Armytek VIKING Pro Max was sent to me directly from armytekstore.de for review.
For the flashlight’s technical details and to purchase: https://www.armytekstore.de/
A discount code “Bright15” is available, with a 15% discount, to be entered during purchase.
Armytek has recently updated its flagship products, including the new Armytek VIKING Pro Max. I thank ArmytekStore.de for giving me the opportunity to try out the latest version of their brightest flashlight.
Armytek VIKING Pro Max is Armytek’s tactical flashlight with the highest light output, particularly suitable for navigation, hunting, and search and rescue. The Armytek VIKING has been updated in recent years to this new, higher-performance version compared to the previous Viking Pro Magnet, switching from an 18650 cell to a 21700 cell. It now features two buttons: a silent tactical button at the tail and one on the side. The aircraft-grade aluminum construction has an excellent anti-abrasive finish, a familiar sight on other Armytek products. The VIKING Pro Max reaches a maximum light output of 5300 lumens and its beam extends to a distance of 355 meters. As mentioned, the rechargeable 21700 battery (included) is a 5000mAh battery and can be charged via a proprietary magnetic charger (included).
VIKING Pro Max features 5 light modes, a low-battery indicator, and a maximum battery life of 10 days.
It is IP68 certified (waterproof and dustproof) with a maximum immersion depth of 25 m for 5 hours.
MAIN FEATURES:
- LED: Unspecified (I think it’s a Cree XHP 70.3 HD)
- Color Temperature: Cool White
- Optics: OP Reflector
- Light Output, Lumens: 5300 lm
- Material: 6061-T6 Aircraft-Grade Aluminum
- Max Beam Distance, Meters: 355
- Beam Angle: 13°, 81°
- Number of Modes: 5
- Tactical Operation for Quick Access to Maximum Brightness and Strobe Modes
- Steel bezel with black titanium coating
- Real-time active temperature control
- Full short-circuit protection
- Battery compatibility: 1 x 21700 lithium-ion battery, 1 x 18650 lithium-ion battery (with adapter), 2 x CR123A batteries (with adapter)
- Maximum battery life: 10 days
- Anti-abrasion finish: 400HV premium type III hard anodizing
- Waterproof and dustproof standard: IP68
- Safe immersion depth: 25 m
- Safe drop height: 25 m
- Operating temperatures: -40 to +40 °C
- Battery status indicator and low battery indicator
Dimensions and weight
Head diameter: 41 mm
Body diameter: 25.4 mm
Length: 160 mm
Weight (without battery): 165 g
Weight (with Battery) 235g
Warranty and Support
Armytek provides free warranty repairs for 10 years (excluding batteries, chargers, mounts, switches, and connectors, which have a 2-year warranty) from the date of purchase if proof of purchase is provided.
The warranty does not apply to magnets, silicone covers for connectors and buttons, silicone rings and mounts, clips, silicone grips, holsters, lanyards, O-rings and pads, or Velcro straps. The warranty also does not extend to damage caused by misuse.
The Armytek VIKING Pro Max comes in a premium packaging, inside a beautiful hard plastic case protected by molded foam. The case details the main features of the new VIKING Pro Max. The plastic case can be attached to a backpack using the carabiner on the side.
The package is truly comprehensive, including various carrying options.
Inside the case we find: Armytek VIKING Pro Max, Armytek 21700 5000mAh battery, proprietary magnetic USB charging cable, holster, steel clip, 18650/CR123A adapter, adjustable wrist strap, silicone grip, 2 spare O-rings, multilingual quick start guide, and warnings.
The sales package includes several accessories:
The holster is well-made, simple, and durable, made of Cordura with a Velcro closure. The holster provides almost complete protection for the VIKING Pro Max and features an additional battery compartment on the side. It has several attachment options: to a belt of any width, to a MOLLE mount, or to equipment using a durable plastic D-ring.
The Armytek VIKING Pro Max stays securely in place once inserted into the holster.
The black titanium-coated steel clip is suitable for mounting on clothing, equipment, or a belt. It’s short but holds securely in place once inserted into the flashlight. Tactical grip is facilitated by the included cigar grip silicone ring. The clip and silicone ring can be used together thanks to the tactical ring’s unique shape.
Finally, the package also includes a high-quality lanyard with a ring and quick release.
In addition to the standard package, which is already complete with everything, I was also sent 3 colored filters to extend the flashlight’s functionality. The colored filters are well made and fit well over the 41mm head of the VIKING Pro Max. These filters are also compatible with the Armytek Predator Pro Max and, in addition to producing a powerful colored light, protect the optics from any impacts.
The Armytek VIKING Pro Max is compatible with other optional accessories such as the AWM Magnetic Weapon Mounts for quick one-touch attachment and detachment and the MRS-02 Magnetic Remote Switch for momentary and steady on.
VIKING Pro Max is made of 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum with a good thickness and a non-abrasive HA Type III 400HV matte finish. It sits comfortably in the hand, even in the rain, with an excellent grip. As in this case, I’ve always appreciated this type of finish on Armytek flashlights.
The new Armytek weighs, with the battery, 239 grams and is 165 mm long.
On the head of the new VIKING we find an orange peel reflector (OP) with the Cree XHP 70.3 HD LED at the center. The glass is tempered with an anti-reflective coating while the bezel, to protect the optics, is made of steel with a matte black titanium coating.
The writings we find on the body of the flashlight are always numerous and clearly legible.
I only managed to unscrew the tail cap of the Armytek VIKING Pro Max. The central body is smooth, while the head has numerous cooling fins to reduce overheating when used at higher light levels.
The threads of the central tube arrive well lubricated. They are anodized on the bottom, allowing, by slightly unscrewing the cap, the mechanical locking of the torch. At the two poles, for contact with the battery, there are two reinforced springs for better contact and protection of the battery and driver. VIKING Pro Max has complete protection against short circuits even in the event of contact between the magnetic connector and metal objects and has a double O-ring for water and dust protection with IP68 certification (25 meters submersible for 5 hours).
On the tail cap, there’s a battery symbol to help you remember the correct orientation (positive pole toward the head) and a small hole for inserting the included lanyard. Since the switch protrudes, the flashlight cannot be held upright (candle-style).
The flashlight is controlled via two buttons. The tactical button on the tail cap turns the flashlight on and off, while the side button changes modes. Both have a silent click.
The tail switch, made of metal and rubber, is two-stage; if the button is pressed halfway, the light turns on momentarily (Momentary-On) as long as the button is held down. If pressed fully, the light stays on until the next press. Because it’s protruding, it’s easy to find and press, but its protrusion can lead to accidental activation.
New to this version is the slightly raised side switch on the head, which we’ll use to change the light levels and perform other functions. This rubber switch doesn’t have an illumination, and I sometimes struggled to find it in the dark.
The package includes a proprietary USB magnetic charging cable that allows for quick charging even in wet conditions.
To charge the included 21700 battery (5000mAh with PCB) with the flashlight, simply attach the magnetic connector to the tailcap.
You can also use other 21700 batteries or 18650 batteries with a diameter of up to 18.7mm and a discharge current of at least 15A, using the battery adapter.
Finally, if necessary, you can also use two CR123A lithium batteries.
When the battery is charging, the red light on the switch lights up (pictured below), while when charging is complete, the green plug symbol lights up. It took me about 2 hours and 45 minutes to fully charge the supplied battery.
Armytek VIKING Pro Max along with other flashlights….
From the left: Armytek Predator Pro, Armytek Dobermann Pro, Armytek BARRACUDA Pro Max and Armytek VIKING Pro Max.
From the left: Nitecore EDC37, Nitecore SRT7i, Loop Gear SK-05 PRO and Armytek VIKING Pro Max.
USER INTERFACE (UI):
The two-button user interface has been completely redesigned from the previous version, offering quick and easy control.
Armytek Viking Pro Max features five lighting modes: Firefly, Main 1, Main 2, Turbo, and Strobe.
The tail switch is dual-stage, allowing for Momentary-On.
The Armytek VIKING Pro Max has memory disabled by default, always turning on in Turbo mode. Memory can be enabled (or disabled) to allow the last mode used after powering off.
VIKING Pro Max features real-time active temperature control. When the temperature approaches +58°C, the brightness decreases, preventing overheating of the flashlight and battery, as well as LED degradation.
When the battery voltage drops, the brightness will gradually decrease. When it drops below 25% of the nominal value, the main LED will flash twice to warn that the battery is running low.
Instructions for Use (taken from the online manual):
On/Off.
Full press of the tactical button with a click.
If auto-memorization of the last used mode is enabled, the flashlight turns on in the last used main mode or Turbo.
If auto-memorization is disabled (by default), the flashlight turns on in Turbo mode.
Tactical Activation.
Partial press of the tactical button without a click from the off state. The flashlight turns on in the last used main mode or Turbo until the button is released.
Cycle through constant light modes (except Firefly mode).
Press the side button on the flashlight when it is on. Each press changes modes. The modes cycle. Pressing the side button when the flashlight is off will not cycle through the modes.
Activating Strobe Mode (if enabled).
The flashlight is on: Two quick, consecutive presses of the tactical button with a click, with a short pause in between.
The flashlight is off: Half-press the tactical button followed by a quick, consecutive press with a click, with a short pause in between.
Activating Strobe Mode (if enabled).
Two quick, consecutive presses of the tactical button with a short pause, starting from the off state.
The flashlight remains active until the button is released.
Activating Firefly Mode.
Hold down the side button, press the tactical button with a click, while holding down the side button. Release the side button. The next press of the side button will activate Turbo Mode.
Activating Firefly Mode.
Press and hold the side button, press the tactical button with a half-press while holding down the side button. Release the side button.
To enable/disable Strobe mode.
Press the side button on the flashlight while it’s on and hold it for 5 seconds. The flashlight will flash once. Release the button.
To enable/disable Auto-Save.
Press the side button on the flashlight while it’s on and hold it for 10 seconds. Continue holding the button when the flashlight flashes once after 5 seconds. After another 5 seconds, the flashlight will flash twice. Release the button.
Lockout function. Unscrew the rear cap 1/4 to prevent accidental activation.
BEAM and RUNTIME
The beam of the VIKING Pro Max provides almost floodlight illumination with a discrete, focused hotspot.
The central hotspot, specified by Armytek as 13°, has a smooth transition to the lateral illumination (spill) of 81°. Armytek then specifies that the beam creates a 23m diameter hotspot at 100m away. This type of configuration makes the VIKING Pro Max popular for hunting, navigation, or tactical applications, with good illumination distance even at medium levels (Main 1 and Main 2).
With the wall test, at a short distance, no rings or particular artifacts are noticeable. The beam color has a white hotspot with a greenish corona, while the spill is bright with a discrete lateral aperture.
I measured luminous intensity (cd) at a distance of 5 meters and after 30 seconds from power on. The values found were excellent, in line with those declared by Armytek.
With the OPPLE Light Master I measured the CCT color temperature and Ra color rendering values at 4 brightness levels; Turbo, Main2, Main1, and Firefly. The color of the light beam is good, not too cold, although a greenish hue is noticeable. The color rendering index (CRI) has a standard value close to 70, while the flicker index is in the green range (not at risk).
TURBO - Color Temperature (K): 6087 - Color Rendering Index (Ra or CRI): 70.1 - Duv= -0.0062
MAIN2 - Color Temperature (K): 5858 - Color Rendering Index (Ra or CRI): 69.1 - Duv= 0.0083
MAIN1 - Color Temperature (K): 5811 - Color Rendering Index (Ra or CRI): 68.9 - Duv= 0.0088
Firefly - Color Temperature (K): 5715 - Color Rendering Index (Ra or CRI): 68.4 - Duv= 0.0101
The images below were taken with a Flir thermal imaging camera after 1, 2, 3, and 5 minutes of activating the 5300 lumen TURBO mode.
The Armytek VIKING Pro Max features numerous cooling fins on the head for better heat dissipation and a spring on the driver to protect the battery from overheating. Heat distribution across the body of the flashlight is good. As you can see from the runtime graph, the brightness in Turbo mode drops sharply after approximately 1.5 minutes from activation. This trend is reflected in the temperature, which, after reaching nearly 58 degrees, drops as the brightness decreases thanks to the VIKING Pro Max’s active temperature control.
Runtime tests were performed indoors (about 25°C) with the supplied 5000mAh battery fully charged. I used the LX1330B Luxmeter for the test.
I would like to point out that the values expressed in the graphs should be taken, above all, as reference values because they were obtained using different means and environmental conditions than those used in the laboratory. Measurements made with the Luxmeter report values in Candela (cd) and not the expressed brightness (lumen).
As you can see from the graphs below, the Viking Pro Max is well-tuned and the runtimes roughly match those stated by Armytek.
The first test was done with the VIKING Pro Max in Turbo mode at 5300 lumens.** About 90 seconds after turning it on, brightness suddenly drops to about 1500 lumens. This brightness level is maintained for over 100 minutes before another stepdown, bringing the brightness level back to the Main 1 level of 290 lumens. This drop, due to low battery, is signaled by the flashlight with two quick flashes.
The second test in Main 2 mode, at 830 lumens, immediately shows a constant trend for over 200 minutes before a sudden drop, again bringing the brightness level back to the Main 1 level of 290 lumens.
The third test with the lowest setting (excluding the Firefly setting) Main1 at 290 lumens also maintained constant brightness for over 645 minutes before starting to decline due to battery life. The battery life in this test was excellent, even if slightly below Armytek’s specifications.
I primi 5 minuti:
Unboxing and Use Video
CONCLUSIONS:
VIKING Pro Max is the updated version of Armytek’s Viking model. As with other best-selling Armytek products, this version has received some improvements, making the VIKING Pro Max a more complete and modern product.
I really appreciated the complete package and, as always, the excellent anti-abrasion finish. The solid construction features double springs on both poles and a double O-ring for complete water and dust protection.
The Armytek VIKING Pro Max offers good illumination power with a simple interface and is compatible with non-proprietary 21700 and 18650 batteries.
The Armytek VIKING Pro Max is a product particularly recommended for hunting and open spaces; an excellent choice for short- and medium-range use. Recommended.
Thanks for reading the review.
Roberto
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