“REVIEW”: On The Road i3 (2018/2019) - 16340 - Zoomable - 620 Lumens [Pic Heavy] - [***MODDED XPL-HI***]

luminarium_iaculator · 2018-11-24T15:59:26.000Z

Nice mod. But XML2 stock looks much better imho. Lets see what other guys think.

Agro · 2018-11-24T16:43:08.000Z

Looks like you can’t focus it on the die properly…

MascaratumB · 2018-11-24T18:46:15.000Z

luminarium iaculator:

Nice mod. But XML2 stock looks much better imho. Lets see what other guys think.

Hum, can you explain a little better why you think that? Does it have to do with the beam, colour?

Or is it related to what Agro said?

Agro:

Looks like you can’t focus it on the die properly…

If so…that was my flaw :person_facepalming:
My cellphone has some issues focusing sometimes, and I guess I missed that good focusing manually :zipper_mouth_face:
Sorry. In reality, you can see the LED details, all of them with a good definition!
Heres a zoomed in photo of the zoomed in beam

I will tell what I feel about the new LED and the overall mod!

a) The beam while zoomed out is rounder, ’cause as you can see, with the XML2 sometimes it looked squarish due to the LED+gasket combination.

b) The tint is obviously cooler, but I wanted to try the U6-1A because the U6-3A (Neutral White) gave me some tint shifts on the Odepro KL52, so I wanted a cooler tint to avoid that. So far, so good (allied to the other mods, namely the blackening).

c) The zoom in is very good but some “yellow dots” of the LED can be seen against a white wall/surface, at a certain distance, as seen on the 1st photo (more or less :D) !

d) Outdoor, I feel like the zoom in functions better with the XPL-HI, while the zoom out worked better with the XML2 due to the tint and eventually the “floodier” beam. I guess that domed LEDs will work better on the Zoom Out situation!

And here are some night beamshots! I guess the distance covered is a little bit more, but I can’t measure it correctly (specially because it’s raining and there’s a foggy night coming, eventually)! I will check this again when I get the new LED and driver on this…despite it will take a while :weary:

The house (right photo) is at 70m!

Feel free to make comments, please!! I wanna improve my skills and mods!

And thanks for your comments so far

Enderman · 2018-11-24T21:49:32.000Z

The problem with using XP-L HIs in aspherics is that the flat layer of silicone on top of the die is lit up by the die and shows up in the projected image.
So you have the square hotspot, and then a bigger square which is the whole LED die.
If you want a sharp and super-clean hotspot I highly recommend using a dedomed LED or one of the osram LEDs which have nothing on top of the phosphor
Great job though!

MascaratumB · 2018-11-25T00:44:46.000Z

Enderman:

The problem with using XP-L HIs in aspherics is that the flat layer of silicone on top of the die is lit up by the die and shows up in the projected image.
So you have the square hotspot, and then a bigger square which is the whole LED die.
If you want a sharp and super-clean hotspot I highly recommend using a dedomed LED or one of the osram LEDs which have nothing on top of the phosphor
Great job though!

Oh well, that’s what make that “frame” around the die (in the reflection)!!
I will do that mod, with OSRAM Led, to see if it improves the distance range and eventually the overall shape of the zoomed in beam! I tried to minimize all the other things that contribute to the reflection (inside and outside) but I guess that only a better led will make the beam more neat

Thanks for your words, explanation and suggestion too :+1:
I’ll post my “results” when done

MascaratumB · 2019-02-17T22:45:59.000Z

Last week I put a FET + 7135 Driver - 15mm - MTN-15DDm , with Crescendo firmware, in my On The Road i3!

This was like a “second chance” not only for the flashlight, but also for that driver and firmware

If, on the one hand, the previous UI was less attractive, on the other hand this driver and Crescendo gives this light a better usability and also makes it have better luminous levels, namely a moonlight mode and a higher max output.

I am still using the XPL-HI U6-1A (CW) and the OTR batteries (non-high drain)

Here are some photos in comparison with the Odepro KL52 (XPL-HI U6-3A + Astrolux X5/X6 Driver) !
Lowest level & Highest Levels

OTR i3 >>> Odepro KL52 (the Odepro produces lower and higher levels, but the OTR i3 has improved significantly with this mod!)

@ 100m

OTR i3 (measured through Google Maps!)
70m >>>>> 185m >>>>> 210m

Agro · 2019-02-18T10:18:10.000Z

Nice.

MascaratumB · 2019-02-18T11:10:08.000Z

Agro:

Nice.

Thanks Agro!
I know you like zoomies too, so I’ll tell you this is a nice light for it’s size.
I had to rework in the lens a little bit (using black marker in the base to avoid some artifacts) and also painted in back the edges of the XPL-HI Led to avoid the white box around the center. It is working good, specially with the new firmware , and being this small it is useful on the one side and “playful” on the other
I can’t avoid the constant push-pull on it :partying_face:

In terms of illumination, I guess the photos speak for themselves

Agro · 2019-02-18T11:37:37.000Z

Yeah…
I’ve had a very similar build in my head. Just with high-CRI XP-L HI. Didn’t think about Crescendo but it would likely be a good choice for me.

But it’s really a bit large to carry on my neck. I wear Foursevens Mini Turbo sometimes and it’s too large already but I love the punch that it offers. i3 has the same diameter but is somewhat longer…So I’m not really into getting one but it stays there at the back of my head. And if I had one it would surely have its use.

MascaratumB · 2019-02-18T12:10:25.000Z

Agro:

Yeah…
I’ve had a very similar build in my head. Just with high-CRI XP-L HI. Didn’t think about Crescendo but it would likely be a good choice for me.

But it’s really a bit large to carry on my neck. I wear Foursevens Mini Turbo sometimes and it’s too large already but I love the punch that it offers. i3 has the same diameter but is somewhat longer…So I’m not really into getting one but it stays there at the back of my head. And if I had one it would surely have its use.

Hum, a High-CRI in this would be nice, specially when zoomed out :heart_eyes:
I opted for the CW, as I was trying to get more light out of it. I should have used a Neutral White, specially for indoor use. But…I still have in mind to change it and eventually use a Luxeon V or V2 on it

Yup, to neck carrying it is quite bulky, the head is large in this light! Larger than the 4Sevens, I’m sure! It can be a light to carry in the pocket or jacket, maybe, and that’s the way I’m using it after this mod.
As for neck light, I’m carrying the RovyVon Aurora A8

BTW, if you even decide to buy it and change the driver, please be aware that 15mm drivers fit, but only without springs or 7135 chips in the back. There is small space for the switch spring and the battery itself!

Agro · 2019-02-18T12:17:07.000Z

Thanks for the note.
BTW 47 Mini Turbo has one inch diameter. So actually slightly larger than this.
Too large to be usable on a short string but if it goes down to my belly - it’s actually OK. Surely not something I would call practical though.

MascaratumB · 2019-02-18T14:36:53.000Z

Agro:

Thanks for the note.
BTW 47 Mini Turbo has one inch diameter. So actually slightly larger than this.
Too large to be usable on a short string but if it goes down to my belly - it’s actually OK. Surely not something I would call practical though.

Ooops, I confused the flashlight, thought it was the thinner
Ahah, only issue I see with these big neck lights is we have them in the chest some friend slaps you there and we scream an “Ouch!!!”

Agro · 2019-02-18T14:39:52.000Z

They also make a big bulb under the shirt.
And can get really uncomfortable while sleeping. That’s the only issue that matters really.

LightObsession · 2019-02-19T07:27:28.000Z

Thanks for the very thorough review and beam shots.

I’d like one of these with high CRI.

If I bought one of the existing options, I’d go with neutral.

I’d really like direct access to ML from off, regardless of which mode it was in when turned off, but could probably tolerate the current UI.

For tint, I’ve come to really like the 3D in my BLF A6.

MascaratumB · 2019-02-19T11:31:02.000Z

LightObsession:

Thanks for the very thorough review and beam shots.

I’d like one of these with high CRI.

If I bought one of the existing options, I’d go with neutral.

I’d really like direct access to ML from off, regardless of which mode it was in when turned off, but could probably tolerate the current UI.

For tint, I’ve come to really like the 3D in my BLF A6.

Thanks
Yup, the Neutral White (XML2) was quite nice, I just opted for the CW due to light output! I still may change it at least for a warmer led
I actually didn’t like much the UI, specially the fact that with some faster clicks to advance modes it would turn on Strobe :zipper_mouth_face: That’s annoying!

But your “hypothetical” configuration for this light seems good
I may still check which LEDs with High Cri work well with this MTN driver :nerd_face:

luminarium_iaculator · 2019-05-18T21:59:32.000Z

This light is something I would need but in 18650 format…

Don’t be mad guys but there is no point of modding this light with FET driver… This light uses 16340 batteries (cause frankly speaking we don’t have any quality 16340 batteries out there, and even if there is few good models they can’t compare in quality with brand 18650 batteries).

Is there any light like this On The Road i3 but with 18650 battery format?

Mini flashlight with 18650 format with 25mm body (not that stupid fat 3xAAA format), glass lenses, anodized threads? Guys finding good budget host with such specifications is almost mission impossible and this On The Road i3 is closest to that but it is constructed for freaking 16340 cell

I haven’t find any… OTR manufacturer if you’ll read this make 18650 version of this small superbly designed zoomie…

MascaratumB · 2019-05-21T11:22:01.000Z

Well, I didn’t find it in the 18650 format, despite OTR once sold zoomies in that format too, but I guess they were larger! Their website is down, otherwise you’d be able to check those older models

Don’t be mad guys but there is no point of modding this light with FET driver… This light uses 16340 batteries

I modded it to have a better UI, not because it was a FET. However, with the new Vapcell cells (800mAh, 7A) a FET driver will have some “utility”, and I have 2 on the way :smiling_imp:

Is there any light like this On The Road i3 but with 18650 battery format?

Well, the best I can tell you is that soon I will be using a 16650 2500mAh battery on it :smiling_imp:
How? By removing the tailswitch of the i3 and using the battery tube of the OTR M1 on it, as the thread match! So…it will be thinner than a 18650 flashlight But…you need to have both flashlights to make this “mash-up”

luminarium_iaculator · 2019-05-21T12:47:18.000Z

MascaratumB,

Are you still in contact with OTR manufacturer? You could open group buy for new ODM OTR light with single 18650 tube and maybe 17mm driver pill version…

I would like everything same as on this “On The Road i3” but tube designed for 18650 cell and pill that accepts 17mm drivers if possible.

MascaratumB · 2019-05-22T15:03:09.000Z

luminarium iaculator:

MascaratumB,

Are you still in contact with OTR manufacturer? You could open group buy for new ODM OTR light with single 18650 tube and maybe 17mm driver pill version…

I would like everything same as on this “On The Road i3” but tube designed for 18650 cell and pill that accepts 17mm drivers if possible.

I may contact him and see if they have any plans for that kind of flashlight! Still would need to be lager than this anyway, to fit the 18650 battery.
The inner and outer diameter will always grow a bit to make it fit!
I do like this option you mention, though as it would be slim and not as bulky as some zoomable lights we see nowadays. BUT, for that, the driver still needs to be 15mm, as a 17mm driver will make the pill grow in diameter. So…it would be hard to meet all the requirements.

I will contact the manufacturer and try to get any info on that

MascaratumB · 2019-05-22T16:24:24.000Z

luminarium iaculator:

MascaratumB,

Are you still in contact with OTR manufacturer? You could open group buy for new ODM OTR light with single 18650 tube and maybe 17mm driver pill version…

I would like everything same as on this “On The Road i3” but tube designed for 18650 cell and pill that accepts 17mm drivers if possible.

BTW, have you seen this light from OTR?
https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10019848/4206302-on-the-road-z821-led-flashlight-gift-set

I think it is still available
And I think they will not be able to do something less thicker than this. I just sent message to the OTR contact and will be looking for his reply

EDIT: Page Not Found - Aliexpress.com
Or this?