Definitely yes!
I drop lights all the time, but mostly on carpet or soft flooring. I try not to drop them elsewhere. Worst was a Zebralight SC5w that fell 2 meters onto a concrete floor. Just a ding in the bezel and anodizing. But that is a small light.
Small lights can survive drops much better than large lights. So, yeah, drop testing would certainly be nice, but probably not necessary on small lights. 1xAAA lights should take just about any abuse. A 4x18650 light, probably not so much.
I’ve seen reviews that do torture tests. I recall one where the guy was bragging his 4sevens Quark was just about indestructible it was so well made. He lightly tossed in across the room, and the lens shattered. It wiped the smirk off his face pretty fast, so it was kind of funny.
But, technically, I think it still passed the drop test. AFAIK, the light just has to continue working. The lens can shatter, but if the LED works, it passes! I’m not so sure that’s the standard I want from drop ratings.
If he still posted the review anyway, then that shows integrity.
I just checked out a few manufacturers' websites, and Nitecore shows Impace Resistant to 1 meter.. that is nice to have in their Features list. (Nitecore P12). But couldnt find anything at Fenix, Olight or Jetbeam when I quickly searched.. they might have more details somewhere but I couldn't find it quick enough :)
They should include 10-min turbo test!
Turn on the flashlight (full cells inside), wait 10 minutes. After this president of the company should take it in his bare hands and hold one minute more.
I wouldn’t call completely losing water- and dustproofing a “pass”.
yes
though i would also like pix of circuit boards
(once (XTAR) i had a light with a boost inductor that fell off after a drop, it seemed to have been put on with chewing gum or maybe just via the thin coil wires being soldered to the board)
it was also impossible to repair or replace the thing
i want everything big and heavy to be attached firmly
wle
They should also include an all-day-in-pocket test for tube-lights where the president of the company will carry the flashlight clipped in pants pocket for the whole 24 hours and not pull it out no matter in which mode it accidentally turns on… And if it turns on by itself even once, they should try riding a motorcycle going with 200+ km/h with their flashlight in pants pocket turned on turbo and try to turn it off quickly while wearing gloves and jacket. And I’ like to see Klarus’ president do that first using a XT2CR :innocent:
This is about the best drop test I have found. Elzetta…
Who wants to buy a light that has been dropped ?
I have 5 Surefire lights I am pretty sure they don’t list a drop test spec but I have thrown mine about 20 times each about 20 feet in the air onto concrete and no failures at all. However Surefire has a lifetime warranty like Elzetta. My Olight X7 Marauder is listed at 1 meter drop test and my Olight M3XS-UT is rated at 2 meters. I know Elzetta rates theirs and Armytek rates thiers which are high drop specs and are fully potted which allows that obviously. I have seen many listed at around 1 to 2 meters much higher than that and potting comes in for the win every single time.
To be honest, I do not expect my Emisar D4 to survive a 1 meter drop onto concrete with more than a 50/50 shot of coming out working. I knew that going in though. Cheap lights are, well cheap lights. Most of the time you get what you pay for. Not including certain expensive high lumen lights that are not even reliable at all, and are only selling lumens.
of course they should, if not, why they claim it can take fall from “x” meters on the box?
I think the odds would be way greater than 50/50 for cheap quality lights such as Convoy and Thorfire. I’ve dropped accidentally or intentionally 4 or 5 Convoys and Thorfires onto concrete and terrazzo floors and all they suffered were cosmetic body damage. I think a big factor is the driver and what’s on it.
Yes, that makes sense. I do not know what the D4 can handle as far as a drop test, but I will not be dropping it on purpose that is for sure.
Drop test are essential. The reason is toughness/durability of light from regular to extreme usage environments.
I drop/impact from different areas up to 2 meters. Bleechers, rooftops, buildings. Slam light onto cement or concrete floors. Run over light with different cars.
Results of test indicates how well light is constructed and durable.
Thank you^
As far as those type of QC are concerned.
YES. Have a drop test at rated height.
BUT…. You wanted it. YOU accept any dings.scratches, grazes etc.
Basically As in car mfg etc.
They do the whatever tests and trials on one item off the line.
It passes. The gov’t whoever. normally accept that for following items off that line as long as QC is kept up.
I’d hate to do drop tests on any of mine with NO positive end springs in there
The key is correct Engineering and material used in construction of light. The correct design and proper fabrication material determines the quality and build of flashlight. Thus prevents damage from shock/impacts/ compression durability test. QC is secondary support. Key factor is correct Engineering.
Speaking from Engineering Design standpoint.
Personally I’m not sure if I consider a flashlight an item that by default should survive being dropped. Some things you drop by accident, and if they don’t break you feel lucky. Other things you expect to survive being dropped. Flashlights? Hmm… certainly if the manufacturer makes any sort of claim that’s it’s tough and durable, but a “normal” flashlight I’m not so sure. Of coarse I want the flashlight to survive a drop, but I don’t really expect it.
A big yes. Lights are used (also) for survival purposes and that can be a rough enviorment.
Many lights are sold as tactical (with a strike bezel).
I would say such a light should be able to survive at least 25 crushed skulls 