Review: Shadow VG20

LED Flashlights – General Info 18650 Flashlights
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Shadow VG20: Shadowlicious

Is Shadow Foy's new Solarforce? The need for something different, something new, a different flashlight direction has finally been met. The Shadow VG20 is spectacular proof that bling can be tasteful and that a flashlight will not explode from your hand because it lacks knurling. This is flashlight nirvana, folks and the dopamine release will be irresistible for the true flashaholic addict. The Shadow VG20 is not just a torch with a lot of options, it is a finely machined, superbly assembled lighting instrument that has changed this writer's perception of what a flashlight can be. Pictures cannot begin to do the VG20 justice. What I saw with my eyes when ordering looked promising. What I hold in my hand today exceeds every expectation. The Shadow VG20 gets a resounding . . .

Foyapproved

Bottom line: The Shadow VG20 is a design tour de force. The metal work is near flawless, the anodization exceptional and the quality you see is the quality you feel. It has blazing XM-L performance, a clever user-defined UI and the versatility of single or dual battery configuration. And, maybe I just got lucky but this VG20 probably has the best tint of any light I own. It is loaded with extras, drop-dead gorgeous and for the flashlight addict; the VG20, without doubt will become the prize of any collection. It is worth every penny, its asking price.

Shadow VG20: Shadowlicious

Is Shadow Foy's new Solarforce? The need for something different, something new, a different flashlight direction has finally been met. The Shadow VG20 is spectacular proof that bling can be tasteful and that a flashlight will not explode from your hand because it lacks knurling. This is flashlight nirvana, folks and the dopamine release will be irresistible for the true flashaholic addict. The Shadow VG20 is not just a torch with a lot of options, it is a finely machined, superbly assembled lighting instrument that has changed this writer's perception of what a flashlight can be. Pictures cannot begin to do the VG20 justice. What I saw with my eyes when ordering looked promising. What I hold in my hand today exceeds every expectation. The Shadow VG20 gets a resounding . . .

Foyapproved

Bottom line: The Shadow VG20 is a design tour de force. The metal work is near flawless, the anodization exceptional and the quality you see is the quality you feel. It has blazing XM-L performance, a clever user-defined UI and the versatility of single or dual battery configuration. And, maybe I just got lucky but this VG20 probably has the best tint of any light I own. It is loaded with extras, drop-dead gorgeous and for the flashlight addict; the VG20, without doubt will become the prize of any collection. It is worth every penny, its asking price.

What I like:

- aesthetics

- finish/color

- tint

- UI

- no-knurl look

- machine work

- stainless bling

What I do not like:

- OP reflector (sorta)

- slight ano inconsistency between cooling fins

- could be driven a little better

- likes short batteries

Shadow VG20 XM-L 1/2 18650 Flashlight

$52.00 Int'l Outdoor http://www.intl-outdoor.com/shadow-vg20-xml-1218650-flashlight-p-330.html

ordered: 2-16-12

received: 3-8-12

Cree XM-L/T6 1A cool white emitter

OP reflector

designed for 1 or 2 18650 lithium-ion batteries (no working voltage listed)

<<update>>

programmable 3 or 4 mode user interface with mode memory . . .

To change between 3-mode and 4-mode with strobe; cycle to low mode and wait until light flashes once, then immediately turn light off.

3-mode: high (100%) medium (50%) low (10%)

4-mode: high, medium, low and strobe

6061-T6 aluminum

"HA III" pale green (?) color

tail-standing, reverse clicky tail cap switch with 16mm boot

flat, 304 stainless steel head and tail cap bezels

stainless steel tube trim rings

copper, screw-in pill

IPX-8 (immersion beyond 1 meter for at least 30 minutes)

selected manufacturer specifications:

"700 lumens"

208mm (length) 25.4mm (body) 37mm (head)

(143mm single battery length)

180 grams without battery

what you get for $52:

- VG20 flashlight/extension tube/2-sided sliding lanyard ring

- lanyard ring (single, for use without extension tube)

- spare tail cap switch (complete)

- 3 spare o-rings (received only 2)

- lanyard

- gift box

tail cap draw: with 2 x unprotected Panasonic 18650/2350

high: .85 amp (approx. 1.70 to emitter)

medium: .40 (.80 to emitter)

low: .05 (.10 to emitter)

1 x Panasonic 18650

high: 1.73 amps

medium: .77

low: .10

Run-time with 2 x Panasonic 18650s charged to 4.22 volts each.

Flashlight on high.

time Foyometer
11:26 148
11:34 144
12:06 142
12:28 140
1:06 144
1:26 144
1:55 143
2:00 118

Looks like 2.5 hours on high. Pretty dang good.

Foyometer (for comparison only)

60 - Foy's dimly lit office

107 - Solarforce L2X extended with 3-mode Solarforce 8.4 volt XM-L drop-in and 2 x Xtar 18700/2600

157 - Shadow VG20 with 2 x Panasonic 18650/2350

170 - Solarforce L2P with 3-mode UltraFire XM-L drop-in and 1 x Solarforce 18650/2400

As I've said before; gift boxes are useless and do unnecessarily impact the environment. I don't care. I still like it. My VG20 arrived undamaged, packed as you see here, 21 days after the order was placed. I think the "Shadow" name font/graphic is cool.

Who knew no knurl could be so pretty? Body design simplicity is hardly austere with stainless trim rings on each tube and a 2-sided, sliding lanyard ring on the extension tube. Vertical cuts are few and the two battery length gives ample room for a large hand between head and lanyard ring.

Machine work is stunning with laser straight cuts and nary a chip or flaw to be found.

From any angle, the VG20's design is an inspiration. This is form, following function that works; both aesthetically and in actual use. The smooth surfaces may not age well with hard use but as a collector light, the VG20 is without peer.

The pale green finish is a dull matte that seems to absorb light. It also easily picks up dirt or (as happened to me) ink from your hands. Shadow calls it "HA III" and it feels quite resilient. I love how the trim rings repeat the stainless silver of the head and tail cap bezel.

Probably one of the best looking flashlights I've ever seen and it's easily the hottest looker in my humble collection . . .

. . . but the VG20 is more than just easy on the eyes. The quality of this torch is nothing short of spectacular, with features found on very few flashlights - whatever the cost.

Eye popping design, old-school craftsmanship with exquisite execution and . . . one of the best cool white tints I have ever seen.

It's just as good looking short as it is long . . .

And, speaking of versatility; the VG20 has an ingenious UI solution. The light can be programmed for 3 or 4 modes. Turn light on low mode and after about 3 seconds it will blink once. If you do nothing, nothing changes but if you turn it off right after the blink, it changes modes. The flashy minority can have a blinky while the rest of us enjoy a simple descending, 3-mode UI.

I'm guessing a lot of guys will prefer the VG20 in single battery form and Shadow thoughtfully included an extra lanyard ring for the primary tube.

The VG20 makes a terrific single 18650 torch.

When's the last time you saw lathe work this awesome? There are lights that cost double the VG20 that can't begin to appraoch this level of fit and finish . . .

. . . it's almost like jewelry . . .

Shadow eschewed "tactical" scallops for this gorgeous, clean and flat stainless tail cap bezel.

Of course the threads are beautifully square and a silky smooth delight to feel.

Large, copper screw-in pill should provide a good thermal pathway.

Is that some Fusik or just glue?

Foy likes red o-rings.

The following beam shots were taken with a 1/4 second shutter speed @ f2.8.

First up is a Solarforce L2X/extended with my new Solarforce 8.4 volt XM-L drop-in and 2 x Xtar 18700/2600.

This the VG20 with 2 x Panasonic 18650/2350. I will later include some white-wall profile shots to better show the outstanding tint.

Solarforce L2P with the 3-mode UltraFire XM-L from Manafont. The L2P is brighter but the VG20 will have a bit more throw because of a slightly larger diameter reflector.

Left to right: Shadow JM05 (review on deck) Shadow VG20 and Solarforce L2P. Some might be put off by a long flashlight with a head barely bigger than a P60 but I predict the look will endure.

For a flashaholic, this is about as good as it gets and few flashlights combine top quality and great performance so beautifully, with so many extra features. I can't tell you how pleased I am with this Shadow. We'll see how I feel when (if) the new wears off but right now, nothing in my collection even comes close.

The Shadow VG20 is that good.

blownawayFoy

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Nice job Foy.

3

between VG20 and Xintd L2 which one would you prefer?

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Looks good .

5

Great review Foy!

Shadow lights seem to have a nice quality / price ratio.

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Thanks for taking your time to write this great review! You have been steadily churning them out like for the last few days.

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Thanks for a good review and congratulations on yet another 5/5 star purchase! Your on a row!!
Underdriven, maybe. Will driver etc work and function for longer time, who knows? IMO I would take 1.6A GREAT light with good tint over full power decent light anytime, even for twice the price.
Beaters make exception…

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I like it. Particularly the finish. I take it the spare switch is a reverse clicky, as well?

Now if they would just ditch the gift box and bring the price down a bit, they'd sell a ton.

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Foy, you've been rockin' the reviews lately! Great job!

The first time I saw a Shadow flashlight I had a feeling it was gonna become one of my favorite brands. I think we have similar taste

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Thanks for another great review!

Does it switch mode groups from a half press too, or only if switched completely on and off. Also you say it is hard to do the switch, but how soon after the blink would you estimate the on/off has to come.

I ask because I had a drop-in with a similar interface and mode groups cycled through by an on/off after a flash on low mode and I couldn't help but keep accidentally switching between groups and it really really irritated me (one group had like 17 blinking/flashing modes).

How likely would you think an accidental switch would be?

Also, sorry if I missed it, but does it have mode memory, or does it always start at high?

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BobK I understand. At first I bought only the cheapest realiable with most lumens. After getting a few, I noticed this hobby getting more to the “aficionado” direction…
But yes, I also have cheap, reliable and powerful ones available :slight_smile:
Next I think of getting one nice, quality light. Fenix TK40 did not hit the spot so I sold it…

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I have the Shadow VG10 (along with other Shadow flashlights) and it has the same anodizing color, it is nicer in reality than in the photos.

Foy, how's the PWM, this is supposed to have the LD-29, so they say on chinese forums, that should mean impossible to see PWM.

Actually the way you chance groups of modes is particular to the LD-29 and LD-25 drivers.

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But this light? Well it doesn't do anything for me. At all.

What i gather from the review is a largish 1x or 2x 18650 battery, P-60 sized, underperforming shelf queen. Well built? I hope so.

That doesnt mean I'm not happy with the review. I am extremely happy actually. Finally one of your reviews that does not make me go "I wanna have that too!" LOL.

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Hardly "this" light is being surpassed in brightness by the Dry, if you take it that way, then 50% of the flashlights out there are in the same situation.

One could buy the DRY and be done then.

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BobK: yes, I see your point. Actually I had DRY for a while but sold it also, too many quality, function or form cons for me against good feats. BTW, have you tried your iTP with Eneloop NiMh’s?

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Awesome review - thanks, Foy! I really like these 1x or 2x 18650 lights. Such versatility, like getting 2 lights for the price of one. I'd like to see this one offered with a smooth reflector, but that's a minor nitpick.

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I second that recommendation. I think I paid $28 for my SA1 and I thought I overpaid until I actually used it. It just works really, really well.

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I will agree this one doesn't seem like one of the better Shadow offerings considering all criteria. I'm just not a fan of long, skinny lights so maybe that's my bias speaking. Build quality still seems top notch, which is characteristic of the Shadow brand. Since this is still an a relatively unknown budget brand, I think they could stand to drive their lights a little harder. The XM-L was built to handle this so why not use it to its full potential? I don't think it's ignorant or cliche to say Drive that sucker harder!

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oldbobk:

Can't speak to the light, but thank God your dog is ok! I'm happy for you that it was caught in time. I know bloat/turned stomach is a condition some breeds are prone to, including mine (Vizla/Weimy mix). My dog is part of the family, would do anything to keep her around.

Dave

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louph - The XinTD L2 is brighter/has more throw but I like the VG20 better.

oldbook - Completely valid points and you are 100% correct; the JM07, XinTD L2, the V9 and now this VG20 have all earned a place on my dislike list specifically because they are not driven hard enough. As with all of these lights, I knew going in, the VG20's output was not going to be all that. I also understand these are not budget offerings and had I not abruptly sold my beloved Camaro, there is no way I could have afforded them all at once. Having some of the car money gave me the opportunity to take a side trip, temporarily away from my usual lumens-per-dollar purchase criteria. These are rare (for Foy) "what if" lights and my comments are as much about hearlding Hank's unique lineup as they are a revelation about real world potential as an actual flashlight. The experience has included other revelations . . . my E/F-15 does indeed squash nearly everything I have except the Dry but it's fun-to-handle/awesome-to-see quotient is lacking. It can light a house on fire but it will never be the jeweled gem the VG20 is. All of these lights can easily handle more horsepower and yes; at this price they should not require an upgrade . . . but a couple of them probably will get one. Now that I think about it, I suppose I did want a shelf queen. When did that happen? Surprised I like CT's "'aficionado' direction" observation.

oxy moron - I assume it is a reverse clicky but I don't know for sure.

RedForest - You have to turn it off while on low and I say it's tricky because when it finally changes mode group, I'm not entirely certain what I did to effect the change. I just keep turning it off and back on again until it works. I actually forgot about the mode groups until I first used it with a single battery. After I put it together with one battery I happily discovered it had 3 modes. I must have clicked it off just right during the change. As you can see, accidently changing mode groups is unlikely and it does have mode memory.

Hikelite - PWM is something I will begin commenting on from now on. I so far lack the ability to talk about PWM intelligently so, I've left it out. My current measuring method is to shine the offending torch at my camera at an angle. A direct drive light will create a solid line (or lines) on the LCD. PWM will produce a dotted line (or more than one line) and the lines speed up and get closer together as PWM gets worse. I'm not even sure I'm correctly interpreting what is happening, hence my reluctance to share my findings. My Skyline 1 for example (infinitely adjustable output tail cap) creates lines that are spaced far apart and move fast and then slow, like spokes going backward on a spining wagon wheel. It also has PWM so bad, you can see it with the naked eye. The VG20 makes a solid line on all modes so, I hope I'm right assuming PWM on this light is negligible. If my understaning is derailed, feel free to get me back on track.

And thank you all for the kind words . . . . and for enduring this wall of text.

motormouthFoy