Manker U11 Mini review: updated with runtime plot on Turbo 2

Thank you for the review. :beer: Can’t wait to get mine in the mail, hopefully soon! Anyone has the Manker T01 and would like to post a pic to compare the size of the reflectors?

Thanks!

I added a foot note to the review:

I ran the light on turbo with two Panasonic CR123. It got too hot to hold. I also noticed this morning that the Keeppower 18650 3100 mah has a crushed button. I don’t know if this is an issue, but it certainly occurred in this light.

Did this seem to be from overtightening the tailcap till it bottomed out? If not then perhaps heat had something to do with it. Regardless it isn’t a good thing and glad you’ve made us aware of it!

Phil

Photos added to the mini review.

You have to fully tighten the tailcap as current flows from the end of the body to the tailcap. There is a spring inside at both ends. The button was crushed, apparently this is fairly common with 18650 cells in a single cell light and is not an issue as long as there is no damage to the protection circuit. Someone asked why the button is not stronger, but if it was, the damage would be at the other end, or within the cell, both of which are not good. This does suggest that longer 18650 cells are to be avoided. As I say, I used a Keeppower 18650 3100mah.

Thanks for the review. For a USB rechargeable I’ll stick to the Eagle Eye X6R, but I do have some interest in the U11. Smaller, deep carry clip, but it is twice the price.

Some beam shots added.

i wish someone can make a comparison of u11 and an mh20. it seems theyre pretty much the same, well in papers that is.

Added some crude flux measurements on Turbo 2.

Thanks, looks to be an excellent value.

there is a specific room for REVIEWS…. why do post here? :slight_smile:

Interesting—only 2mm wider head, and 20mm more length than the
AA/14500 Manker T01.

A word of caution, do not remove the rubber USB cover, I was unable to get it back on.

Whoops. :slight_smile:

Very informative review Leif, do you have a DMM to take an Amp reading? I’m between this one and the new SC600 MK3, but the ZL draws over 4.2A to produce only 1100lm from an XHP35, not very efficient compared to a regular XM-L2.

+1, any ideas on the mh20 vs U11? Quality, beam interface? The price is close of you get the deals.

No I don’t, but I’m hoping a more complete review will appear on this forum from Trevi_lux who can measure the output properly. I’m surprised by the output from the U11 and wonder if it really is close to 890 lumens on turbo 2. I am tempted to buy a proper light meter, I wonder if someone can recommend one.

This one works well with good precision: Amazon.com

Similar but doesn’t read as high Amazon.com

OP updated with output plot on Turbo 2:

Output
I ran the light on Turbo 2 specced at 890 lumens with the Keeppower 18650 3100 mah battery:

Measurements were taken using a HS1010 light meter, timed with an analogue watch, so the times are not precise. There is a modest drop in the first few minutes and then almost constant brightness for about 80 minutes, after which the output drops dramatically. I cannot measure the lumens output, but it seems noticeably brighter than my SWM M40A XML which produces roughly 600 lumens. This in my view is extremely good regulation. Clearly lower levels can be expected to be as well regulated.

Very well done. It does seem like a good regulation to me, the drop is because of the high temperature I suppose, Manker says the U11 has constant current regulation.

Also, excellent runtime… 800+ lumens for 90 minutes is very efficient.

No not 800 lumens, 800 arbitrary units, I cannot measure lumens. But I do think it is well over 600 lumens, perhaps even 800, who knows.

Yeah. CR123A batteries are rated for a maximum continuous discharge current of 1.5 amps. When you start going above that, the voltage sags terribly.

2xCR123A flashlights usually work well at outputs up to about 650 or 700 lumens. When you start to ask for more, the current draws become excessive.