I performed a forum search for this budget light, and didn’t come up with any hits with existing reviews. Hopefully this is the most appropriate forum for this. Please let me know if otherwise. This is my first review here, so please don’t expect this to be of Consumer Reports quality, but I welcome any suggestions for improvement.
I’m a relatively recent victim being bit by the LED flashlight bug. In an attempt to curb the fever, I went looking for “budget” lights on the internet. As much as owning several expensive lights is appealing, it’s not yet practical, especially since my daytime job doesn’t even require one. In researching these forums, there are plenty of references to the benefits of using Lithium-Ion 18650 power sources. So, on this particular bargain hunting fling there was an urge to secure a flashlight that ran off an 18650 sized Lithium-ion battery. Whilst perusing on a popular online auction website, a certain LED torch caught my eye. It seemed to be calling me, almost daring me to buy it. Was it the way it was shaped? Was it the CREE logo on its side? Was it the attached, stylish lanyard? Was it the promising maximum output of 1200 lumens? Was it its $4.59 listing price? To be certain, I was not sure why I wanted it. After a click of the mouse, and six days later, I was positively convinced of this: it was MADE IN CHTNA!
Prior to its arrival, I was prepared to wait several weeks, if not months. After all, past experience reminded me that auction items shipped via “ePacket delivery from China” were not exactly lightning fast. Sort of a fire-and-forget kind of thing. However, when the dark gray, plastic bag arrived in the mail just 6 days later, I took this as a sign of good things to follow. However, upon ripping through the deluxe protective barrier and bubble wrap, my elation turned into disbelief. This did not look like the item I ordered! To make sure my memory wasn’t playing tricks, I went online to review the order details, and clicked on the link to bring up the actual listing.
I compared it to what I just opened.
I wasn’t expecting any other flashlight deliveries anytime soon, so this wasn’t a result of confusion with a different order. Fumbling with my new acquisition, I was expecting to see an UltraFire label somewhere, but was unable to locate. My disbelief spun a 180 and started transforming into delight. Upon further inspection, this was not some cheaply made flashlight manufactured in China (this is no disrespect to UltraFire; I’m in fact a proud owner of an UltraFire C8 clone). It seemed much more refined. Elegant. Nimble. It just felt different. It was dawning on me that they may have made a mistake…and sent me something better!
The lack of an instruction manual facilitated the wonderment and exhilaration of realizing its obvious and not-so-obvious features. Having a manual would have served as a sort of spoiler, depriving me the thrill of discovering details I’m about to cover in this review.
As obviously apparent by the label, this fine piece was crafted in a place called CHTNA, and NOT China as the auction listing specified. It must be a new start-up country, possibly located geographically closer to North America, which would explain why it took only 6 days to arrive in my mailbox. Start-up countries usually go the extra mile to get a consumer’s attention and break into a marketplace by producing high quality goods at an appealing price. As I continued to marvel, this light certainly fits the bill, and it is my pleasure to present this review to show the workmanship and value that is now MADE IN CHTNA.
Let’s begin with the overall appearance. There is no doubt its size implies that an 18650 battery could perfectly fit inside. Protected or unprotected, the battery will feel comfortable setting up base camp here.
The feature that stands out next is the styling. Although still a flashlight noob, I recently did some research on the impressive Convoy line of 18650s. MADE IN CHTNA’s overall shape immediately reminds me of the classic Convoy S5, except for the knurling. Although CHTNA’s knurling doesn’t match the S5’s crosshatch look, it strongly resembles the Convoy S3’s luxurious squared knurling. So, here we get the best of both worlds. Touching the ultra-smooth knurling is gentle on the hands, which will thankfully prevent any chafing or scratching when firmly gripped.
Let’s not overlook the fine laser etching on one of its hexagonal anodized sides. The MADE IN CHTNA detailed, white lettering contrasts against the black anodized surface without being overpowering. No fancy fonts to distract from the overall appearance. Just unassuming enough to express the prodigious pride of MADE IN CHTNA.
Now to the often ridiculed rear-end of the flashlight. There will be no gluteus maximus jokes here. Instead, this serious end serves the vital function of on and off. This determines the difference between the depths of darkness and the salvation of light. The luminous, sea foam green, rubber, switch covering will guide the user to the correct end of the tube. Remarkably, the recessed switch is not settled enough as to allow a fully stable tail stand, yet not so much as to topple. This delicate balancing act affords a distinct benefit. If you possess a large assortment of handheld lights (which I someday hope to have) you may likely have them tail standing perfectly erect on a collector’s shelf to show off your impressive collection. What better way to stand out of a perfectly perpendicular crowd than not be perpendicular? This light wants to be noticed, yet it goes about it subtlety.
For those who insist on attaching their favorite lanyard, there is an accommodating lanyard aperture located at the tail cap…or at least that was my initial thought. When looking carefully through the aperture, one notices a partial obstruction.
Curious, I attempted to thread the “eye of the needle” with a lanyard off the top of my own stockpile. The result was serendipitous. As can be seen by the photos, the so called lanyard aperture turns out to be a convenient lanyard stripper. The insulating fabric is precisely removed without harm to the interior loadbearing filament resembling a fishing line. This is particularly useful in survival situations, when a fishing line can be converted from a lanyard. This is an unexpected feature not found in any torch I’ve ever encountered.
It makes much more sense now, why no lanyard was included with the package, despite the advertised depictions. It also justifies why there is just a single hole at the tail cap when it is commonplace for others to provide multiple outlets for cord support. It is not a lanyard attachment whatsoever, but rather a unique stripping function that few (if any) lighting instruments can provide. Besides, what better way to imply “don’t put a leash on me, I need to roam free”. Furthermore, why tempt the owner of this masterpiece with swinging it carelessly hung around their wrist? This functional work of art instead demands that it be held with respect and admiration.
Next, the inside of the stern. The underside of the tail cap assembly reveals a threaded aluminum retaining ring matching the threaded aluminum wall. This smart uniformity reduces the likelihood of Galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals. The choice of aluminum means the designers were weight conscience. Speaking of weight, notice the razor thin walls housing the threads.
Unscrewing the aluminum retaining ring was nearly effortless. Each component I extracted from the tail cap assembly was lightweight plastic except for the metal ones required to carry the electricity.
Onward to the business end; the head. The plastic reflector, threaded aluminum retaining ring, and aluminum pill go along with the thoughtful lightweight theme. The reflector is shiny SMO to maximize throwing potential.
There is no evidence of a CREE logo on the outside, as designated in the auction listing. Nevertheless, a closer look of the exposed star confirms for us the existence of a venerable CREE XP-E emitter. The CHTNA workmanship is clearly evident here. Yet, it simply isn’t the same as admiring it in person.
The temporary lack of driver knowledge prevented me from delving into that aspect of this review. Besides, I’d hate to disturb these solder joints.
A direct overhead view of the head shows us the lens, which is sealed with what appears to be the same multi-functional sea foam green material as the tail switch covering.
A test in a pitch-black room confirms the seal’s glow-in-the-dark capabilities, further adding to the light’s already exceptional value.
No menacing crenellation of the bezel, but rather charming smoothness contributes to the unassertive, aesthetic look. The bezel is not removable, which suggests enhanced structural stability for protecting the contents of the head assembly.
Finally, to the humdrum but necessary body. Something has to keep together the head and tail cap assemblies, right? Closer examination of both ends reveal unanodized threads next to a seal. The short threads afford the owner of decreased time in unscrewing the body from the opposite assemblies. Notice the anodized end of the tube. This no doubt offers additional corrosion protection, while the unanodized threads permit the necessary conduction of electrical current. No lubrication is apparent to potentially impede the transfer of current. A properly seated, black seal of unidentified material helps thwart the unwelcome entry of dust and liquids. The miserly thin, aluminum tube wall is consistent with the ever-present weight conservation theme.
When the availability of more time permits, I might deliver beams shots and switch UI information, and possibly comparisons to currently owned flashlights. Unfortunately, I’m not yet knowledgeable enough to provide some useful electrical measurements (amps, volts, etc) with my budget DMM. However, because of my well spent time on these forums, I was thus far able to generate this hopefully engaging MADE IN CHTNA evaluation. Any suggestions/comments are always welcome.
