SolarForce X2 and X3
Overall Rating: ★★★★
Summary:
| Battery: | X2: 1 x AA X3: 1 x AAA |
| Switch: | Head twist |
| Modes: | X2: High, Low X3: N/A |
| LED Type: | 1 x CREE XP-E R4 |
| Lens: | Coated Glass |
| Tailstands: | Yes |
| Price Payed: | X2: $19.99 X3: 18.99 + $2 delivery per order |
| From: | SolarForce |
| Date Ordered: | 28 September 2012 |
Pros:
- High quality
- No visible PWM
- Comes in nice box
- Structural reverse polarity protection
- Good mix of brightness and runtime
- Stainless steel
- Waterproof
- Comes with lanyard, spare o-rings and a small metal ring
Cons:
- Dry threads
- Expensive
Features / Value: X2 ★★★★ X3 ★★★
Packaging
I quite like the new packaging from SolarForce, they make excellent options for gifts.
You can see in the picture the accessories the X2 and X3 come with.
I took 1 star off for the pricing, they are expensive for what they are. Another star off for features (x3), the X3 is very simple with no modes but this also makes it very simple to use.
The X2 actually has 2 modes, if you twist it on, off and on again within 3 seconds it will switch between high and low output.
These flashlights can only take AAs or AAAs, no 3.7 volts here.
In this picture you can see the structural reverse polarity protection SolarForce have implemented. It is a simple plastic ring that stops the negative end of the battery contacting the head.
Design / Build Quality: ★★★★★
As you can see they are capable of tail standing.
Full SS body construction with what looks like a brass pill.
Brass pill with o-ring
On of OFF head position of the flashlights. You should be able to mouse over and see the OFF position is twisted out slightly further.
X2 and X3 compared with their respective batteries. Please excuse the cat hairs and BTYs, I have replaced them with SoShines now.
X2: Dimensions (L x D): 84.5 x 17mm Weight: 47.5g (without battery)
X3: Dimensions (L x D): 73 x 13mm Weight: 30g (without battery) measurements taken from SolarForce website.
Battery Life: ★★★★★
I think battery life is quite decent for a single AA or AAA.
1 hour for X2 on high and X3, 4 hours for X2 on low.
Light Output: ★★★★
Brightness is ok, I like the brightness they are driven to because it allows for some decent runtime.
They have OP reflector so they light is evenly spread and fades out to the edges, no sharp artefacts that can result from imperfect smooth reflectors.
Amps - X2: High - 1.4a, Low - 0.5a X3: 1.1a
There is a GITD o-ring in the front, between the lens and reflector.
Summary:
A pair of very solid, well built flashlights. Balance of brightness and runtime. Simple operation and nice accessories. All this though, comes with a price tag.
The X2 is better than the X3 because it has high/low mode, but the X3 is obviously more portable.
I think they are cool collectable lights because they look cool but they can also perform as an EDC.
Get if you don't mind the price.
Notes: I have been using the X3 as my EDC in my pocket with keys. I have not noticed any significant scratches, the SS certainly helps with durability.
There is a bundle of the X2 and X3 on SolarForce but buying the flashlights separate is slightly cheaper with current pricing. ($18.99 and $19.99 vs $40.99)