Hello,
My name is Eryk. I am writing reviews in Polish.
Reviews I translate – google translator.
For more than half a year, I have a flashlight for the purpose of cycling: Fenix BC35R, model for 2018 and time to write a few words about it.
In principle, what is a flashlight for cycling and how is it different from, for example, Convoy S2 +?
Contrary to appearances, there are not many differences, because the driver, for example Convoy, can be adapted to our needs, in this case something completely different is important - the way of presenting light on the road.
We will start with the packaging. The flashlight is packed in a classic orange-black packaging, known from other Fenix products. The packaging contains basic information about the flashlight.
In the package, except the flashlight itself, we find:
- USB cable for charging the flashlight
- a remote control for controlling the flashlight and activating the alarm
- mounting bracket + accessories
- instruction manual, warranty card
On the front of the flashlight there are two orange diodes and the main diode - XHP50 with a neutral color, placed in a specially designed headlamp, which cuts off part of the light beam, which, like the lights in the car, correctly set should not dazzle drivers and passers-by. The fast is made of plastic, without any coatings, plus it should be noted that it is practically very difficult to get dirty, in the negative that scratches may appear during prolonged use and cleaning.
The “head” of the flashlight, unlike the rest, is covered with silver paint
From the bottom you will find a USB port, it serves two purposes: charging of built-in cells, unfortunately only 5200mAh (it’s a pity that the manufacturer has not placed two cells with a capacity of 3400mAh) and connecting the remote control, which is included in the set. The rubber band securing the USB port sits tight and there should be no leakage problem.
From the top there is an OLED display, very clear, under it there are three green backlit buttons for controlling the flashlight
On the website kolba.pl we can read that the handle is made of nylon reinforced with fiberglass, if it really is - I do not know, while the mount itself gives the impression of solid.
The remote control is mounted in a convenient place (I chose under my right thumb) and connected to the flashlight. How do I rate the remote control? When mounting the remote control on the steering wheel, we do not have to touch the flashlight at all.
Turn on the flashlight by holding the upper button of the remote control, the same button changes the modes, pressing it twice quickly activates the strobe (white and orange side lights flash alternately).
The manufacturer states that the flashlight emits a maximum of 1800lm - it is a pity that this mode works only when we hold the bottom button (and maybe it’s a good solution?). After pressing the bottom button on the remote control Burst 1800lm activates and the countdown starts from 20 to 0 - and ATTENTION, this mode works only if we keep the button!
And now something about control using the buttons on the flashlight.
- Turn on the flashlight with the upper button (using the same button, we also activate the bicycle strobe by pressing it quickly - twice)
- with the + and - buttons we change the up and down modes, each time the mode changes, the flashlight shows the estimated time of the torch’s operation (to discharge the batteries). Bearing in mind the fact that the flashlight does not have the ability to replace cells, the most profitable is to use the lower modes, because the high mode (1000lm) is less than 1.5 hours of flashlight work,
- if a remote control is connected to the flashlight, press + and - simultaneously to activate the alarm. In order for our alarm to work in the situation when someone tries to steal our bike, we have to disconnect the remote control, after disconnecting we hear one squeal confirming that the alarm is on, if we move the flashlight (bike) we hear three squeaks reminding us to connect the remote control so that the alarm does not activate if we do not do it and lightly move the bike, the alarm will sound (or if someone wants to steal our bike)
What to do to turn off the alarm? Just connect the remote control, but then only the audible signal will be turned off, the alarm is always active, the next time, if you leave the bike somewhere, just disconnect the remote control and the alarm is armed again.
What if we lose the pilot? Press + and - for 15 seconds until the crossed out alarm appears on the display.
- from the disabled flashlight level, press the upper button once to check the battery charge level
The flashlight has a system protecting against too high temperature - limiting the brightness and protection against too low discharge of cells, to extend the operating time the flashlight “takes” us the next modes of lighting.
In my opinion, the control is very simple, intuitive and thoughtful. As for the alarm, a nice addition, the question of how many people will use it and whether the potential thief resigns from theft even with a working alarm?
What I wrote earlier, the flashlight “takes” the modes to extend the operation time on one charge and so after about 75 minutes takes the highest mode available from the basic group of modes (ie 1000lm), gradually lowering the brightness.
Weight? For people looking for savings in every aspect, less than 300 grams can turn out to be quite valuable, remember that it is already mass with the remote control and the entire assembly system. Taking a classic flashlight on 1 * 18650, I often take a spare 18650 cell which, combined with a standard grip, gives a mass of around 200 grams.
BC35R is not an ordinary flashlight, this product has been created not to dazzle especially the drivers. Many times driving at night I meet with the unpleasant reaction of other road users, I always try to aim the flashlight down and ride in low modes (eg with the flashlight you saw in previous pictures, i.e. the classic Convoy S2 +) that in answer me my light from the bike turn on the high beam. BC35R is to prevent this.
Properly setting the flashlight, its main stream of light shines at a level that does not dazzle other people - in other words, just like correctly set lights in the car
Pictures in the field
Photos from Low (45lm) to Burst (1800lm)
The best color is given by 3 pictures, 4 and 5, which means 1000 and 1800lm respectively, the camera scarred the pictures and changed the color (in fact it is bright and very nice)
Picture how it looks from the perspective of someone next to us
