I was looking for an EDC-sized light running an XM-L led and came across this:
http://www.intl-outdoor.com/lxp-18650-xml-t6-700850lumens-flashlight-p-4…
Ideally, I wanted it to run with 7 chips (for longer run-time) so I thought it might be possible to get the 8-chip version and either de-solder or dismantle one of the chips.
Anyway, it seems this light has not caught the attention of forumers here because after running some searches, I didn’t manage to find any reviews. I finally decided to take a chance and ordered it about 2 weeks ago. I opted for the 8-chip, 3-mode, NW version. Well, it arrived today and for the benefit of others, I have had a go and written my first review!
First, some photos. Unfortunately, I don’t have the capability to take any beam shots but I will try to describe as best I can.
Head Assembly – 2nd star soldered to activate 3-mode option
Double O-Rings
Switch Assembly – scratches caused by me (see narrative below)!
From L-R: Fenix TK35-clone, Keygos M10, Trustfire A8, LXP 18650, Marsfire A T6
From L-R: Fenix TK35-clone, Keygos M10, Trustfire A8, LXP 18650, Marsfire A T6
Size Comparison: G&P T8, LXP, Surefire 6P
DIMENSIONS:
Size: 130(length) x 25(body) x 32.5(head)
Weight: 115g (without battery)
FEATURES:
Material: 6061-T6 Aircraft Aluminum
Bulb: CREE XM-L T6 LED
Max brightness: 700/850 lumens (depending on number of chips)
Constant current circuit, constant brightness
Circuit board driver: Nanjg 105C (6*7135) or (8*7135)
Memory function
Reverse polarity protection
Low voltage protection
Switch: Tailcap reverse clicky
Double O rings on each battery tube end
Flat stainless steel bezel
Square threads
IPX8 Waterproof
Finish: Hard Anodize 3
EXTERNAL:
My light arrived flawless without any knicks or scratches (unlike some of my ebay lights) although that could be due to the HA3 anodizing. Threads were clean, smooth and quiet although I took the opportunity to use some of the lubricant that had arrived together. The knurling is shallow and not at all aggresive i.e. it is more decorative than functional. The fins are effective in transferring the heat generated as the head gets warm (but never too hot to hold) after being on high for several minutes.
Size-wise, it is almost equivalent in size to a typical P60 light like the Surefire 6P or Ultrafire 504B (see photo above). It’s not the smallest single-18650 around but the benefit of the slightly larger size is the larger reflector and better throw. Unlike turbo-head lights which tend to be top-heavy, this is very nicely-balanced and fits well in the hand. It is also easily pocketable because of the size and the lack of crenelations on the bezel.
The tail-cap has 2 holes to fit a lanyard while maintaining tail-standing capability. There are 2 o-rings each at the top and bottom of the battery tube. One of the o-rings at the bottom of the tube exhibits the tendency to get caught/pinched by the tail-cap hence a bit more care is needed in closing the cap.
One positive thing I would like to point out is the complete absence of any labeling on the light! Not even a “Caution: Hot Surface”! A refreshing change indeed. Also, because of this – the main body itself is a perfect cylinder without any flat surfaces for labels.
All in all, it is a rather handsome and understated light.
INTERNALS:
The tube is generously wide and unprotected 18650s fit just a little bit loosely. No problem fitting protected 18650s. The light has no anti-roll feature.
The threads at the bottom are anodized hence you need to ensure the tailcap is fully screwed in and making contact with the bottom bare edge of the tube body to switch on the light. The switch spring does not come with a copper cap. An unusual thing I came across was the orientation of the threads on the copper ring enclosing the switch. After struggling for a while (and scratching the pill!), I discovered that I had to turn clockwise to unscrew the ring. A first for me.
OPERATION
The switch has a nice, reassuring crisp feel. The board is 17mm in diameter and Int Outdoors sells spares.
Those with nanjg drivers will know that the memory works differently from the typical multi-mode lights. The mode memory is based on how long the light is ON. So if it stays on for more than a few seconds, it will stay in that mode when you turn it off and back on, EVEN if it is just a half-press. Because of this, each time the light has been on for at least 2 seconds, the FIRST half-press is treated as an OFF-ON and will NOT change the mode. You will need to quickly (within 2 seconds) press the switch again to make it move to the next mode. Doesn’t bother me but something to note.
LIGHT OUTPUT:
The readings I got from my cheap MM were:-
High – 2.1
Medium – 0.7
Low – 0.1
The 3-modes seemed well spaced. I have not had the opportunity to confirm if the low-voltage protection works yet.
Please note that I was using a recycled laptop cell so the readings may be much lower than what you would get from a good branded cell. Also, I had trouble getting a steady reading. In any case, because of the lower than expected readings, I am kinda relieved that I may not need to remove one of the chips for longer run-time after all because it doesn’t look as easy as I was thinking.
The beam is very close to that of my Trustfire A8 because the reflectors are nearly identical in size. There is a distinct hotspot with a large spill. Great for most general tasks. For a smooth reflector, there are very few rings and they are pretty spaced out at the peripheral and not distracting. All in, it strikes a great balance between complete flood and long-distance throw.
The NW tint is warmer than my other xml lights which are all CW. It’s a very pleasant tint and nearly as nice as my incandescent lights although it means it may not be as bright as the cooler tints. But this is more than offset by the more natural colour rendering – in fact, from now on, I like it so much, I am going to stick with NW wherever possible, at least for my smaller lights.
I did not notice any PWM at lower settings, prob because of the nanjg driver used. At lower settings, it is possible to hear a soft whining but only when I hold the light to my ears.
PROS:
- Good heat transfer – Nice handy size and pocketable with no pocket-shredding crenelations – Good build quality and finish – Choice of CW or NW tint – Choice of modes – Choice of brightness vs run-time based on number of chips – Flat, stainless steel bezel – Easily dismantled, spare switches available – Tailstands – No useless branding or any labeling at all on the light!
CONS:
- A bit expensive when compared to my other xml lights but the quality shows (nanjg driver, HA3, NW tint) – Personally, for this size lights, I would have preferred an OP reflector since I would be using it for close and middle distance.
Incidentally, the description on Int Outdoors originally specified an OP reflector but I have since confirmed with Hank that it was a mistake and it seems that he has now removed that description from the product page.
SUMMARY:
This is in most likelihood a niche light. It is not big enough to be a great thrower. Neither is it the smallest or floodiest 18650 light. But for those who already have those 2 categories covered with other lights or those who just want to get one light to cover both (although not excelling at either), this would be a good choice.
All in, I am very happy with this light. This is my first XML with a nanjg driver and I haven’t been disappointed.
. Did Hank mention he has OP reflectors for it? Or strictly SMO?