Review: APEX 5T6 (5 x Cree XM-L T6 | 4 x 18650)

[JustFit]

@d337944

Guys

I’ve just received this (the cool white version), and am extremely disappointed by the output.

I also have a Nitecore TM11 (cool white), and my TM11 is BRIGHTER than this Apex 5T6 … no doubt about it. Tested with the same four 3100 mah fully charged batteries, doing celling bounce tests. Not only is the TM11 is brighter, but it has a wider spill beam.

Build quality and finish is excellent though.

Don’t know if I received a dodgy sample, but I’m e-mailing RIC about this and hoping he comes up with a good solution.

Cheers
d337944

Update: RIC suggested I measure the current to the led - I’ve done so and am getting only about 1.1 - 1.2 A per lead, mean much less than “3000 lumen” in total! I’m assuming its just mine that is dodgy, so I’m waiting to hear back from RIC whether he’ll send a replacement head (I don’t have the tools or skills to resolder any kind of replacement driver for this flashlight) or provide a partial refund.

based on Match’s XM-L graph you should have around 2125 - 2250 lumen at 1.1 - 1.2 Amps per led