It took me well over a month and a half to do this one, but here it is. This was not sponsored by anyone, but I did win it in a giveaway. So I figured I’d spend a little time and let everyone know if it’s worth the price or not.
I have included several video runtime tests in the umm… video, that demonstrate how the light runs on each battery. It’s split screen, that shows you how well a 14500 performs over an alkaline. The video itself is a bit longer than my usual, mostly because the UI took so long to demonstrate. Even so there are quirks to it I’m sure I forgot to mention. But that would have added another 2-3 minutes. Anyway, the video should give you a good sense of the light. I feel like I should have included some more jokes, but maybe in my next review.
And here are a few photos…
Thanks for watching everyone. Subscribe if you want to see more.
thank you friend, from a satisfied owner of this headlamp. Yes, the UI is a bit on the confusing side. Yes, the tint is wonderful. Yes, the moonlight modes are awesome. Big YES on quality. I find myself holding down the button and scrolling thru all 6 modes most of the time. Biggest negative for me is the pressure required on the switch, ouch!
Excellent review mhanlen, I always enjoy your video reviews and they’re a pleasure to watch. Your audio level was quite low, but other than that, it was great. Thanks for your time to film and edit it.
Noted. I am currently working on the Acebeam K40m, and I’ll be sure to crank it to 11 on the next review. Thanks man! And all the kind words from everyone else. And I don’t mind, if someone decides to take the time to post here, and tell me they didn’t watch something- more power to them!
Yeah I scroll through the modes too- they should just keep it simple. I do like mode shortcuts- but it seems a little convoluted.
Hey, I wanted to say thank you for the review. I know it was an incredible amount of work that people that haven't done review can't really comprehend. I haven't watched it yet, but only because I should be packing instead of goofing around on this forum right now, but I wanted to show some appreciation for your efforts.
It doesn’t seem to step down quite as early as the Neutron, although there is an early step down and one about half way through. I’d be curious to see if someone has measured the Tiara in a sphere. I think 890 is overselling it a bit, plus doesn’t Armytek use LED lumens instead of ANSI lumens? The TIR optic also makes it a bit harder to gauge brightness when compared to other lights I have around 900 lumens. The light is pretty bright though.
Great job on the review. The timelapse beamshots on different batteries was particularly appreciated. I’ve decided to go ahead and order a Tiara Pro A1 Warm for camping I was also quite interested in the Wizard for the extra output/runtime but the lower cost of the Tiara and the smaller size were more appealing. Even though I have a decent 18650 collection it still tends to be easier for me to find AA in a pinch.
Very accurate review. The UI is complex but does make sense. If it was the only light I used I think I’d remember how to use it, but switching between different lights and then coming back to the tiara it always takes a bit of fiddling to remember all the neato quick access modes like double click with hold for temporary max., etc.
The Firefly 1 which I thought would be useless turns out to be quite handy and I’ll often use it as a nightlight when in strange surroundings.
I find it just a bit to big to EDC in office clothes preferring an AA twisty instead, but I switch to it for casual wear, working around the car, etc. If it was just a bit smaller it would be my perfect light.
Thanks for the additional comments. I use the Tiara quite often as my night stand light, and Firefly one is pretty much perfect for my eyes after waking from sleep. It’s exactly enough light to see where you’re going, but not bright enough to hurt your eyes even if you look directly into it- again if you’re eyes are adjusted to near darkness.
How does the tint behave at lower drive levels? Also in your video review it seemed like 14500 was a little brighter than NiMH even at levels other than max, is that correct? I intend to use 14500s generally.
Overall I really like this light, UI is bit weird to me but seems OK. And the firefly is low enough for my taste, the only thing I disagree with you is regarding the packaging, I much prefer simple cardboard boxes. Is it too hard to put the light in the headband rubber thing? Thanks for the great review!!!
I only use 14500s, and it’s brighter on all modes at 14500 it seems, but not by much on the lower levels. Moonlight on a 1450 is perfect and low.
I was joking a bit about the packaging. I prefer simple recyclable cardboard packaging. I wish most companies took this approach to something most people just tear through and throw away anyway.
I have the regular tint a1 pro and after about 6 months or so am very happy with it. I use it more than any of my other lights - the second lowest mode is very useful during the night and it has the capability of lighting up a good portion of the yard or house. I have yet to use it as a headlamp.
I’ve used 14500’s in it mainly and they perform very well. It’s taken a few drops from around 3 ft with no problem except for a couple of marks on the anodizing so it appears to be quite well built.
I was also quite interested in the Wizard for the extra output/runtime but the lower cost of the Tiara and the smaller size were more appealing. Even though I have a decent 18650 collection it still tends to be easier for me to find AA in a pinch.