Pioneer C22
Overall Rating:
★★★★
Summary:
| Battery: | 1x18650 |
| Switch: | Tailcap |
| Modes: | 3 user programmable modes |
| LED Type: | Cree XM-L2 (T6 3B or U2 1A) |
| Lens: | No anti-reflective coating |
| Reflector: | Orange-peel |
| Tailstands: | Yes |
| Price: | 26.76 USD |
| From: |
Pros:
- Versatile programmability
- Good run time
- "Set and forget" - settings saved between battery changes
- Stainless steel bezel
- Nice quality anodizing
- Anodized threads
- Anti-roll design
- Good quality lanyard included
Cons:
- No moonlight low
- Only two non-strobe modes
- Strobes limited to third mode
- Manual in Chinese only
- For unprotected cells only
As is the case with many Chinese lights, packaging is nondescript but functional:
Flashlight is safely packaged in bubble wrap and card box:
Manual sheet (in Chinese):
I like its functional design.
Shown beside Convoy S5 for size comparison:
The C22 is available in cool white (1A) and neutral white. I chose 3C as it was close bin-wise to my Convoy S5 with 3B tint.
Construction
Emitter centered:
Tail cap end has shallow cutaways:
The lanyard is nearly as thick as paracord, and can be adjusted to fit wrist.
With lanyard removed, a Convoy S series pocket clip can be fitted:
Body threads are anodized and lubed:
Bezel, lens and reflector:
Thermal paste visible under star:
"KTZ TchC" Driver PCB visible:
Glow in the dark o-ring seals between lens and reflector:
User interface & Programming
I admit, many of my Chinese lights have Nanjg 105c drivers. It's a good comparison point to the C22.
There are three mode "slots". Mode 1 and 2 can be set to any light level. Mode three can only be set to a strobe (either strobe, beacon or SOS).
The tail cap switch is a normal reverse clicky, but can be half-pressed to change modes once the light is turned on with a full click.
Half-pressing 5 times whilst in mode 1 or 2 enters the ramping (low-high). Press once when reached desired light level to set it.
I have mine set up as L (lowest) - H (highest) - Strobe. It is very similar this way to my Olight ST-25.
Some users may be put off by the lack of additional modes. Nanjg at least has a medium (30%) mode.
Operation from the Off position
Single full press - Mode 1
One full press + one half press - Mode 2
One full press + two half press - Mode 3
(Lack of) Mode cycling
Unlike many lights that advance to the next mode by single press, whether C22 is off or in Mode 1, it will always require a double press to get Mode 2.
In Mode 2, a single press will activate to Mode 1.
Beamshots
White wall beam shots at 1 metre, daylight white balance at 100 ISO.
Highest mode:
Lowest mode:
Convoy S5 3B (left), Pioneer C22 3C (right):
Tree is approximately ~5 metres away. Using evaluative white balance for truer colour rendition, ISO 100.
Control:
Pioneer C22 (XM-L2 3C):
Convoy S5 (3x7135, XM-L2 3B, OP):
So you can see the 3B has a cooler tint.
Output and Run time
My Convoy S5 is only 3x7135 but I find it is enough for walking in dark urban areas. Output-wise the C22 is only a little less.
Over two hours run time from a Sanyo 18650 2600mAh on highest mode:
Convoy S5:
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