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There are plenty of flashlights out there on eBay and Amazon making huge claims for their power and light output. A while back I reviewed one very similar to the one under test today that claimed a ludicrous 30000LM rating. The one today is not so bold but still claims a light output of 5000 Lumen, which if true, will still make it one of the most powerful handheld torches on the market. Later on, I will perhaps make a head to head comparison video of both torches.
The flashlight arrived packaged in a slightly scruffy and rather downmarket box inside of which was the torch itself, a USB to USB-C charging cable, a rubber hand grip, a lanyard strap, and a user guide. I cannot fault the build quality, it all seems heavy duty and made to last. Indeed, the torch is rated as IPX5 water-resistant, which means it should be fine in all but immersion or sustained water jets. The User Guide is rather small but is well written, well printed and in colour. I enclose a scan of it at the end of my unboxing video.
Looking at the torch itself, the twelve 12 CREE XM-L T6 LED lamp beads (assuming that is indeed what they are) can be seen behind the toughened glass lens. On either side about an inch or so down the body can be found on one side the grommet protected USB-C charging port and on the other, the flush fit power button with next to it the red LED screen showing the current battery level and three-stage light output setting. The supplied lanyard strap can be looped over one end of the torch and through the eyelet slots on the rear.
Before first use, or when the torch has not been used for some while it is necessary to press the Off/On button five times in rapid succession to switch it on. Do the same to switch it back into storage mode if you plan not to use it for a while. This is to avoid accidents when in storage. After that just press the button to turn on and repeat to scroll through the three light outputs levels. Press three times to enter Strobe mode. The button is completely flush and does not feel intuitive to use, a more sculptured feel to it would be better. Although sustained use it not forbidden the device does get distinctly warm after a short while, which is one reason the rubber hand grip is provided.
So how bright is this torch? Bright, very bright in fact and certainly one of the most powerful torches I have ever used. According to the CREE website each of the twelve CREE XM-L T6 LEDs can deliver up to 1040 lm maximum but this depends on the power supply and when driven to anywhere near their full potential light output they would generate a large amount of heat which would be hard to dissipate in a small metal enclosure. As regards the battery and power output we are not told much other than that the Lithium Polymer battery delivers up to 4.20 volts at 10 amps. That is a pretty powerfull output. 5000 lumens is not impossible by any means but I suspect 3000 is nearer to the mark. There is no easy way to disassemble the torch but I am tempted to do so to see just what sort of battery is in there. The other similar model I tested contained four 18650's and I would not be surprised to find the same in here.
This really is an excellent torch, powerful, well made and easy to use. Unlike some rivals, it does not require the purchase of specialised and costly batteries. For the current Amazon price of £32.99, you will get one of the most powerful handheld flashlights available and with the added advantage of rapid charging using the latest USB-C interface.
The Good
Great price
Great Build Quality
Rechargeable Batteries
USB-C Charging
The Bad
No Carry Case
No Charger
Doubt over claimed light output
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Music: YouTube Audio Library: Au.Ra: Battle Royale
