This is the link to UltraFire’s page which contains more information about the light.
These are my impressions of the UltraFire P4 EDC Magnetic Headlamp that I just received from them. Given that I don’t have the proper testing equipment, or the necessary analytical skills, I can only offer my thoughts on it.
The light, headband, USB-A to USC-C cable, and user manual arrived contained inside of a small nylon case. This is a nice feature since everything can be stored together when traveling or storing the light.
Product Description
Charging
The charge port is located next to the switch and is covered by a typical port cover. It will charge using either a USB-A to USB-C charger or a USB-C to USB-C charger. I measured .55A when charging from a 5V USB-A charger. A red light is on when the light is charging and turns off when charging is completed.
User Interface (from UltraFire)
Short press switch: LED lights up, quick short press switch: white light high bright - medium bright - low bright - red light LED lights up - red light flashes - off. If any gear stays for more than 5 seconds, press the switch briefly to turn it off directly. Long press switch for any gear: extremely bright mode (500lm), Short press the switch once – close
Press the switch twice quickly, the red light flashes three times, the light is locked, and no operation can be performed. Press the switch quickly twice again, the red light flashes three times, and the light is unlocked.
My Opinions
The switch is fairly stiff which is good given that it’s exposed on the body.
I would have preferred that the red light not be in the same sequence as the white light. A shortcut to red, such as a triple click, would be my preference. I really don’t like that the light turns off after the red lights.
This is what I’d like to see as the UI:
OFF/ON – double press locks or unlocks light depending on current lock state
OFF/ON – triple press turns red light on
OFF – short press turns light on in Low white (currently it always starts in high)
ON – short press cycles light to next level; this continues on from low/medium/high with each additional presses
ON – long press turns light off
ON – long press turns light off
I don’t see a need for the “extremely bright mode” since it’s not much brighter than High, which is why changing the long press to turn the light off is ok for me.
The light always starts in high and I’d prefer that it always start in low.
I don’t like the fact that the light turns off when the switch is pressed after it has been on for 5 seconds or more. This means that you can’t switch to a lower mode or the red led without turning it off and then back on.
Adjustable tilt
The light has a wide range of motion which makes it very useful in certain scenarios (example, hanging it on your car’s hood when looking at an engine issue at night). The ratchet teeth are strong enough to prevent the body from moving when it has been tilted into the desired position.
The light is stable when the base is placed on a non-metallic level surface, unless it’s been tilted to an extreme amount. On a metallic surface the light is held securely in any position.
Belt Clip
There’s not much give in the clip and trying to slide it into anything thicker than a shirt pocket is going to be a struggle. I was not able clip the light to a baseball cap or jean pocket.
Using it as a headlamp
Clearly UltraFire is marketing it as a headlamp, given that they’re calling it exactly that.
The strap is comfortable enough when the light is connected to it given its light weight.
The full range of tilting is available when the headlamp is connected to the strap.
The light slides easily into the strap mount. However there is nothing holding the 2 together other than friction. I was able to separate the light from the mount just by shaking it vigorously. This would definitely be a problem if doing something such as jogging or biking. It needs some kind of locking mechanism that has to be disengaged in order for the light to slide free from the mount.
However I didn’t have any problems with the light coming free when walking around or using the light in more sedate activities.
Tint/Beam
The tint was fairly neutral to my eye. I did notice some yellow spots in the beam but that was only apparent when shining it on a white wall. It has a fairly large hot spot which is good or bad, depending on one’s preference in a light and whether it’s being used as a flashlight or headlamp.
Just for comparison here are beam shots of a Sofirn D25 (cool white) and the P4 (the D25 is on top) 4 feet from the wall.
Magnetic Base
It works ok and is strong enough to hold the light in any position on a metal surface.
Final thoughts
For me I see the light as being something to throw into my car’s glove box or a tool box. It’s usable as a flashlight or headlamp but it’s outclassed by lights that are dedicated to specific roles. Then again, it was being sold on Amazon as a sub $15 light so one really can’t expect much more from something in that price range. With a few tweaks (better UI, more secure mount, etc) it would be a much better product in my opinion.
I do like the way it slides into the headband mount. I just wish that I didn’t have to be concerned about it coming loose under vigorous activities. Plus being able to clip it onto a baseball cap or jean pocket would be great.