Xtar TZ58
This fine flashlight arrived unheralded, sporting stickers in lieu of laser-etched graphics, identifying brand/settings. I am proceeding on the exciting assumption that the TZ58 is a soon-to-be-released addition to Xtar's tactical series and that this evaluation sample is a pre-production flashlight sent me for purposes of review.
The TZ58 is a very good flashlight. With the tactical lanyard ring and clip, my first thought was Olight Warrior but the Fenix TA 21/20 would be a closer comparison, except for the TA's much less impressive XR-E emitter. My gripes are few and while a top quality torch like this will compete well in the general market, it may not appeal to the hard-core flashlight crowd. Foy's opinion is easily justified; two amps. A safely driven XM-L makes sense for the vast ocean of consumers because even at two amps, the T6 emitter is a sterling performer. It will likely be brighter than most people expect. No doubt, many will find the mag-ring mode control entertaining and with everything else this light offers, the TZ58 will probably be the best flashlight most customers will ever own. For the flashlight faithful however, XM-L greatness lies beyond three amps and at an expected $87.80 MSRP, better performers can be had for less. With those caveats, the TZ58 is:
Foyapproved
Bottom line: The Xtar TZ58 is a top quality flashlight with lots of features and superb performance. It will have tremendous appeal to the buying public while perhaps being less compelling to flashaholics. I really like this torch but I hold back from unrestrained, giddy enthusiasm because of its lawyer-safe, consumer friendly 2.0 amp driver. The TZ58 is a very good flashlight.
What I like:
- aesthetics
- blocked knurling
- beam profile
- threads
- strike bezel
- overall quality/fit and finish
What I do not like:
- under driven
- available mode choice
- loose control ring
Xtar TZ58 Tactical Mode Control Ring Flashlight
$87.80 (estimated) this pre-release sample was provided for purposes of review, courtsey Xtar flashlights. http://www.xtarlight.com/en/05-chanpin/p-001.asp
working voltage: 2.9 - 8.4 volts <<update>>
single XM-L/U2 emitter
operates on one 18650/18700 or 17670 lithium-ion battery
magnetic-ring mode control user interface: high, low and fast strobe
anodized 6061 aluminum
non-tail standing, tactical, forward clicky tail cap switch with 14mm boot
IPX rating unknown; other Xtar TZ lights are IPX-8 (control ring may effect water resistance)
tail cap draw: (IMR 18650)
2.20 amps - high
.23 amp - low
Xtar 18700/2600 protected
2.0 amps - high
.20 amp - low
Solarforce 18650/2400 protected
2.10 amps - high
.22 amp - low
Panasonic 18650/2350 unprotected
2.0 amps - high
.22 amp - low
Foyometer: comparative light meter reading
32 - Foy's dimly lit office
92 - M6
128 - TZ58 (IMR)
130 - L2P/UF XM-L
162 - C88 ala E1320 (King Kong)
Light arrived with these handy stickers and comprise 90% of information I've been able to gather . . .
Hopefully I'm correct assuming this is a pre-release flashlight and not just something banging around Xtar's shop that they decided to send me . . . for whatever reason.
The TZ58 is a handsome light along the lines of an Olight Warrior. It's a bit head heavy but otherwise feels great in the hand and I actually like this strike bezel because the spaces are wide enough for a useful amount of light to escape while standing on its head. Fantastic for night-stand duty.
The control ring gives the TZ58 a necessarily long head but it is well executed. There's a lot going on here aesthetically but the designers seemed to have pulled it off without the light appearing busy or superfluous. The "cooling" fins and design-cuts on the control ring are the only affectations and in this reviewer's opinion, would have been better left off.
I like the blocked knurling very much and the ano on this particular torch is superb.
The TZ58 looks expensive, which is certainly a compliment for any flashlight . . . and appropriate for a torch costing upwards of $90.
Size comparison to a Solarforce M6. The TZ58 is a little brighter than the M6, by the way.
The control ring is magnetic with a spring-loaded bearing for detents. It changes modes flawlessly and my only complaint is some looseness in the ring. The perception of quality would have been far greater if the control ring were a little more snug in operation.
Emitter centered snobs take note; the TZ58's XM-L is well endowed with bulls-eye.
Looks like somebody's pointy tool got away from them . . .
Machine work is second to none and the aluminum finish is outstanding . . .
. . . of note particularly are these spectacular threads . . .
. . . not only are they enormously thick and square, but they are cut smooth and quite deep . . .
. . . truly remarkable threads and they feel even better than they look.
Battery fit is snug and an Xtar 18700 extends past the tube but still easily fits under the cap.
The below beam shots were all taken with a 1/4 second shutter speed @f2.8.
TZ58 with an IMR.
L2P/UF XM-L.
C88 ala E1320 with a King Kong.
The TZ58 is a superb flashlight, perfect for many uses and made to appeal to a broad audience. I'm not sure I would pay $90 for it but am sure it will be worth that to an average, high-end user.
Foy
