ExtremeBeam Alpha-TAC XT8 with the Metal MOLLE right-angle adaptor - Review

subwoofer

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
May 5, 2010
Messages
2,501
Location
Hove, UK
To some the ExtremeBeam Alpha-TAC XT8 will need no introduction, but to others it may be greeted with suspicion and dismissed as 'another one of those copies'.

Let me start with a picture or two….

a01xt8plusclone.jpg


a02xt8plusclonehead.jpg


a03xt8pluscloneclip.jpg


a04xt8plusclonetail.jpg


Shown above are two ends of the spectrum. One is the original design made to a high standard by the owners of the design and patents, and the other is a cheap clone, poorly made and trying to succeed based on the reputation and innovation of another. A story we see repeated all too often, and in this case, the clones are so well known in the consumer market many view them as the original.

The clones however are but a poor imitation compared to the light that came first.

a05xt8.jpg




The confusion may be partly due to the fact that ExtremeBeam is not the original trading name this design was sold under, and previously the XT8 was sold directly to the military and police not to the consumer market. Despite the less familiar name change this is the genuine article with true ownership of the design and related patents.




Initial Impressions:

Initial impressions may be biased by the proliferation of the XT8's clones. --- These prejudices are quickly swept aside when you pick up the XT8 and can literally feel the difference.

Simply from holding it, you can feel the aluminium body is substantially made - the XT8 feels solid and dependable.

As you first remove the tailcap the XT8 continues to impress with the precise fit, one, then two o-rings appear and the fully square-cut threads are revealed.

The XT8 has a forward clicky momentary tailcap switch perfectly suited to this type of light, and is a standard P60 host giving you great flexibility.



What is in the box:

The XT8's packaging is a cardboard/blister pack showing the entire light and included batteries. On the reverse of the pack information on the XT8.

01xt8box.jpg


02xt8box2.jpg


The XT8 and supplied holster.

05xt8unboxed.jpg



Also included for review is the Metal MOLLE right-angle adaptor accessory for the XT8. Made to the same high standards as the XT8, this adaptor allows the XT8 to be converted into a right-angle light providing alternative grip options and a light that can be clipped onto standard Molle fixing points providing hands free use.

03xt8molle.jpg


04xt8molle2.jpg




Looking inside:

The XT8 shows its pedigree further as you take a look inside.

The tailcap showing the double o-rings, fully square-cut threads and large surface area negative contact.

a07xt8tailcap.jpg
a06xt8threaddetail.jpg


a08xt8tailcapcontact.jpg


Looking down into the battery tube, and you can see why the XT8 feels so strong – 4mm thick tubing!

a09xt8batterytubeend.jpg


The head to battery tube joint is the same, with square threads and double o-rings.

a10xt8batterytubeheaden.jpg


Shown almost fully disassembled (Not pictured is the head itself opened – this also has double o-rings)

a11xt8opened.jpg



The Metal MOLLE is cut from a solid block of aluminium and has threads and seals to match the XT8

a12xt8metalmolle.jpg
a13xt8metalmolle2.jpg


a14xt8plusmetalmolle.jpg


The right-angle XT8

a16xt8plusmetalmolle2.jpg


The P60 module supplied with the XT8 is a Cree R2 with orange peel reflector.

a15xt8led.jpg




Modes and User Interface:

When the going gets tough you want to KISS (keep it simple ……), and the XT8 as supplied does this.

A single high mode output with momentary (forward clicky) tailcap switch, is all there is to it.

Being a P60 host you can of course swap out the module and



Batteries and output:

The supplied module has input voltage ranging from 3.5-10V.

Primarily designed as a military specification light, the battery tube (with its substantial wall thickness) will only accommodate CR123 cells in diameter and length.

This photo shows the end of the second cell and its position relative to the shoulder that the tailcap screws onto.

a09xt8batterytubeend.jpg


This means that you need to use either primary cells, or the 10V max input voltage allows you to use RCR123s, but not just any…

Here you can see the most trusted brand of li-ion, AW, in comparison to primary cells. The AW protected cells are the closest I've found to an original CR123 in size and do fit into the XT8. Also tested are the AW IMR unprotected cells which again closely match the size of a primary.

awicrimrprimarycr123fla.jpg


Topping up the AW cells with Cottonpicker's Nona-Charger.

07nonacharging.jpg


If used in hostile environments, you will not be bothering with rechargeable cells, so stick with primaries. In less hostile environments, you may choose between unprotected cells which avoids sudden loss of output due to protection kicking in, or protected to prevent cell damage. In both cases, the AW cells are ideal as the IMR chemistry is 'safe' though lower capacity, and the protected cells are the only cells of this type I know of which will fit.



In The Lab

In an attempt to quantify the actual beam profile I developed the following test. There are probably many flaws in my method, but it is simple and easy to carry out and seems to provide a good enough comparison.

The method used was to put the light on the edge of a table 1m from a wall, with a tape measure on the wall. The zero of the scale is placed in the centre of the hotspot and a lux meter is then positioned at points along the scale, with the measurements recorded. Beam shots are often taken with the light shining on a flat white wall, so this method is simply measuring the actual intensity across the beam on a flat surface, not the spherical light emission.

The results are then plotted on a graph.

For the best throw you want to see a sharp peak with less of the distracting spill. For the best flood light the trace should be pretty flat.


Shown here with a generic Cree R2 P60 module running off 18650, the XT8 with two lithium primaries massively outshines it.

xt8beamprofile.jpg




Taking this a little further, I calculated an approximate factor to apply to the lux measurements, as each measurement gets further from the centre of the beam, it corresponds to a larger area onto which the light is falling. It seems to me that this should also be taken into consideration, so I applied these area corrections and came up with this odd looking graph.

The key quantity here is the area under the graph line. This should correspond to the total light output.


xt8areaadjustedbeamprof.jpg




The XT8's profile is similar to the generic R2 module, but with much higher output.



The beam of the XT8

Remember that the XT8 is a standard P60 host, so if you don't like the beam of the standard module, simply swap it out for one you prefer. The reason the XT8 uses this standard is to provide the owner with a light they can keep going with the most common type of spare they are likely to come across.

Shown here with a relatively normal exposure

a21xt8beam1.jpg


And the exact scene underexposed to better show the hotspot shape

a22xt8beam2.jpg


The supplied P60 module gives you a beam with plenty of spill but a strong hotspot to pierce the gloom.



Using the XT8

To take the words of a well known advertising campaign, 'it does what it says on the…..' box.

The XT8 is simple, reliable, versatile and durable. Combined with the Metal MOLLE, you have something else, which to me is even more usable.

The tail-cap switch is well designed with the rounded shoulders of the cap giving easy access to the switch. Even with gloved hands the light is easy and positive to operate.

The clip works well, with the springy steel returning to its original position even if bent out quite a lot. It does not appear to be removable as the clip looks like a press fit into the battery tube. For weapon mounting you may need to slide the clip over the mount, but this should not be a problem.

a23xt8rock.jpg


a24xt8sea.jpg



The holster provided is as well made as the XT8 and will take the light bezel down or up. There is a choice of fixed belt loop or a quick release loop fixed with a stud and Velcro combination to provide a secure fixture that is easily removed.

a17xt8holster1.jpg
a18xt8holster2.jpg
a19xt8holster3.jpg



For me the standard light is transformed with the addition of the Metal MOLLE adaptor. The right angle head allows for a wide variety of grip positions and makes the switch easier to operate while keeping the beam pointed forwards.

The holster will also accommodate the XT8 in its right-angle form. Allowing you to have a forward facing light mounted on you belt.

The square shape of the Metal MOLLE means you can stand the light facing forward or upward on a flat surface, and provides the ultimate anti-roll feature.

a20xt8holster4.jpg


Of course the Metal MOLLE is designed with a clip to fix onto the molle webbing on your load carrier. The main clip is still usable, so you can clip the XT8 whichever way up you prefer.

a25xt8mollebeach.jpg


Unless I decide to gun mount the XT8, I'll be keeping it in the right-angle configuration.

a26xt8mollebeach2.jpg



The XT8 is in a different class to even the best of its clones. In terms of build quality, durability and reliability, the XT8 is a true military specification light.



Sample provided for review by ExtremeBeam.

I'll update post 2 of this thread once I have some more comments to add....
 

subwoofer

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
May 5, 2010
Messages
2,501
Location
Hove, UK
reserved for further updates...

Readers Note:

Following various comments, I want to make it clear that I have not been provided with evidence to support the historical information relating to the manufacturer and design of the light that is included in this review. The information was provided to me in good faith, and (mistakenly or not) included in the review in good faith.

I will not change the main review post itself as the replies in the thread may then seem out of context.

The testing, measurements, photographs and reported user experience are all my own work and are reported as accurately as possible.
 
Last edited:

kj2

Flashaholic
Joined
May 22, 2010
Messages
8,082
Location
The Netherlands
That molle adaptor, funny thing :)

Only one thing I don't understand; "The confusion may be partly due to the fact that ExtremeBeam is not the original trading name this design was sold under, and previously the XT8 was sold directly to the military and police not to the consumer market. Despite the less familiar name change this is the genuine article with true ownership of the design and related patents." -Then why does this light, seems so "crappy" to me? If you would remove the name from the light, I would say it's a XX-fire light.
 

subwoofer

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
May 5, 2010
Messages
2,501
Location
Hove, UK
That molle adaptor, funny thing :)

Only one thing I don't understand; "The confusion may be partly due to the fact that ExtremeBeam is not the original trading name this design was sold under, and previously the XT8 was sold directly to the military and police not to the consumer market. Despite the less familiar name change this is the genuine article with true ownership of the design and related patents." -Then why does this light, seems so "crappy" to me? If you would remove the name from the light, I would say it's a XX-fire light.

The reason is that the consumer market has been flooded with the crappy clones. You have been prejudiced into automatically assuming that this design is cheap and nasty, when in fact, if you look at the detail of the review, you will find the XT8 is solidly built, and will serve you well through the toughest of times, exactly when you need a light to keep on going.

Free yourself from your prejudices, and open your eyes.
 

Chicken Drumstick

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Dec 9, 2011
Messages
1,651
Location
UK
Thanks for the review Subwoofer, makes for a good read :)

Is this light regulated? And as you are in the UK same as me, can you buy these in the UK?

Lastly, what exactly is a P60?

Thanks.
 

kj2

Flashaholic
Joined
May 22, 2010
Messages
8,082
Location
The Netherlands
The reason is that the consumer market has been flooded with the crappy clones. You have been prejudiced into automatically assuming that this design is cheap and nasty, when in fact, if you look at the detail of the review, you will find the XT8 is solidly built, and will serve you well through the toughest of times, exactly when you need a light to keep on going.

Free yourself from your prejudices, and open your eyes.
Ow, I have read the review. Thanks there for btw :)
But if cheap-clones have cloned your design, isn't handy to change your design? so the clones/fakes don't look-a-like your light. Sure with square threads and double o-rings, it much better than the XX-fire lights.
But if you look at the pics. LED not good centred and that holster. Very cheap looking (with button in the velcro- God, I hate that), brands like Fenix- has this much better done.
 
Last edited:

jirik_cz

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Jul 29, 2007
Messages
1,605
Location
europe
...Then why does this light, seems so "crappy" to me? If you would remove the name from the light, I would say it's a XX-fire light.

I agree. If you look on the extreme beam website I don't see any single original design. All are just generic designs/copies we see on the market for many years.
 

subwoofer

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
May 5, 2010
Messages
2,501
Location
Hove, UK
Thanks for the review Subwoofer, makes for a good read :)

Is this light regulated? And as you are in the UK same as me, can you buy these in the UK?

Lastly, what exactly is a P60?

Thanks.

I don't know of any UK stockists at the moment. The review sample was actually sent from the US to me.

As this light uses the generic drop-in P60 module (do a search on CPF for P60), I didn't test the module for regulation, only carrying out the beam profile test. Remember that this is a bomb-proof P60 host and you can replace the original module with any to suit your tastes.


Ow, I have read the review. Thanks there for btw :)
But if cheap-clones have cloned your design, isn't handy to change your design? so the clones/fakes don't look-a-like your light. Sure with square threads and double o-rings, it much better than the XX-fire lights.
But if you look at the pics. LED not good centred and that holster. Very cheap looking (with button in the velcro- God, I hate that), brands like Fenix- has this much better done.

It looks like you are trying to find fault when there is none, and there is no need to be down on a design just because it is the most ripped off design out there. Why do you think the clones of this light are so prolific...it is because the design is good.

If you change your designs every time they are ripped off, you would be changing them all the time. Just because someone copies you why change it? Tell that to all the other manufacturers whoes lights have been ripped off. Fenix, Jet Beam, Surefire to name but a few would all have to redesign - I don't think so.

The LED centring is fine, it is simply the lighting angle when I took the photo that has left a little shade one side of the LED and it is lighter the other side. Plus try to remember, the host here is military specification and you can easily swap out the P60 module for any you like.

The holster again looks like the XXXXfire rip offs, because they are cloning the holster as well. The XT8 holster is excellent, with the choice of fixed belt look or popper/velcro loop for easy fitting. The material is thick and durable. I too have a few of the cheap XXXfire versions and this is so much better.

I shall stop trying to convince you now. The review speaks for itself really.

I agree. If you look on the extreme beam website I don't see any single original design. All are just generic designs/copies we see on the market for many years.

Yes the ExtremeBeam designs have all been ripped off for many years. ExtremeBeam themselves have not really entered into the consumer market before, instead concentrating on the military and police. All the designs on the ExtremeBeam website are original, it was ExtremeBeam that designed them, own the patents and suffer from the plague of cloners.


As Morpheus said "Free your mind"
 

kj2

Flashaholic
Joined
May 22, 2010
Messages
8,082
Location
The Netherlands
It looks like you are trying to find fault when there is none, and there is no need to be down on a design just because it is the most ripped off design out there. Why do you think the clones of this light are so prolific...it is because the design is good.

If you change your designs every time they are ripped off, you would be changing them all the time. Just because someone copies you why change it? Tell that to all the other manufacturers whoes lights have been ripped off. Fenix, Jet Beam, Surefire to name but a few would all have to redesign - I don't think so.

The LED centring is fine, it is simply the lighting angle when I took the photo that has left a little shade one side of the LED and it is lighter the other side. Plus try to remember, the host here is military specification and you can easily swap out the P60 module for any you like.

The holster again looks like the XXXXfire rip offs, because they are cloning the holster as well. The XT8 holster is excellent, with the choice of fixed belt look or popper/velcro loop for easy fitting. The material is thick and durable. I too have a few of the cheap XXXfire versions and this is so much better.

I shall stop trying to convince you now. The review speaks for itself really.

But still IMO - Looks like a knock-off, packaging looks cheap. No go for me. -and I will leave it by that.
 

Racer

Enlightened
Joined
Nov 7, 2011
Messages
384
As promised, I do hereby publicly eat my words for saying that they appeared to be nothing more than a cheap knockoff sold as the real thing. Though if I were going to sell quality products that at least superficially appear to be cheap knock-offs, I would at least go on the offensive and address that issue with the community as opposed to claiming indignation that someone would even suggest that.

However, I stand by my claim that their marketing does appear to be outright fraud, and that somebody should report them to the FTC for deceptive business practices. I sincerely doubt that they are the preferred flashlight for basically all armed forces world-wide. Half of what I look for in a product is a quality product. The other half of what I look for is a quality company to have a long term relationship with. Sorry, I'm still not convinced.

Looking at every other banner add on CPF: Some claim to be bomb-proof, some claim to be innovative, some claim to listen to their customers. All are believable or at least plausible. Except for this company. And if I was the only one who thought that, then I wouldn't even be typing this. But I suspect there are a few that share my opinion on this.

EDIT: Don't worry, I'll shut up now about this. No need to send me nasty PMs.
 
Last edited:

127.0.0.1

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Jan 4, 2012
Messages
1,000
Location
/etc/hosts
I was just asked if this review meets my 100 dollar extreme beam review challenge. No it does not.

I would expect a 100% side by side comparo. pictures of everything, side by side of everything,
this one barely reviews anything about the apparent clone. sorry, but no dice on this review.

the lights aren't even the same general size.

I was thinking more exact 50/50 side-by-side of everything

pop that head, look at the circuit and see if the pill is quality, or junk hidden under a thick metal cover,
stuff like that. I can put crap in a box, but if the box is polished platinum, you wouldn't know any different

example: ExtremeBeam SAR 5 vs akoray k109 would be ideal, both are 1xcr123


both are the low end where if it was going to be built cheap it would show

I do agree the extreme beam here doesn't look cheap at all in this review.
I still have a grudge with extreme beam -ads- because of any reasons stated in the closed thread
 
Last edited:

csshih

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Sep 21, 2008
Messages
3,950
Location
San Jose, CA
As this light uses the generic drop-in P60 module (do a search on CPF for P60), I didn't test the module for regulation, only carrying out the beam profile test. Remember that this is a bomb-proof P60 host and you can replace the original module with any to suit your tastes.

Free your mind, indeed.
Surefire came out with the p60/d26 design.

I would love to hear the brand it was released under beforehand. got a NSN?
Patents? do tell.

Also, XR-E? Surefire is starting to use XM-Ls...

Craig
 

subwoofer

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
May 5, 2010
Messages
2,501
Location
Hove, UK
Free your mind, indeed.
Surefire came out with the p60/d26 design.

I would love to hear the brand it was released under beforehand. got a NSN?
Patents? do tell.

Also, XR-E? Surefire is starting to use XM-Ls...

Craig

Yes, The P60 was designed by Surefire, no argument there. The point is that after a good 'standard' is developed, the fact that others use it is no bad thing as it allows interchangeability. Imagine if the ES lightbulb fitting was only used by one manufacturer after it was invented.

Unfortunately I cannot publish the original brand, but it is well known. It is not for me to explain further at this time, I have simply reviewed the XT8 without prejudice.

With its Metal MOLLE adaptor, the XT8 is unique and works really well. This is not something I've seen in any clone.

I have presented a review for a genuine well built product which the manufacturers own all the rights to, and which is the original design. I am not a representative of ExtremeBeam, and will not defend them or respond to any demands for further information. You can take this up with ExtremeBeam.

Please accept this review for what it is. An honest review of a product.
 

Chicago X

Enlightened
Joined
May 6, 2010
Messages
439
Unfortunately I cannot publish the original brand, but it is well known. It is not for me to explain further at this time, I have simply reviewed the XT8 without prejudice.



Please accept this review for what it is. An honest review of a product.


Honest? This is little more than a free ad.

Did you pay for the lights in question? If not, why no mention of the free torch?

This "mystery brand" is another fairy tale from an unscrupulous seller; the claims are getting even more ridiculous, as this company tries desperately to 'back door' their way into the market.

I'm disgusted by the lack of vetting of advertisers here. Greed spoils all.
 

subwoofer

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
May 5, 2010
Messages
2,501
Location
Hove, UK
Honest? This is little more than a free ad.

Did you pay for the lights in question? If not, why no mention of the free torch?

This "mystery brand" is another fairy tale from an unscrupulous seller; the claims are getting even more ridiculous, as this company tries desperately to 'back door' their way into the market.

I'm disgusted by the lack of vetting of advertisers here. Greed spoils all.

If you check the original review you will see it was clearly stated that the review sample was provided by ExtremeBeam.

The vast majority of reviews posted on CPF are based on samples provided to a reviewer by the manufacturer. So is it your opinion that the majority of reviews on CPF are simply free ads?

Personally I find product reviews to be one of the best types of information on the internet. My intention is to give back to the forum community by taking a considerable amount of my own time to review a variety of products.

I am not an agent for any manufacturer, nor am I paid to review products. There is no profit in reviewing for me other than to give back to the Forum.

Try to engage your brain before shouting your mouth off with false accusations.


Please try to limit all future responses to this thread to comments/questions about the product on review, the ExtremeBeam XT8.

If you wish to bash the manufacturer or have any comments not specifically relating to this product review, please start up your own thread.
 

Chicago X

Enlightened
Joined
May 6, 2010
Messages
439
Why should I reference anything besides what you've written here?

Did you see the FTC warning about disclosure ?

While your straw man argument may feel good, I am not questioning ANY other review on CPF, nor have you addressed any of the issues raised.

I started my own thread, and was pointed back here, to the ONLY favorable review on any forum I could find.

Have you returned the light? If not, then you were compensated for your time. Please don't attempt to high-road the situation.

Many are still waiting for any proof of the ridiculous claims this 'manufacturer' makes.
 

subwoofer

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
May 5, 2010
Messages
2,501
Location
Hove, UK
Why should I reference anything besides what you've written here?

Did you see the FTC warning about disclosure ?

While your straw man argument may feel good, I am not questioning ANY other review on CPF, nor have you addressed any of the issues raised.

I started my own thread, and was pointed back here, to the ONLY favorable review on any forum I could find.

Have you returned the light? If not, then you were compensated for your time. Please don't attempt to high-road the situation.

Many are still waiting for any proof of the ridiculous claims this 'manufacturer' makes.

Q: "Why should I reference anything besides what you've written here?"
A: You have referenced what you term "ridiculous claims" the manufacturer has made (presumably in its adverts which are nothing to do with this review). In the review I have not said that ExtremeBeam or the XT8 are the preferred choice of anyone or made any other claims.

The manufacturer usually provides some information with each review sample. In this case the information provided is that ExtremeBeam have full ownership of the patents and design for this light and that the design was previously distributed under a different brand name. I have passed this information on. If you wish to challenge this claim, please take it up with ExtremeBeam directly and do not refer to it in this review thread.

Q: "Did you see the FTC warning about disclosure ?"
A: Yes. And I did disclose that the review sample was provided to me by ExtremeBeam. If I have contravened a CPF policy, I will happily respond to a moderator directly via PM regarding this and correct any problems.

S(statement):"While your straw man argument may feel good, I am not questioning ANY other review on CPF, nor have you addressed any of the issues raised."
R(response): You are challenging a fundamental process by which the majority of reviews are possible, so you ARE questioning every other review on CPF. If you wish to discuss this further, please start a thread regarding the review process and I will happily discuss it with you there. It is not a discussion that is relevant to one product review which you appear to be challenging mainly because you have an issue with ExtremeBeam as a company.

S:"I started my own thread, and was pointed back here, to the ONLY favorable review on any forum I could find."
R: I have carried out a product review. Personally I have found the XT8 to be very well made, and have said so in the review. The photographs support the review text. Why would you be pointed back here to discuss ExtremeBeam, on a review thread in the Flashlight Reviews section? Was this advised by a moderator? As I have just asked you a question not relevant to this thread, please could you PM that reply to me.

Q:"Have you returned the light? If not, then you were compensated for your time. Please don't attempt to high-road the situation."
A: No. Review samples are not returned. Exactly like the majority of the reviewers on CPF.

Firstly, I have to pay customs charges to receive 'free' products, then I have to document the light for review in the form of detailed photographs, carry out quantitative measurements and process the data, describe its function and give an impression of the product to the forum readers. I also pay for batteries, invest in test equipment, and take the flack from argumentative people have who nothing better to offer than criticism. So, NO, I am not compensated by not returning the item.

The review process can damage the lights and in owning them cannot be held liable if they are damaged. It also makes comparative reviews possible, so the retention of review samples is not for personal gain. I have far more lights than I need or want, but maintain a 'library' of reference lights in order to improve future reviews.

S:"Many are still waiting for any proof of the ridiculous claims this 'manufacturer' makes."
R:please feel free to take this up directly with ExtremeBeam, but restrict any further posts in this thread to questions regarding the XT8 on review.

Flashlights are my passion and interest. I am a MEMBER of CPF and not employed by and flashlight manufacturer.
 

Got Lumens?

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Mar 12, 2011
Messages
2,458
Location
Champlain Valley
I will reply with your request, and stick to the review.
I need to ask did you read the announcement about posting in this forum?
All "reviews" threads are to be posted within their applicable forums. If administrators or moderators wish to have them published in the Reviews forum, they will move them there. If the reviewer, when posting, wishes to request inclusion in the Reviews forum, they may attach a notice as the first line in their post such as "for submission in the Reviews forum". Alternatively, they can omit such a first line, and simply PM a moderator or administrator asking that it be considered.

After careful consideration and abuse of the advertising policy, dealer and manufacture links will no longer be permitted in review threads.

Federal Trade Commission link: The FTC's Revised Endorsement Guides (Reviewer FAQ's)

Where is the light manufactured?
As far as I know US Military lights need to be manufacturered here and not simply designed and marketed by a US company, not your fault.

I am a bit confused by your reviews light graphs :thinking:
Could you share with us what light meter was used for your tests? Were they comparing a bare P60 Cree R2 dropin to the XT8? And why would you rest the flashlight on a tables edge when your beamshot clearly shows you using a proper tripod for testing? Was the generic P60 dropin rested on the tables edge also, or was that data included from somewhere else? Was it your intent to prove that the beam is consistant within the hotspot? Did you measure the sizes of the spill and hotspot at 1M to figure the beams angles? You use 4.2V for the generic P60 and then 6V for the XT8, that in itself is going to cause most of the differences in the two lines of your graph. I really would like to see at least two other lights compared to the XT8 running the same batteries in each, at the same voltages, and measured at the same time intevals. I can not come to any conclusions with your graphs as you did them.

The term calculated generally applies to readings that are taken in graduated distances away from the light source(flashlight) and not graduated angular readings at the set distance of 1M. The optics collmination of a light have a great effect upon lux measurements. Some can even be inaccurate at 1M, depends upon the optics, that is why they are calculated using several readings from greater distances.

What is the second light in the pictures for? Is that the light you used to make your graphs? Or is that an additional battery tube to give the voltage ratings of 3.5-10V? What is the cottonpickers charger for? The light comes with two primaries.

About the light, is the clip removeable or fixed? Hows the knurling compare to other lights? How does the switch feel? How audible is the switch? In your reviewers opinion do you think that 2-1/2 threads gives the head enough strength? In what environments did you test the light? How is the tint of the beam compared to others? Are the contacts Gold electroplated or brass? Does the size of the switches contact interfere with any brands of batteries wrappings? You show the Molle attachment, is that a seperate accessory or does it come with the light? Which picture is what? Is the XT8 the one that has a textured switch cover? Your pictures are very nice, but lack description of what you are trying to show in the review. Does the light come with a manual, or just the box? Are there spare o-rings that come with the light? Your review put's great emphasis on the clones, why? This is my first look at the XT8. I am not judging this light based on company history and who copied it. I would like to know more about the light itself and objective observations.

As you see by my post, I am left with more questions than the review answers. Any updates to post#2 are greatly appreciated.

GL


 

Gryffin

Enlightened
Joined
Feb 16, 2005
Messages
449
Location
Ohio
Interesting. The XXXfire version has always struck me as the most compact and best looking of the P60 cheapies, but it has a rattle in the tail switch that drives me nuts. Does the XT8 switch rattle?
 

subwoofer

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
May 5, 2010
Messages
2,501
Location
Hove, UK
I will reply with your request, and stick to the review.
I need to ask did you read the announcement about posting in this forum?
All "reviews" threads are to be posted within their applicable forums. If administrators or moderators wish to have them published in the Reviews forum, they will move them there. If the reviewer, when posting, wishes to request inclusion in the Reviews forum, they may attach a notice as the first line in their post such as "for submission in the Reviews forum". Alternatively, they can omit such a first line, and simply PM a moderator or administrator asking that it be considered.

After careful consideration and abuse of the advertising policy, dealer and manufacture links will no longer be permitted in review threads.

Federal Trade Commission link: The FTC's Revised Endorsement Guides (Reviewer FAQ's)

As you see by my post, I am left with more questions than the review answers. Any updates to post#2 are greatly appreciated.

GL

How do you think this review got into the review section, bearing in mind it is not possible to post directly in the Flashlight Review forum section? - Yes, that's right, a CPF moderator I PMed moved it for me.

You may also have noticed that apart from the image links, there are no links at all in my review, dealer/manufacturer or otherwise. If any CPF moderator has any issues with my posts/reviews they will PM me and I will co-operate directly with them.

Several of your questions are already answered in the review, so I won't repeat myself.

If I decide to publish my test equipment details and methods I will. I do the best I can with the resources and time I have. Right now I don't have the time to go into more detail.

The 'reference' Cree R2 is a regular feature of many of my reviews to give a standard benchmark for comparison, nothing else.

I am always looking for way to improve my reviews, so welcome all constructive criticism or requests. I also need to avoid making their production so onerous and time consuming that I can't ever finish them.

If, as, and when I have more time to add detail to this review I will consider the points you are interested in.

I am constantly amazed at how demanding some forum members are. I see you (GL) also post reviews, and should someone choose to pick holes in them they could, but that wouldn't be very productive would it.


I give as much time as I can to contribute (hopefully) useful and interesting content to CPF, and have now completely exhausted all time, effort and desire to give any further time to this review thread. Thanks for your support. Over and out.
 
Top