Review: DQG Tiny18650 (XM-L2, 18650)

DQG Tiny18650
LED: Cree XM-T6 L2
Battery : 1x 18650
Modes: 3 (Low-Med-High) with no memory.
Switch: Twisty
Price: $ 35
Date: May 2013
*Links:
CNQG / FancyFlashlights / ForoLinternas Thread / RdL*

INTRODUCTION:
One of the most recognized keychain flashlights and appreciated among connoisseurs are known DQG AAA. Previously we reviewed version III in stainless steel and also in titanium . Recently launched the fourth version , which features a new LED XP-G2 and keeps original appearance and construction of version III, and I hope shortly to offer further details. Between these two versions, the brain behind these real gems of EDC, has designed a totally new concept within its range, and it is the DQG Tiny18650. An ultra compact flashlight, powered by one 18650 battery, has a surprisingly tiny hard to believe especially when compared directly with lights that use the same battery.

As usual in this range, there are two sub-versions covering the two mostly preferred light tones: one L2 XM-T6 1A CW version, and XM-L T6 3C NW version. In addition, there are also two finishes in anodized Black and “Titanium Colour” appears to be a metallic gold.

The commercialization of this flashlight is in exclusive by CNQG, led by Ric, who recently surprised with his BTU Shocker.
therefore not surprising that the flashlight comes in a small cardboard box with a sticker with the URL www.btulight.com .

Inside the box found foam trimmed and cut in one of the flashlight is housed. The other is designed to accommodate a 18650 battery, not included in the price, but can be very useful if we want to give as gift a Tiny18650 and include battery in the box.
Included are also two black O-rings for the attachment of the head of parts, and one for the lens translucent.

EXTERIOR FINISH:
This is the first DQG machined in aluminum and anodized, so personally have had enough excitement about what this would be given this new “stuff” to DQG. The first thing that catches the eye when removing the flashlight from its seat on the box is it’s compactness, tiny, which is to hold in hand. This feeling even increases when it is compared to other lights with the same battery used. Amazing …

It simple looks, and it is reminiscent of the AAA by the same author, as it retains its careful design, but incorporating some new features needed for this new transmitter and battery.

The black anodized is excellent. Far from what might seem at the first images that circulated on the net, final tone is great matte and not glossy, and has a porous texture and completely uniform.

Machining is very good, clean, no marks or blemishes. The flashlight is divided into two main parts, like her little sisters, head and tube. The tube is externally fitted with a knurling in its central part quite aggressive, which combined with the rough anodizing further increases its grip. It also has a clip installed a few millimeters from its base, held in place by pressure, which has a good tension, almost excessive, both in its clip and on your tongue.

The base is completely smooth and stable, allowing us to use the flashlight in tailstand safely. At the base, the flashlight features an engraving coined, but hardly noticeable for its lack of depth. No hooks or carabiners holes, so that the only attachment point if we install (eg wrist strap) is the clip.

The threads, triangular cut standard are anodized in its two sides, and come with an O-ring. Came very clean, but totally dry, so that lubrication is necessary for optimum feel.

Inside the tube for a spring spotted negative battery contact. Interestingly, is also seen as anodised only reaches about half of the inside of the tube, being the crude aluminum background.

Something that has puzzled those who keep track of the development of this lantern has been its ability to accommodate protected batteries. Having spent a long time trying all I have, I can ensure that the best combination is done with unprotected NCR18650A. Thanks to tiny stud, they work without magnets, and its length make them safe to use. Of the many Trustfire “Fire” that I have only one has been able to function because of the randomness in your measurements. Some users have also reported problems diameter golden units, but my unit inner diameter reach every one of the 18650 that I have available.

The head of the Tiny18650 has some interesting details. The exterior is composed of two parts, an aluminum containing electronics, and other stainless steel that holds and protects the TIR lens.
Has on the outside with a small band of knurling, which allows us to operate the flashlight with one hand of very comfortable, and under this strip are two small discrete cooling fins.
The lens is sealed by a colorless O-ring ,and apparently was installed incorrectly at the factory during assembly. This error has been corrected in my unit as it came with the gasket correctly placed, but still Ric advised by email how to install it correctly:

TIR lens is free of defects or flaws in my unit, although some users have reported problems caused as a result of improper placement of the board and the excessive pressure exerted on the lens base to be screwed completely.

In the part of aluminum we found the XM-L2. The emitter has no star, and is installed directly on the driver PCB, sticking properly centered. At the bottom, we find the contact to the positive pole, in brass, and surrounded by a washer that seems to act as a shield against reverse polarity.

USER INTERFACE:
Another important development is the sequence of modes. This DQG Tiny18650, embraces a new user interface to take better advantage of the new LED employeed, going from 2 modes from the AAA & AA DQG’s to a new 3 mode sequence.
Operation is virtually identical: Three modes, selectable twisty, no memory. Always turn in Low mode, and so with rapid change and turned off by screwing / unscrewing the head.

The action, as I mentioned above once lubricated threads and gasket correctly, is made of a comfortable and natural, even with one hand.

The distribution of intensities is well provided with a low mode that offers ~15LM, ~180LM for medium mode, and a max output mode of ~450LM.

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PERFORMANCE AND BATTERY DURATION:
Within the range of ultra high performance flashlights compact, this Tiny18650 has good regulation, offering a truly amazing amount of light out of something so small.

Free of any stepdown, its high mode is more than usable outdoors, offering more than acceptable performance.

The medium mode is able to offer a consistently 165LM for nearly five hours, with an amazing linearity .

Unfortunately, efficiency is a little behind what we have seen in the leading brands, albeit in a very compact format is something that is in the background.

BEAM PROFILE:
TIR lens has not only been selected for its ability to reduce significantly the final size of their guts, but also offers a projection clean and free of chromatic aberration. The lens creates a good compromise between throw and flood with a medium sized hotspot, accompanied by a pleasant and smooth free spill any ring.

One of the reasons that the O-Ring TIR lens was in the wrong place was that slightly modifying this approach, creating a thin concentric rings . After setting it in place, they disappear.

PERSONAL CONCLUSION:
Much anticipation has accompanied this new DQG, since the units so far this genius had produced were all within the category key. Also, for this new piece aluminum was used as raw material, and anodized as exterior finish.
Though it may be difficult to appreciate at first glance, the Tiny18650 stays true original aesthetic previous versions, perpetuating first characteristic simplicity as family essential, and good taste and careful finishes this. Also hard to believe that in an even more compact flashlight that most AA flashlights, we can enjoy 165LM for 5 hours on a single battery.


NCR18650 • DQG Tiny18650 • Roche F12 • Fenix PD32 G2 • Nitecore MT2C • Nitecore EC25W • N-light ST50


Eneloop • DQG Tiny18650 • Balder SE-1 • Nitecore MT1A • Jetbeam BA10

Negative aspects include improved efficiency and the absence of an attachment point for straps or hanging stuff and the faint engraved on the base of the tail.
Somewhat concerned also to see reports of damage in the neck of the lens due to the wrong placement of the seal in the factory assembly .

But in this case I’ll take the positives, in which the size and weight make it difficult to find a negative aspect clouding all of the above.

What I like:

  • Incredibly compact.
  • Neat Beam.
  • Exclusive and unique.

What I don’t like:

  • Hole absence of hooks.
  • Engraved almost invisible.

Please disculpe my poor english! :zipper_mouth_face: :8)

Small torch, great review!!

Thanks for your hard work!

8)

Not true at all, it's greenish brown or brownish green :D anyway very militaristic color.

You sure it has memory? :wink:

Yeah, no memory. Always starts at low.

That’s the strangest greenish brown / brownish green I’ve ever seen. :wink:
Actually looks like titanium. :stuck_out_tongue:

Now you are just being silly. :stuck_out_tongue:

:p

:bigsmile:

It does? Then there is something wrong with my titanium watch :/

Yeah, sorry, translation glitch.

Thanks for the review.

Funny… what you consider negatives I feel are positives…

I like the lack of lanyard mounting point & the faint engraving. Both aspects keep the light extremely simple, clean, and minimal. I like that.

This light is so small I see no point in a lanyard, but if you really wanted one you could tie one on with paracord. I know jack the clipper has done this but I can’t find the pic.

Review finished, hope you enjoy it.
Again, please disculpe my poor english. :beer:

Nice review, thanks :slight_smile:

Thank you for reading, Chicken Drumstick :wink:

thanks for the review, very nice!

Thanks for the nice review! Good job!

Thank you guys!

Looking forward your review, =the= :smiley:

Thanks for the review.

Excellent job .