Does somebody allready have experience with the VB-16 from DX?
My question is:
- Does it have a real HA3 finish ?
- Does it have SSC P4 U bin ?
- Is the workmanship of this model good ?
- Is it a good light for the money ?
- Does it look like the original......?
- Does it meets your expectations ?
OK I do have the very latest from DX, the VB16 CREE.
Points:
It actually is 32 steps from Idle to Max . You cant really notice the last 10 steps of the 32 settings as the light output is already near max at around 22 steps--however the current consumption keeps going up toward the max 32nd max step!. ( depending on the sate of charge or type of battery used)
Now the light output will vary with the state of charge in your 18650.
If it is fully charged you will see consumption of around 750 ma however this will decline to 550 ma before too long. This does not effect the lower step levels--your light output may stop increasing say by the 10th to 15th step---no more current available.
With a fresh charged 18650 the current is as follows:
Idle 5 ma, each step there after is 30ma addition. Example 10 presses = 300 ma. 20 presses = 600, 30 presses = 900ma.
The problem is that you run out of voltage with the 18650 as it is 3.7 volts. As the battery drops voltage the max available current drops because of the LED characteristics. So as stated before you will notice the Light may stop increasing output at a lower step point.
The VB does not boost.
IF you want this light to fully regulate properly put C123 x 2 cells in it and it will perform and increase current in equal steps all the way to max.
Please note that because of the higher voltage your input current at max is approx 450ma with each step worth 15 ma and idle is about 2 to 3 ma.
The Finish is good - not sure what Ha rating but definitely tough enough.
Output is Good but not awsome.
On 18650 fresh charge = 3500 lux at 1 m
On 123 x 2 constant O/p= 5500 lux at 1 m
Overall output is great on 123 and good on 18650 when fresh.
The beam is general purpose - it has an evenly dispursed fat hot spot therfore is no mean thrower. It is very usefull for the first 60 meters or 200 feet but lacks penatration. ( I think the reflector isn't quite optimum for cree leds)
It is great as a general ready to go unit with memory of its last mode- makes it ideal for not grabbing peoples attention flashing through all fancy modes before you get to your desired setting ( like others)
Good unit worth having around and at 35 odd bucks it is really good value.
Just get one--maybee the SSC will be a sharper focus however the electronics would be the same.
7 out of 10 for me --cheers
sick2
but no sign of the coating wearing of)
I remembered 4 hours later and took it out...ice stuck to it and all...lol. Put it in the vise (with rubber jaws installed). Used a strap wrench to no avail...the whole light kept turning in the vise. I removed the rubber jaws and put the light back in the vise with just a rag for protection. I gave the head of the light a few good whacks with a screwdriver handle to maybe break the adhesive loose. Used the strap wrench again, and with A LOT of force, it finally broke loose. 
