Review: Skyray King (3xXM-L - 4x18650)

I have bought quite a few Skyray Kings for family and friends over a long period of time and kept six for my own use around the farm, some Gold some Black, some older XM-L ones and some XM-L U2 ones as well as the cheap and nasty lookalikes that I have thrown into the bin quite a while back.

When you get the good ones they are just fantastic and the best ones I have had so far are the ones from Ric at CNQ. I was wondering if the King will ever go to the U3 LED. The XM-L U2 updated models have a noticable increase in the lumen output and it is a bit better in throw without loosing any real spill. More lumens and throw for the same old low price are always welcome in my collection. Another mode so that the light levels could be spread out a bit more would be handy to have. Has anyone tried modding the King with U3 LEDs?

Long live the King!

BLF ROCKS.

I think this question begs for a new post.

I have made this question a new post.

any updateds on the kings ?

Maybe someone has to egg skyray on to make a U3 or L2 versions with better reflectors to destroy the TK75 :slight_smile:

best 65$ torch i ever spent , with panasonic 2900 mah and nitecore v2 charger all under 120$ kit :slight_smile:

I am thinking of building the ultimate SRK that would give any torch a run for its money. Starting with 3 Luminus SST-90 big emitters, then a custom machined 4-26650 cell body or a longer 8-18650 body mod. J)

Three of these https://illuminationsupply.com/cree-leds-c-52_36/cree-xml2-bare-u2-1c-tint-6500k-p-279.html#.UWaF8rWi87o
all driven at 3A+

:davie:

Nothing major, but FF has now XM-L2 U2 version in stock (the real deal)

Just got my first SRK from Fasttech for $36 delivered 7 days from placing the order. I got the C3PO gold version. It came in a sturdy white box very similar to the one pictured from the OP except it had an extra sticker that had the “SKY RAY” logo. Same foam insert in the box. Spare O-ring, slightly darker lanyard. It is definitely brighter and more floody than my Shadow SL3, although it might not be a fair test since the battery in my SL3 was not topped off before the rough comparison. Also, I was running the SRK on only two cells. But if it holds, it is the brightest in my collection so far.

Anyway, the only real complaint I have so far is that the edges on the bezel are a bit sharp. Instant turn-off for my wife as she is sensitive to things like that. If you put it in a coat pocket it could snag. Anyone try smoothing down the edges? At least I won’t have to worry about the wife claiming this as her own!

Hi guys. I’ve just pulled the trigger on one of these lights, and not wanting to sound stupid, but would it be best to run it on protected cells or would it be ok on unprotected?

Protected was recommended for me

Would these be sufficient?

At Fasttech.

Anyone got this new version already?

Yep, for longer runtimes look at 2900, 3100 or 3400 mHa batteries

Nice. Less $ HERE.

Would love to know if anyone has one and notices a difference.

Now they need an XML2 neutral/warm. :stuck_out_tongue: 4C! 4C! 4C!!! :smiley:

You're forgetting FF is free shipping and CNQG isn't.

hmm yeah guess I did overlook that

I don’t own a king (yet) but i smooth down the edges on some of my lights.
Especially ss/aluminum (single alloy) bezels smooth down, almost without any visible difference still having a HUGE difference on how sharp they feel.

The original king has a stainless steel bezel, i have heard of coated bezels on mimics but i’m not sure if that would reveal a different color metal beneath (if i had to guess, i would say it wouldn’t).

What I would do is find a piece of fine sandpaper 1000 grit or so, wrap if around my finger and work on the sharp edges, with increasing pressure, checking every few passes.
Try not to touch anything but the edge when working with the sandpaper.

If you want even smoother edges you have to start with lower grit sandpaper first.

I have yet to regret sanding down something sharp on my flashlights, even painted portions, as this makes me use them more. (i guess i hate sharp edges as well)

Good idea Johm. I am sure a dremel could be used to speed things up. Wouldnt want to over-do it though.

I would actually prefer a flat bezel on the King. Never really cared for crenalated ones.

Hmmm. $68.00 for the XML2 version seems a bit pricey to me…

Fasttech has them for $40 with BLF discount.

For the black XM-L U2 version they claim: “Fasttech is now shipping the version that’s reported to be of the best quality and seemingly the most genuine”.

For the gold XM-L U2 version they claim: “This golden version is recommended over the black version for better build quality and output”. Someone posted a review 4/15/13 for the item saying the one they received was a mimic and not like what was pictured.

Metalophile, you posted above that you just received one from Fasttech for $36 delivered. Does it have the same cord and is it genuine?

pretty sure fasttech has been saying that for some time on their site