Looking for lights that "out-shines" itself for its size

Muto · June 10, 2013, 10:34pm

ohaya:

Hi,

I’ve been continuing to review the suggestions, and I’m starting at the “cheap” end :).

I just got a “UniqueFire UF-K21” from FastTech:

https://www.fasttech.com/p/1300400

and I was out with it tonight, and I also had my SC52 with me.

Quite frankly, I was a little surprised. I really think that this UF-K21 (with 16340 battery) is just about as bright as my SC52 (with fully-charged 14500), has about the same amount of throw, but also has slightly more flood, than my SC52.

Both the SC52 and the UF-K21 lit up my back yard equally, and both were able to throw to a stand of trees about 50 yards away equally, but, I compared the area covered side-to-side by both lights, and the UF-K21 beam was a little wider than the SC52’s.

The SC52 has more modes, and the low-low, and the built-in battery level feature, but other than that, light-wise, I think the UF-K21 is pretty much equal or better. Plus, the UF-K21 is like 1/3 the price of the SC52!

BTW, the UF-K21 also a magnet in its tail, like the Xtar WK21, but at least the one I have, it’s not a very strong magnet.

Ohaya,

You just saved me some money, as that SC52 has been on my wish list. I also bought the Uniquefire UF-K21 back in April and was blown away by it.
It sounds like the Trustfire Mini-01 would not please me after owning this Uniquefire as the Trustfire is still the old T6 and this light is the U2 and is driven fairly well.

I have never used anything other than the Xtar 16340 that I ordered at the same time from FastTech so can’t comment on lower power usage.
This little light seems like a hidden gem.
On mine the magnet will hold it on the fridge but still isn’t super strong.
Thanks,
Keith

tallboybass · June 13, 2013, 2:37pm

What a great thread! Have you tried the one-mode UF-K21 that is supposed to be 700 lumens?

ohaya · June 13, 2013, 3:20pm

Hi,

No, I haven’t, just the 5-mode one.

Based on my experience with the 5-mode one, I’d guess that the 1-mode one is probably seriously bright :)… FT lists:

so I may have to try that one in the future.

For now, I love the one I have, and use it all the time at home, including just last night. It’s like the first light I grab for stuff around the house, because it’s pretty bright on high, but also has the lower modes for close-in work.

Thanks,
Jim