Nice review, nice light!
Can you change modes by accident, if you shake it very hard? This was a bit of a problem with STL-V2...
Nope. Mode selection is rock solid. This light is functionally perfect.
Foy
Hi Foy. I really like this flashlight but as I said, I removed the brass cap over the spring in the tailcap to be able to use it with any batteries, because the brass cap doesn't travel so much as the bare spring will.
My readings, 1.35A with 2XAW 2900 (NCR18650) - Voltage of each cell: 3.79V, 3.86V
1.35A with 2XSanyo 2600 (UR18650FM) - Voltage of each cell 3.74V, 3.74V
I measured through the switch also and I get the same results.
Measuring with the high resistance UR16650ZT cell I get 1.75A (this one was not measured through the switch). I will test more when I will buy a Luxmeter.
But the most important thing: No PWM on any mode. :)
Thank you Foy, beautiful photographs and excellent review. This light was in the finals for me for a 1/2 x 18650, and I ultimately chose the Solarforce M8. I don't regret that decision, but I still look at this light and want it, now more so after your review. After you've had it a little longer, can you compare the two lights in 1x mode?
Congratulations on a great flashlight. Can't wait to see it after the bezel gets a good foypolish.
Once again another great review, thanks for sharing. What a nice looking piece, the machining and coating looks absolutely perfect on this one. I currently have a couple high voltage (multi-battery) drivers on order. I am searching for one that will drive an XML to 3 amps and has a micro controller I can reprogram.
Awesome review as usual Foy! Thx!
GreatreviewandbeautifulpicsasusualFoy!
Nice review Foy. I really like this light but it seems a bit underdriven to me. Does anybody know why such a difference in current between 2 cells and one?
Sounds good, price does not seem too bad either.
Thanks!
e: reading again your review, seems like you really got a good one on your shelf, congrats!
By fast look, it seems really conservative design, some might say even basic or plain. But they really have done it right... It is a looker!
The quality of the machining, as well as the clear o-rings are reminiscent of my Shadow TC-6.
Excellent review, Foy !
What I don't like in this flashlight is wasted space and light. Head is quite big for such "small" reflector plus there's some distance between the end of the reflector and the end of the bezel which means tighter spill and wasted light. $24 cheaper version:
phantom -
I hear you on the thickness of and around the bezel. It is a unique feature for sure but for me, it's one of the things I specifically like about its looks. Thank you for posting the link to the C09 - I didn't know there was a clone for this design. (should have done more research, apparently) I own just one Sky Ray (818/triple T6) and to be blunt; if the C09 is anything like the train wreck my 818 is, the additional $24 for the XinTD is a shout-it-from-the-rooftops bargain.
The exceptional quality of this flashlight is remarkable and I'm frankly amazed it doesn't cost $100. It is possible some of you will get this light and not be as impressed as I am. The XinTD represents a first step out of my flashlight comfort zone. I suppose if I had more higher quality lights I might be less blown away.
For example; this light would work just fine with bare aluminum ends to complete the circuit and I'm not saying that it performs any better with gold rings pressed in. What I am saying is that the total of all these little touches add up to a very satisfying flashlight ownership experience, something a less well made torch simply can not do - whatever the price savings.
Hikelite -
So, will it deliver more current with the brass cap off? I'll have to give it a try.
Foy
Let us put it this way:
XinTD L2 OR 980L? (choose one)
;)
It would have to be the XinTD . . . . which, I suppose means that Foy is perhaps not the lumen whore he thought he was. The 980L is slightly brighter but side by side on a wall, the difference is appears negligible. The 980L has great quality but the XinTD takes it a step further.
Foy
The cheaper version is a clone. As it's been only for days there. Less knurling. One tpe of anodizing. No brass cap, no brass inserts on each tune, not each thread is anodized. No accessories. There's no visible PWM (really no visible) on the L2. Anyway the price from Manafont for that Skyray clone it's just adjusted to what you get.
This is a light that has a lot of aluminum mass and a lot heat-sinking capability, it's just that the driver that doesn't match the visual feeling you get from the design. Soon the XinTD L2 is 1 year old, and the clones have to show in numbers.
Nope, I took the brass off to be able to use any battery length easier, since the brass cap will not compensate (travel back and fort ) as well as the spring, depends what batteries one use.. I never measure through the brass cap, only regular tailcap readings and with the switch in the circuit.
Hikelite -
Okay. I misunderstood.
About the clone . . . . I'm trying to be diplomatic but the truth is; comparing that Sky Ray the XinTD L2 is a joke.
I don't want to overstate it but this flashlight is easily the highest quality torch I own.
dranktheXinkoolaidFoy
Thanks -- great review. (Amazing pics, as always. Wish I had the skill.)
Very well done. Frontpage'd and Sticky'd. Sorry for the delay!
Gottogetmeone.
Great review. Now my wallet is screaming.