[Technical Review] J5 Tactical V1 Pro

SKV89 · 2018-10-06T23:53:00.000Z

This is one of the first flashlights I ever bought. I bought it based on the Amazon reviews and that was before I was a flashaholic or knew about BLF and CPF. It was complete crap. It felt very cheap and dim compared to my Thrunite Archer 2A v3, which was my beloved work flashlight bought based on Wire Cutters recommendation. I also couldn’t stand the 7500k-8000k cold blue light. I gave it away without ever putting it to use.

JasonWW · 2018-10-07T01:11:56.000Z

Wow, good review. I read the whole thing even though I have zero interest in this light.

teacher · 2018-10-08T03:45:50.000Z

A very thorough & interesting review, thank you. :+1:

It always amazes me how many people buy crappy lights like these…… most not knowing any better I guess. .

djozz summed it up perfectly though……

djozz:

Thanks for testing. This is an expensive version of the currently 3 dollar sk68 clones. It is uglier though IMO, and has a higher failure rate. But people will buy it anyway. :weary:

TBone · 2018-10-08T17:18:16.000Z

Well, at least the colors are fresh. The Forest Camo looks like old modeling clay mixed and I have never seen anything like the Blue Aqua.
Other suppliers even have it in pink.

SKV89 · 2018-10-08T21:13:50.000Z

teacher:

It always amazes me how many people buy crappy lights like these…… most not knowing any better I guess. .
]

I was one of those people before I knew anything about flashlights. I bought it based on reviews. It’s unfortunate that crap like this sell over a million and generate tens of millions of dollars whereas well engineered flashlights with honest specs only sell in the hundreds. This kind of success from these crap products discourages the good manufacturers from innovating and optimizing their products. Fortunately we still have a few good bargain brands like Sofirn and Convoy that make honest products.

Bob_McBob · 2018-10-09T16:42:03.000Z

The craziest thing about the huge number of Amazon reviews is fakespot gives this an A rating with 90% high quality reviews.

SKV89 · 2018-10-09T17:05:51.000Z

I don’t doubt the reviews are real. The friend I gave this light to was impressed. Most people don’t know flashlights like BLFers do so they only compare with their ancient Walgreen bought plastic flashlights that run on multiple D cells producing 30 lumens.

Terry_Oregon · 2018-10-11T00:22:20.000Z

Looking for a volunteer.

I was wondering if anyone would like me to mail you one of these lights for free - for disassembly & inspection? It needs to be someone who I trust (long time member). I will send you the one with the loose focus mechanism. You can not only post why the slide mechanism is loose, but update this thread with photos of the pill/circuit PCB - to give us an idea of what type of components they're using. Preferably you need to be someone who has previous experience disassembling flashlights. I only ask that you update this post with your findings. It would also help if you live in the US, to lesson mailing expenses.

Regards, Terry (Portland Oregon burbs)

JasonWW · 2018-10-11T00:24:55.000Z

It might be best to cut your losses and move on to a better light. I feel bad you put all this effort into a light not worth it.

Terry_Oregon · 2018-10-11T01:02:55.000Z

I knew what I was getting into, and I knew the light would have a lot of negatives. The cost was not an issue. It was my 2nd review - a valuable experience in formatting/posting reviews here. But someone might have an interest in disassembling one of these lights if it doesn't cost them anything. I would personally like to know what's inside - but don't feel comfortable ripping one apart.

Barry0892 · 2018-10-11T02:15:28.000Z

djozz:

Thanks for testing. This is an expensive version of the currently 3 dollar sk68 clones. It is uglier though IMO, and has a higher failure rate. But people will buy it anyway. :weary:

Yeah, it sells a lot.

chadvone · 2018-10-11T02:19:18.000Z

You had me at Hunter Orange

ActiveAl · 2018-10-11T14:38:32.000Z

Thanks for this interesting info.

flightless22 · 2018-11-19T20:41:52.000Z

Good thorough review.

Maybe I’m the only one who likes my J5, it’s a bit overpriced but it’s not the worst … and surviving a 9 foot drop is quite impressive.

mmalive · 2018-11-19T22:37:24.000Z

Good review. This light has been cloned so many times though. Here’s the version I bought locally here.

pulsetv.com

Micro SWAT Tactical Flashlight: 300 Lumens - PulseTV

Micro SWAT Tactical Flashlight

BFA · 2019-03-10T14:35:56.000Z

New here and just had to say this was one of the most in depth reviews i have ever seen. Thanks for the read it was interesting. Looking forward to reading the other reviews you have constructed.

lumenzilla · 2019-03-10T15:38:14.000Z

Thanks for your effort.
I know several persons who bought this models just because of Facebook ads.

mmalive · 2019-03-23T02:23:03.000Z

This model is a JOKE. No where near the 300 lumens as claimed. I sold off my 2. Only bought because it looked cool. Output plains SUCKS!!!

JasonWW · 2019-03-23T02:28:57.000Z

mmalive:

This model is a JOKE. No where near the 300 lumens as claimed. I sold off my 2. Only bought because it looked cool. Output plains SUCKS!!!

The reviewer, Terry Oregon, measured:

Fully charged Olight 14500 battery (at 4.2V)

High: 134 (manufacturer spec 300)

Low: 35

Fully charged AA Panasonic Eneloop Pro

High: 53

low: 13

So yes, it’s way off it’s claimed specs.

mmalive · 2019-03-23T02:37:03.000Z

JasonWW:

mmalive:

This model is a JOKE. No where near the 300 lumens as claimed. I sold off my 2. Only bought because it looked cool. Output plains SUCKS!!!

The reviewer, Terry Oregon, measured:

Fully charged Olight 14500 battery (at 4.2V)

High: 134 (manufacturer spec 300)

Low: 35

Fully charged AA Panasonic Eneloop Pro

High: 53

low: 13

So yes, it’s way off it’s claimed specs.

Yes and NO. The lumens dropped quickly from 300 lumens. So output was not constant. My mine was defective???Either way, I sold them off.