk about Size, weigh and feel in hand, In which range of the AA segment we can place it ?
It is a very light flashlight in his segment (52gr), but it is quite compact, these 92mm in length make into what we call AA compact for everyday use, its 24 mm head and 22mm body are borderline what that is comfortable for a pocket but are acceptable measures for a robust flashlight with battery enables us to defend well even at a medium distances if is necessary. In the block of midsize 1XAA, with qualities and finishes that place certainly in a premium flashlight.
In the next picture I show that is very comfortable in the hand and the design and shape of the side switch on my flashlight make “Side switch” easier to use with fine, medium and even some thick gloves. Also a pic to compare size with other 1xAA flashlights.
THE FLASHLIGHT
Aesthetically can remind other models already known, but keeping the lines that make us recognize a Skilhunt in the distance.
Start with something that is essential for me in a flashlight that offers the ability to mount 14500 batteries, the indicator “low voltage”. Not only has this indicator, but is also placed in the appropriate position (: applause:), 90 degrees to the left of the power switch, allows easy and intuitive display if the flashlight is located on the right hand.(other positions difficult see the alert). Little things like this add up points and make it stand above any other competitor.
Flashlight is divided in 3 pieces.
It provides easy access to internal parts.
Reversible clip multifunction. The flat tail allows perfect tailstand. The side switch protrudes enough, it is very comfortable. Allows use with gloves as different thicknesses.
The body design shows an area of not too aggressive knurling, but is something that improvesthe grip. The threads are anodized at both ends (easily allow the interruption of the circuit parasitic consumption and avoiding accidental on) and presents a square design.
The spring is only present in the battery negative, but the design of the flashlight allows the use of many variety of 14500 batteris with and without protection. (many other brands says, “14500:
allowed” but there are problems with lengh, with flat Top,… the DS15 is pertfect for all my 14500).
Magnet can be replaced with a thick Oring provided in the package
LED / BEAM
Led XM-L2, perfect centered with smooth reflector, with very nice (no imperfections projection of any class) with a cool tint (but not frozen tint). It is ok for me (and I prefer the warm tints)
The distribution of the 4 modes is very balanced, well cover all possible situations (see next photo)the flashlight despite its smooth reflector, which will give us a certain range, has a peripheral spot area fairly consistent, which make more flodder than any of the other 3 with the compare in the following image.
USER INTERFACE AND BATTERIES
- The flashlight has four principal modes: Low - Medium - High - Turbo + hidden STROBE
- With Falshlight Off: Short press on the electronic head switch will turn on the flashlight, in the last used mode (there are memory).
- With flashlight Off: Long press (>0.5 seconds) the flashlight turn on in Low mode.
- With Flashlight Off: Double-clicking the switch when off (very fast) and we have direct access to Turbo mode.
*- With the Flashlight On: *short press and we change to the next mode (low-mid-high-turbo-low-mid…), double-fast-click and enter in Strobe mode. Long press (>0.5 seconds) for* flashlight off*.
Range of avaliable voltage 0.9-4.2V. On user manual indicates allowed NiMH,Alkaline and Lithium 14500. I have also used primary lithium batteries, all ok. In other brands the compatibility with 14500 is announced but there are many issues with the length, flat Top batteries, etc., with this Skilhunt DS15, there are not problems. The design is perfect for the compatibility, Thamks Skilhunt (it is not very difficult, Why others do not do the same?).
RUNTIME AND OUTPUT
These are the values offered by Skilhunt:
LOW : 2 Lumens 120 hours :elboinas:
MID : 50 Lumens 7 hours
HIGH : 140 Lumens 2 h. 50 minutes
TURBO : 240 Lumens 1h. 50 minutes
To calculate the relative output I show below, I’ve used Eneloop batteries 2400mA freshly charged and Zebralight 14500 protected 840mA. While it is true that instantly turn the flashlight NiMH values are almost identical (maybe 5% less) than 14500, the measures that I show after 30 seconds indicate that the fall of NiMH is high during this first minute, so the value I offer (for NiMH) is an output of 87.5% from the 14500.
I can not make claims about the reality of the data offered by Skilhunt in terms of lumens, I just rely on my perceptions and experience with other AA:
Turbo mode is possible to be around 210-220 lumens with 14500, offers an extraordinary regulation, without having to the limit the flashlight, is very usable and not requires special precautions. With NiMH battery, instantly turning almost be around the same lumens, but the fall is instantaneous to values that I was moved in the plateau you can see in the graph of runtime between about 150-170 lumens.
For the other 3 modes correspondence in terms of power output is virtually identical between NiMH and 14500. Believe the high mode moves between 110 and 120 lumens. The other 2 are perceived as officially stated data.
The test was performed with a protected 14500, after jumping the low battery warning (3.45V) and automatically lower the middle mode, the flashlight turns off at 8 minutes, this is due to the cutting of the battery itself with approximately 3.1 V. Subsequently, although it is not reflected in the graph, I made the test with a Xtar 14500 battery without protection, reporting rises to 3.45V and down half way, I continue with the test and after 30 minutes with the alert on, I see that the voltage is only “1.8V”, this makes me wish that the flashlight cut for itself in 2.8V. (no problem for protected 14500)
Here in detail first few minutes, when the NiMH away quickly from 14500, then stabilizes and gives us a pretty decent runtime.
I LIKE / I DO NOT LIKE
I LIKE:
- Compatibility with different sizes and types of batteries 14500
- The location of the warning low voltage is also very useful (it is easy to see)
- Magnet or not magnet, I can choose
- Bidirectional clip
- Fantastic regulation with 14500, (90 minutes, flat line on the curve of runtime over 200 lumens)
- Good quality of materials and finishes. Cool but nice tint. Good projection for short and medium range.
Can be improved:
- A bit more strain on the clip
- Cut low voltage (2.8V, for best use with not protected 14500)
- A little more power with 14500. (but really I prefer this great regulation)
Final Score: 8.8/10
- MATERIAL AND FINISHES: 9.5
- INTERFACE: 9
- POWER AND DISTRIBUTION OF MODES: 8
Thank you for reading this report and thank Skilhunt the confidence they have in me to perform the review of this new model.