This is a review of the Crelant 7G2CS MXL-U3. It was sent to me for this review by Lightcastle.
This is their specs.
Brand ：CRELANT
Model： 7G2CS
Appearance Color： Black
Quantity ：1
Body Material ：Aluminum alloy
Bulbs Brand： Cree
LED Type： XM-L
Bulbs BIN： U3
Color BIN ：Cool White
Number of Bulbs ：1
Brightness： 658 lm
Working Voltage： 2.7~8.5 V
Circuitry ：2500 mA
Number of Modes： 4
Mode Arrangement ：2-Mode dimming (5%~100%) / Fast strobe / SOS
Switch Type: Reverse clicky
Switch Location ：Tailcap (Power switch) / Side (Mode switch)
Mode Memory ：Yes
Runtime ：130 minutes under hi mode
Beam Range ：200 meters
Lens ：Glass
Reflector： Aluminum Smooth / SMO
Battery Configuration： 1 x 18650 / 2 x CR123A (not included)
Strap Included： Yes
Clip Included： No
Other Feature ：Mode memory under dimming, press power switch the memory will clean up; Fast click twice into fast strobe mode, continue clicking twice into SOS mode.
Packing List： 1 x Flashlight
1 x Strap
2 x Rubber rings
1 x English user manual
Their description is accurate and you can view the link for more pictures. I added one for size perspective.
The Good.
The size on this light is very nice. It's not an edc but it is easily carried in a front pocket. The modes are great, the dimming feature works perfectly and you can set the light to come back to your pre-set with a simple click. It tailstands easily. The finish is flawless as are the reflector and lens. Very high quality all around. Their price on this model is very competitive, at $44 it's the cheapest I have seen it.
The BAD
The light I was sent does not work correctly with the batteries I have on hand. It's fine with an 18650. However, I tried it with Ultrafire 123a batteries and a set of AW IMR 16340's. With the ultrafire batteries the protection kicks on after less than a minute. With the 16340's they got hot very fast and I would not use them in it again. I contacted Lightcastle about this problem and they said they would get ahold of Crelant. To their credit Lightcastle told me they wanted an honest review and to include this problem. I would have anyway but still that was good of them. They will be getting back to me after Crelant let's them know. This problem could very well be the batteries I am using. So I do not know if it's the light or not. Ultrafire batteries are not the greatest and the IMR's are older.
The Average.
Output is only average with the 18650's and even with the 16340's it's not as bright and doesn't throw as far as the C12 MX-L2 U2 that I have pictured below.
Conclusion.
I really like this light, despite the problem with the batteries it's a great light. It's a high quality, refined light. The beam pattern is floody and it still has enough throw to light up well ahead of you on a walk. The dimming feature works great and this is it's strongest feature. At $44 it's not a budget light but Lightcastle's price is very competitive. Overall I would give this light 3.5 stars out of five. It would have gotten 4 if it worked correctly with my other batteries. If you are looking for a dimming light with a very nice beam in a nice pocket size this would be one to look at.
Starting at the left is the Fandyfire rook, then the Crelant then a C12.
