Below are beam comparisons against other flashlights all on HIGH mode. Obvious difference is the tint on the D81 which is warmer than the others. Otherwise very similar, all very good
Qualilite D81 - Outer bluish ring not so visible in this photo as it was in the one included in the main review.
Nice review, good to see it compared to all those close competitors.
What I see as the main advantage over other C8’s is the reflector. Can you compare the beam directly to the other C8’s ? Is the hotspot tighter than average, is the throw better? If that is so, this light is worth the higher than average price, and the extra weight (that I generally see as a disadvantage).
I have two older KD light C8’s and have been pleased with the value of them. This one seems like they are stepping it up a bit with the Voltage range and new packaging . Good for them!
I like it when a light incorporates the reflector (a chunk of aluminium) in the thermal path.
Let’s hope the ‘drop in’ is not glued together though…
…hmm… either way, it’s not cheap…
I agree totally. The driver pill is connected directly to the heavy thick reflector which results in improved heatsinking. The two combined components screw into the head of the flashlight again ensuring improved thermal transfer between the driver and the flashlight host. The added weight should assist as there is more aluminium to assisist wth heat transfer.
Beam Shots added to post #2 for comparison against other similar flashlights. I’ll try a scratch test too to see how strong the anodisation is on the D81
As for the BLFers, think about this one:
A well tunned BLF C8( dded W2/V6\ even dded xml2), dd driver , AR glass, springs bp est) would give you 1800-2k lumens and 150k candelas or 1300-1350 lumens/195k candelas using a good old s3/s4 emitter
Rolz, very nice review. I enjoyed your analysis. One thing I noticed though. I believe you mixed up your Low and Medium photos for the 60m tree beam shot. The “Low” photo looks brighter with more spill than the “Medium” photo. Otherwise, a great review, thanks!
Yes it does although I dont have a Xintf D8. As mentioned in the review the reflector is screwed in very tightly to the pill, so much so that I initially thought it was glued. I’ve not tried to remove with tools but others have managed to do so.