For technical details and to purchase the flashlight:
Acebeam Terminator M1 and Terminator M2-X RGB are two dual-head Acebeam flashlights featuring both flood and depth beams. The versions I purchased feature MAO Marbling (micro-arc oxidation) with a very attractive marbled gray color. It feels like ceramic to the touch, but I’ve read mixed reviews about the anodizing process.
Acebeam Terminator M1 and Terminator M2-X RGB are well-built with an all-metal body (AL6061-T6 aluminum). Both fit comfortably in the hand, although the Terminator M2-X is significantly smaller and more compact, as well as weighing less. Given their size, they both fall into the EDC category.
Terminator M1 and Terminator M2-X RGB are available in different colors: Gray, Green, and Micro-arc Oxidation (MAO) White (the M2-X is only green and white), with two LED beam colors: Cool White (6500K) and High-CRI (Nichia 519A 5000K).
THE PACKAGE and ACCESSORIES:
Acebeam Terminator M1 comes in a gray/orange hard cardboard box with classic lettering highlighting its main features. Inside the box, in addition to the Acebeam Terminator M1 with a 5000 mAh rechargeable 21700 lithium battery, you will find a flashlight bag, a USB-C charging cable, a lanyard, 2x spare O-rings, manual, and warranty.
Acebeam Terminator M2-X comes in a small gray/orange cardboard box. Inside the box, in addition to the Acebeam Terminator M2-X with clip and 3300 mAh rechargeable 18650 lithium battery inserted, you will find the USB-C charging cable, lanyard, 2x spare O-rings, manual, and warranty.
The small bag included in the M1 package is just enough to protect the flashlight, but I don’t find it suitable for transport as it does not have a secure closure. The package also includes a well-made lanyard for wearing the Terminator M1 on your wrist.
Acebeam Terminator M1 next to the Terminator M2-X and other flashlights with LEP technology. Note the compact size of the two Terminators.
From left: Acebeam W10, Acebeam Terminator M2-X, Acebeam Terminator M1 e Nitecore P35i
Key Features of the Acebeam Terminator M1
• Dual light source: 1x LEP, 3x LED
• Internal zoom design for the LEP source, rotate the LEP head to adjust the focus without changing the size. Beam angle 3-16°
• Maximum output: 3500 lumens (LED); 700 lumens (LEP)
• Maximum distance: LEP: 1600 meters (640000cd); LED: 231 meters (13340cd)
• Impact resistance: 1m
• Waterproof: IP68, underwater 2m
• Battery: ACEBEAM USB-C Rechargeable 21700 Li-ion
• Power switch: cycle output modes ON/OFF
• Function switch: LEP/LED switching
Specifications
Dimensions: 104.0 mm (length) x 63.4 mm (head) x 60.3 mm (body)
Weight: 304.6 g / 10.7 oz (battery included)
Note: The above parameters (tested with 1 ACEBEAM 21700 battery) are approximate and may vary depending on the flashlight, battery, and environment.
Main Features of the Acebeam Terminator M2-X RGB
• Multiple light sources: 1x LED spotlight, 3 LED floodlights, 1 AUX light
• Maximum floodlight power: 3200 lumens, range: 178 meters
• Maximum spotlight distance: 500 meters, 62500 cd, maximum power: 900 lumens
• One spotlight plus four floodlight brightness levels to cycle through
• Easy to change light sources or brightness modes to suit different applications
• AUX light: automatic seven-color cycle red, green, blue, signal green, and SOS red
• Temperature control system: prevents the light from overheating so it can run brighter and longer
• Rear mount capability
• Impact resistance: 1.5 m
• Waterproof: IP68, underwater 2 m
Specifications
Dimensions: 95.4 mm (length) x 48.5 mm (head) x 29 mm (body)
Weight: 197.2 g / 6.95 oz (battery included)
Note: The above parameters (tested with an ACEBEAM 18650 battery) are approximate and may vary depending on the flashlight, battery, and environment. We recommend using a high-quality 18650 battery with circuit protection (at least over 10 amps of current).
Acebeam Warranty:
Free replacement within 15 days: ACEBEAM will replace a new product within 15 days of purchase for any manufacturing defects if problems are encountered during normal use; we will replace it with the same model. If the model is discontinued and not available in stock, consumers will receive a product with a similar or improved model. Free repair within 10 years: ACEBEAM will offer free repair of lights within 10 years of the date of purchase if problems are encountered during normal use.
Limited lifetime warranty: After the 10-year free repair warranty, the retailer will still do everything possible to repair the LED flashlight at the customer’s expense for replacement parts and shipping (i.e., no labor costs will be incurred).
ACEBEAM TERMINATOR M1 Dual Head LEP/LED Flashlight
The Acebeam Terminator M1 combines LED and LEP (Laser Excited Phosphor) technology. The M1 was the first to feature dual zoomable LED and LEP technology. The design is innovative with high-quality construction; the two lighting technologies make it a complete product suitable for both amateurs and professionals in the field.
The 3,500-lumen LED projector illuminates a wide area ahead of you, while the LEP spotlight, with a very narrow and concentrated beam and a long range, is zoomable and covers a maximum distance of 1,600 meters.
The Terminator M1 comes with a rechargeable and replaceable 5000mAh USB-C 21700 lithium-ion battery.
The Acebeam Terminator M1 is particularly suitable for search and rescue, industrial applications, hiking, and cave exploration.
The optical unit of the Terminator M1 consists of two light sources, one with LEP technology for a maximum of 700 lumens with a range of 1600 meters (640,000 cd), with 3 levels plus Strobe, and a flood-type LED with 3 cool white LEDs (6500K) with TIR optics for a maximum of 3500 lumens with 6 levels plus Strobe. As can be seen in the photo, the LEP head is slightly wider than the LED head. The convex lens of the LEP projector has no protection and could therefore be exposed to impact.
One of the main features of the M1’s LEP beam is the ability to zoom the focus from 3° to 16° using the rotating ring on the projector by turning it counterclockwise (marked with the word “zoom”). I found the LEP beam to be very well made, with the right beam width and good depth. The zoom is definitely an added value that increases the flexibility of the LEP beam, which does not have lateral brightness (spill).
Terminator M1 has two switches located at the top, in line with the LEP projector. The two buttons have different shapes to make them easier to use in the dark at night. The lower button (Power Switch) is also used to vary the available light levels and for the electronic lock of the torch.
The upper button (LEP/LED Switch) is used to change the light source and switch between the LEP and LED projectors.
The LEP and LED beams cannot be used together at the same time.
The power switch is slightly recessed but very sensitive, so it is best to engage the electronic lock during transport.
Treminator M1 has a memory function, so when you turn on the torch, the type of light selected (LEP or LED) will be the one that was selected when it was previously turned off.
When turned off, there is no way to switch from one source to another (LED to LEP), and there is no indicator to show which one is selected.
The Acebeam Terminator M1 has a LED on the side that provides information on the battery charge status. Strangely, the LED remains green until the charge reaches 20% and is always on during operation, which can sometimes be unpleasant.
Green light: >20%
Red light: between 20% and 10%, low battery warning
Flashing red light: <10%
The light turns off when the voltage is below 2.7 V
The battery included in the Terminator M1 sales package is a protected 21700 lithium battery (AB21CP50) with a rechargeable capacity of 5,000mAh and a continuous discharge current of 15 A. The battery has a USB-C port for charging. The Terminator M1 can also be powered by other non-proprietary batteries.
Link Acebeam: https://www.acebeam.com/15a-rechargeabl … 8J4kr16Dp0
To recharge the battery, you need to remove the tail cap, and to do this, you often touch the wires with your hands because the tail cap is small. The cell is installed in the Terminator M1 in the usual way with the positive terminal facing the head. This operation is indicated by a screen print near the tail cap.
When the battery is charging, the LED located at the top near the positive pole turns red, and when charging is complete, it turns green.
In my tests, it took about 2 hours and 50 minutes (max 2A) to fully recharge the battery.
For battery contacts, there is one spring on the positive terminal and one on the negative terminal. The threads on the cap are well lubricated.
Terminator M1 has an IP68 water and dust protection rating (submersible to 2 meters).
USER INTERFACE (UI):
The user interface of the Acebeam Terminator M1 is quite simple.
The flat lower button (ON/OFF) is used to change the available light levels or activate the electronic lock, while the raised upper button is used to select the preferred LEP or LED light source.
LED projector, maximum output: 3500 lumens
Moonlight: 1 lumen
Low: 50 lumens
Mid1: 150 lumens
Mid2: 500 lumens
High: 1000 lumens
Turbo: 3500 lumens
Strobe: 3500 lumens
LEP projector, maximum output: 700 lumens
Low: 100 lumens
High: 250 lumens
Turbo: 700 lumens
Strobe: 700 lumens
Output selection: When the LED light source option is ON, press and hold the power switch and the LED light source will cycle through Low-Med1-Med2-High. Release the power switch to select the output, which can be stored for the next start-up.
When the LEP light source option is ON, press and hold the power switch and the LEP light source will cycle through Low-High. Release the power switch to select the output, which can be stored for the next startup.
Turbo: In the Unlocked state and under the LED light source option, double-click the power switch quickly to access the Turbo output and double-click again to switch from the Turbo output to the memory output. In the Unlocked state and under the LEP light source option, quickly double-click the power switch to access the Turbo output and double-click again to switch from Turbo output to memory output.
Strobe: In the unlocked state and under the LED light source option, quickly press the power switch three times to access the strobe output; In the unlocked state and under the LEP light source option, quickly press the power switch three times to access the strobe output.
Ultra-low: When the flashlight is off and under the LED light source option, press and hold the power switch to access the Ultra-low output. The Ultra-low, Strobe, and Turbo modes of the LED light source option will not be stored. The Strobe and Turbo modes of the LEP light source option will not be stored.
Lock/Unlock
Lock: When the light is off, press and hold the power switch for 3 seconds, the current light source will flash 3 times, and the flashlight will be locked. At this time, any operation of the switch will be invalid.
Unlock: When the light is locked, press and hold the power switch for 3 seconds, the current light source will flash 3 times, then unlock the light.
If the current light source option is LED, the LED will be on at a very low level when unlocked, and if the current light source option is LEP, the LEP will be on at a low level when unlocked.
Function switch operation
When the light is on, click the function switch, and the light output will switch between the LEP light source and LED light source options.
LEP zoom operation
When the LEP light source is on, rotate the LEP head left or right, and the LEP beam angle will increase or decrease smoothly between 16° and 3°.
BEAM and RUNTIME
Moving on to the practical field test of the Terminator M1, I was satisfied with the LED lighting, but slightly less so with the LEP depth lighting.
The concentrated beam (LEP), which is of good quality, has the option of varying the power (Low, High, and Turbo) and size (beam angle between 16° and 3°). The distance covered is remarkable, and the possibility of widening the illuminated area also makes spill-free lighting usable, albeit with a few too many artifacts.
Let’s take a look at some photos taken with my smartphone, including one of a repeater clearly illuminated at a distance of 325 meters in TURBO mode.
The floodlight (LED), with cool coloring in my version, consists of TIR optics and 3 cool white LEDs with a maximum power of 3500 lumens and a maximum beam depth of 231 meters. Above the LED projector are deep cooling fins to increase the dissipation surface.
The LED beam quality is good, thanks in part to the TIR lens, with good uniformity and a color temperature that is not too cold, with no particular artifacts. To the naked eye, I don’t see any significant PWM in any of the six available modes.
Using OPPLE’s Light Master Pro, an inexpensive and fairly accurate device (although not calibrated), I took some measurements, recording the CCT color temperature and Ra color rendering index for the LED part. The flicker is in the green range, posing no risk. As shown by the values reported, the beam color has a CRI index that is not particularly high, but average, with a cold beam color, especially at higher brightness levels. The Duv value is good.
Cool White LED:
In Turbo mode, I measured 6861 CCT and 74 Ra.
In High mode, I measured 6243 CCT and 72 Ra.
According to my measurements, the peak candela values (cd) taken with the LX1330B Luxmeter at a distance of 10 meters (LEP) and 5 meters (LED) are below Acebeam’s specifications, particularly the LED values. Here are some of the values found (the values declared by the manufacturer are shown in parentheses):
LED Cool White:
Turbo (13340cd) 8100cd
High (5041cd) 2340cd
Med2 (3481) 1170cd
LEP:
Turbo (640000cd) 632320cd
High (245025cd) 232320cd
Low (105625cd) 90880cd
Using a thermal imaging camera, I measured how heat is distributed across the body of the Terminator M1 in Turbo LED mode at 3500 lumens after 2 minutes and 7 minutes of use. Heat distribution across the body of the torch is good.
Runtime:
The runtimes were measured indoors at a temperature of approximately 24°C using the fully charged Acebeam 21700 5000 mAh lithium battery included in the sales package.
I would like to point out that the values shown in the graphs should be taken as a reference only, as they were measured using hobbyist equipment and in environmental conditions that differ from those used in a laboratory.
LEP beam:
- In “TURBO” mode (without ventilation), there is a slight drop at the start, followed by a sudden drop two minutes after switching on, falling to around 300 lumens and then slightly above the high level of 250 lumens. The brightness then remains almost constant for over 125 minutes after start-up before switching off.
- In “HIGH” mode (without ventilation), there is a slight drop in brightness after switch-on, followed by constant brightness for 174 minutes before switching off.
- The runtime times in my tests reflect those indicated by Acebeam.
LED beam:
- In “TURBO” mode, without ventilation, there is a slight drop at the start, followed by a sudden drop two minutes after switching on, falling to the “High” level of 1000 lumens. The brightness then remains almost constant for over 130 minutes after start-up before beginning a series of step-downs that cause the Terminator M1 to switch off 155 minutes after start-up.
- In “HIGH” mode, again without added ventilation, after switching on there is a small increase in brightness for a few seconds and then constant brightness for over 142 minutes before the brightness begins to decrease due to battery depletion. In the high level, the Terminator M1 switched off 165 minutes after start-up.
- In my tests, the runtime times are slightly lower than those in Acebeam’s table.
ACEBEAM TERMINATOR M2-X Dual Head LED Flashlight
Acebeam has updated the Terminator M2 with a few changes that mainly concern LED beam replacement.
The Terminator M2-X is an ideal EDC light for multiple uses, featuring a compact dual-head design with multiple light sources. The M2-X features a long-range spotlight for a maximum illumination distance of 500 m (1640 ft) and a wide-angle floodlight capable of emitting up to 3200 lumens with a coverage distance of 178 m (583 ft) in floodlight mode.
The long-range spotlight and wide-angle floodlight can be turned on simultaneously for a complete view of the surrounding environment and the distance.
This update adds 7-color RGB auxiliary lighting, which can be activated via the side switch also used to select the desired mode (spotlight or floodlight).
The Acebeam M2-X is powered by a rechargeable USB-C 18650 battery (included) and replaceable 3300mAh. The switches can be operated with one hand and are well positioned, as are the numerous markings on the torch body.
In the Acebeam Terminator M2-X, the Spotlight/Floodlight switch has been placed on the side in a more natural position.
The clip supplied by Acebeam is made of steel, long and rigid. The package also includes a lanyard, which can be attached to the eyelet near the tail to carry the flashlight on your wrist.
The optical department of the Terminator M2-X RGB consists of two light sources, both LEDs, with a depth projector with an aspherical lens of 900 lumens and a maximum range of 500 meters (62500cd) with a single level, and three flood LEDs with TIR optics for a maximum of 3200 lumens with 6 levels available. The color I chose for the floodlight LEDs is cool white (Cool White 6500K).
The long-range spotlight and wide-angle floodlight can be operated simultaneously to illuminate both distant and nearby areas.
The Acebeam Terminator M2-X RGB features 7-color auxiliary lighting that can be activated via the side switch.
The Terminator M2-X has two switches for complete control of the user interface. One is located at the bottom near the tail cap and the other on the left side (viewed from above). The power switch at the bottom is also used to vary the available light levels and for electronic locking of the flashlight.
The side button (Spotlight/Floodlight Switch) is used to change the light source and thus switch from the deep spotlight to the floodlight (or both), as well as to activate the auxiliary lighting.
The Treminator M2-X has a memory function, so when we turn on the torch, the type of light selected will be the one that was previously turned off.
Unfortunately, compared to the previous M2, we no longer find the lever selector used to select the type of spotlight to be used before turning on our M2-X.
On the top of the M2-X, there are numerous inscriptions.
The most prominent is “WARNING: The flashlight may overheat after prolonged use at maximum power. This is typical of high-power flashlights. Use a quality 18650 battery with circuit protection (we recommend >10 Amps). Turbo: press the rear switch twice.”
To the left of the long inscription, there are 4 LED indicators for: Spotlight (blue), Floodlight (blue), AUX Light RGB (blue), and Battery Charge Indicator.
When the light is on, the power indicator lights up to show the remaining battery charge.
Green LED: >20%
Red LED: between 20% and 10%, low battery warning
Flashing red LED: < 10%
The light turns off when the voltage is below 2.7 V.
With the new Terminator M2-X, Acebeam has upgraded the battery included in the package with a protected 18650 (AB18CP33) rechargeable lithium battery with a capacity of 3,300mAh and a continuous discharge current of 15 A. The battery has a USB-C port for charging. The Terminator M2-X can also be powered by other non-proprietary batteries.
When the battery is charging, the LED located at the top near the positive pole turns red, and when charging is complete, it turns green.
In my tests, it took about 2 hours (max 1.9A) to fully recharge the battery.
Link Acebeam: https://www.acebeam.com/imr-18650-3300m … SYYrniYGiV
For battery contacts, there is one spring on the positive terminal and one on the negative terminal. The cap threads are well lubricated. Terminator M2-X has an IP68 water and dust protection rating (submersible to 2 meters).
To recharge the battery, remove the tail cap. Here too, as with the Terminator M1, you may touch the tail cap wires with your hands as the tail cap is small. The cell is installed with the positive terminal facing the head. This operation is indicated by a screen print near the tail cap.
USER INTERFACE (UI):
The Acebeam Terminator M2-X has a simple user interface. The M2-X has two switches, one on the side and one on the tail cap.
LED Floodlight
Moonlight: 1 lumen
Low: 50 lumens
Med1: 200~ 50 lumens
Med2: 500~ 50 lumens
High: 1200~ 50 lumens
Turbo: 3200 ~ 1200~ 50 lumens
LED Spotlight
High: 900~ 400 lumens
LED Floodlight + Spotlight
High: 2700~ 1000 lumens
Strobe: 1900 lumens
Instructions for use
Rear power switch operation:
ON: Click the power switch. OFF: Click the power switch when it is on.
Output selection: When the projector source option is on, press and hold the power switch and the projector will switch between Low-Med1-Med2-High. Release the power switch to select the output, which can be stored for the next startup.
Note: There is only one brightness level for the spotlight.
Turbo: In the unlocked state and under the projector source option, quickly double-click the power switch to access the Turbo output, and double-click again to switch between Turbo and memory output.
Moonlight: When the flashlight is off and under the projector source option, press and hold the power switch for 0.5 seconds to access the Moonlight output.
Strobe: In the unlocked state, triple-click the power switch to access the Strobe output (both the projector and reflector emit the strobe simultaneously).
Side switch operation: switching between beam and spot light: when the light is on, click the side switch once and the light output will switch between the beam light source and the reflector light source.
Mixed mode: When the light is on, quickly double-click the side switch to enter mixed mode (high beam and reflector on simultaneously).
RGB color mode: when the flashlight is on, press and hold the side switch to cycle through: automatic seven-color light cycle mode: red, green, blue, green signal, red SOS. Moonlight, strobe, turbo, mixed mode, and RGB color mode will not be stored.
Lock/unlock
Lock: When the light is off, press and hold the rear power switch for 3 seconds, the current light source will flash 3 times and the flashlight will be locked. At this time, any switch operation will be invalid.
Unlock: When the light is locked, press and hold the rear power switch for 3 seconds, the current light source will flash 3 times, and then the light will be unlocked. The headlamp will be on moonlight when unlocked.
LOW VOLTAGE WARNING: When the lamp is on and the voltage drops below 10%, the lamp is programmed to Low, to remind you to charge/replace the battery. When the voltage of the 18650 battery drops below 2.7V, the lamp will automatically turn off.
BEAM and RUNTIME:
The flood beam, with cool coloring in my version, consists of TIR optics and 3 cool white LEDs with a maximum power of 3200 lumens and a maximum beam depth of 178 meters. The power and quality of the beam are excellent.
The quality of the LED Spot beam is also good, with good uniformity and a clean spot without any particular dispersion and a color temperature that is not too cold. To the naked eye, I cannot see any significant PWM in any of the available modes.
Using OPPLE’s Light Master Pro, an inexpensive and fairly accurate device (although not calibrated), I took some measurements of the CCT color temperature and Ra color rendering index. The flicker is in the green range, posing no risk. As with the Terminator M1, the M2-X beam color has a CRI index that is not particularly high, but average, with a cold beam color, especially at higher brightness levels.
LED Cool White Floodlight:
In Turbo mode, I measured 6709 CCT and 73.4 Ra.
In High mode, I measured 6260 CCT and 72 Ra.
LED Cool White Spotlight:
In HIGH mode (the only setting), I measured 6068 CCT and 66 Ra.
According to my measurements, the peak candela values (cd) taken with the LX1330B Luxmeter at 10 meters and 5 meters away are below Acebeam’s specifications for the LED flood part. Here are some of the values found (the values declared by the manufacturer are in parentheses):
Cool White LED:
Turbo 3200 lumens (7921cd) 6150cd
High 1200 lumens (3540cd) 2560cd
LED Spot (900 lumens):
High (62500cd) 63000cd
LED Spot + LED Cool White (2700 lumens):
High (48400cd) 51200cd
Using a thermal imaging camera, I measured how heat is distributed across the body of the Terminator M2-X in Turbo Flood mode at 3200 lumens after 1 minute, 2 minutes, and 7 minutes of operation. Heat distribution across the torch body is good.
**The runtimes were measured indoors at a temperature of approximately 22°C, without additional ventilation, using the fully charged Acebeam 18650 3300 mAh battery included in the sales package. Please note that the values are expressed in candelas (CD).
I would like to point out that the values shown in the graphs should be taken, above all, as a reference because they were obtained with hobbyist-level equipment and in environmental conditions different from those used in the laboratory.
In “Spotlight” mode (900lm for 500 meters), there is constant brightness for about 2min30sec from the start. Then there is a sudden drop. After about 120 seconds, the brightness settles at 400 lumens with a range of 250 meters and a constant output for over 3h30min. Subsequently, the brightness begins to decrease due to battery depletion. The Acebeam M2-X turned off 233 minutes after being switched on. The battery life is longer than Acebeam’s specifications, which are less than two hours.
In “Flooflight” TURBO mode (3200lm), the brightness remains constant for over 2 minutes and 30 seconds after start-up before dropping suddenly. The brightness then remains constant for up to 79 minutes after start-up before beginning to drop due to battery depletion.
In “Flooflight” HIGH mode (1200lm), the brightness remains almost constant for over 88 minutes after start-up before beginning to drop due to the battery being almost empty.
In combined “Flooflight + Spotlight” mode (2700lm), after switching on, the brightness remains constant for about 2 minutes before suddenly decreasing. The brightness then remains constant for over 100 minutes after switching on before beginning to decrease due to battery depletion.
Let’s watch the first 5 minutes.
The first 10 minutes.
CONCLUSIONS:
Acebeam Terminator M1 and Acebeam Terminator M2-X are two excellent products, well-built and with excellent brightness characteristics for comprehensive use.
The Terminator M1 has LED and Lep light for long-distance illumination. The possibility of partially extending the depth of the Lep beam increases the flexibility of the beam, which does not have lateral brightness (spill).
The Terminator M2-X is very compact and lightweight, making it more suitable for EDC use. In this updated version, the Flood/Spot selector found in the previous M2 has been removed, so, as with the Terminator M1, it is not possible to choose the beam type before turning on the flashlight.
For both products, the sales package includes a replaceable battery and some accessories for transport.
Recommended.
Thank you for reading the review.
Roberto
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