NEW XTAR R30 1200 - 21700 - USB-C DUAL

I received the XTAR R30 1200 directly from XTAR for the review.

For technical details and to purchase: https://www.xtar.cc/product/XTAR-R30-1200-Sports-Flashlight-172.html








XTAR updates its R30 model with new features and increased light output.

XTAR R30 1200 is a well built flashlight, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The maximum light output is now 1200 lumens with a maximum autonomy of 70 hours. XTAR R30 1200 is equipped with the CREE XPL2-W2 LED and has 4 levels (Turbo, High, Mid and Low) in addition to the 2 special levels (Strobe and SOS). It is powered by a 4900 mAh 21700 battery and is rechargeable via the USB-C port which can also act as a power bank.

XTAR R30 1200 is IPX6 certified (protected against strong jets of water) with an impact resistance of 1.2 meters.

XTAR R30 1200 is the ideal companion for exploration, hunting, sports and home applications.







Main features:

  • Rechargeable flashlight directly via USB-C
  • Powered by removable protected 21700 battery
  • Can be used as a portable power bank
  • Cree XPL-W2 LED, maximum power 1200 lm
  • Four lighting levels and a maximum autonomy of 70 hours
  • Maximum beam distance 226m, IPX6 waterproof
  • With memory function, hidden flash and SOS mode
  • Power indicator to remind you to charge

Specifications:

Length: 158.2mm, Head diameter: 36mm, Tube diameter: 28.4mm (1 ")

Weight: 148g (without batteries)










XTAR R30 1200 arrives in the classic white cardboard box. The packaging shows the main features that distinguish the new XTAR. Inside the package I received I found, in addition to the XTAR R30 1200, the battery in 21700 format with 4900 mAh, the USB-C charging cable and the manual in Chinese / English. A spare lanyard and O-ring should also be included in the sales package.










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XTAR R30 1200 has good build quality with good anodization and clearly legible lettering. The R30 1200 holds well in the hand while remaining compact despite its 158.2mm length. Nice design and anti-slip knurling of the flashlight body. It is made of aluminum alloy with a glossy black anodized finish. The XTAR R30 1200 consists of two parts: head with body and tail. The head has a particular shape to limit rolling. The shape of the tail allows the R30 1200 to be placed upright (candle).










On the head of the XTAR R30 1200 we find a SMO dish with the Cree XPL2-W2 (6500K) LED in the center. The bezel is deep and protects the glass well while the particular design of the head limits rolling.










The power button, of generous dimensions, allows the complete management of the R30 1200. Good feeling that it transmits to the touch. It is made of flat rubber and white in color; excellent for spreading the green or red color of the notification LED below. The click is audible.

The notification LED acts as a residual charge indicator (with the flashlight On) according to the following values:

Solid green: 100-25% power

Solid red: power 18-25%

Flashing red: power <18%











On the opposite side of the switch, we find the charging port in USB-C format protected by a not so thick rubber flap. To recharge the battery, just use the supplied USB cable, connecting it to an external power source (e.g. a battery charger for mobile phones or tablets, a PC or any other compatible power system) to begin the charging process.

During the charging process, the notification LED lights up red until the charge is complete where the color of the LED will turn green.

In my runtimes, made with the R30 1200, at the end of the test the battery voltage was 2.6V or lower. To prevent battery problems, recharging starts in a "soft" way and then settles at 2A and beyond. At the end of the charge the value reached in volts is slightly lower than what we are used to stopping at 4.14V.

The XTAR R30 1200 flashlight doubles as a USB-C power bank. We can, for example, charge the mobile phone by inserting the USB-C cable on the flashlight and on the mobile phone.











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The central body of the XTAR R30 1200 has a non-slip knurling that ends on the tail. It is not possible to insert a clip on the torch body, the only transport aid is that of the lanyard that can be inserted in the tail.







Below the central tube are the threads which are anodized and well lubricated. By slightly unscrewing the tail, you can take advantage of the mechanical lock to prevent accidental ignition. There is also a sealing O-ring on the threads to protect against water and dust. The XTAR R30 1200 is IPX6 certified (protected against strong jets of water).





At the two poles, for contact with the battery, we find a spring contact system both on the negative and on the positive.






The battery supplied with the XTAR R30 1200 is a 21700 protected by 4.900mAh. With the XTAR R30 1200 I was able to use almost all the 21700 batteries I have at home both with the button (button top) and, even if at the limit of contact, without (flat top). The length of the XTAR battery is 74.8mm.






XTAR R30 1200 near other flashlights:






User interface:







XTAR R30 1200 has 4 normal levels and 2 special levels.

LOW - 30lm 70hrs

MID - 300lm 9.1hrs

HIGH - 650lm 3.4hrs

TURBO - 1200lm 2.6hrs

Strobe - 650lm

SOS - 650lm







OPERATION

Insert the battery

Unscrew, the tail cap, insert a 21700 (protected) lithium battery, with the positive pole + towards the head, and then screw on the tail cap tightly.

ON/OFF

Click switch to turn the light on.

Press and hold down switch on any mode to turn off.

Toggle brightness levels

Single click to toggle brightness levels:

Low-Mid-High and Turbo

Self-defense strobe

When it used for sell defense, the strobe light can temporarily blind an assailant and may stop a threat. Please use with extreme caution. Click switch twice quickly to access or exit Strobe mode. After exit will enter low light level.

SOS mode

Click switch 3 times quickly to access or exit SOS mode, after exit will enter low light level.

Memory function

This function is designed to memorize brightness levels, it will be activated after 3 seconds from turning off the flashlight.

Note: under Strobe and SOS mod, this flashlight have no memo, function.

Charging

A solid red light at the switch turns on when charging. Turn into a solid green when fully charged.

Discharging

This flashlight has USB output function, it can charge some devices that equipped with USB input port (such as mobile phone) as a portable power bank

Step 1: via a USB cable, connect USB.0 port of your flashlight to an external device;

Step 2: unplug the USB cable at the time to stop the process.

Charging reminder

When the battery level is low, the indicator beneath switch will emit red light and flash slow, to inform the user it is time to charge.

Note:

  1. The indicator will not indicate battery level after power off,
  2. When the indicator flashes red, please do not perform USB output.

Tips:

  1. When battery is exhausted or flashlight not in use for a couple of weeks, please take out the battery from the unit;
  2. To prolong the lifespan of your flashlight . please use 21700 protected batteries only;
  3. When installing battery, notice carefully the direction of positive and negative poles;









Beam and Runtime:



The beam of the XTAR R30 1200 has a good uniformity without particular artifacts and with a not too cold tint. Good shooting with a well present hotspot and peripheral lighting (spill) that starts about one meter from the walk. The XTAR R30 1200 is ideal for lighting at medium or low distances. The MID level (300lm) allows you to walk in the dark with good visibility.









The Runtimes were done indoors at a temperature of about 27°C without forced ventilation.
The battery (supplied) has been fully charged (with the R30 1200) at 4.14V.

I would like to clarify that the values expressed by the graphs must be evaluated above all as a reference because they are made with means and conditions different from those used in the laboratory.

Good discharge curve with values that reflect those declared by the manufacturer.

XTAR R30 1200 in Turbo (1200lm)




XTAR R30 1200 in Turbo (1200lm) first 20 minutes




XTAR R30 1200 in Turbo and High (1200lm/650lm)




https://www.youtube.com/embed/SB1lIgZ-gb0





CONCLUSIONS

I liked the XTAR R30 1200, it is a versatile flashlight suitable for both indoor and outdoor use at medium or low distances.
XTAR R30 1200 is sold with a battery in 21700 format of 4900mAh and is compatible with non-proprietary batteries that are readily available and not disproportionate in cost. R30 1200 has a simple user interface having 4 normal and 2 special levels including the strobe useful in particular situations.
It has a USB-C DUAL charging port with the possibility of being used as a Power Bank to recharge, for example, a mobile phone.
Good discharge curve with values similar to those declared by the parent company. Unfortunately the R30 1200 does not have a clip or case (this is easily available); the only help is given to the possibility of inserting a lanyard in the tail.
Thank you for reading the review.
------ MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI5j6yZ6oVR867k2KINs2qg?view_as=subscriber ------------------------------------------------

I dunno about this one...seems aimed to the mass market. Very cold emitter, overstated lumens...host design that apparently can't be easily undone for mods or repairs...tail spring and driver don't have retaining mechanisms other then screw thread pressure (I guess that's not terrible). Unique driver board, though, kinda leaves you stuck with them. Zeroair reported pretty high parasitic drain, too (common problem lately). Banggood shows it at $52...probably should be a $30-$35 light, imho. Looks nice on the outside but it's clear they didn't put much cost into overall design or the driver.

https://zeroair.org/2021/08/02/xtar-r30-1200-flashlight-review/

Nice photos and descriptions in your review, Roma!

Yes, the flashlight is simple even if well updated in the battery and charging port part. Sales success ultimately depends on the final price to the user.

Thanks for the review roma58 :+1:

Concerning what you mention above Correllux, it is not completely accurate.
The driver is held by 2 screws. The battery tube can be removed after some pressure for twist, although it seems to have some soft glue.
Concerning the spring it has a metal “ring” above it, eventually pressed, yes, what makes it harder to replace. But it seems well stuck there to have any problems!

As for the parasitic drain, indeed it is quite high, so unscrewing the tailcap to break the connection is a good option specially for long time without use/shelf time.

Thanks for the review again, I added the link in my review too :+1:

grazie per review molto bene.

agree with comments above about price.

30usd for this one would be honest deal that will make it interesting purchase for regular user

10 minutes in turbo should overheat this body,even if it SO long.

looks like there is no thermal , neither timed stepdown.

14500 old Xtar has been my EDC light for like 3-4 years, pity to see brand fell to such a low level

Looks okay, but damn, that Fried Egg From Hell beam…

Thought it had a G3 behind the reflector.



Well, I'll stand corrected on that then. :) Looks to me like the driver is sitting on two posts to prevent rotation and then just held in place by the pressure of the battery tube...which would be a good reason to glue the tube. That's not so? Are those hollow screws...are we seeing the bottom of them? Tail spring looked to me like it was pressed into a machined pocket as is pretty common...hard to tell that it's a pressed disc over top of it. Going boardless, I like the approach Simon took in the M3 tailcap where there is a retaining ring in that meaty portion of aluminum to help the spring get contact pressure.

Looks like it does have nice machining and well-greased threads, though....

The screws are securing the driver to the “head structure”. They are relatively short, but they are on the end of them there is a metal structure that I suspect is acting as heatsink, too.

When I can I will disassemble the light and show how it looks like inside! But the tube is not glued due to the driver, I believe!

Many flashlights with side switches don’t have retaining rings (and even lights with mechaning tail switches), most of them being held by pressure or by the wires themselves. I don’t see any problem with this one not having a retaining ring, it is not needed.



Ok, just hard to see in pics then. Even though this light definitely wouldn't be something I'd buy I'd still be curious to see the assembly details if you want to go through the trouble, but don't do that just for my sake. :) I think what I was getting at above was not the merits of different methods of construction but rather the inexpensive simplicity in this one not justifying the higher price of the light. Host looks very nice, though, and I can see where many people may buy into the marketing and perhaps end up with a nicer light from Amazon or something rather than one of the many competing cheap-o lights that are much worse.

The XPL2 strikes again… :disappointed:

I updated my review with some photos of the inner structure.
Here it is:

:+1:

I also added some other info:

Ok, got it now...excellent photos and thanks for taking all that extra time with measurements and such, even the reflector! I see the little torx screws now. Interesting design for sure.