Astrolux FT03 mini vs EC01 Any Comparisons?

LED Flashlights – General Info
1

I have been looking for a comparison all over and can’t find one.
I know the EC01 use 21700 or 18650 the FT03 mini only 18650.
Can anyone who has both tell me pro and con of each.
I’m going to buy a bunch for holiday upgrades for my camping group.
I’ve asked for sale codes, but haven’t heard back.
I’d like to buy them during the 11.11 sale.
Thanks

2

Bump… but nope, not a clue, don’t have either…

3

if im not mistaken, ft03/s/mini are meant to throwers, ec01/03 are flooders?

4

I have both EC01 and FT03mini

FT03mini is a little bit longer in length but thinner to hold due to 18650 tube, they are both XHP50 LED’s

The FT03 has a hotspot that is around 60% of the size of the EC01 and therefore looks a lot brighter

Colour temp are both 5700k and they look similar maybe a bit more yellow on FT03mini

Just trying them both on turbo the EC01 handles the heat much better the FT03mini starts to warm up within a few mins where the EC01 stayed cool in the same time.

The FT03mini has a much better throw as expected , the EC01 is more pocketable given the smaller head and shorter length.

The EC01 doesn’t have the coloured LED’s in the head either

A plus for the EC01 is the fact it can use a 21700 battery for extra runtime.

All said and done, if I’m going out at night its probably the FT03mini I would take due to its better throw and more lumens.

5

Thank you so much.
I have an FT03 XHP50.2. It’s great, but too big for carrying on the hip all day. A lot of our hikes finish up at night on dark trails. We use S2+ Nicha’s around the camp and they provide great area light, but not too much in the distance. On the hike there’s always that ’WHAT THE F” was that noise, and I wish I had the FT03 then. From your description, the FT03 mini is the way to go. I’m not too concerned with runtime. Most of the time we use headlamps on the trail, but it’s nice to have that Turbo mode for a moment. I have a ton of 18650’s. I really didn’t want to start collecting a new size battery.

6

I have the FT03 XHP50 as well and it will easily out throw the FT03mini but like you say it’s a bit big to carry for a long time and only jacket pocket friendly not trouser pocket friendly.

I’m just back from walking the dog in the dark and the FT03mini throws a useful light for 4-500 feet not sure what they claim but it will light the trees up at that distance.

7

See what just a little bump will do? :laughing:

8

Thanks, I see a lot of your posts and appreciate the attention.

I remember many moons ago (circa Studio 54) when a “little bump” meant something completely different :slight_smile:
I’ve been lurking here for years and don’t post because most of the time people answer the question I’m about to ask before I get to post it.
My first was a SSC - P4’s into 2D Mag lights for a whopping 150 lumens. (I still use them.)
Now it’s a low mode on most lights.
Shakey hands and life got in the way.
Now I just buy and appreciate other peoples talent.

9

Thanks for the great comparison Fireblade. :+1:

10

the ec01 is a great choice, cheap light but gives u good value for money and takes 21700. so for hiking i can see this light be really useful.

11

Made a decision, ordered a bunch of FT03 mini’s for my group…

5 minutes latter, I went back and ordered a EC01 for myself :slight_smile: just because.

Thanks again Fireblade893 for the comparison.