Ok, here is my review of this torch. Apologies for the poor picture quality, I only have a point and shoot camera which only takes mediocre macro shots.
Light was received from DX wrapped in bubble wrap stuffed into a plain white box packaged inside a padded envelope. The box was deformed during transit, but no apparent nicks, scuffs or other damage was visible on the torch itself.
Glamor shots
2x18650 format
1x18650 format
Misc
Weight (without batteries)
This torch - 353g
SR STL-V2 - 262g
2-C Mag 4 x XPG -363g
Tear down
Battery fitment
Although any size 18650 battery fits in the 1 x 18650 format, this torch is selective when it comes to batteries in its 2 x 18650 format. I tested 4 different protected 18650 cells shown below, ordered shortest to longest. Only when using AW brand was I able to completely screw the tail cap down completely. The others left varying sized gaps, although the torch was still able to turn on/off and cycle through modes.
(L to R): AW, Redilast, TF Flame, Panasonic blue
The next series of pictures will show each brand (same order as above) in the torch, first without the tail cap, then with the tail cap screwed down as far as it will go without crushing the cells. Note: I removed the brass "button" from the tail cap spring to give me a few extra mm and replaced the tail cap boot with a black one (I think it looks better than the ugly GITD green one.)
AW 18650
Redilast 18650
TF Flame 18650
Panasonic blue 19650
Size Comparison
(L to R): 18650 cell, SR S-R5, Ultrafire HD-2010, 2C Mag, SR STL-V2, this torch 2 x 18650 format
(L to R): 18650 cell, SR S-R5, Ultrafire HD-2010, this torch 1 x 18650 format, 2C Mag, SR STL-V2
Outdoor beamshots - taken from my second floor balcony to the ground. Not the best quality, but you get the idea. Both lights are on high. The STV-V2 beats this torch hands down. It has a much tighter (and brighter) hotspot with a larger spill beam.
Left - this torch, Right - SR STV-V2
Current Draw (A)
|
J28 (this light) |
SR STL-V2 |
|
1 x 18650 |
2 x 18650 |
2 x 18650 |
High |
1.88 |
0.74 |
1.56 |
Med |
0.81 |
0.38 |
0.8 |
Low |
0.3 |
0.1 |
0.17 |
Ceiling bounce (Lux)
|
J28 (this light) |
SR STL-V2 |
|
1 x 18650 |
2 x 18650 |
2 x 18650 |
High |
64 |
54 |
98 |
Med |
29 |
27 |
50 |
Low |
3.8 |
4.9 |
8.4 |
Pros
- 1/2 x 18650 format
- Solid construction
- Heavy, but not overly so
- Good heat sinking
- Ample O-rings (rated IPX-7, but did not test)
- Very good machining
- Excellent fit and finish
- Good grip thanks to the deep knurling
- Nice bling look with gold "accents"
- Well cut & deep threads
- No visible PWM (not sure if it even uses it)
- GITD front O-ring (but not very visible under bezel)
Cons
- Ringy beam
- Under driven XML
- No memory (starts on next mode)
- Blinky modes
- Bluish tinted XML (>6000K range)
- Threads not lubed
- Tail cap won't screw down with some brands of cells (2 x 18650 format)
- Cannot unscrew head to access driver/emitter
Overall Impressions
I like this light very much. It’s got solid construction, apparent good heat sinking (I have not been able to verify this), well machined threads, and a nice balanced feel. The ability to run as a single or double 18650 light adds to its utility. These outstanding features come together in a competitive package which costs under $35. However, these benefits are tainted by its lackluster output combined with a horribly bluish tinted XML, ultimately leaving me frustrated and somewhat disappointed. Seriously, with all the components out there, how much more would it have been to beef up the output and put a better tinted emitter?
Normally, in debacle such as this, I wouldn’t hesitate to perform some minor mods, i.e. a driver/emitter swap. However, much to my dismay, I have been unable to unscrew the head, leaving me scratching my own head as to what the next step will be. Based on the pictures posted on DX, the head should come off. I've tried my usual trick using strap wrenches, tugging as hard as I am willing to go without damaging the light or breaking the wrenches. I also tried freezing it as well as adding a few drops of multipurpose oil into the threads in hopes of loosening whatever is holding it together (glue or loctite?). Nothing has worked so far. I find myself really liking this torch and want to turn it into one I will reach for regularly, but unless I can do a driver/emitter swap, it may end up spending its days as a shelf queen, high output wanna-be .