ITP A6 Polestar Review (6xAA MC-E): RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS and more!

selfbuilt

Flashaholic
Joined
May 27, 2006
Messages
7,005
Location
Canada
Reviewer's Note: The ITP A6 Polestar was provided for review by GoingGear.com. Please see their website for more info.

Warning: very pic heavy, as always

Manufacturer Specifications: (taken from GoingGear's website)
  • Cree MC-E LED, life span up to 50000 hours
  • Function Three Brightness Levels(Low-Medium-High) and Strobe Mode
  • Output and Runtime:
  • High Mode 700 Lumens/1.5 Hours,
  • Medium Mode 160 Lumens/8 Hours,
  • Low Mode 12 Lumens/50 Hours
  • Strobe 10HZ/10Hours
  • Finish: HA Type
  • Reflector: Aluminum alloy Orange Peel Reflector with Perfect Beam
  • Lens:Anti-shattering ultra clear lens, anti-scratching and anti-slip
  • Water and Dust Resistant: IP68
  • Switch: Side Switch
  • Mil-spec: MIL-STD-810F
  • MSRP price: $80
The ITP A6 Polestar is basically a "budget" version of a high-output light using the Cree MC-E emitter – in this case on standard AA batteries. Has ITP recreated their success in the 1xAAA market with low-priced EOS? Scroll down to find out. ;)

A6-3.jpg

A6-4.jpg


The external styling and appearance of the A6 is fairly basic, in keeping with its budget status. But note the presence of the control switch near the head of the light instead of the tailcap. This makes sense if you want to appeal to the mainstream market, which is more familiar with this front head button format. :)

A6-2.jpg


Packaging is fairly basic, but the light does come encased in foam inside a hard cardboard box, with a good quality wrist lanyard, basic belt pouch with closing flap, extra o-rings and manual.

Here is how it looks in my hands, and compared to a couple lights of its class:

A6-11.jpg
A6-1.jpg

From left to right: Duracell AA battery, AW 18650 protected battery, ITP A6, ThruNite Catapult, Olight M30, JetBeam M1X, EagleTac M2XC4, JetBeam M1X (all in base configuration, no extenders)

A6 Weight (no battery): 209.9g
A6 Dimensions: Length 174mm, Width (bezel) 48.0mm, Width (tailcap) 37.8mm

The A6 is fairly compact in size and relatively low weight, consistent with its relatively thin-walled construction.

A6-7.jpg

A6-5.jpg


The A6 uses a plain flat tailcap that allows tailstanding, but also has a wrist strap/lanyard attachment point. The tailcap design is pretty basic, consistent with its budget status, but at least screw threads are anodized for tailcap lockout. :thumbsup:

A6-8.jpg


Given the use of six AA-cell batteries, a battery carrier was required. :sigh:

Note that the A6 was originally launched with a cheaper quality black battery carrier that necessitated a recall (as a result of defective contacts on many of the carriers). The new revised battery carrier (in clear plastic) is what I would consider as minimally acceptable. It is better quality than a number of cheapo ones I have seen on budget lights from the discount sites, but it certainly still nothing to write home about.

:caution: Note that you must take care when loading cells into the carrier to insure the correct orientation. The light's instruction manual simply says to place the positive battery terminals toward the head – not very helpful or clear. :poke: You have to pay attention to the current path, and put all six cells in the correct serial sequence. Basically, the negative battery terminal goes facing the springs in the carrier. This is common for almost all carriers.

A6-9.jpg


If you look down the battery tube in the pic above, you will see the contact disk in the head is a simple piece of metal bent down and tacked in place. :ohgeez: This does not inspire confidence for long-term stability, but has worked reliably with the carrier in my testing so far.

A6-6.jpg
A6-10.jpg


The ITP A6 Polestar comes with a very familiar looking reflector – it is in fact identical to the Olight M30. :eek:oo: This should result in a similar well-rounded beam profile, with relatively low throw but also relatively little sign of hatching or other artifacts.

Here are some comparison beamshots to the Olight M30, both lights taken on Max on 2x18650 AW protected Li-ion (M30) or 6x Sanyo Eneloop (A6). Distance is about 0.5 meters from a white wall.

A6-Beam25.jpg

A6-Beam100.jpg

A6-Beam800.jpg


The A6 actually has a slight advantage in spillbeam width, due to the lower profile opening at the head of the light (the M30 features a crenelated stainless steel bezel – this narrows the overall beam somewhat). Otherwise, the beams are indistinguishable – you get a nice smooth transition from hotspot to spill, with no sign of the infamous "donut" hole with MC-E/P7 lights. :thumbsup:

I haven't tested the A6 outdoors, but here are some outdoor shots that include the Olight M30. For all intents and purposes, it will look the same as the M30 at the given range and focal length (centre point is ~10m feet from the lights).

M30-Outdoor2.jpg

M1X-Outdoor1.jpg

M2XC4C-Outdoor1.jpg


To give you another idea of what to expect from the hotspot at a medium range distance, I've taken a few indoor beamshots of a target "gremlin" at 10m (1/5sec exposure, f2.7), this time including the A6. Click on the images to bring high resolution photos.






Note that the A6 is not that much dimmer than the other lights – it is just that its hospot is more diffuse and its spillbeam brighter. So at a distance (zoomed in with the camera above), you will see less light on the target. The A6 – like the M30 – is best suited to light up a broad area in the near-mid range (i.e. it is not a thrower).

UPDATE: Some additional long-distance beamshots, to show you how the light compares to others in its class.

Please see my recent 100-yard Outdoor Beamshot review for more details (and additional lights).


Outdoor-JulyDaylight.jpg


TK45-A6-30.gif


User Interface

The ITP A6 Polestar has a slightly different interface from most lights in this class, due to the single front-ended switch. The switch acts as a reverse clicky, so the light comes on after the switch is clicked and released.

To advance modes, simply press-and-hold the switch down (while on). The light will then advance through all output modes in the following sequence: Lo > Med > Hi > Strobe, spending about 1 sec on each mode before continuing. To select the one you want, simply let go of the switch. The light has mode memory, so it will come back on at whatever mode you left it.

Output modes are slightly revised from the Olight M30, with the Med mode being a little brighter. The strobe has also been reduced to ~9.5 Hz.

A6-Strobe.gif


But for all intents and purposes, the output levels and sequence are very familiar to the M30. :)

No PWM

Unlike the M30, which has a fairly noticeable PWM of 104Hz on its Lo and Med modes, I am unable to detect any signs of PWM on the ITP A6 by eye or instrument. That suggests the light is current-controlled, or that the PWM frequency is quite high (in the multiple thousands of cycles per second at least). :thumbsup:

Testing Method: All my output numbers are relative for my home-made light box setup, a la Quickbeam's flashlight reviews method. You can directly compare all my relative output values from different reviews - i.e. an output value of "10" in one graph is the same as "10" in another. All runtimes are done under a cooling fan.

Throw values are the square-root of lux measurements taken at 5 meters from the lens, using a light meter, and then extrapolated back to estimate values for 1 meter. This will be my standard way to present throw on these types of lights from now on. The beams don't really have a chance to fully converge until typically several meters out

Some of the other lights take a couple of minutes to settle into their regulated output state (i.e. their initial output is higher, but not for long). As such, all my output and throw numbers are taken after 2 mins of continuous runtime (on 2x18650 AW Protected cells).

Throw/Output Summary Chart:

2x18650-Summary.gif


Consistent with what you saw in the beamshots, the A6 is basically the same as the Olight M30, with just slightly less max output. Overall output is still well within the range of other MC-E/P7 class lights (if toward the low end), while throw is definitely at the lowest end of the class.

Output/Runtime Comparison

A6-Runtimes.gif


UPDATE 12/15/09: As expected, alkalines were not able to provide sufficient power on Hi to keep the light at a regulated output level. I doubt it's a good idea to run alkaline cells on max for any period of time, but at least they work in a pinch. Excellent regulation with alkalines on Med.

UPDATE 12/19/09:
Low mode runtime on alkaline lasted at least 3 days before depleting the cells. Didn't do a continuous lightbox test, so no runtime trace to add above, but light appeared to be very regulated over this time. :thumbsup:

Overall, no surprises here - runtimes as expected based on ITP stats. :)

Note: Although the ITP A6 Polestar runs on 6xAA, I have decided to compare it to the 2x18650 for all the other members of this MC-E/P7 class.

All 18650 runtimes were done on AW protected cells (2200mAh). The A6 was run on 6xEneloop (2000mAh).

2x18650-Hi18650.gif

2x18650-Med18650.gif


Potential Issues

The light uses a plastic battery carrier to hold the cells. Long-term stability is unknown, and the original (black) shipping carrier had to be recalled and replaced with this (clear) version. As with all carriers, you need to pay particular attention to how you orient the cells (i.e. negative battery terminal toward the springs).

Build quality seems lower than most lights of the MC-E/P7 class – in keeping with its budget status. Of particular note are the simple metal contact in the head and the thin-wall construction.

The light is not particularly "grippy" (i.e. ridge detail is minimal)

Preliminary Observations

For what it is – a budget MC-E light that runs on common AA cells – I think the ITP A6 Polestar fulfills its mandate rather well.

The light has a lot of nice features – most notably the excellent floody reflector (identical to the Olight M30) which minimizes the infamous MC-E/P7 "donut hole". Of course, there is a trade-off here: peak centre-beam throw is among the lowest I've seen for this class of light.

Ergonomically, the front-ended switch will feel more familiar to general flashlight users. A bit unusual to hold the switch down to switch modes, but it is pretty straight-forward when you get used to it.

The choice of output levels and sequence (Lo – Med – Hi – Strobe) is similar to the M30, but with a more traditional mid-level Med and slightly slower strobe (although still quite "tactical" at 9.5 Hz :rolleyes:). More importantly, PWM is undetectable on my A6 sample - so either the light is current-controlled, or the frequency is too high to detect. :twothumbs In contrast, the M30 suffers from a very noticeable ~104 Hz PWM due to its dual-switch design and tailcap processor.

Coupled with the A6's memory feature (light remembers last mode used), I think this is a good mix of output levels and basic user interface that should suit the general user quite well. :kiss:

No complains about the overall output/runtime efficiency, although I don't really have much to compare to here (e.g. I don't own the Fenix TK40). The runtimes and relative output estimates appear to match ITP's numbers. The Lo/Med runtimes on standard alkalines were very impressive (i.e. fully regulated, and relatively long-lasting).

So what's not to like here? In a word, the rather basic construction (ok, that's a couple of words ;)). Clearly, ITP is doing everything it can to keep the costs down, but I wish they had sprung for a more robust way to connect the batteries to the light (i.e. I don't like the simple connector interfaces from the carrier to the light). I also find the aluminum body wall construction to be rather thin – I would have preferred something a little more traditional in thickness (like the Olight M30 or Lumapower Mentor, etc.). And it would be good if the body had a bit more knurling or ridge detail – I find it a little smooth in handling as is.

Bottom line, it's a fun little light - but it doesn't have the same quality feel as the more substantial Li-ion based options in this space. However, I certainly can't argue with the price – at $80 list, it is probably the most affordable brand-name MC-E light out there. :)
 
Last edited:

Hitthespot

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Oct 15, 2007
Messages
1,662
Location
Mentor, Ohio
Unfortunately I wanted this light but have been less than thrilled with what I've read so far, and the beam shots haven't exactly floated my boat either. If they could have brought this light in at below $80.00 and kept the quality up I would have been all over it. As it stands my lights get used in the field and I have to depend on them. I just wouldn't feel comfortable with this light. One of the things I did really like about this light was the 160 lumen medium mode. So many manufacturers are making their middle modes around 40-60 lumens. That is a big turn off for me.

I'm afraid if I felt the need for a MC-E light I would go with the TK-40. It's no secret I'm a big fan of AA lights for the field since everything I take with me is AA. I keep hoping Surefire will make one of their optic lights in AA but I know it just isn't going to happen.

Of coarse maybe with an ITP light I wouldn't have to wait weeks for a replacement lens like I am with the Jetbeam III M.

As always thanks Eric. I ALWAYS look forward to your reviews.

Bill
 
Last edited:

madmook

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Oct 14, 2009
Messages
149
Location
SoCal
Great review! I have one of these and agree with your observations.

I am glad to see the nice alkaline performance (at least on medium). Although that'll be a last resort, of course.
 

HKJ

Flashaholic
Joined
Mar 26, 2008
Messages
9,715
Location
Copenhagen, Denmark
PWM

Unlike the M30, which has a fairly noticeable PWM of 104Hz on its Lo and Med modes, I am unable to detect any signs of PWM on the ITP A6 by eye or instrument. That suggests the PWM frequency is quite high, in the multiple thousands of cycles per second at least. :thumbsup:

It could also suggest that the light is current controlled (I did not measure any pwm either and I can easily measure 30+ kHz).
 

adirondackdestroyer

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Oct 31, 2005
Messages
2,018
Great review Selfbuilt! I agree that the battery carrier could be higher quality. I received mine in the mail yesterday (replacement for the first one that made a high pitched noise) and like everything else about it.

The thing that I hate about lights that use battery carriers is that you are left with a useless flashlight whenever it breaks.
 

sol-leks

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Aug 10, 2008
Messages
1,695
Thanks for the thorough review, pity the quality isn't better. I really like how it is like the fenix tk40, but 6 cells instead of 8. Seems a bit more manageable.
 

selfbuilt

Flashaholic
Joined
May 27, 2006
Messages
7,005
Location
Canada
It could also suggest that the light is current controlled (I did not measure any pwm either and I can easily measure 30+ kHz).
Good point HKJ - I shouldn't be so quick to assume PWM. Given you can't detect it with your more sophisticated setup, current-controlled does indeed seem more likely. I will revise my comments.

I am glad to see the nice alkaline performance (at least on medium). Although that'll be a last resort, of course.
Yeah, that's how I look at it too. But of course, the general user community out there tends to use alkalines, so it's important to compare. I may try a Hi mode soon, just to see ....

Unfortunately I wanted this light but have been less than thrilled with what I've read so far, and the beam shots haven't exactly floated my boat either. If they could have brought this light in at below $80.00 and kept the quality up I would have been all over it. As it stands my lights get used in the field and I have to depend on them. I just wouldn't feel comfortable with this light. One of the things I did really like about this light was the 160 lumen medium mode. So many manufacturers are making their middle modes around 40-60 lumens. That is a big turn off for me.
I agree that the battery carrier could be higher quality. ... The thing that I hate about lights that use battery carriers is that you are left with a useless flashlight whenever it breaks.
Thanks for the thorough review, pity the quality isn't better.
I think this is the main message here for ITP - there is clearly a lot of demand for this sort of light, but you need to be very careful in what you skimp on. I too worry about how well the battery carrier will hold up - but I can at least say it has survived my testing so far without problems. And that's more than I can say for some cheapo lights with carriers I've played with in the past ... :whistle:
 

adirondackdestroyer

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Oct 31, 2005
Messages
2,018
Selfbuilt,

Are you planning on doing a runtime graph for the low setting? I know it may seem insane, but I was hoping you would (if you have the time).
I'm pretty impressed that it runs for over 9 hours in the medium setting, considering I tested it to be well over 100 out the front lumens in my lightbox. Not bad! :twothumbs
 

DM51

Flashaholic
Joined
Oct 31, 2006
Messages
13,338
Location
Borg cube #51
Very good and thorough review. That battery holder may cause problems, but the simple UI and front-end switch may make it a popular general-purpose light.

Moving to the Reviews section...
 

selfbuilt

Flashaholic
Joined
May 27, 2006
Messages
7,005
Location
Canada
I have just updated the runtime graph with the Hi mode on alkalines: (hit your browser re-load if you don't see the new trace)

A6-Runtimes.gif


As expected, alkalines can't handle the drain in a regulated fashion for long. Plus I don't imagine it's too great for the cells to try, but at least it does work in a pinch. :shrug:

Are you planning on doing a runtime graph for the low setting? I know it may seem insane, but I was hoping you would (if you have the time). I'm pretty impressed that it runs for over 9 hours in the medium setting, considering I tested it to be well over 100 out the front lumens in my lightbox. Not bad! :twothumbs
Hmm, ok, but it will have to be an alkaline-only run and done outside my lightbox (too many other lights to work on :whistle:). I'll start it up and let you know when it goes off ... :wave:
 

adirondackdestroyer

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Oct 31, 2005
Messages
2,018
Well, the light shut-off sometime during the night, so that means somewhere around 3.5 days on low on alkaline. Last time I checked it was yesterday afternoon, which was just over 3 hours. :)


Sweet! I had to be so damn picky, but do you remember if the output stayed flat for most of the time (like the medium mode does)?
 

adirondackdestroyer

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Oct 31, 2005
Messages
2,018
Yes, it was regulated over the run. I popped it into the lightbox a couple of times, and the output was rock solid.

Great! I figured it was, considering how good the regulation was on medium, but I wanted to make sure. 72+ hours is pretty damn good considering how useful that level of output is.
Thanks!
 

enots

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Mar 5, 2010
Messages
6
Does the ITP A6 have enough throw to light up a person for identification from 100 yards?
 

Chevy-SS

Enlightened
Joined
Feb 21, 2010
Messages
611
Location
Rhode Island
Thanks for great review selfbuilt :thumbsup:

I bought an A6 Polestar a few weeks ago. It was my first 'real' LED flashlight. I like the fact that it uses AA batteries, which are available everywhere.

I consider the A6 to be a great all-purpose flashlight. The 4 modes are very intuitive and easy to adjust. This light puts all of my old C & D Maglites to shame, it's very bright and lights up my neighbors houses really good.

-
 

carl

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 2, 2001
Messages
1,483
Location
los angeles
I wish Fenix would make one like this with 6AA and side switch. Or a lower power 3AA. Like the UI too.
 
Top