MAXToch SN6X-2X Initial Impressions
Sorry, no pix at the moment.
After exactly one month I received my new SN6X-2X this afternoon. I missed the group buy because I had already ordered one from Alibaba.com.
Build quality and machining are very good, as is the black anodizing. Threading is generally good, although perhaps a bit too square cut on the upper end of the battery tube. There are well-fitting, lubed O-rings under the clear glass lens, between the head and upper battery tube, and double O-rings between the lower battery tube and tail cap. The XM-L2 (U2?) is well centered at the base of an aluminum reflector. The light is easy to take apart making it a good candidate for modding.
Additionally, Maxtoch included an extra tailcap forward clicky switch along with a luminous rubberized cover and two O-rings.
No directions or explanation of the lights interface came with it. It did arrive in a zippered semi-padded case as advertised. I removed the light from the case with some difficulty but it does fit.
You laptop battery harvesting fans will be pleased to know that the SN6X-2X will accept the flat-top 18650’s typically found in laptop battery packs. There is some movement, but no rattling. I then tried two Panasonic NCR18650B, 3400Ma button-top batteries. They do fit, but very tightly. I’m able to see the top tail cap O-ring when using the 3400 Ma batteries so I’m not sure that the IPX-8 waterproof standard will still be in effect when using the NCR18650b’s or similar 18650’s over 2800 Ma.
Things that could be improved
There is considerable metallic machining “debris” on all of the threads which is held in place by a bit too much lube. This makes the threads feel gritty when the light is disassembled. I think this could be avoided with a simple wipe of a rag at the factory before the thread lubricant is applied. I took the light almost completely apart before I powered it up. I’m glad I did because there was a 1 cm “thread” of aluminum in the tail cap that could have potentially shorted the battery spring to the body. It would have burned in half I suppose, but why risk it? The LED circuit board would also benefit from a bit of solder defluxer.
Conclusion
I think the SN6X-2X is a very good value for the money and I am happy with the purchase and with Maxtoch. It lacks the attention to detail of a light from EagleTac or Nitecore but is considerably less expensive and boy, does it have a bright, long throw! The farthest visible tree in my yard is about two hundred yards away and the SN6X-2X has no trouble at all brightly illuminating it.
I Hope this brief write-up is useful to some of you who may have been wondering about this light.
—Skaarjillian