This package doesn't include a 14500 battery and a lanyard.

Added info on moonlight mode.

Lumintop EDC05c Deal $29.99 (<-- click me affiliate link)

Code: EDC05C

  • Order Subtotal: US$39.90
  • Coupon Discount: US$9.91
  • Grand Total:US$29.99

Lumintop EDC05c Review

Introduction

Before the Lumintop EDC05c, there was the Lumintop EDC05. The Lumintop EDC05 is a slightly smaller and brighter flashlight, but has the same head design. Where the EDC05c stands out is the addition of a side light that features Nichia NCSLE17 Neutral White LEDs.

Unboxing


Package included:

1 x Lumintop EDC05c
1 x Warranty Card
1 x User manual
1 x Thank-you card
1 x micro USB cable

The package did not include spare o-rings for the tail cap, it did not include a 14500 battery and it did not include a lanyard. Had it include a lanyard, one would thread it through the hole in the clip.

Business End

The main head is equipped with Cree XHP 35 Hi in Cool White with a maximum stated output of 500 lumens and a beam distance of 120m. I have seen a report that measured the output slightly above 400 lumens. I used this light in Luray Caverns and it’s plenty bright. The tour guide’s flashlight (a zoomie) ran low on battery, so I lent him mine. He was surprised at how bright it is for such a small light.

Surrounding the LED is an orange-peel reflector with good depth. The orange peel texture helps soften the beam and the depth slightly increases the throw (beam distance). The depth of the reflector is mainly used for increasing the brightness of the spill.

In terms of built-in protection, when the battery voltage is lower than 3.0V while the flashlight is in use, the flashlight will downshift to low mode. When it is below 2.8V, the light will blink 20 times and then the flashlight shuts off to protect the battery from over-discharge.

Side Light

The side light is covered by a soft silicone, glow-in-the-dark diffuser that is glued onto the both of the EDC05c. Under the diffuser are 4 Nichia NCSLE17 Neutral White LEDs.

Body & Tail

The knurling provides excellent grip, but at the same time, it’s slightly uncomfortable to squeeze because of the somewhat sharp edges of the knurling. The knurling near the head is purely for aesthetics; the rubber seal that covers the micro USB charging port provides the grip for your index finger.

The tail cap is not the usually ones that screws on from the outside of the body (body has the external threads while the tail cap has the internal threads). Instead, it screws into the tail using the included metal tab. This means that replacing the battery won’t be easy if you don’t have the tab or the right tool.


The magnetic tail cap has a brass spring that holds down a very strong magnet (neodynium?). Using either the magnet or a lanyard makes the EDC05c highly usable as a lantern. The side light easily lasts more than a day in low mode, but on highly, my Efest 14500 700mAh V2 does not last long at all.

User Interface (UI)

From Off mode:

  1. First press = 35 lumens
    From this mode, double press to activate side light at 10 lumens
  2. Second press = 200 lumens
    from this mode, double press to activate side light at 65 lumens
  3. Third press = 500 lumens
    from this mode, double press to activate side light at 175 lumens
  4. From off, press and hold for 3 seconds to go into moonlight mode (head). From this mode, double click to go into side light moonlight mode.

From any mode (main light or side light), hold button down for 1 second to turn off. Double press to activate the side light and double press again to return to main light. From any main light mode, press and hold button for more than 3 seconds to activate hidden mode (strobe, SOS and beacon) and double press to entire side light hidden modes (strobe, SOS and beacon).

Charge

The EDC05c has a built-in micro USB port with a rubber cover. When charging, the power button lights up red and once it is fully charged, the charging automatically stops (Red LED in button turns off).

Beam shots and video demo


https://www.youtube.com/embed/rOIikuwpTFA?feature=oembed

Some use cases

  • The EDC05c can be attached to a pocket or cap so that you have the use of both hands.
  • You can attached the magnetic tail cap to a metal surface and use it as a lantern.
  • You can attach a lanyard to the clip and hang it from a tree and use it as a lantern

Conclusion

The Lumintop EDC05c appeals to both Cool White and Neutral White fans. It has everything that I want in an EDC light and more: portable, rechargeable, neutral white light decent throw. I recommend this light for anyone looking for an all-in-one flashlight that is easy on the eyes.

Pros:

  • Side light in neutral white!
  • Rechargeable
  • Portable
  • Bright enough and the cool white light isn’t too harsh (for a neutral white fan)
  • Memorizes last mode.

Cons:

  • Tail cap requires a tool to access the battery.
  • Knurling has slightly sharp edges
  • Tail cap tool is sharp, which will eventually scratch your tail cap.
  • No 14500 battery included
  • No lanyard included.

The light is regulated, which could be a pro or con.