http://budgetlightforum.com/node/11337 Review of pre production version .

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Balder was kind enough to send me a new head [ XM-L 3 mode ] to play with .

It was a simple task to remove the retaining ring from the old head and slipping it to the new one !

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+Balder HD-1 XM-L 3 mode : +

Whats different is an extra mode , also the light cycles continuously now from High [ always starts in high – this one ] to medium , than low , and back up to high .

To turn on the light , push down the plunger tube [ clicky ] for 2 seconds , to turn it off , it takes about a 3 second push . [ 3 full seconds ]

Most of you know I already like this light , and the 3 mode XM-L just makes it better .

Lets move to some performance figures :

AA batteries :

Rayovac4 = High = 175L – 1.95A … Medium – 93L – 1.00A … Low – 9L – 0.13A

Recyko = High = 170L – 1.91A … Medium – 92L – 0.93A … Low – 9L – 0.12A

Eneloop = High = 176L – 2.04A … Medium – 92L – 1.00A … Low – 8L – 0.12A

BTone = High = 190L – 1.93A … Medium – 96L – 0.90A … Low – 9L – 0.12A

14500 @ 4.16v :

14500 = High – 600+L – 1.5A …. Medium – 320L – 0.76A …. Low – 32L – 0.08A

Results are as measured [ Light output less MM , and current measured separately from light output ]

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Im very pleased with the performance , but I must say that I still think it should be AA only , and maybe fitted with a more efficient AA only driver [ But thats just me ] .

On the AA batteries , Im quite pleased , the light is very useful , throws a nice beam that floods well and ???? its just nice . On a pocket flashlight the XM-L emitter throws a beam that belongs on a larger light , and its by no means a thrower , and should such a small light try to be a thrower ?

There are no issues on AA batteries , and in this regard falls into line with other AA lights , only this time the output is much higher [ 126 on previous – now 170+ ] …

The 14500 is a hot potato , and I mean hot : On high , I can not recommend any extended running as I believe the host to simply be to small to handle the thermal output , and even on medium , whilst seriously impressive [ 300+ Lumen ] , did generate quite a bit of warmth which was gradually heating up the head . And lets not forget output sag , on high its somewhat of a serious issue , and on medium , its there , but much slower , weather is rather cold here ATM , and I wonder how it would go if it were 10Deg C warmer ?

Well , on a 14500 , it really does perform : The output is HUGE for such a small light , and if you needed a pocket rocket for showing off , it will do the job .

I really am impressed by the HD-1 XM-L , I found the output on a AA just about perfect , 9L on low is near on perfect for me . I know its not 1L , but I find 1L to be too puny , especially in slightly more challenging conditions [ rough ground , scrub , jungle – conditions that might challenge your life ] , so some extra lumens really help you see the things that need to be seen .

Medium is very nice , around 90L and 1A = decent output with decent run time [ could possibly be improved upon with a AA dedicated driver ] , and High is up there with the best AA lights .

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What I like :

3 Modes

Tailstands

XM-L

Good output for size

Well made

Decent clip

Small Size

Faster PWM

Weight

Nice Beam [ more floody ]

No parasitic Drain [ so you can leave your battery in there ]

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What I dont like :

14500 [ Should be AA only – but I guess you need to cater to the Hot Rod Crowd ]

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A lot of things to like , and very little not to like : Beams tonight ! weather permitting !

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Sorry , Raining outside ! But here are some beams