3 in 1 review. At the end there will be a summary for those who like only particulars, in each topic I will bold the key sentences for those who read a little more, and a long waffling for everyone else. Enjoy!
For VERY large photos: click -> on the photo page right click -> "Open image in new tab"
I got a flashlight for testing from Armytek. Thanks!
https://armytek.com.pl/
If you want to own this particular flashlight, you can buy it here (but I think you can only order from Poland, for worldwide shipping visit armytek.com)
https://armytek.com.pl/pl/p/Latarka-czo ... -white/163
Table of Contents:
- General parameters
- Package content
- Appearance, parameters
- UI, runtime and charging
- PWM
- Waterproofness
- Light pattern, tint
- Beamshots
- Usage and my experiences
- Summary
First of all, I prepared a small comparison of two versions of Wizard - the older, well-known one, and the new one. The answer to which one is which is at the very bottom in the last line of the review.
Firstly, the appearance:
Now the tint:
If you already now, which one you like more feel free to continue :)
Package content
In the package I found a rich set:
- Flashlight in protective wrapping film
- Li-Ion 3500mAh battery cell (previous version of Wizard had 3200mAh)
- Headband to mount the flashlight on the head
- Bike mount
- Magnetic charging cable
- Clip
- 2 spare O-rings
- User manual
So what has changed from the previous version:
1. we get a bike mount
2. we don't get unnecessary wrist mount
So far only pros, let's go further.
The head and everything on it has been slightly enlarged
The SS bezel has a slightly larger diameter
The button is also slightly larger to help with clicking. In addition to the dimensions, the clicking itself has been improved - it's now a bit lighter and much more pleasant. Even the sound is more pleasant.
Old version:
New version:
Only the amount of the fins has been reduced
To balance, the rest of the flashlight is more minimalist than its predecessor: the lettering from the body has moved to the head, and the one from the cap has become simple and elegant.
Inside one will find the same double O-rings, thick spring (here it is even thicker) and well greased threads. The new version has a spring on the driver's side, not a metal disc as it was before.
The cap has the exact same magnetic charging port, but this version charges with more current.
UI
This time we have two groups of modes: simple and advanced. The former is impractical for me, so I recommend switching to the second one right away - which is identical to the other versions of Wizard Pro. We have 4 mode groups, 3 modes in each, so 12 modes, 9 of which are continuous and 3 flashing.
Runtime
I checked turbo time, the drop in brightness was as expected. The temperature was kept at about 45°C and the brightness after 10 min was 608lm.
after 2 min: 45°C
after 5 min: 44°C
after 10 min: 45°C
Charging
Built-in charger, there is a magnetic connector on the cap that is compatible with the included cable. To charge, slightly unscrew the back, and the charging process is indicated by a red LED.
Charged is a green light. Charges to 4.15V with 1.17A current
I did not observe any on the lowest mode with my eyes or a camera.
Wizard's standard is IP68 and resistance to 10m and 2 hours underwater.
After 2 hours in my aquarium, I didn't find a single drop of water inside.
XHP50.2 cold tint, colder than the previous Wizard White. It was an unpleasant surprise. I have the impression that this color is not as greenish as the previous one, which makes it more pleasant in a way. Max brightness 2501lm in the first flash on full cell, in everyday conditions 2300-2400lm for the first few seconds.
The photo is a bit dark, I will try to take another, brighter one soon. The light is wide and even, the same as in the previous Wizard.
ISO200, t2s, f/3.5 sunlight white balance
Picture how the forest looks:
The Armytek beamshots:
Here I was shining under my feet, 6 meters away
Comparison of the old Wizard with the new one at max brightness:
Tint comparison of the old one with the new one:
Too bad the photos don't show the difference between the two as clearly. Actually, it looks as if the new one is more neutral. I think it's because of the lack of green, which is visible in the older version. Always a plus, but imagine what would be the result if they gave a neutral color without that greenish stuff.
Yesterday I was in the forest testing it, so my impressions are fresh: the headband is too tight for a 58cm head circumference with a bobble hat. Well, the strap is also more pleasant, you can feel the difference at the front on the forehead - this plastic holder with the strap fits better.
As for the light, it is indeed bright. You can see the difference, it's finally about 700lm on the plus side. Too bad the color is colder. I just don't know pictures don't show it... With the naked eye it is easy to tell which is colder. My brother for example said that he prefers the colder one, but I know that for most of you it will not be pleasing.
And the mode button is now much more comfortable to click.
The Armytek Wizard C2 Pro is an upgraded version of the well known Wizard Pro. It comes in two versions, White and Warm. White to me is more like Cool because it has a cold light. Warm is said to have a color similar to the old Warm. With the new version you get the same resistance to dust and water, 10 year warranty and many extras like for example bike mount. And on top of that, from the declared 1800lm it becomes 2500 (and according to my measurements from 1700 it becomes 2400).
Do I recommend it? Definitely yes, however you should consider the color - White or Warm.
Pros:
+ 2400lm
+ IP68 - up to 10m under water for 2 hours
+ Comfortable head holder
+ Many extras included (e.g. rechargeable battery)
Cons:
- Cold tint
About host - threads, knurling o-rings and so on
Rating: 10/10
About light - UI, tint and so on (tint 7/10, UI 10/10)
Rating:8,5/10
1 - very bad flashlight hurts to look at, terrible quality, not worth any (even very low) price
5 - average flashlight, at a reasonable price - for the average person "great". Or better flashlight, but overpriced
10 - flashlight meets all my expectations in a given category (e.g EDC, headlamp, thrower), it's durable and neatly made, perfect light tint, worth its (even slightly inflated) price - just pure perfect, so I doubt any light can get a 10 from me