Discussion of compact size production throwers 700m+ under $60

For quite a while I’ve been looking at different compact size thrower lights (under $60) to find the best combination of distance and pocket-ability.

I’m only looking at side switch lights.
Here’s the ones I’m considering:
………………………………………………………………Length mm……Head mm…….Distance (mfg. spec.)

  • Emisar D1S…………18650…………XPL-HI………….127……………50…………………720m
  • Maeerxu M8…………26650……….XPL-HI……………142……………54…………………800m
  • Utorch UT02……….26650……….XHP-35 HI………148……………59…………………700m
  • Catapault V6……….26650……….XHP-35 HI………132……………58…………………750m

The D1S appears to be the most compact sized production thrower currently available for under $60 in it’s range class (700-800 meters)
It has about the same range as the others but it’s the smallest size. And even more compact having the thinner 18650 tube.
I’m leaning more and more towards the D1S.

All/any input and discussion is welcomed. :beer:

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Links added:

Emisar D1S
Maeerxu M8
Utorch UT02
Catapault V6

Pay attention to the time the turbo flashlight goes into a lower state and how much power it has then. UT02 runs 180 seconds and falls down, but you can turn it back on in the turbo. In addition, in turbo modes, you can turn on the turbo without descending.

I’m not certain, but I think I recall a review which measured the M8’s throw closer to 600m…
IMO, you can’t go wrong with the D1S. I love everything about mine.

+1 on the emisar, I wouldn’t describe it as particularly pocketable though.

Side switch is awesome.

Ramping user interface is excellent.

UT02 is the one I would pick and quite cheap with coupon applied.

Good point about the step down, yes need to consider.

I’m not completely sure but I think the D1S can keep up with that 3 minutes of the UT02, plus it’s user-adjustable in the firmware.

(Quote from TK’s review):

Thermal Regulation:

“it might not activate on the D1S at all, because the host is almost perfectly tuned to handle the heat on turbo without getting too hot.

However, the temperature limit is user-configurable, so you can tune it to fit your preferences”

Thanks for pointing out. I didn’t look into it in the review, just comparing Mfg. specs. first, but I had a good feeling it was over rated.

Another vote for the D1S. Hard to beat that UI and the quality.

I’m pretty sure at one time there were deals on it for around $30, now I’m seeing around $40, if you know the lower deal can you post a link to the deals thread?

Also why the UT02 over D1S?

It’s probably going to end up being between the D1S and UT02.

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Catapault V6… hasn’t a NW option and almost double the price.

Maeerxu M8… the UI may not be good, ramping only (slow) and no pre-set group.

It has better feature like 26650, USB charging, batt low indication on switch and XHP35 HI.
Ya, nowadays its price stay around $40, very close to D1S. But its feature is much superior in my opinion. But I don’t configure FW much, I just use the flashlight.

Design wise I think UT02 is more handsome too.

In this thread you have shown the turbo time for D1s:
LINK

UT02 is better for me because it has a better battery, longer working time, quality of finish, USB charging, the ability to work in turbo without going down, voltage stabilization so practically constant output level. You do the R100 mod and you have a small sweeper.

Hmmm, UT01 and D1S are the same price.
I have to consider then,

  • UT02 bigger - longer and fatter head.
  • 26650 makes it feel less compact in size, but provide a lot more runtime.
  • USB charging I don’t need, but could come in handy on camping trip for instance, to charge from vehicle.
  • Batt level indicator switch is nice too, at least D1S blinks, but only shortly before shutdown:
    “The light blinks and drops brightness at 3V to warn users of impending darkness. There is low voltage protection at 2.8V when the light turns off”
  • I need to know why XHP35 HI is better than XP-L HI? Lumen output is the same on UT02 and D1S both 1300lm, does it have more spill beam?
  • It’s okay to have extra settings in the firmware, once you get it set up how you like, then you just use the flashlight :slight_smile:

Kicking myself though now for not getting UT02 when it was (I think) $29.99 :person_facepalming:

Yes good points, thanks.

Well you could build one, convoy c8 host 11 dollars, fet driver 7 dollars. Xpg2 dedomed 6 dollars all from rmm. Add a couple dollars shipping for around 30 dollarsish you have a 700+m pocket thrower that won’t step down unless you want it to.

Do you have BLF GT? All flashlights are featherweight nowadays if you ever hold a BLF GT, just kidding :sunglasses:

At least UT02 is not overdriving XHP35 HI to get that output, I think I measure about 12.6V of Vled for its Turbo mode. I don’t have D1S, I am not sure its output is sustainable to drive XP-L HI for that output.

Smaller die. Smaller die with equal lumens will result in higher lux, which is what matters with throw

Yes I’m going to have some fun doing that eventually, I already have most of those parts. :slight_smile:
But right now I want to try a compact side switch thrower - stock off the shelf.

Here’s the tail switch throwers I have on the shelf to mod/build:
(Some from long ago and some newer)

  • Convoy C8
  • UltraFire HD2010
  • SupWildFire
  • LuckySun D80 BLF

Planning on XP-L HI w/FET driver and XHP35 HI w/boost driver for these.
I already have a few FET/DD drivers w/Dr. Jones guppydrv.

I think Xpg2 dedomed beam is thin? (don’t want a pencil beam, I’d like some decent useable spill)

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I also might try to do something with my long 2-cell side-switch thrower: Small Sun ZY-T13

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D1S does seem compact though, this photo makes it hard to resist:

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I’d love to see a photo of the D1S along side a UT02, looked around a while but haven’t found one yet.