http://www.xtarlight.com/05-chanpin/p-001-1.asp?styleid=354 : Product Page .
Review was very kindly sponsored by Xtarlight
For review is the XTAR RC1 Darkwalker :
Seriously , for starters - That's a cool name !
2nd , the micro USB port is not one I have seen before . I have a cable for digital cameras , but this one is slightly larger so dont lose the factory supplied USB cable . Xtar has certainly pulled this off well . I can see the RC1 being charged from any USB port , be it a USB to cigarette lighter adapter for charging in the car , or a USB wall adapter , your computer or one of your Xtar chargers with a USB charging connection . Oh heck even a solar panel that does 5v charging . This makes the RC1 seriously versatile as far as recharging goes .
The build quality is excellent , it is a really well built light . So far I have nothing to complain about , it really is a quality product and one I hope stands the test of time . Lets move onto the forward clicky as it looks like some thought may have gone into making it a little extra trick ! When you press the clicky , there is a little bit of movement and then the light turns on ( sorry it is a forward clicky ) and you press further in before meeting any resistance . What we have , or I have , is a two stage clicky switch , much like the old two stage military triggers from 50 - 100 years ago . So the first stage is for your momentary on ( very little resistance ) , the second stage is for clicking on the light . I really hope this is not just a quirk with mine because it really is trick .
The emitter is really well centered in the orange peel reflector , and the light does look to throw well . Not nearly as flood'y as a XML , it is a little more reminiscent of a XR-E with not quite as tight a beam , but for those that dont like flood , you will probably love this beam profile . I can really see this light working for say a security guard that drives around all night shining his torch into dark places , with USB charging I dont see why the light would not be ready for use 24/7 .
The machining of the threads , and the fit of the parts is excellent . O rings where they need to be and the threads are factory lubed for really slick operation . The anodizing is just excellent , and shaking the light really hard - there is not slapping around of the battery .
Now lets talk about the USB charging , I got the light with the battery @ 3.75v .
To charge the battery , turn on the light and plug in the USB plug - it will automatically turn the light off and start charging .
It took one hour to get to 3.89v , another hour to get to 4.10v and an hour latter it was done ( well I checked after another hour ) @ 4.16v measured on completion .
There is a little red light that comes on to let you know that the battery is being charged and when the charging is complete it turns green . Also if you plug in the USB and the light is green , then the battery is not being charged . Pull the plug out , turn on the light and plug in the USB and it should start charging .
To get to the USB port , just unscrew the collar counter clock wise to open and clock wise to close it again . Dont worry , there are two O-rings to keep moisture away from the USB port , one above and another bellow the USB port .
The battery is fully charged so I will get back with some figures for output and current draw ..
Current Draw with factory supplied battery :
Low = 0.190A - 0.196A
High = 1.4A - 1.44A
These figures are what I measured ...
Output ( as close as I can get it )
Low = 60 Lumens
High = 421 Lumens
Throw @ 1 meter
Low = 2200Lux
High = 18000Lux
Left to right :
XTAR RC1 - Solarforce L2 - Thorfire VG-10
The RC1 is slightly longer than my two go to lights , considering the RC1 also charges the battery I think this is a very small price to pay for such convenience . I simply can't think of a single negative thing to say . Im sure people will prefer this or that , or have an opinion , but to find fault ? I'm sorry , I cant think of anything to fault . Some one at XTAR set a design goal , a function goal , and the RC1 does what it was designed to do exceedingly well .
I am impressed by the XTAR RC1. In the past I had no experience with a USB charged light , nor did I see the need in one . But after having experienced the RC1 I can see a multitude of situations where the RC1 would make perfect sense . The convenience of being able to charge your flashlight almost anywhere from a multitude of sources is simply brilliant .
Two stage tail clicky ( by design or happy accident ? ) I love it either way !
High and low modes - I can live with it , 1.4A on high and 0.190A on low - I can live with it .
Forward clicky - I dont care , I know some people do - I just dont have a preference any more .. ( Its not rocket science )
USB charging - It works , and its not painfully slow .
The overall quality is excellent ,
Wow , this is a very nice flashlight and even if you were to hate charging VIA the USB port , this is such a nice flashlight and you could just pull out the battery and pop in a fresh one if the USB offends you . I am really looking forward to reading other reviews on this light , to see what other people think of it .
Bottom line is , would I recommend this light = YES ..
If the sample I have is the standard of all lights leaving the factory , I think new owners are going to be very impressed .
10 out of 10 Xtar - The RC1 is excellent !