Armytek ELF C2 MAX LR Warm was sent to me directly from Armytekstore.de for review.
For the description, manual, and purchase:
https://armytekstore.de/flashlight/mode … ite-lr-en/
A discount code “Bright15” is available at: https://www.armytekstore.de/
Armytek has recently released a new version of the ELF headlamp, the Elf C2 MAX “LR” for long range. This powerful headlamp, the flagship product of the Elf series, now features a smooth projector (OP) and a light output of up to 4500 lumens, covering a beam distance of 235 meters. The test version, with cold tint, has a CREE XHP70.3 LED at the center of the projector.
The Armytek Elf C2 MAX LR is a multifunction headlamp powered by a 21700 Li-ion 5000 mAh battery (included), rechargeable via the USB-C port and with a maximum battery life of 30 days.
The Armytek Elf C2 MAX LR is waterproof to IP68 (10m for 5 hours), drop-resistant to 10 meters, and features an active temperature control system.
The Armytek Elf C2 MAX LR is suitable for a variety of uses, both professional and everyday (camping, map reading, fishing, exploring, running, cycling, work, out-of-home activities, etc.), whether used as a headlamp or, thanks to the clip, mounted on a backpack.
Main Features:
- Next-generation Max electronics deliver an impressive light output of 4500 lumens. Constant brightness even at low ambient temperatures and with a partially charged battery.
- Multicolor temperature, battery level, charging progress, and status display.
- Special, precisely calculated reflector for a powerful, wide LED and tempered glass with anti-reflective coating create a large central spot and wide lateral beam for impressive brightness and throw distance.
- Innovative technology allows for the use of any standard 21700 Li-Ion or 18650 Li-Ion battery with an intelligent algorithm for ultra-fast charging.
- Real-time active temperature control prevents overheating above +58°C for safe and comfortable use.
- Head design for improved heat dissipation and battery overheating protection.
- Total protection against water, dirt, and dust according to IP68 standard. The flashlight continues to function even after being submerged to a depth of 10 meters. It is drop-proof up to 10 meters.
- Robust and waterproof USB-C port even without the rubber cover.
- 10-year warranty.
- 21700 lithium-ion battery (5000 mAh, protected) is included in the set.
Armytek Elf C2 MAX LR arrives in a black cardboard box. The main features of the flashlight are clearly specified on it, some of which are not included in the small manual provided. Upon opening the box, we find the flashlight with the included accessories which are: headband, Clip, 2 x O-Rings, case, 21700 Li-ion battery (5000 mAh), USB-C charging cable, adapter for 18650 battery and user manual.
The HEADBAND.
The sales package includes a headband for the Elf C2 MAX LR for use as a headlamp. The elastic headband is of good quality; the two straps adjust well, ensuring a secure fit. The quick-release mount for the flashlight is excellent: lightweight and made of composite material, it allows for easy insertion and 180° rotation. For even better attachment, you can use the silicone ring. The quality of the headband and bracket on 21700-format headlamps is very important to avoid headaches when wearing them for more than two hours at a time.
The package also includes a stainless steel clip with two attachment options: to attach the headlamp to a backpack, jeans, or in a vertical position instead of at head height. This solution reduces potential glare on the eyes.
Inside the box I also found a simple but good-quality holster.
The Armytek Elf C2 MAX LR comes with some optional accessories, such as the AHM-04 helmet mount or the ABM-01 bicycle mount.
Armytek Elf C2 MAX LR is a flashlight made of type III aluminum with a rough and matte anti-abrasive anodization. It fits well in the hand and does not slip despite the smooth body without knurling; I have always liked this type of anodization, which gives a good feeling in the hand as well as improving the grip. The weight, even with the battery inserted, is not excessive (153 g), while the dimensions are in line with other headlamps that use this power source. The tail and head are flat, so it is possible to place it upright (tail standing) or upside down. The tail cap also features a powerful magnet for anchoring the headlamp to ferrous surfaces.
Starting from the head, we see an optical system with a smooth reflector with tempered glass surrounded by a protruding steel bezel that offers good protection. The writing above the head is also prominent. Since the head is square, it hardly rolls, even without the clip.
The Armytek Elf C2 MAX LR features a Cree XHP70.3 LED in cold version. With this configuration, the Elf C2 MAX LR reaches, with its beam, 4500 lumens with a beam depth of approximately 235 meters with a beam angle of 35°/ 85° (hotspot/spill). The brightness is constant with operating temperatures from -25 °C to +40 °C.
To the left of the projector is the yellow power button, a decent size, surrounded by a metal ring. The electronic switch, the only button on the front for managing the flashlight (UI), is a decent size and has an audible click. Below the button is a multicolored indicator for temperature, battery level, and battery status, with the option to disable it.
The LED indicator under the button flashes every 4 seconds to show the battery level even when the flashlight is off, making it easy to find in the dark or in grass.
The only removable part of the Armytek Elf C2 MAX LR is the tail, which features a strong magnet.
Unscrewing the tailcap reveals a thick, negative-plated spring and a positive-plated spring for better battery and driver protection and increased performance efficiency. The threads are well greased, and waterproofness is guaranteed by two O-rings, and the speaker is IP68 certified (submersible to 10 meters for 5 hours).
With this configuration, we can use any 21700 battery (or 18650 with adapter), flat or button-top, protected or unprotected.
The unit is equipped with a 5000 mAh 21700 lithium battery. To lock the flashlight, simply unscrew the rear cap by 1/4 to prevent accidental activation.
Elf C2 MAX LR charges in under 3 hours; if necessary, the model can be charged from a power bank or used in lamp mode when connected to a power source. Without a battery, operation is limited to Firefly and Main modes.
The USB-C port is internally sealed. The IP68 rating remains fully intact even without the silicone cap. The cap is primarily designed to prevent dust, mud, and debris from entering the port.
The color indicator on the button shows the charging status:
Red: Charging at the rated charging current.
Blinking red: The power supply’s output voltage is too low, the charging cable is damaged, or the contact between the charger and the battery is poor. The battery is not charging.
Green: Charging complete.
We see the Armytek Elf C2 MAX LR along with other front lamps.
From left: Acebeam H15, Armytek Elf C2 MAX LR, Armytek Wizard C2 Pro MAX LR, Armytek Wizard C2 Pro Nichia e Zebralight H604c.
UI & LEVELS:
Armytek Elf C2 MAX LR has a total of 7 light levels.
•Turbo: 4500 lm/2h 35min (1270 lm after 1 min)
•Main 3: 860 lm, 3 h
•Main 2: 340 lm, 8 h
•Main 1: 110 lm, 27 h
•Firefly: 1 lm, 30 days
•Strobe: 4500 lm/10 Hz/12h 30min (1270 lm after 3 min)
•Beacon: 340 lm 1 Hz/40h
For effective operation of the flashlight, Armytek recommends using branded 21700 lithium-ion batteries, without PCBs (unprotected) or with PCBs no longer than 75 mm and a maximum diameter of 21.5 mm.
Alternatively, you can use 18650 lithium-ion batteries without PCBs or with PCBs no longer than 70 mm and a maximum diameter of 18.7 mm, with a permitted discharge current of at least 15 A, along with a battery adapter.
The Armytek Elf C2 MAX LR features active temperature control. When the flashlight temperature approaches +58°C, the brightness drops to a safe level, allowing the flashlight to avoid overheating for an extended period of time. With good air cooling, the flashlight provides light without decreasing brightness.
When the battery level is low, approximately <25% of the nominal value, the LED will flash twice. At critical level the light output decreases to 1 lumen Firefly mode.
The Elf C2 MAX LR features quick access to Turbo and Strobe and has level memory.
HOW IT WORKS:
In OFF state:
1 click: Activates the last used mode.
Press and hold: Activates Firefly mode. Release to select. Holding the button starts the rotation of the main modes.
2 clicks: Activates Turbo mode. A second double-click restores the last used mode.
4 clicks or more: Activates Strobe mode.
In ON state:
1 click: Turns the flashlight off.
Press and hold: Activates the main modes rotation from any main mode, as well as from Firefly or Turbo modes: Main1 – Main2 – Main3. From Beacon and Strobe modes, the mode rotation occurs between Strobe – Beacon – Strobe. Release to select.
2 clicks: Activates Turbo mode from any mode except Beacon and Strobe. A second double-click restores the last used mode. From Beacon and Strobe modes, Main1 is active.
4 clicks or more: Activates Strobe mode.
LAMP MODE
The flashlight can operate connected to a power source with or without a battery.
In OFF mode:
1 click: Activates the last mode used (Dim Light or Main Mode). If the last mode used was Turbo, Signal Light, or Strobe, Main Mode 1 is activated.
Hold down: Activates Dim Light mode. Release to select. Holding down the button cycles through the modes: Main Mode 1 – Main Mode 2 – Main Mode 3 – Dim Light.
In ON mode:
1 click: Turns the flashlight off.
Hold down: Starts the mode cycle: Dim Light – Main Mode 1 – Main Mode 2 – Main Mode 3. Release to select.
The brightness of Main Mode 2 and Main Mode 3 will be limited by the current of the power supply (power adapter, power bank, etc.). If a battery is installed in the flashlight, it is recommended to use a power supply with a current of at least 2A for efficient operation.
If the flashlight does not have a battery installed, we recommend using a power supply with a current of at least 1.5 A for efficient operation.
If the power supply current is lower than the recommended value, one or more Main modes may not be available. In this case, when you attempt to activate the desired Main mode, the flashlight will turn off for 1 second and then turn on again in a lower brightness mode: Main2 instead of Main3, Main1 instead of Main2, Firefly instead of Main1. When the power supply current is lower than 0.1 A, the flashlight will only operate in Firefly mode. In this case, the battery will not be charged simultaneously.
If a significant voltage drop is detected, the flashlight may turn off for 1 second and then turn on again.
To lock out the power, unscrew the rear cap 1/4" to prevent accidental activation.
BEAM and RUNTIME:
The beam of the Elf C2 MAX LR presents no surprises, being free of aberrations or color rings. The beam tone is not particularly cold and is of an alluvial nature with good beam depth.
The CRI (Color Rendering Index), measured with the OPPLE Light Master, is normal at around 70 Ra, with a beam color that isn’t too cold and no particular color casts. Flicker is in the green range, safe to use. The values reported in the graph below were taken with the 4500 lumen turbo setting. The Duv value of 0.0079 is decent.
In the Flir thermal imaging test, the images below were taken 1, 2, and 5 minutes after activating the 4500 lumen TURBO setting.
As you can see from the runtime graph, the brightness in Turbo mode drops after about 30 seconds until stabilizing after about 15 minutes. This trend is reflected in the temperature, which nevertheless remains within acceptable limits at about 54°C.
Runtime:
The runtime tests were performed indoors (approximately 25°C) with the supplied battery fully charged (4.15V). I used the LX1330B Luxmeter for the tests.
I would like to point out that the values shown in the graphs should be taken primarily as reference values because they were obtained using equipment and environmental conditions different from those used in the laboratory. Measurements made with the Luxmeter report values in Candela (cd) and not the expressed brightness.
The tests were performed in Main 2, Main 3, and Turbo modes. The adjustments were good; in my tests, the operating times were similar to those in the manual.
In the graphs below the curves of the Armytek Elf C2 MAX LR have been placed side by side with those of the Armytek Wizard C2 Pro MAX LR taken from the review I did previously.
VIDEO Unboxing e Uso
CONCLUSIONS:
The Armytek Elf C2 MAX LR is the highest-performance version of Armytek’s ELF series, offering similar performance to the more popular Wizard C2 Pro MAX LR, but with the substantial difference of USB-C charging, adding even greater convenience to the headlamp.
The sales package is very comprehensive, with the option, via an adapter, to use 18650 batteries or to operate in flashlight mode (without a battery) when connected to a power source.
The Elf C2 MAX LR is well-built with well-made materials, thicknesses, springs, threads (etc.), and is extremely water and dust resistant.
In the field, it does not disappoint, with good floodlight brightness and a decent beam depth.
The Armytek Elf C2 MAX LR is a very good product for work as well as for outdoor activities, whether you’re playing sports in the city or hiking in nature.
Recommended.
Thanks for reading the review.
Roberto
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