ArmyTek Predator (XP-G R5, 1x18650 2xR/CR123A) Programmable: RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS +

[kalifornian]

Great review Selfbuilt. Any thoughts on the High CRI option?

 

[selfbuilt]

Great review Selfbuilt. Any thoughts on the High CRI option?

Would be interesting to test. Armytek has informed me there will be more lights coming for review, but I don't have any details yet on models or timelines.

 

[TyJo]

Great review Selfbuilt. Any thoughts on the High CRI option?

I just got the high CRI v1.2. The programming UI is a little challenging, but I think I have it down now. I was rewriting the manual in my own words as my own programming reference.... if it turns out OK I might post it in a new thread. I have found a few other things as well. I love programmable lights. Hopefully selfbuilt can review a v1.2 with a high CRI.

 

[kalifornian]

Would be interesting to test. Armytek has informed me there will be more lights coming for review, but I don't have any details yet on models or timelines.

Would love to find out how much more color rendering it has over the cool LEDs.

 

[firelord777]

Hey Self built,

I have just finished reviewing the ArmyTek Predator SMO vs. OP, and it took alot of work. I can't even begin to imagine all the work you have to do!!!

I respect your hard work, but would like to request you check my review and give a bit of good 'ol constructive critisism:

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...ator-Review-Smooth-reflector-with-Orange-Peel!!!

Thank you.

 

[Phil40000]

Bought this light about a month ago and it has proven to be one of my best buys. The switch, light levels, and layout are perfect for what i use my lights for. The beam is a very tight flood which again suits me and goes much further than a lot of other bigger lights i own (almost as far as Fenix TK60). I bought a ThruNite Scorpion 2 with the 'Turbo' head and the XM-L beam is just too floody with no penetration compared to the Armytek. I am just so glad i read this review and decided to buy it, i have just sold my new Scorpion as (forgive the pun) it could not hold a candle to the Armytek as far as i am concerned. If i could only pick one medium/small (2 x 123cell) light then it would be this one. I am really picky with my gear but from the super low light levels to the smooth reflector this light does it for me.

Regards,

ArmyTek company HQ
Wat Wen Wong district
China

































Only joking! Actually there is one big problem with this light and that is the fact that i need 4 weeks intensive training just to understand the UI. Setting it up is like being on that gameshow 'The krypton Factor' (remember Gordon Burns?) with its no margin timings and multi-twists. It is a portable DUI test for the masses, it does not even come with any instructions for chrissakes. I have fumbled through using Selfbuilts instructions as best i can but i am going to print off the instructions in broken no-sense translated chinglish from the ArmyTek site and get stuck in. The light still rocks though.

 

[Vedak]

Thanks for this fantastic review! I've had my Predator for about a week now, although the batteries (18650) showed up just today. It took me about an hour to really grasp the menu (short term memory), but after playing with it for a few more hours I feel comfortable with it. Althought theres no way I will ever memorize the menu by heart.

I absolutely love this light! and was considering purchasing a second one with plane bezels to keep as a spare like in my edc bag.

I was also wondering, is there a way to know whether or not you have version 1 or 2 of this light? Mines shipped only two weeks ago, so I'm sure it's the second version. Although I'm still curious.


Thanks!

 

[selfbuilt]

I was also wondering, is there a way to know whether or not you have version 1 or 2 of this light? Mines shipped only two weeks ago, so I'm sure it's the second version. Although I'm still curious.

I have the original V1 (my review was completed before the first batch shipped). I know they updated the interface somewhat on later versions (1.2?), but I haven't tested one to compare.

 

[firelord777]

I have the v1.2 and the way to know is that the 1.2 has g.109.01

 

[Vedak]

Thanks for the reply. Mines only shows "G109.01", the the missing "." after the G make any difference?

 

[GulfCoastToad]

Wow. Definitely saving for one of these. I will go 18650 for sure.

 

[dajabec]

Thanks for the reply. Mines only shows "G109.01", the the missing "." after the G make any difference?

I don't think the dots matter, but if you can use the voltage meter you have V2 for sure.

 

[firelord777]

Oh, man, sorry buddy, my apologies, the period after the G was a typo. Here, as long as it looks like this: G109.09, then you have the V1.2!

Again, my apologies,

Best wishes, Firelord777

 

[NOREAT]

Does anyone have the high CRI, the XP-G R4, or the orange peel version?

 

[TyJo]

Does anyone have the high CRI, the XP-G R4, or the orange peel version?

I have the High CRI OP version.

 

[NOREAT]

TyJo:

I would assume that the OP has significantly less throw than the SMO?

How is the color for the high CRI?

Thanks!

 

[TyJo]

I love the color of the high CRI. It isn't as warm as my 4sevens Quark warm or the warm MCE emitter I put in my Fenix TK30. Tint is subjective obviously, so if you don't like warm tints you might not like it. I have heard some complain about how warm the HighCRI XPGs are, but I think they are great.

I ordered the smooth reflector and received a defective light so they sent me another one. The replacement had the OP reflector, I decided to keep it because I liked the beam and I have found I prefer a mix of flood (or larger hot spot) and throw in my lights rather then pure throw. It can definitely throw well, what it sacrifices in throw it makes up with the wider hot spot. If throw is very important for your usage I'd say go with the smooth reflector.
EDIT:
My only issue with the light was the tail switch was hard to activate and it would not tail stand. I solved this by using another manufacturers switch boot. Now the switch has the perfect feel IMO and it tail stands easily.

 

[NOREAT]

So it is not nearly as warm as an incandesant? I love the warm tint of incans, and was hoping that this would be somewhat comprable-ish. So far, all the LED light I own (a pair of Mini-Maglite LEDs, and a Surefire G2X Pro) are much too blueish, to the point that I still like incan D-cell Maglites.

 

[TyJo]

So it is not nearly as warm as an incandesant? I love the warm tint of incans, and was hoping that this would be somewhat comprable-ish. So far, all the LED light I own (a pair of Mini-Maglite LEDs, and a Surefire G2X Pro) are much too blueish, to the point that I still like incan D-cell Maglites.

I don't own any incans. I would say it is similar to an incan, but perhaps not as warm. Check this site out to get some comparisons.

 

[NOREAT]

Thanks! That's a beautiful tint. I think this decides it for me!