Ok, good review so far... But those amp readings are very low. The XHP35 HI draws lots of power, much more than a 3.6V LED from a single cell (boost driver).
My Manker U21, and another I modded for Light Junkie, have dedomed XPL's in them, and it cranks in lumens and throw, support with the switch LED as a indicator LED, nas smooth ramping from Narsil. What did Vinh do with the U21?
Both mine and LJ's drivers crapped out, so not much choice but to mod it up.
Yes, it sure should look just like the U21. It's "disgusting" according to Manker, but no further explanation . We are trying to figure out if it's made in the same factory, same guys, same parts, etc., or is some level of a clone, or they simply fell off a truck and got some re-branding. I'm thinking GearBest got disgusted with Manker for enforcing MAPS, or some other pricing restrictions, so did some creative product procuring. Manker has been play'n hardball with pricing, no group buys, etc.
Ok, dang, I do need a better memory (mind?), I'm pretty sure it was lightly glued, and needed some pushing. I probably went from the top - used a solder pick to poke thru one of the LED wire holes and apply pressure on the outer lip of the dirver til I get some movement. Oh boy, let me check if I got pics.
About the fried drivers, really dunno. My died after the tear down for the review, but it was an engineering prototype unit. The other one was used for a few weeks before it died. I haven't heard of any one else having problems, but haven't really heard much at all overall. With all the Manker drama, and the fact it was never offered discounted kept BLF sales down I would think, but it's a great light - really like it's size, performance, quality.
Ahh, ok. Vinh is good at getting the most throw w/focusing. The two I modded using dedomed XPL's do about 1,700 lumens (@30 secs) and 240 kcd, but measured at 5 meters, so could be closer to 250+ kcd measured at 10+ meters.
Meh, just got 2 of them today, 2.45amp and 2.22 amp on the other! Purple Efest 4200, Basen and a Imren IMR 26700 all read the same. Dust particles on/in both reflectors and a smear of shmuck on the inside of the lens on one of them! :person_facepalming:
Seem well built, focused. Don’t like the switch, sets too low for my liking, too much travel a PITA to activate for me any way, FAT fingers!!! Just wish they were cleaner inside, I’ll try blasting the crap out and clean the lens. :rage: Hopefully they will clean up?
Ah, ok. I think this was one of the odd things of the U21; the light wasn’t pushed hard at all, nothing like the E14 for example. The light was ok, but nothing more than that…