ArmyTek sent along an Elf C1 for review.
Links:
https://www.armytek.com/products/flashlights/multi-flashlights/armytek-elf-c1-usb-18350/
Get the Elf C1 @ Amazon
Cool White - Amazon.com
Warm White - Amazon.com
Manufacturers Specs:
• LED: CREE XP-L
• Battery Type: 18350 Battery
• Peak Beam Distance: 115 yards (106m)
• Brightness Outputs:
—- Mode 1: 1050 lumens / 40 min
—- Mode 2: 340 lumens / 1 hr
—- Mode 3: 150 lumens / 2.5 hrs
—- Mode 4: 30 lumens / 15 hrs
—- Mode 5: 2.3 lumens / 168 hrs
—- Mode 6: 0.4 lumens / 1296 hrs
• IP Rating: IP68, 10m
• Dimensions: L- 3.27 in x D- 1.15 in (83mm x 29mm)
• Weight: 2.19oz (62g)
Features
• Rechargeable with Micro-USB charger
• Lamp mode without battery (connected to USB power source)
• TIR-optics and no “tunnel vision” effect
• Side switch
• Impact-resistant lens and anti-reflection coating
• Magnetic tailcap
• Removable clip
• Tailstand capable
• Waterproof up to 10 meters
• Premium type III hard-anodized construction
Youtube Review:
Includes time lapse video of run time tests and charging
Performance:
My ceiling bounce results were very close to ArmyTek. Considering the amount of error involved in a ceiling bounce I would say their
specifications are spot on.
ArmyTek Specs
—- Mode 1: 1050 lumens / 40 min : Mode 2: 340 lumens / 1 hr : Mode 3: 150 lumens / 2.5 hrs : Mode 4: 30 lumens / 15 hrs : Mode 5: 2.3 lumens / 168 hrs : Mode 6: 0.4 lumens / 1296 hrs
My Specs
—- Mode 1: 920 Lumens / 40 min : Mode 2: 320 lumens / 1hr 10 min : Mode 3: 175 lumens / untested : Mode 4: 37 lumens / untested : Mode 5: could not measure : Mode 6: could not measure
The interesting thing about this light is that it can maintain 90% of it’s output for nearly 30 minutes. The thermal protection kicks in around 8-9 minutes and reduces output by about 10-20% after the light recovers it does return back to 100% output. considering the size of this light it is outstanding that it can maintain 800-900 lumens for that long of a time period. I also found that the LED indicator for overheating and low battery worked accurately, and it was actually quite easy to distinguish between the two notifications. What I observed during the turbo runtime test was that the light maintained full output for 30 minutes. There was a slight variation of 10-20% as the thermal protection kicked in and out. At the 30 minute mark the light steps down to about 20% output. It continues on at this reduced rate for another 8-10 minutes and the light then switches to moonlight mode to protect it.
Please see the youtube review for time lapse videos of the run time tests.
USB Charging:
I included a time lapse of the battery charging from empty in my youtube video. I found that the light charges at .5 amps and as the battery fills the current drops until it is trickle charging (.05a). At .05A the indicator light turned from red to green. I pulled the battery and let it rest and it was at 4.18v. I have had no issues with over/under charging and the light transitions from .5A to .05 quite slowly so I don’t fear overcharging of the battery.
Pictures:
User Interface:
This light is as simple as it comes. A single press to turn the light on. Keep clicking to switch between your 3 modes. Double click to get to turbo, and a long press to turn the light back off. From off a long press will bring you to moonlight, and long pressing again will cycle up to your next moonlight and then your normal modes.
Construction:
this light is just built well. The tube and head are substantially thicker than any other 18350 light that I own, and all that extra mass lets this light throw out the high lumens for a long time. The threads are smooth, cut well, and were properly lubed and all of the o-rings were intact. There is a magnetic base in the tailcap that is easily removeable and replaceable. It is strong enough to hold the light vertical or horizontal. The pocket clip is thick and solid. It will scratch the anodizing when you take it on and off. Unfortunately you are very limited as to what positions the pocket clip can be in. The switch is covered with a bright yellow boot and has an LED underneath it. The LED is very bright and you can see it clearly across the room if you are checking up on charging status, etc. The optic diffuses the light perfectly and it has a small stainless steel bezel. I should also note that I did not take a picture of it, but the magnet cap can be removed without removing the tail cap from the flashlight. it is two separate compartments. Magnet upgrades are definitely possible with this light!
I have no issues with fit or finish with my particular light. My only complaint, which is really trivial is that this is my least favorite kind of anodizing. It scratches very easy especially if you put it into a pocket with keys. The threads are anodized and allow for a mechanical lockout of the light.
Other than that the only thing I want to note is that the light is very roll resistant when with nice flats on the head, and when the pocket clip is on it will not roll at all. the headlamp strap is decent. It adjusts to fit my gigantic head, and can also be made small enough for my 4 year old. The light clips into the plastic bracket by friction only. I can not shake the light out no matter how hard I try. My only fear is in cold temperatures that bracket could get brittle.
My Opinions:
There is so much that I like about this light. Firstly I have to say that the user interface is easy and simple to master, and the yellow switch, although it stands quite proud from the head is very stiff and I have no had any accidental pocket-turn-ons yet. The switch is very easy to find by touch alone and you can operate this light in complete darkness because of it. It is also very refreshing to see an LED indicator that actually works. I’d say 90% of the lights on the market do not operate properly, or they end up using multiple leds and it can be a nightmare trying to figure out if the light is done charging. This particular indicator you can see across a room and goes from red to green and you can not be mistaken.
The light is bigger than I expected it to be from pictures. Which is fine, as it is still a terrific size to carry in your pocket. It rides in the pocket well and I haven’t had any issues with the clip popping off or the light turning on. The clip is well done, and will likely last a long time.
My absolute favorite format of flashlight is the small CR123 right angle light with the magnetic base. I’ve been a huge fan of the Olight H1R Nova and this light really does a great job of outperforming it in many ways. The H1R has considerably less lumens and a dramatic stepdown. The Elf C1 is bigger and heavier, but it is a good weight given the extra several hundred lumens and the better side switch. Olight’s side switch is nearly impossible to turn on in the dark and needs to be electronically locked out as it turns on in my pockets all the time. On top of this all the Elf is almost $20 cheaper than the H1R. So ArmyTek has taken my favorite format of light, and offered a light that outperforms my favorite and is also cheaper. The only major downside is that 18350 batteries can not be located in brick and mortar stores, and you will have to order more online.
The amount of versatility out of a light like this is amazing. having the capability to switch readily between headlamp, pocket carry, and a magnetic work light is fantastic. This format of light is great because you can put it in your pocket for everyday carry, stick it to the hood of your car doing repairs, and slap the headband on when you have to hike a few miles because you can’t fix your car.
Performance wise I was very pleased. The light held full output with a step down to have to mess around with. The lux meter proved to me that the light can regulate temperature properly and should prevent the light from burning out. the step down is in the last few minutes of the light’s runtime and gives you ample time to finish what you are doing. Although I rarely use in-light usb charging I was glad to see that the light charged the 18350 properly and did trickle charge the battery upon termination.
conclusions:
There are two questions I ask of myself whenever I review a light I received in exchange for a review. The first is whether or not I would replace the light with my own money if I lost it. In this case I would. right angle lights are my favorite format and what I most frequently carry throughout my day. This particular light outperforms my old favorite the H1R Nova both in sheer lumens and ease of use. This particular light falls nicely into that goldilocks zone between the H1R and larger 18650 right angle lights like the H2R and the Wowtac A2S. This light is going to have a permanent place in my pocket until something better comes along! So is the life of a gear reviewer.
The second question I ask is whether or not I would recommend this light to friends (ie. non-flashlight geeks). In this case I would hesitantly. Fortunately the light comes with a battery and has on-board USB charging so it is ready to go for the normies out there, and also has sufficient safety features that will keep said normies from burning their house down. My hesitation is that the light does not step down and gets very hot. If I know someone had kids and was not familiar with lithium cell flashlights I would not recommend it to them just out of fear of them leaving it on around a small child. Although I do no want a step-down for myself, when i recommend a flashlight I usually recommend one with a step-down for safety ’s sake.
Take all of this into consideration and then add in the fact that you can get this light for $45-55. The value here is fantastic. I’ve paid considerably more for lights that do not perform at this level.
Test Footage:
Turbo Test w/ lux meter
Turbo runtime time lapse
USB Charging time lapse
