Review: TrustFire Z8 - XM-L Flood-to-Throw

What a beaut! Thanks for all the great pics, can't wait to see the rest of the review....

.... oh, and alredy ordered! :p

Dang it, I just noticed that it ships from the US Warehouse. Now I have to buy it.

Wow that looks like a great light, to order or not to order that is the question.

Another awesome review with beautiful pictures!

Wow Johnny! I get the impression that you like the build quality of this light! It does seem really really nice for $17 and shipping from a US warehouse is definitely a plus! I find it interesting that it doesn't run on a AA (at least not stated in specs). That could make for a nice non-flashaholic gift light. Can you confirm it won't run on a AA? Awaiting those beamshots! (Now get back to work!)

-Garry

What a great review !

I will confirm regarding regular AA usage but I’m doubting it. Only one way to find out. :wink:

Thanks for the compliments at the early stage of the review. I have a new lux meter and a completed Integrated Sphere in addition to my old bag of tricks. Should have lots more useful information to offer in this review and future ones than I have in the past.

Once this review is completed I have another one already in the works for a different debut light (also pretty nice).

I have a Tmart coupon if anyone wants an additional 10% off ($1.70). Good until 7/25/12 for the next 9 users:

545571967b

Thank you for the lovely pictures and the sweet review. But please stop here. You dont like this light and you need to put it down so I dont buy it. I love 14500 batts and zoomies. Gawd darn dang man! STOP IT RIGHT HERE!

I just lost it a few days ago and ordered for well over 100 usd. I should not order more lights or batteries right now. But I want to now. This light + proper 3 mode driver + imr 14500 * 2 so I have one to change around with. Ohh my my my. You Sir are gonna get my heinie in trouble.

Don’t you hate it when reviewers sit on the fence, and don’t tell you whether they like the light or not? :wink:

Nice review.

LOL! True that! Honestly, true FTT flood junkies probably won’t like this light based on pure performance alone. It doesn’t have a superwide flood mode and throw junkies may or may not appreciate the larger die image the XM-L casts. Anyway, beamshot pics will be uploaded soon so people can make up their own minds. I’m just in love with the build quality for just $17. I think that alone is reason to own this light. That and the fact that it’s just sexy!

Thanks very much - nice little birthday present to myself; great looking light! :slight_smile:

Thank you for the great review of seemingly great light!

Square threads everywhere(!!) I wouldn't care even if it wouldn't have emitter at all. :)

Ordered. (With BRs coupon - Thanks!!)

John, That was an awesome review!!! You couldn’t of shown that light any better, it’s as gorgeous as the pictures he posted. I also have this light and it’s as good as it looks a must have. If I didn’t have this light already after reading this review I would have to own one…….Great Job!!!

Does it work with normal AAs?

Just tested. It does not. 14500 cells only.

Can’t wait on beamshots and other comments.

I have been wanting THIS one from Manafont for a while, and they bear more than a passing resemblence - minus the pocket clip.

That tail cap would HAVE to go, however.

Looks like this one is better put together to judge from the pics.

Thanks as always.

Updated the tailcap draw info. 1.83A on high and .368 on low using an IMR 14500 cell. It’s too late to continue with the other data so hopefully I will have the chance tomorrow for more testing.

Took a bit of extra time to calculate ANSI throw. At 15ft I measure 1120 lux which calculates to 306 meters ANSI throw. Not too bad for a AA sized light if you ask me. If you consider the driver is only pushing 1.83A at the tail there is room for even more improvement if you wanted to change out the driver to 2.8A.

EDIT: The number earlier was with a fresh start at room temp. After leaving it run for 1 minute to allow for sag the lux reading dropped dramatically. At 10ft (3m) I just measured only 695 lux. After running ANSI calculations throw dropped to 160 meters. Conservative, yes, but this is the one I will use.