3 in 1 review. At the end there will be a summary for those who like only particulars, in each topic I will bold the key sentences for those who read a little more, and a long waffling for everyone else. Enjoy!
For VERY large photos: click -> on the photo page right click -> "Open image in new tab"
I got this flashlight from Magicshine, and here are links to.. ahem.. just links: www.shopmagicshine.com www.magcishine.com
Table of Contents:
- General parameters
- Package content
- Appearance, parameters
- UI, runtime and charging
- PWM
- Waterproof
- Light pattern, tint
- Beamshots
- Usage and my experiences
- Gallery
- Summary
Max brightness: 1100lm (measured by me 1026lm)
Range: 200m
Switch: Forward + to change modes on the head
Reflector: SMO
Water resistance: IPX8
Thermal protection: I guess not (I'm not sure)
Over-discharge protection (LVP): No
Fall resistance: 1m
Weight: 101g
Dimensions: 132mm length x 27mm head x 25mm body
The package contained a cardboard box with a texture similar to that of an egg carton:
- Flashlight
- Cover (good quality one)
- String
- Spare O-ring
- Operating instructions
So in the front there is:
- AR-coated lens
- SMO reflector
- Diode XP-L2 HD CRI>90
- delicate fins to help dissipate heat
- Mode switch - highlighted, which also serves as a battery indicator. It's a pity that the backlight turns off a few seconds after the flashlight is turned on, and does not stay bright all the time. It may be difficult to find the button in the dark with your frozen fingers when you're doing many hours of manoeuvring - after all, this is a "military" flashlight.
As for the button, I have no objections. It seems decent, and it's completely waterproof.
- Spring from the driver's side is solid as well as the caps , rigid and finished with a lozenge to improve electrical conductivity
- Threads cut out trapezoid and greased . Generally it is hard to be picky
UI
The flashlight has two buttons, a forward-type switch and a button to change modes on the head. I like this feature in "tactical/military/military/NASA/commando" flashlights. - not that I would laugh at such markings on some flashlights... But when you call it such, there must be a reason. In this case, the "military" flashlight works quite well. Anyway, the subject of UI is not the subject of discussion about its militariness.
So the forward-type switch on the back, i.e. switching on the flashlight by gentle pressing, without the need for an audible click - so that we could act quietly and the group of criminals running around the corner wouldn't notice us... Okay, well, maybe it's a little funny to me to call these flashlights "military," I admit it.
5 modes, well thought-out: 1lm / 30lm / 100lm / 350lm / 1100lm. I mean, I think there's too many for a "milit... Hey, but you know, why do I need a 1lm mode in the loop. I'd rather put it out on some kind of side button hold, so that there woudn't be that much modes(fun fact: originally I meant to say that there are so many modes, that they're "pooped" in the flashlight, but I'm not sure if it's able to understand in english)Instead, there's a tactical strobe and SOS on holding the side button. Fortunately, it' s not on a double click, because sometimes you have to jump quickly between these "pooped" modes, and at least the strobe doesn't turn on. And by the way, strobo it's too fast, I guess 16Hz.
Runtime
Runtime will depend on many factors, such as cell capacity, relative air moisture, season and the weather outside the window. Having so many variables, I chose an easy way of life, far from testing this parameter. (well, you got me, I just didn't feel like doing it..)
Basically, the most important thing is that the flashlight has no LVP, and I do not have a battery with 3500mAh protection. I only have 2600mAh and I didn't want to artificially understate these values (which is just a cover for me being too lazy).
However, I checked the thermal protection. It's not working, or at least it didn't turn on for 6 minutes, and the flashlight warmed up and decreased its brightness as a result of overheating - which is not good. I have'nt tested further, but I do not recommend trying
Charging
In the basic version, there is no built-in charger, but you can buy a charging module: USB socket type C, charging 2.2A, to safe amount 4.16V. Charging is signalled by a flashing blue diode, which stops flashing after charging.
The flashlight becomes longer
I didn't see any on the lowest 1lm mode. That's good, because your eyes do not get so tired of analyzing enemy plans for many hours.
Declared IPX8. Let's check it out:
AWWW WOOW THE FISHHHHHH
OH DEAR!
2 hours of immersion at 25cm depth - some people say it's a small depth, but I'm not a fan of tests at 1m or deeper, because it doesn't reflect reality. In fact, the commandos don't immerse it more than 25 or 50cm deep when they go across a rushing river with a flashlight at the bar. And they can walk in such conditions even 2 hours if the enemy escapes through difficult terrain.
No leaks ( of water, no information), 100% test passed
The light is centred, about 4500 - 5000K, supposedly CRI>90, maximum brightness measured by me is 1026lm. The tint is slightly greenish, comparing it with the SST20 4000K from the FW3A flashlight. That' s a pity.
As for CRI>90, I compared it to FW3A SST20 4000K CRI>95 and EDC18 XP-L HI 5000K CRI>70, based on the example of the wrapping of these not so good chocolate balls from local market (it was on sale).
Well, for real this red is not as reddish as for FW3A
ISO200, t2s, f/3.5 sunlight white balance.
Pictures of how the forest looks:
The right pictures of this flashlight:
So it lights on average, like a 1,000lm torch. Stillt It should be enough for everyday patrol missions.
Anyway seriously, 100lm is good for lighting up underfoot, 340lm underfoot and forward. As for the 1000lm, it gives a lot of light, but I'm not really a fan of walking with a flashlight on maximum brightness (it overheats quickly, has short time of working).
All sorts of tracking, chases, air strikes...
OK
Seriously, it's like a reasonable flashlight with a brightness of max 1000lm, very similar to my first flashlight, Solarforce L2P, to which I have great sentiment. In fact, I could have compared it, but I didn't think about it. Probably i woudn't do it anyway... The flashlight seems to be durable and resistant, but unfortunately I didn't manage to test it long enough to write something meaningful about my impressions.
Magicshine MOD 20 is a flashlight with a maximum brightness of 1000 lumens, diode XP-L2 HD CRI>90 with neutral tint and forward switch+ mode switch on the head. It is waterproof, black and seems to be durable. By purchasing a charging module you can...well, charge it, but it will also work as a power bank for your phone. With a sleek cover, the whole flashlight looks neat and seems to be able to last a long time. I don't know, it served me about 4 hours and still works. Maybe it'll last longer.
Oh, well, it costs $64.99
Pros:
+ IPX8
+ CRI>90
+ Combination of forward switch + mode switch on the head
Cons:
- No LVP
- No thermal protection (it didn't work for 6 minutes, the torch was hot, so I didn't want to break and I didn't test it any longer)
- The head is non-rotatable, i.e. it is impossible to repair, replace the lens if it's needed
About host - threads, knurling o-rings and so on
Rating: 7/10
About light - UI, tint and so on
Rating: 7/10
1 - very bad flashlight hurts to look at, terrible quality, not worth any (even very low) price
5 - average flashlight, at a reasonable price - for the average person "great". Or better flashlight, but overpriced
10 - flashlight meets all my expectations in a given category (e.g EDC, headlamp, thrower), it's durable and neatly made, perfect light tint, worth its (even slightly inflated) price - just pure perfect, so I doubt any light can get a 10 from me
PS. sorry for my poor knowledge of flashlight vocabulary. ~ my girlfriend (but well, it is funny to read it. For me, at least)