Review: BTU Shocker (3 x XM-L T6 NW | 3 x 18650)

nice shots

I like the BTU tint more than the others

That mouseover vs the TN31 is jaw-dropping. :open_mouth:

Very nice beamshots :slight_smile: That BTU is a beast :bigsmile:

Thanks very much for the review! Frontpage’d and Sticky’d.

This is the NW T6 version. There is a U2 version available also, which outputs around 3k lumens.

@Shaquille

I fail to understand the need to attack this light or my review of it, but I'd like to try to answer to some of points you brought up.

First of all, I didn't get this light for free. I paid the normal pre-order / introductory price, and i think Slewflash did the same for the light he reviewed.


1. T6 & output

As Slewflash pointed out, an U2 CW version is available. It was my own decision to go for T6 NW instead of U2 CW. The output is lower, but the tint is more important in my planned usage.

Over four times the throw of Skyray King is very impressive to me.


2. Battery carrier

I think the battery carrier is very high quality. Upside down springs look funny, but they work really good when inserting the batteries. I would take this carrier over the Fenix carrier (or the linked DIY carrier) any day.

3. Emitter mounting & Thermal paste

I agree that the thermal paste around emitter stars doesn't look good, but I'll explain how this has happened: The emitters are pressed against the heat sink by the aluminum reflector, which is tightened with the screw through the heat sink. So, during the manufacturing, some thermal paste is applied under the stars, after which the reflector is tightened so that the all extra paste comes out (as we know, less paste equals better thermal transfer)

This can be thought to be sloppy job, but it results in good thermal characteristics, as can be seen in the thermal graph.

4. Only Panasonics are good up to 3.5A

Not exactly true. Panasonics are good cells, but there are others that can be used too. I use XTAR 18700 2600mAh, which are based on Sanyo cells, and can easily provide 3.6A / cell. Even some cheaper cells can do this.

5. AR coating

I agree. This light would deserve an AR coated lens. I'll upgrade it with one if I manage to find a suitable one.

Final words:

I'm sorry if the review or light itself wasn't good enough for you, but I tried my best to describe what I think of the light and why. After all, I'm still very happy with this light.

The most enthusiastic flashaholics get the lights first. Some of them even pay extra for quick DHL shipping.. ;)

If I had to choose between TK75 and this light, I would choose both. Really. They are so different..

On the other hand, between TK70 and this, it would be this, hands down.

i didnt sleep for 2 days awaiting for its review !!! im the enthusiastic flashaholic :bigsmile:

I agree the tk75 is a better buy, even with slightly less throw you get 2600 lumens for longer with a superior build, although I wouldn’t mind owning the Btu as well :slight_smile:

Every reviewer can put the rating he wants to. Of course, every reader can question his rating. I am one of them that question the 5 stars ratings.
To me BTU is really a lower quality job comparing the full package of TK70 or TK75. The UI, the AR lens, the HAIII body, the battery holder, the reflector finishing, all are not as good as Fenix. I really doubt this BTU worth USD150 where some can get TK70 for USD175, somemore it doesn’t involve R&D cost as much as it copy Fenix TK70 and can’t copy 100% as it involve a lot of R&D cost to copy 100%.

It is either the reviewer doesn’t own a TK70, else he won’t ignore the differences.

Since everything inside save for the emitters’ heatsink simply unscrews, you can easily swap in XM-L2s once they become available. User friendly upgrades FTW.

Well I for one wouldn’t take take a TK70 or TK75 over a BTU even if they cost less than it did. And I actually like both of those lights. And not worth $150? What other LED light can beat or even match the BTU Shockers combo for output and throw? Basically 3000otf and 135K(U2 version)? None. That alone justifies the cost and then some. But on top of that you have a quality heavy duty body, regulated output, nice heat sinking, and a very compact size considering the output numbers.
Mine just showed up today, though I haven’t been able to get my hands on it yet. But I’m really looking forward to putting through the paces with my SR90 and SRK for comparisons sake.
Sorry the for getting a little away from your review. Just some of the above negativity has me baffled.

Bold mine.

My goal is not to offend you, but it's difficult to take you seriously in your critique when you come off as an uneducated 12-year-old.

1) The reviewer paid for the light

2) The battery holder is of higher quality than those of the last 2 Fenix lights I purchased - both well over $100/ea. I have used the same holder in a couple of my triple XM-L builds.

3) We get it, you don't like the light - now please go buy a Fenix, and treat us to a thorough review.

Well, this is a public forum. This is open to all, from drunkards to Phds! A complaint not worth its salt will just die a natural death.

I think Shaquille have done many will not do, and it need courages to do that, as it is considered offensive to others, to wake up others about quality of product or workmanship. Budget light doesn’t mean low quality or copycat. A good budget light will be like BlackShadow Terminator 4, or Trustfire X100, the design must consider all aspect including safety and unique design. And do according to published specification at this USD150 price point, AR Lens means good AR lens, not just simply unknown coated lens.

Three, fluently - with conversational capacity in two more.

Thanks for asking.

The ability to relay ideas among members here, especially among non-native English speakers, has always been impressive. Many can do so with greater ability than quite a few of us who have English as a mother tongue. This is not a question of a language barrier.

Your posts are not simply informative, they are dismissive, belittling and confrontational. There is a wide range of acceptable debate available without resorting to such rhetoric.

Shaquille - I value your feedback. In some cases i completely agree. _The_ provides impressions based on he's own expertise and as an engineer your feedback is substantial. I was a little disappointed by comments directed at _the_ direct or indirect it works against you and disrupts your purpose. That said in a few months the outspoken members here ( they don't hold back or sugar coat there opinions) will cast an overall impression, and a verdict..

_the_ , As always a fantastic review and Thank You!!

In case someone didn’t notice: BTU Shocker can be purchased for $150 (again, matching the pre-order price!) from FF’s Xmas Special offer

(there are also other interesting offers like DRY or Black SRK for $55)

Thanks for sharing! Couple interesting deal there.

I just purchased one of these from a member. Can’t wait for it to get here!!!