UPDATE: MT-G2 mod at post 18. :bigsmile:
_
From the moment I saw the X7, it caught my eye. The big reflector, large deep-finned aluminum heat sink, coupled with 3 x 18650 cells should do a good job as a thrower capable of sustaining high-mode run times. The size seemed on the cusp of what would otherwise be to large for a long term carry (IMO, such is the case with the larger X6). As long as the reflector was properly designed, I thought it would probably be easy to improve the rest of the host if necessary (driver, thermal management, conductivity, etc.)
I was pleased to find that my X7 arrived in great condition and looked as well finished as the stock photo above.
Pros:
- Excellent robust construction and design
- Waterproof
- Excellent thermal management
- Simple and easy to use UI
- Spare lens, o-rings, clicky, silicon lube packet
- Shoulder sling
- Excellent throw and satisfactory spill
- Excellent packaging
- Emitter is driven at 4.5A (before losses)
- Easy to disassemble and modify
- Mode memory
Cons
* Does not tail stand
* Can not lock out by loosening the tail cap
* Slight greenish emitter tint
* Modes are H/M/L/Strobe/SOS - getting rid of the last 2 modes would be nice.
* A few small imperfections in the reflector, but do not impact beam performance
* Lens is not A/R coated
* Unsatisfactory quality battery and charger combination may prove a safety hazard if used.
Product Description
Specifications:
Brand: TrustFire
Model: X7
Emitter Brand/Type: CREE
Emitter BIN: SST-50
Color BIN: White
Total Emitters: 1
Battery Configurations: 3 x 18650 batteries (4 x 18650 batteries included)
Voltage Input: 4.2~12.0 V, 12 V max
Switch Type: Clicky/Clickie
Switch Location: Tail-cap
Modes: 5
Mode Memory: Circuitry Features Mode Memory
Mode Arrangement: Hi > Mid > Low > Fast Strobe > Slow Strobe
Circuitry: Digital Regulated 4200 mA Current Output
Brightness: 1300 lumens maximum brightness (manufacturer rated)
Runtime: 210 Minutes (manufacturer rated)
Lens: Coated Glass Lens
Reflector: Aluminum Smooth / OP Reflector
Accessories Included: 4 x Protection 18650 Rechargeable Li-on Batteries; 1 x Carrying Shoulder Strap; Battery charger adapter AC 100~240 V (US plug); English user manual
Dimensions: 13.27 in x 3.07 in x 3.07 in (33.7 cm x 7.8 cm x 7.8 cm)
Weight: 19.15 oz (543 g)
Additional Information
Color Black
Name TrustFire X7 SST-50 1300LM 5-Mode Memory White LED Flashlight with Batteries Set (3*18650)
Free Shipping Yes
Top: Protective sleeve. Bottom: Gift Box
Opening
Initial thoughts: this light was built to throw a distant tight spot beam and feels great in the hands. Overall build quality and finish surpasses similar lights in this price category. The kit is very complete, including a foam padded presentation/gift box, 4 protected 18650’s, charger, carrying sling, spare lens, spare clicky switch, silicone lube package & o-ring spares. Heat management is well thought out and does a good job of transferring heat to the air.
The adjustable sling is intended for shoulder carry and contains 2 pouches. The larger pouch is intended to carry extra 18650 cells. The smaller one can carry a small flashlight.
The 2 station single channel charger also came with 4 flame Trustfire TF18650 cells that appear authentic. Out of the box and tested with a calibrated DMM, cell voltages ranged from 2.47V - 3.45V. Hot off the charger that was provided, they charged to 4.17V-4.22V and settled from 4.14V-4.21V an hour later. The charger often failed to indicate a termination by signaling with a green light. Doing a slight discharge and then topping off again with a different charger provided similar results. Because this flashlight stacks cells in a series configuration and the condition of the cells is questionable, (for safety’s sake) I will be using different cells for this light and relegating the TF18650’s to single 18650 flashlight use.
Look again! The included manual is legible and written in English. 
Spares include: lens, clicky switch, silicone lube package & o-rings.
The light appears to be very robust and in excellent condition. All connections contain double o-rings and lube.
The tailcap contains two large slots for lanyard attachment.
Markings are crisp and clear.
Large reflector with emitter & driver housed inside a large chunk of finned aluminum.
Size comparisons with SkyRay King and Trustfire 18650
A quick continuity test showed no dead shorts so I popped in some fresh cells and turned it on. The output was as expected… very bright. As we are all aware, appearances are not always indicative of build quality and performance. After the quick light-up, the tools came out for a tear-down.
The Luminous SST-50 emitter is well centered in the reflector (pic taken from a slight angle to allow light in for the shot). The bottom of the reflector is flat and around the hole there are a few tiny burs. The burs had no impact on beam quality. The reflective surface is high luster with 2 very slight imperfections (pin size - you have to look hard to see them and the photos didnt pick them up). There were no fingerprints or dust on the lens or the reflector… until I opened it up for inspections. A quick blow removed all the dust (that shows in the photo) before reassembly.
Breaking it down further. All threads are well cut and easily unscrewed without tightness or galling. The lack of square cut threads was noted, although they appear coarse enough to withstand years of use.
There is a large spring loaded plunger on the driver end…
… as well as within the tailcap. All but the long Xtar 18700 protected cells would fit, although removing the plungers from the tail and driver and utilizing just the springs would probably accommodate the Xtar’s. As is with the Xtar’s, I was able to tighten the tail cap past the first o-ring seal - with roughly 1/8” gap remaining. It should still be enough to keep the flashlight water resistant in a downpour, as long as it isnt submerged. All other protected and non-protected cells fit and made good contact. Vigorously shaking the flashlight while turned on (with my shortest unprotected cells inserted) produced no intermittent contact or uncommanded mode chages.
Emitter side of pill.
The protective plastic plate prevents the reflector from creating a dead short against the power leads to the emitter but does nothing to assist in centering the reflector.
Removing the plastic isolation insert shows that the star is secured by 2 screws with a non-drying thermal compound beneath. As experience has shown me in the past, these screws are often left lose at the factory. As luck would have it, the screws in the X7 were no exception, requiring nearly a full revolution to seat them properly.
Driver removal couldnt get any easier than this…
The driver is held in by a threaded compression ring and requires only fine needle-nosed pliers (or similar) to unscrew it for removal. Considerable torque can be applied to the threads to assure a good electrical contact.
A quick test proves that the X7 will operate sufficiently on 2 unprotected cells, but the tail cap can not be threaded down all the way. For the few extra ounces, length and better run time, I’ll run it on 3 cells.
Tests prove that the driver claim of 4.5A (before losses) to be fairly accurate.
Tail readings with 3 cells charged to 4.18V:
H - 1.53A
M - 0.68A
L - 0.19A
High mode: Lux @ 1m = 45,600. Lux taken with the CT-1330B which is said to be 10-15% conservative.
I was anticipating the need to modify this light extensively to make it into a better thrower. Beyond the need to tighten the star retaining screws, there was no need for any other adjustments or modifications. It makes for a great searchlight right out of the box. Beyond a good performing reflector in this type of light, heat management is the next greatest concern. The large finned aluminum surfaces do an excellent job of transferring heat to the air. I did observe that the host will get hot after 15 minutes while remaining static indoors but runs cool when carried outdoors. Not knowing how hot the star was becoming, I risked burning my fingers by removing the bezel and reflector, turned on the light for 20 minutes to get it thoroughly warmed up, then reached inside and touched the emitter star. It was no hotter than the exterior of the pill… nice!! :bigsmile:
The male threads of the pill screw into the larger heat sink that contain the reflector. The larger heat sink runs about 15 degrees F cooler than the pill, so a small amount of thermal grease applied to the threads might help disperse some additional heat (although it runs quite efficiently as-is).
I will rate the actual light 4.5 out of 5 stars (flashlight only). The host is excellent and well designed. The emitter is driven HARD, but the slight green tint is not optimum for illuminating targets near the flashlights maximum range. Although the packaging provides a nice presentation for potential gift giving opportunities, the batteries and charger fall far short of delivering the required performance for such a light, and may pose a very dangerous threat should one of the unmatched cells vent. Hopefully, Kevin can find a deal on the X7 without all the packaging, charger & batteries at a reduced cost.
Weather has been horrible the past few days, so I havent been able to take any outdoor beam shots yet. They will be coming soon.
There will likely be a future XM-L2 T6 swap for lux and tint comparisons. I will later be removing the plastic isolation disk to see if any more lux can be found by optimizing the reflector to emitter clearance.
Please ask any questions and leave comments or suggestions.
Thank you for reading! 
