Ultrafire RL-198 XP-G R5 3Mode from http://www.manafont.com
- Brand: UltraFire
- Model: RL-198
- Emitter Type:R5
- Total Emitters: 1
- Battery Configurations: 1 x 18650 battery(not included)
- Switch Type: Clicky (Clickie)
- Switch Location: Tailcap (Tail-cap)
- Modes: 3
- Mode Memory: Circuitry Features Mode Memory
- Mode Arrangement: Hi > Mid > Low
- Lens: Coated Glass Lens
- Reflector: Aluminum Smooth/SMO Reflector
- Carrying Clip: Clip Included
- Carrying Strap: Strap included
First Impresions:
Its very nicely made , it's lights like the RL-198 that give me hope , no junk modes [ Hi - Med - Lo ] , and it also seems to be extremely well regulated , something I was not expecting from a sub $30 shipped light [ more later ] . The beam is both good and ring'y [ smooth reflector ] , how can that be , well , it has a really defined hotspot , much like a XR-E , and then it seems to step down after that as it becomes spill / flood , Ive posted the beams , so check out the pictures .
I really like the look of the RL-198 , different to the usual run of P60 hosts and while its about the same size as say a L2 [ p60 host ] the RL-198 just seems to look a little more clean [ to me ] , now speaking of P60 , a P60 drop in will fit in this light , though it is a fraction short , making for a slightly lose fit without a battery [ original pill fits fine ] .
Performance :
Hi = 269L - 0.91A
Med = 86L - 0.29A
Lo = 15L - 0.05A
Checking regulation :
4.1v Battery = 271L
4.02v Battery = 268L
3.87v Battery = 270L
3.6v Battery = 176L
Certainly not a scientific test for regulation , but from these small results one can see that this light is well regulated , also the current is much closer to where the XP-G R5 runs efficiently . At 139 lumens per 350mA , 0.91A , math say's = 360L , making 270L OTF quite realistic for such low current draw , especially considering all the variables . Now think about that , lower current = less heat and longer run time , with more than acceptable output . Low and medium offer some serious runtime , Medium at around 0.3A offers about 8 and a half hours with a 2600mAh battery , and something like 52 hours on Low .
Conclusion:
Well , a surprisingly good light , well regulated output , I like the current draw on this one .
The anodizing is nice , a mat black , evenly applied
Knurling is very fine , and well cut
Tailcap design allows for tailstanding
Smooth reflector
Has a nice sturdy clip
Nice smooth clicky , very nice to use
Has a wrist strap
Glass lens
Threads are well cut , but no lube [ dry ] , a bit of lube really slicked them up
O rings through out
PWM is good on Medium , but the frequency on low is such as to be noticeable by those sensitive to low frequency PWM , personally I cant see it , unless Im chasing my cat outside , her legs look a little funny , but it bothers me not .
Mode Memory is very fast , no changing into the next mode . [ Clicking on and off ]
Im very pleased with this light , and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good 18650 flashlight , I cant find anything negative to report , its just so damned nice , I dont want to sound like an advert for the RL-198 , but its not often I see so much value for the money . Ive spent a lot of time ho-humming as to whether to get one , so when the opportunity presented itself to test the RL-198 I jumped at the chance , and I can honestly say if all the RL-198's manafont sells are like this one , it would be difficult to be disappointed .
I would like to thank Manafont.com for the opportunity to test this light .
old4570
Back Yard Beam Shots , 5 Meters to the wall .
Low = 15L
Med = 86L
High = 269L
Throw @ 1meter = 7400Lux ... This is good for a XP-G , considering the output , its more like excellent
