2026-02-21
- Battery: 14500
- Switch (type): mechanical clicky, rear
- Length: 96 mm
- Head die: 27 mm
- LED: 2 x Luminus SST-36F 5000K, 1 x SST-10 UV, side LEDs
- CRI: 70
- Optic (type): reflector
- Charging port: USB-C (only on battery)
- Light flux max (0 sec): 1224 lm
- Light flux 30 sec.: 625 lm
- Light flux min.: 17 lm
- Brightness max (0 sec): 2990 lx
- Brightness 30 sec.: 1560 lx
Transparency note: I received the E8 as a pre-production sample from Wuben free of charge for this review. The only requirement was to publish a review. The manufacturer did not influence the review in any way.
Packaging
The packaging is reminiscent of earlier designs by Wuben. The lamp lies in a cardboard insert that can be pulled out.
In addition to the light, a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, a lanyard, instructions, replacement O-rings, and a 14500 battery are included. Only yellow side panels are included; other colors are available separately. I received these optional accessories together with my review sample.
Design
The design of the E8 was developed in collaboration with fidget spinner manufacturer NAYICI and has a futuristic look. The lamp has many corners and edges, but its core design is reminiscent of the familiar design language of the X4 or X1 Pro, which I still really like. There are three removable side panels that are attached with magnets.
The disadvantage of this attachment method is that the side panels could fall off in unfavorable circumstances (e.g., if keys or similar objects get caught on them).
After changing the side panels a few times, a magnet fell out of the light and got stuck on the cover. It was obviously not glued in properly. This definitely needs to be improved.
There is a mechanical switch at the rear that can be easily operated with gloves. The button cap has an M4 thread, which is used for an optionally available screw-in lanyard hole.
A fidget spinner (hence the collaboration with NAYICI) can also be screwed onto the switch. I don’t have a fidget spinner to test this, but the switch seems very loose to me for to have an ideal fidget spinner experience.
The clip is very solid and looks like it has been milled from a single piece. It is attached with two Torx screws and can be removed.
A triple reflector was used; it contains two white LEDs and one UV LED. The latter does not have a ZWB2 filter installed.
The large clip prevents the light from rolling away. Tailstand is not possible due to the wobbly switch, even on smooth surfaces.
The button is mechanical (reverse clicky).
Due to the rear switch, a gripping (“tactical”) hold is most sensible. The many corners and edges make it easy to grip securely, even when wet. The switch can also be operated easily with gloves.
Battery and charging
A USB-C rechargeable 14500 battery, type ABF920R, is included. This battery has been used by Wuben for quite some time. It is not known which cell is used in this battery.
In the discharge test (0.5 A in the Vapcell S4+ v2.0), 970 mAh could be extracted from the battery.
The battery compartment is opened via a tail cap. Unlike most lamps, this is virtually recessed into the battery tube, with only the switch protruding. However, the knurling on the tail cap makes opening it easy, at least with dry hands.
The battery is charged with 0.53 A and 2.7 W.
There is a charging indicator in the form of an LED on the positive terminal of the battery; red means charging, green means fully charged.
The E8 does not have an internal charging function via USB or magnetic contact.
UI
The UI is operated exclusively via the mechanical rear switch.
- From OFF 1x click: last brightness level in the last used lighting mode (applies to all modes, including UV)
- From ON 1x click: switch off
- Tap ON 4 times: Change light mode (Main → Side → UV)
- Tap ON once: Change brightness (Main: Low - mid - high, UV: single-mode, Side: Low - high - Flashing)
In general, the lamp is easy to operate. It should be noted that tapping to change modes must be done quite quickly. However, this also allows for relatively quick changes in light levels.
There is no moonlight mode. In general, all low modes are much too bright, especially the side light. The UV mode has only one level.
LED and spectra data
Luminus SST-36F emitters are installed in the E8, having a CCT of 5000 K. These have a CRI of 70.
The SST-36F are flip chip LEDs with domes. This makes them very similar to the Samsung LH351D, Lumileds HL4X, and Latticepower TN3535.
The side LEDs (3 x 12 pcs.) are of unknown type; presumably, 2016 LEDs were used.
FOr UV, a Luminus SST-10-UV 365 nm is used.
The bezel can be removed by loosening three screws. Replacing the LED should not be a problem, provided you have the appropriate equipment.
The spectrum is very ambivalent. The main LEDs (SST-36F) offer a slightly reddish tint, which looks quite good. However, the CRI is low at 70 and colors appear washed out and less saturated. It should be noted that the color tint may vary in other models due to series variation.
The side LEDs (without the removable side panels), on the other hand, are strongly greenish. A duv of almost 0.01 (!) does not look good and is unsightly. Presumably, the side LEDs are supposed to have a CRI of 80, as indicated by the spectrum with a less pronounced cyan hole. However, the strong green tint distorts the values (the R9 should be between 5 and 15 at 80 CRI). It is not clear whether this is due to the milky plastic cover over the LEDs or whether the LEDs themselves emit this light.
The optionally available side panels change the color of the side LEDs significantly. The reddish covers produce a pink light, which is reflected in the spectrum. The transparent covers only slightly enhance the green tint, while the yellow covers massively enhance the green tint and reduce the CCT. If light quality is important, the use of the covers is therefore not recommended.
The UV LED has a wavelength of 365 nm.
Measurements
There is PWM for both the main and side LEDs, but the frequency is very high at well over 5 kHz and therefore hardly noticeable. This did not cause any problems in testing.
The UV mode does not have PWM.
Battery: 14500 (ABF920R), charged in Vapcell S4+ at 0.5 A
Note: Despite careful execution and verification of the measurement, I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the following measurements.
Main LED
- Low: 17 lm @ 42 lx
- MId: 148 lm @ 360 lx
- High: 1224 lm @ 2990 lx
- High (30 sec): 625 lm @ 1560 lx
Side LEDs (after 5 sec., with yellow covers from factory):
- Low: 9 lm @ 3 lx
- High 34 lm @ 8 lx
- High (without yellow covers): 50 lm @ 9 lx
The luminous flux of 1300 lm is almost maintained, but only immediately after switching on. After 30 seconds, it was only 625 lm, which is far less than the packaging specifies according to the FL-1 standard.
The specifications for the side light are correct as long as the side panels are omitted. Whether this was the case in the manufacturer’s specifications is not noted on the packaging.
Beamshots
The main LEDs produce flood lighting due to their large light-emitting surface and small reflectors. This means that a long range is not possible; use is limited to close range (up to approximately 30 m).
The side LEDs are suitable for use as a lantern, ideally by placing the lamp on its lamp head.
When using UV mode, there is an orange hotspot. This is primarily generated by the excitation of the orange phosphor (Ca-a-SiAlON:Eu2+) of the main LEDs. This does not look good and, depending on the application, can make it difficult to use the UV mode.
Conclusion
The Wuben E8 is a rather interesting flashlight. Its biggest advantage is its wide range of functions, including UV and side LEDs. The latter in particular makes the E8 very versatile and means it can replace several other flashlights, provided that the lower power output is not a problem. The runtime is relatively short, as it only uses a 14500 battery.
The flashlight is relatively large; a D3AA, for example, is almost 2 cm shorter with the same battery. However, this is likely due to the reflectors and, above all, the rear switch.
Pro
- multiple modes
- 365 nm UV integrated
- good tint (main LEDs only)
- removable side panels, allowing for customization
- USB-C rechargeable battery included
- very sturdy and high-quality clip
Contra
- UV mode with orange hotspot
- quite large and heavy despite small battery
- strong green tint from the side LEDs
- wobbly switch
- no moonlight (lowest brightness levels much too bright)
Thank you for reading this test. 