MecArmy PT18
Hands on Video Review
First off, let me say, there are some talented people out there who give nice and polished professional reviews. But I’m not one of them! I just started doing reviews, so one day I may be able to offer something more professional, but for now I’m going to give you a 100% biased review from a layman’s perspective. Actually, I was a public speaker by profession. It makes posting videos quite humbling for me as now I sound slow and uneducated. Sickness has had its way with me but I am trying hard to swallow my pride and get out there again.
The Mec-Army PT18!!! I first saw it when scanning a google image search for “Side switch flashlight 18650”. I clicked on some other light, then clicked some more, and somehow this light ended up on my screen. Something about it called out to me. Maybe it’s beautiful diamond knurling. Maybe the tiny 18650 form factor. Maybe the triple xpg’s. The stainless bezel, side switch, or USB charging. I don’t know, but I knew I wanted it.
At first, I considered this light to be a little out of my league. However, some events gained me favor with GearBest and I was offered the On-The-Road M3. I shared my interest in the PT18 instead and offered to publish a review of the light. I was given the M3 and a discount on the PT18, so I will be sharing my thoughts on each light in return. You can be sure, however, that I will be biased only by my own thoughts and opinions and will not appease any source for personal gain.
Video 1:
- In this first video you can see the light unwrapped and looked over.
- Comparison with Olight S30.
- The finish quality of this light is very nice. The body has a smooth knurling described as “pineapple knurling” that does not provide a slip free grip but does feel nice in the hand.
Video 2:
- Basic operation demonstration.
Video 3:
Size comparison with Manker U11, Olight S30, Skilhunt H02, & Convoy S3.
For every day carry, the small size of this light makes it good competition for the smaller 14500 and CR123a lights. The 18650 battery size offers three times greater battery life than the smaller batteries of some other lights. This alone makes the slightly larger size insignificant compared to the practicality of longer run times.
Video 4:
(Video to come…)
Inside the light. The head of the light seems to be potted and the bezel is glued. I applied some light heat and some brute force with no success on removing the bezel. This is as far as I am willing to go for now as the light is too nice to risk any damage. (But give me a month and I bet I will get the itch.)
Current measurements.
Beam Shots:
Yet to come
User Interface:
This light has a simple click for “on” and click for “off”. To advance modes, press and hold the button from “on” state. There is no mode memory as the flashlight turns on in low mode when clicked. However, turbo can be activated with a quick double click from “off”. This gives instant access to both low and turbo from the “off” position, which happens to be my most desired feature in an every day light.
The PT18 has a feature that separates it from most other e-switch lights. A press and hold from off will enter into a momentary turbo function, which is a feature usually reserved for forward clicky lights. This is the feature is what has made the PT18 my favorite 18650 light, leaping past the Olight S30 and stealing my affection. It also has access to strobe and SOS with a triple click from “off”.
Key Features:
- Triple XP-G2 Cool White LED
- 1000 Lumen Turbo, 10 Lumen Low
- 1Amp Integrated Charging
- Real Time Temperature Monitoring
- Momentary On Function
Conclusion:
The MecArmy PT18 is a small but bright and classy 18650 e-switch light. It is a floody light and thus it appears less bright than an Olight s30 or Manker U11, but has a better, creamier, pure white tint free from unwanted green or blue tones. It is small enough to be considered a true EDC flashlight (in my opinion), as it is light and slides nicely into a pocket. I love the integrated charging and momentary turbo option. The Manker U11 has now claimed the position of “My EDC”.
PT18 Coupon: GBLED2016 will get 8% off discount
Link here: PT18
(link is external)
M3 coupon: OTRM3
Link here:
5C Full Pack 24.99
1A Full Pack 23.51
5C Single Pack 20.79
1A Single Pack 19.29
Link for all M3
