Today I received the HM Q5 Adjustable Focus LED Flashlight provided in a giveaway by DinoDirect.
SUMMARY
I like it. If I find more at good prices like the ubiquitous SK68 I’ll buy more as gifts. I’ve long been a fan of SK68s and this light is similar in design, function, and performance. But it is lighter and smoother and - to my eye - better looking.
This one is a keeper for me, My always carry backup is an L10 with Eneloop and moon mode for long run time. I’ll probably EDC this as primary for while with a 1450 instead of my typical 18650 light (which will go in the daybag).
PROS
- Performs and is priced very similar to the SK68
- About 15% lighter weight (without cell) than the SK68 - sample is 54g versus the 67g listed
- Comfortable to carry, though slightly longer
- Longer clip seems easier to use (perhaps with less durabilty?)
- Zoom is slide and has the smoothest & best hold of position of many zoom lights I’ve used
- Zoomed out size is about 1/3 wider diameter than my SK68
- Focused die shape is same size as SK68 - brightness similar
CONS
- Next mode memory
- Tailcap threads were dry and rough
- Probably water resistant and not likely to be waterproof (by immersion)
- Tint of the XPE is cool
- Slight ring at outer edge of zoomed out beam (my XPE SK68 is much ringier)
DRAW RATES (tail)
- 0.88A High 0.22A Low with 1450
- 1.50A High 0.40A Low with AA (alkaline)
OTHER
- Pressure fit washer around the LED is polished and cupped, looking somewhat like a shallow reflector
- Shipping took nearly a month. For me 3 to 4 weeks is fairly typical for unregistered mail. Looking at the website, shipping only took 2 weeks, before it was shipped it took just over a week to stock and send.
- Sent with basic white box and bubblewrap in thinly padded flat mailing envelope. Box was crushed, also common.
EDIT: I got out the pointy needle-nose and partially took it apart (save for lifting led and it’s cover washer.
There is a threaded pill that unscrews from the body. TWO o-rings - one around the side of the pill head which the zoom slides on and another under the pill head that seats when the pill is screwed in. There would be some thermal transfer in the threads plus maybe at the base near the driver where it seats and that’s about it - body does get warm on high.
Driver cavity is 14mm and driver is just under in many places but does manage to press fit. Only 1 spring, at tail.
Pill is not hollow but it is center drilled in addition to the wire holes on each side. Given the design I’m not sure it makes much difference. I can see where using some tricks from P60s the heat-sinking could be improved. For somebody with a bunch of spare parts it might be a fun project.
Possibly more water resistant than some zoom lights. No o-ring where lens and bezel fit together but there is where the bezel threads to zoom head. Since water can seep around lens, primary point of entry to electronics would be around LED board (no sign of paste underneath but I was able to pull out the waste from drilled wire holes) or where wiring drops through unless that is sealed - no sign from underneath.
