Weltool W5
| Brand/model | Weltool W5 |
|---|---|
| LEP type | N/A (Shine through) |
| Lumens | 699 lumens |
| Beam intensity | 1,970,000 cd |
| Battery config. | 2*22500 / 2*21700 |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Modes | 2 |
| Blinkies | N/A |
| Reflector | N/A (convex lens) |
| Waterproof | IP67 |
| Review date | December 2021 |
Package quality.
Weltool didn’t have any packaging ready for this flashlight, so I basically got it shipped in a generic carton box. This does not represent the usual package quality and accessories!!! The production model will have a nice box and accessories.
- The flashlight: Weltool W5
- Battery adapter
- 2*22500 batteries
In use
Weltool included 2*22500 batteries, that you can use straight away. Just make sure you remove the 2 insulating discs between the batteries. But in case you would like to use 2*21700 batteries, they included an extension tube. So if you rather use 2*21700 batteries with the extended runtime, that’s the way to go.
There is something that I noticed. The threads on the battery tubes are really loooooongggggg. I counted 10 pitches, but it took 7 full turns to unscrew the tailcap. Still quite a bit, but less than the 10 pitches I counted. And to keep water out, the tailcap threads have 2 o-rings. After using the flashlight for a while, I noticed that all the o-rings are dry. So make sure you keep them lubed, otherwise they will break sooner than later.
LEP module
There’s currently 2 types of LEP modules; the classic mirror type module, and the backlit (or shine through) module.
From all the LEP flashlights I have, most of the best performers have a mirror-type LEP module. This doesn’t mean the shine-through modules are bad.
Weltool decided to use the shine-through modules as well. And one of the benefits of using this type of module is the size of the module. A shine-through module is usually made of copper/brass, which is screwed into the body of the flashlight. That way, the heat dissipation is much better than with the older modules.
Dimensions and size comparison
- Length with short tube: 212 mm / ”
- Length with long tube: 262 mm / ”
- Head diameter: 60.4 mm / 2.38 ”
- Body diameter flat part: 30 mm / 1.18 ”
Flashlight comparison
Size compared to other LEP flashlights.
Weltool W4 vs Weltool W5 short version 2*22500 and long version 2*21700
Battery
The Weltool W5 is built for 2 batteries, and my package included 2 *22500 batteries, which both arrived at 3.7 V. This is a rather unusual size, and according to the battery wrapper, they have a capacity of 2400mAh each and are labeled as Weltool INR22-24. The specifications on their website tell you you can also use 2*22430 batteries in case you have those around. Weltool can include those in your order, and the 22430’s have a USB-C charging port. The 22500 batteries I got, don’t have onboard charging, so you need a standalone lithium-ion charger.
BTW. If you insert a single battery, and use a long metal cable, it will work, but only for a few seconds. So that’s not going to work, even if you could make up for the empty space.
If you don’t have any 22500 or 22430’s, you can still use 2* long 21700 batteries with the extension tube. Keep in mind that you can’t use flat top batteries, or button top unprotected batteries. But you need long 21700 batteries with button tops, otherwise, they don’t make good contact!!! This means you either need protected 21700’s or ones with a USB port built-in.
Performance
All of my readings were taken from fully-charged Weltool INR22-24 batteries (22500 with 2400mAh). The measurements at turn on and 30 seconds were done manually. The 10 minutes measurements are taken from the runtime test.
| Mode | Amps | Specs | mine @ turn on | @30 sec | @10 minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 0.45A | 198 | 188 | 184 | 182 |
| High | 1.63A | 699 lm | 597 lm | 560 lm | 525 lm |
These numbers were very, very close to the numbers I got with the Imalent 21700 batteries (Samsung INR21700 40T) and Weltool UB21-50, 21700 batteries. Only those 2 batteries really fitted.
Runtime
Throw Measurement
Measurements were taken outdoors with a professional Hagner E4-X Lux Meter.
The measurements were taken 30 seconds after turn on. I tested with the 2*22500 batteries as well as with 2*21700 batteries, and both measurements were the same.
| Mode | Specs | I measured | in Meters | in Yards | in Miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 680,000 cd | 640,000 cd | 1600 | 1750 | 0.99 |
| High | 1,970,000 cd | 1,716,000 cd | 2620 | 2865 | 1.63 |
My measurements were a bit lower than the specifications. It’s interesting to note that I thought Weltool was going to use my measurements for their specifications, but a few days before publishing this review they showed their own measurements.
The black line is candelas with 2*22500 and dark blue is with 2*21700. Still impressive to see a beam, reaching 2.5km throughout their runtime!
Weltool W5 vs Weltool W4
Here is a comparison between the W4 and W5 in terms of candela. You might argue, that the W5 is brighter, but that’s not how it works. A higher candela number would mean: higher intensity at the same distance. So a 2.5Mcd beam at 100 meters vs a 1.7Mcd beam at 100 meters, the former will be ‘brighter ‘/more intense.
Conclusion
Pros
- Great build quality with good materials
- Plenty bright
- Great beam intensity throughout the runtime
- Can reach really far
- Has almost the size of a single battery 21700 LEP flashlight when used with 2*22500
Cons
- The switch feels a bit too mushy
- Unusual battery choice (2*22500) although they keep the flashlight nice short
- My copy was sent for testing, so I don’t know what accessories are included
Full review with more pictures: https://1lumen.com/review/weltool-w5/
Better beamshots coming soon.