Review: XinTD L2

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:

http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/sky-ray-c109-cree-xml-t6-5mode-led-flashlight-titanium-finish-218650-p-9398

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.

I like to provide updates periodically but the truth is; the XinTD L2 spends most of its time looking good on my shelf. So far, all I've done is play with it while watching movies I've recorded from TCM. I can report that it comes on every time Cary Grant does and it's just as hot looking as Grace Kelly

hitchisthemanFoy

I've had one on order since 03/17 and Hank emailed me on SAT with this message:

"The gap between the bezel and the body is a little big (about 1mm).
We need to send them back to the factory for fixing which will take 2 weeks.
The items are already been on the way, do you need us to ask the carrier return it?

The gap on mine got wide when I reassembled it with the o-ring installed in the groove around the bezel. The light arrived with it below the lens. In fact, that's how it was when I took the review pictures . . .

Now, it's completely flat against the head. Sounds like Hank may be talking about a different issue, though.

Foy

OMG, you're right; a true beauty!

Foy,

The gap on the picture he sent is about twice the normal size. No big deal but since he offered to have it fixed, I thought that was great customer service. I'm just bummed it's going to take so long to get this light.

Doing stuff like that will keep you young forever!! Trust me, I know!! Wink

Foy, I have searched the thread to see if there are any pictures/specs of this light connected with just ONE 18650. Could not find any! Have you ever run this in single cell mode, and if so, are there any pictures of it out there?

Thanks,

ceh (a 72 year old kid)

Thanks for doing the L2/M8 comparison, Foy, much appreciated!

tail cap draw: 2 x unprotected Panasonic 18650/2350

low - .05 amps

medium - .61

high - 1.12

1 x Panasonic 18650/2350

low - .10 amps

medium - 1.23

high - 2.43