Well I got the Olight SR51 XM-L complete package deal from Andy today. The only thing missing was a lanyard. But I don't use them really. But I emailed Andy about it. I'm sure he will send me one. But no big deal. I have to work tonight so I can't take too long here since I need to try and get some more sleep. But I took some pictures to show you guys. It's a very nice and simple light. Very good quality. It has 3 modes: high, low, and strobe. I love the switch being on the top side of body. Wished my other lights were this way. The only gripe I have about this light and it really isn't a gripe, but the body tube could have been made a little bit thicker or heftier, but I guess they made it like this to cut down on weight. Other than that, this light is a 10 in my book. I really like it. This light is a lot lighter than you would think. And it has a nice bright beam. Looks like I will have to buy the SR50 now. That's how much I like it.
$118 shipped to my door and that was counting both battery carriers. A lot of sellers won't give you both so that is something to consider when a seller quotes you a price.
It's a very bright light. But I again just checked it against the Catapult V3 at about 1yd and to my eyes the Catapult is brighter. But the Catapult has got a deeper reflector. But the SR51 has got a little wider reflector. But the Catapult will definately out throw it. But all in all I love this light. It feels great in your hand. And it looks very nice. That's why I bought it anyway. And it still throws well. I'll take some beam shots at night later this week.
Well now I am not sure. I just took a picture of the 2 lights side by side at about 5ft. I'll let you guys decide. The Olight SR51 is on the left and the ThruNite Catapult V3 is on the right. Also don't know if it matters but the SR51 has 6 CR123A batteries inside. The Catapult has 2 Xtar 18700 2600MAH batteries. You guys make the call. But you can defnately tell the beam is a lot tighter on the Catapult V3.
And this is sort of the same shot above but back from the back of my deck instead of from the side and aimed more up and to the left a little at the trees that are about 200yds or more.
And since we like to discuss throw comparisons between flashlights, this should give you a comparison from the Olight SR51 shed shot above at 85yds vs the ThruNite Catapult V3 at the same distance. Now I am zoomed in more with the Olight SR51 shot above. But in my honest opinion the Catapult easily wins and appears to be brighter in this shot below.
Here's one more at approx 350yds. I took this shot from laying on the actual asphalt while my son's friend held the light. So it probably won't show up near as well as catching the beam.
And I wanted to tell you that I now believe that the Olight SR51 is definately brighter up close. And for all practical puposes and everyday use if I had to choose between the 2 lights the SR51 would be my pick. The SR51 is better balanced in your hand due to the fact it is shorter. But for overall build quality I would go with the Catapult V3 if your wanting a light that is heftier made. But the SR51 is pure quality in machining and anodizing don't get me wrong . If this SR51 had the same length deep reflector as the Catapult V3, it would be awesome in my book. But it does throw extremely well and is very bright as well even at longer distances. I still give the olight SR51 a 10. It is now one of my personal favorite flashlights. I hope that helps.
