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Astrolux S1 3D 18650 Flashlight Review
The people at Banggood provided me with an opportunity to review the Astrolux S1 flashlight. This is a flashlight which appears to be a replica of the very popular and highly successful BLF SE A6 flashlight. I’ve been a fan of the cigar shaped flashlights for a while. The Convoy S2 and S3’s have been my flashlight of choice for many years. Other similar sized flashlights have appeared on the market with many performing very well. Then came the wonderful BLF SE A6, which was came about through the excellent efforts of those on the BLF forum. The design, component selection and excellent driver and firmware, all came together to produce an amazing flashlight. After having purchased the BLF SE A6 3D version, it quickly became my most favourite flashlight.
I was keen to test out the Astrolux S1 to see how well it performs and if it could outdo the original design. What I found was very impressive. Read below for more details.
Link to product at Bangood Astrolux S1 (Not an Aff Link). Listed price is around $29.95
Overview
The Astrolux S1 arrived in a nice box containing the flashlight, 18350 extension tube and a small plastic bag containing the lanyard, replacement tailcap and two extra O rings. Basically everything one could expect here plus a few extras. For those who enjoy retaining the gift box you may consider removing the tape. I’m not too concerned about the tape, however I have read in the past people have had success removing it after applying some heat. The inclusion of the 18350 tube is a real bonus.
Below we see the BLF version alongside. The box is better presented as it’s without the tape, but we see the inclusion of the 18350 extension tube I the Astrolux offering. Otherwise the flashlights themselves appears very similar if not identical. The packet of extras is similar too.
Sellers/Manufacturers Specs
Specifications:
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Product name: |
Astrolux S1 CREE XPL EDC LED Flashlight |
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Brand: |
Astrolux |
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Model: |
S1 |
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Emitter Brand |
CREE |
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Emitter Type: |
XPL |
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Circuit Driver: |
A17DD-L FET+1 Driver (by wight) |
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Light Tint: |
3D (5000K), 1A (6500K), 5A(4000K) |
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Material: |
Constructed from aero grade aluminum alloy |
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Mode: |
Group 1:Moon-Low-Med1-Med2-High1-High2-Turbo(Short press<0.5s) |
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Battery Configurations: |
1 x 18650 /18350 Battery (not included) |
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Switch Type: |
clicky |
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Switch Location: |
tail of the flashlight |
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Impact Resistant |
1 meter |
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Max Output: |
1600lumens (max) (use 18650 protected power battery) |
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Working Voltage: |
2.8-4.35v |
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Lens: |
Toughened ultra-clear mineral glass |
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Reflector: |
Orange Peel Reflector |
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Carrying Clip |
included |
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Waterproof: |
IPX-8 waterproof 2 meters |
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Color: |
black |
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Weight: |
80g without battery |
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Size: |
120mm x 24mm(length x body diameter) |
More Information:
- First special-edition with a direct-drive FET, so it has the
brightest turbo mode you can get.
- First special-edition with a regulated lower-power second channel
for stable and efficient low modes.
- True moon mode.
- Up to 1600 lumens from a single emitter in a small tube light (with
the right battery, and a spring bypass mod). Closer to 1400 lumens
with no mods and lower-amp batteries.
- User-toggle-able mode memory.
- User-toggle-able mode groups.
- Well-spaced visually-linear output modes.
- Includes some hidden modes for those who want them.
- Battery check mode!
- First clicky-switch stock light with both forward and backward mode
navigation in a single tap (short/medium press).
- With mode memory off, the user can access 4 different modes
(including the highest and lowest) within 1 second.
- Fast PWM so the pulsing won’t be visible.
- The firmware and the driver designs are available for anyone who
wants to modify them.
Features:
· Utilizes CREE XPL LED
· Maximum output of 1600 lumens
· High efficiency constant current circuit
. Hidden battery check
· Direct access to ultra-low and turbo output
. User selectable "4 or 7 evenly-spaced modes".(Moon to High)
. User selectable mode memory (always starts on Moon without mode memory but easily reverses to Turbo with a click)
. Fast PWM for lower regulated modes
· Reverse polarity protection prevents damage from an incorrectly inserted battery
· Toughened ultra-clear mineral glass with anti-reflective coating
· Constructed from aero grade aluminum alloy
· HAIII military grade hard-anodized
· Waterproof in accordance with IPX-8 (2 meters submersible)
· Impact resistant to 1 meters
· Tail stand capability
. Moon capable
The Astrolux S1 comes in multiple LED versions. The model tested is equipped with the #D LED, which is my preferred tint.
Quality and components
The flashlight is a compact tubular design that uses the 18650 Li On Cells that fits nicely in hand. It comes with a fitted carry clip that can be removed.
The flashlight length is almost identical to the Convoy S2+, however it’s slightly longer than the Olight S30. The flashlight can tailstand.
Alongside the BLF SE A6 the dimensions are near identical. Visually the only obvious difference being the labelling.
The anodisation in the supplied flashlight is of a high standard. Very pleased with the quality of the anodisation in the head, body and tail. No imperfections found. The color is consistent too, being black.
Below is close up image of the XPL LED
Image below of the body with the head section removed. The thread being lightly lubed and includes an O ring fitted.
One difference noticed was that of the spring attached to the LED driver board. The spring size is larger than that included in the BLF SE A6. The Astrolux S1 is on the left of the image below.
Side by side comparison of the geads of the two flashlights. Both include an OP reflector. The LED plastic gasket differs between the two flashlights. Astrolux S1 on left, BLD SE A6 on right.
Dismantled head and tailcap. Threads are slightly squared, not too sharp. Very nice quality.
Body tube shows even thickness walls.
Below is the 18350 tube. Orings are not fitted, however these are included in at accesory pack included with the flashlight. The threads did not come lubed.
Side by side there are some very minor differences between the carry flips. For me the larger wings on the end of the securing section of the carry clip were too large. In the image below the Astrolux S1 has clearly smaller wings which may prevent damage to your trousers, for those who like to carry the flashlight in their pockets.
My personal preference is to not use a carry clip on my pocket flashlights. Below I’ve removed the clip and fitted the 18350 body to the Astrolux S1. The inclusion of the extra tube is a nice little bonus without much impact to the price.
Alongside is the BLF A6
The supplied 18650 tube in the Astrolux S1 measured approximatley 69.5mm. This is identical to the BLF SE A6. In the image below I have loaded both flashlights with a LG HE4 flat top battery which is 65mm in length. The end of the battery extends just above the edge of the tube. This is due to the larger spring fitted to the driver board. Longer batteries such as the NCR18650B with button top at 70mm in length are also ok with this flashlight.
Head of the S1 partially dismantled. LED board. Quite clean with good solder joints.
Tailcap dismantled. Easily achieved allowing easy access to those who wish to replace the tailcap.
Close up view of the switch
User Interface
One of the great features of this flashlight is the excellent firmware included in the driver. The image below describes how to navigate between settings/modes. The flexibility of the firmware provides access to a range of modes that meet most peoples needs. My personal preference being the Group 2 (Low - Medium - High - Turbo) with Memory activated. The modes are nicely spaced with the the ability to use turbo when needed to really impress. Turbo mode drops down to High mode after around 90 seconds. In that time the hed becomes noticeably very warm. Credit to Toykeeper for developing excellent firmware. below is the image that describes how to navigate between modes.
Current Measurements
The Current measurements were taken using a UNIT UT204 clamp meter with a 12AWG wire with the tailcap removed. Actual current levels will be lower due to the resistance of the tailcap switch and spring. The measurements below suggest that the direct drive performance of the Astrolux S1 is marginally better than that of the BLF A6. The internal components of the two torches are very similar. The only noticeable difference being the larger spring present in the head of the Astrolux S1. This may result in a lower resistance, thus higher tailcap current. The LED wires may also play a part here too.
On Turbo mode the flashlight head heats up very quickly. It is not recommended that it be used on high mode for extended periods. During the testing that resulted in the measurements recorded. The Flashlight head heated up very quickly, even 30S at these currents are not recommended.
Light Output
Below are my ceiling bounce measurements. This is a good guide of the total light output produced by flashlights as a method of comparison. The results I presented below have been refreshed from those I’ve included in past reviews. A new light meter was used and all measurements conducted in the same conditions. The measurements of the Astrolux S1 are very similar to those of the BLF SE A6. This isn’t unexpected as they are near identical products. Both results are very impressive given the small size of the flashlights. These results are measured on the highest output setting for each flashlight. In the case of the Astrolux S1, it’s the turbo mode.
Indoor Beamshots
Low
Medium
High
Turbo
Summary
I’m extremely impressed with this flashlight. Based on my findings I’d consider this flashlight a slight improvement on the excellent if not great BLF A6 SE model. The quality and performance of this flashlight make it a must buy for flashlight users.
Link to product at Bangood Astrolux S1 (Not an Aff Link). Listed price is around $29.95 which represents wonderful value for such a high quality and performance flashlight.
Pros:
> Excellent Quality
> Great User interface
> Very High Performance
> Includes 18350 tube
> Improved carry clip.
Cons:
> Only available in Black.