I can't remember exactly how I came across this brand. I might have just been browsing CN or maybe I was linked somehow when researching another light. Regardless, I was stricken by its beauty :) And the specs seem decent. I wasn't considering SST-50 but the big boy sure seems tempting driven at 4.3a. The X5 would be the XM-L offering. It's hard to trust the photo of the beamshot since the same is used for both the X5 and X6 (XM-L vs SST-50).
Obviously it's a copy/re-brand of something but I can't tell what. Anybody familiar with it?
The brief and few things I read, they are good and technicals such as heatsinking is excellent. But not as well tested because not many tried, really very few comments. Nowadays XM-L stuff like Sky Ray STL-V2/Fandyfire STL-V6 already like blows them away at below 50 bucks. heh....
I'm now beginning to notice/test lights for heat soak and lumens drop due to that. I can't imagine how bad it would be for a SST-50 light gunning at 4.5-5A in that kind of body with the heat from both LED and driver. I don't have concrete info but some OTF figures of even stuff like SR90 stunned me. I have a local forummer pal who is into high-end lights and throw it does throw well have some issue with the OTF from all the brief snipplets we have uncovered (Well if it is 250 bucks then well it is probably all good LOL!)
"I use the light in the real world and such things don't bother me", well of course the difference is not big when you are actually using it and you may claim to be not bothered, but think about it do you rather want to be aware of the info/truth than just buy blindly for all your future purchases? I hope not and am sure many others are into the technicals of this wierd hobby. My lux meter is not accurate at all, but all readings taken from the same meter are accurate and can be compared among all the other lights. I think one day I would really sit down and document how much % difference there is an put it into a table for reference.
I could do that.....pretty free now as it's low period. heh....
I just want to clarify that I'm focusing on the XM-L model, that is if it really is indeed XM-L and not a goof. All the specs seem to indicate it's XM-L (including the 2.5a draw), except for the photo's. I have emailed Ric and also sent him a message on MSN. If he can't hook me up with any kind of discount (I forgot there's roughly a $10 shipping charge) then I'll probably go with the Shadow or Sky Ray.
There's a member on CPF who modded his X6 with a XM-L and dramatically improved output. I'm now wondering if the X5 produces similar results. And since he claims the mod was quite easy maybe I could even switch out the driver if I felt the urge. Of course, he was only speaking of swapping the emitter/star. He finishes with: "Definitely a host designed for modders!"
So we don't know anyone testing/reviewing either Loongsun or On The Road lights? Do you think an XM-L offering (e.g. X5 model) is worth a purchase compared to the likes of the STL-V2 and similar? Based on visiting their website and emailing Loongsun, it seems the manufacturer and Loongsun are actually one and the same. At least that's what I gathered from my choppy correspondence with the lead guy. The manufacturer is Longxing Optoelectronic Technology.
I think they are going to operate and perform the same as the FF STL-V6, but on closer look it is kinda sexy. However it is not like the X381 which can break into half and let you do 2 x CR123 or 2 x 18350, for eg. Then this would be a short XM-L thrower.
I think they are going to operate and perform the same as the FF STL-V6, but on closer look it is kinda sexy. However it is not like the X381 which can break into half and let you do 2 x CR123 or 2 x 18350, for eg. Then this would be a short XM-L thrower.
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Yeah, taobao explains the differences between the two and I was kind of bummed when I read that. It's not really a deal breaker though. I think I'll probably get it just to end the agony of wondering, haha.
On The Road? (e.g. X3, X5, X6)
I thought I was in a BMW forum
Yeah.. and you can imagine how difficult it is to find information when you keep getting BMW links for your search results
According to Ric it is indeed XM-L. The Loongsun and Taobao sites seem to confirm this. He tells me it runs 2.8A. And he actually referenced the Shadow TC6 when describing the beam. He says "the beam is not so perfect as Shadow TC6. Otherwise it's a nice light, built quality is super, the circuit performs very well and very bright."
I'll be getting one and then I'll report back here. I'm hoping this will be a flashlight I can call reliable and trustworthy in my budget collection. It may not be the brightest but hopefully it'll be #1 in quality AND brightness together. We'll see...
Got my X5 and it measured 34k at 12.4m. Drivenly decently at 1.2A at the tail with 4.2V cells. Compared to the STL-V6 (which got 50k) that light is at 1.35A. Reflected lux 70 for STL-V6 and 62 lux for X5. Both 2-cell lights regulated. Also due to the smaller diameter reflector.
Anodizing is pretty good, 90% of the Shadow TC6 (the Shadow TC6 is really good, feel is as good as Fenix HA). Heft/thickness of head/tube is more than the STL-V6. If you are a collector of gun metal lights and like the Jetbeam M1X style head, you can consider this.
I love the tailcap button which show the power icon, instead of the normal knurling pattern
So how would you grade the build quality compared to the popular budget lights reviewed here? I'm interested in this brand/manufacturer and would like to track future offerings. I know nothing so far compares to the TC6 in that regard and Ric even gushes over that light. I was actually curious about driving the X5 harder back when I was considering it. Do you plan on doing any mods? I also think the 'power button' is a nice touch :)
Well it is just a wee notch below the TC6. The TC6 hangs in the realm of Fenix / Dereelight. Absolutely no way would you mistake this for a Trustfire/Brintye. It feels solid, definitely more solid than the usual budget lights reviewed here. This is actually still a budget light. The Shadow TC6 is a nice light esp with neutral white, but still it is a 40mm reflectored light so it does not throw as well. I just wished they made it bigger, just 8mm bigger and driven 10% harder would definitely bring it comfortably into the 45k region.
My lux meter is not accurate at all, but all readings taken from the same meter are accurate and can be compared among all the other lights. I think one day I would really sit down and document how much % difference there is an put it into a table for reference.
