[Astrolux S41 4x Nichia 219B](https://goo.gl/ymwy96)
Coupon code: 018be6
Price w/code: $27.29
Disclaimer: I was offered my choice of flashlights to review by BangGood
Recently, Banggood.com reached out to me to see if I wanted to review any lights off their site. Since I already have several on my wishlist, I jumped at the chance. I chose the Astrolux S41 (Nichia version). The S41 has been in my cart on at least 3 separate occasions, and each time I’ve talked myself out of it. I want to start off this review by stating that I made a mistake. I should have clicked “purchase” the first time it was in my cart. This is a really fun, amazing light.
Packaging
To start off with, the packaging is the standard, high-quality [Astrolux packaging](http://i.imgur.com/RbXNbCx.jpg). A sturdy, elegant box, dense [foam cut to fit](http://i.imgur.com/b6iVrI7.jpg), spare o-ring, [pocket clip](http://i.imgur.com/JwCFbBz.jpg) (which I’ll come back to), and [lanyard](http://i.imgur.com/W0qrpcP.jpg). I’m not a lanyard guy when it comes to flashlights, but all of the Astrolux ones look pretty solid, with a push-button slide to tighten the loop down and hefty cordage.
Head
So, clearly the first thing to notice about this light is the over-sized [copper head](http://i.imgur.com/grZAj9E.jpg). Not only is this a really unique looking feature, it is also functional of course. Turn the light on [Turbo](http://i.imgur.com/F5IRqC9.jpg), and it’s quickly obvious that there is a strong heat-path to the head of the light. In fact, it gets too hot to hold pretty quickly. When you look at the rated 1600 lumens (I don’t have a meter, but it is clearly visibly much brighter than any of my Convoy S2s or my BLF A6), it’s clear how it generates that much heat. The truly impressive thing is that it generates that much heat from an 18350 battery (more on that later).
Emitter
The light has a quad-Nichia 219B in 5000k and a CRI of 90. While there are the new 219C emitters out there, the 219B is a fantastic emitter with [great color](http://i.imgur.com/JC1tzX4.jpg) and output. The S41 uses a [TIR lens](http://i.imgur.com/vzgkA4z.jpg) to focus the light, producing a beautiful [beam pattern](http://i.imgur.com/9hBKXE7.jpg). As a side note, since the TIR is set directly into the solid copper portion of the head, looking at the emitters (while off!) has an attractive [copper look to it](http://i.imgur.com/vzgkA4z.jpg).
Switch
The switch is the standard rubber boot you find on most lights in this class, recessed into the tail to allow [tail-standing](http://i.imgur.com/7rM6CMM.jpg) while still allowing easy access to the boot. There is also a lanyard hole in the tail, and enough room to fit a magnet if you so choose (which I have done to several of my other lights).
Clip
While talking about the physical construction of the light, I’ll take a moment to mention the [pocket clip](http://i.imgur.com/JwCFbBz.jpg). Since the head of the flashlight is a significantly [larger diameter](http://i.imgur.com/b6iVrI7.jpg) than the body, I was initially worried about the pocket clip meeting the body and creating a weird bulge when in a pocket (since I carry my light in my rear pocket). Instead, Astrolux has created a clip for this light which sticks out slightly from the body and meets flush with the head. This works great with the 18350 form, but means that the clip won’t work with the 18650 extension tube (although standard S1/A6 clips work with that tube).
Modes
The light has 2 mode sets, and contrary to what the web description shows, both have medium-press to move backward through modes. The modes are very well spaced. In fact, the modes might be the most impressive part of this light for me. Despite being a Quad-LED, when this light is on [Moonlight](http://i.imgur.com/uqiynXV.jpg), you can [stare straight at it](http://i.imgur.com/bVZQkPj.jpg) comfortably. When it’s on [Turbo](http://i.imgur.com/F5IRqC9.jpg), it’ll leave spots in your eyes just looking at the reflected light [off your hand](http://i.imgur.com/kvxvlF4.jpg). Keep in mind, this is from a light in the 18350 form factor!
Negatives
Now, on to some of the negatives of this light. The first is the aforementioned heat transfer. This light gets hot. Too hot to hold on Turbo, at least near the head. The other negative of this light is inherent in the form. I absolutely love the [18350 form factor](http://i.imgur.com/1TWcDoM.jpg), but that means that you significantly sacrifice the runtime vs. using an 18650. Now, this is easy to solve by using the [extension tube](http://i.imgur.com/CQXwUDBg.jpg)(sold separately, although I had a tube from an A6 and it works perfectly). Changing this to an 18650, you lose a bit of the WOW-factor, but pick up significant runtime. This is a call you’d need to make for yourself. It really depends on your use of the light and why you want it, but for a few extra bucks, you can have both options. One thing to note if you choose to go the 18650 route, you’ll need a pocket clip for an S1/A6 since the clip won’t meet the [body tube](http://i.imgur.com/MJY6vAJ.jpg) (it’s designed to touch the larger head, not the slimmer body).
Conclusion
I really don’t have any other criticisms of this light. It IS my first Quad, so I can’t compare it to any others. It is by no means my first 18350/18650 light, so I can comfortable say it is the most unique of those I have and the most powerful. If you’re looking for an impressive EDC, a tiny light with a great WOW-factor, an intro into Quad-LED lights, or just have the itch, I highly recommend this light!