OLIGHT SR52-UT XP-L Hi (3Px18650) REVIEW

FlashLion

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Hello
OLIGHT is updating with new LEDs many of its high distance flashlights and some of the tactical lights,as well.
The new LEDs are de-domed XM-L2,XP-L and recently in the reviewed below SR52-UT,Cree XP-L Hi. The main goal of the upgrade is reaching higher peak beam intensity,which results in a longer distance of throw.
The SR52 definitely is one of the most refined flashlights I've tested,so far and the new SR52-UT with a high intensity emitter adds even more on the top.
Unlike the de-domed XM-L2 and XP-L leds,the new XP-L Hi comes from the Cree directly without any modifications.
It is designed with a thin silicone layer,which gives some impact protection and the tint of the light is unchanged clear white.

The Overall design from the SR52 is untouched. I will not comment that much the build quality,so please read also my SR52 Review,for my opinion.

20710956929_e6dac7ddff_z.jpg

The SR52 UT come in the well known Olight plastic cases.
Very convenient to carry the flashlight and all its accessories.
There are also places for batteries.


Inside- Car charger,Micro USB cable(not on the picture),great holster,Spare O-rings.
A little unexpected,there is no home,wall charger coming with the new model.
The charging current is 1A,so be careful,if you plan to use a computer USB port,or phone charger.
Be sure,they support high current charging.



Here is the flashlight inside the holster. Good protection.
No velcro tape for attaching.


These are the main specifications from the user manual.





Beautiful wide and deep aluminum reflector.




Ultra clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating. You can hardly say,there is a glass lens,on the pictures.


There are two holes on the tailcap,for strap attaching.




The Micro USB charging port. The white dot nearby,is the status indicator.
Red light when charging,green when charging is finished.
The indicator blinks red also,to alert for low battery voltage.
The port is covered with a plastic sliding "door".

The green light is very dim and hardly visible.
Voltage of the batteries after charge U=4,17V
The charging process stops completely when the light is green.
Any 5V USB port,or wall/car adapter supporting 1A current draw,can be used for charging the SR52UT.



All batteries are electrically connected in parallel. This means,the voltage is the same as the voltage of a single battery,the capacity is triple the single battery.
This is good for the run time,but limits the possibility of the driver to regulates the output at any battery voltage.


The light works even with a single battery.
I tested it.No problem to screw the tailcap.
Because of a physical reverse polarity protection,flat top batteries are not supported.
You really don't want to put a battery with two other batteries in reverse. So,the physical protection is really needed here.

Anodized,square cut threads.


Quick comparison with the previous model.
The SR52 UT is on the left.
Identical design. The charging port is on the opposite side on the new model.





The operation manual.










Lumen measurements(30sec after activation)
High mode 1130 Lm The highest output depends on the batteries,so different measurements are quite possible.
Mid mode 540 Lm
Low mode 102 Lm

I measure 900 Lm High mode,using only one battery.

Peak beam intensity 200kcd and even more,depending on the batteries.

Standby current draw,amazingly low! Just 4,7 µA.




Now,let's go to the most important part of a flashlight.The light it produces.

Another picture showing the deep reflector and the very clean glass lens.

The XP-L Hi LED is perfectly centered.

Close-ups of the Cree XP-L Hi LED.


The thin silicone layer is slightly matte. This is probably improving the beam tint.


Beamshots

The light from the XP-L Hi mounted in the SR52UT is cool white.No greenish,or bluish.
I would say it is identical to the light from the previous version with a XM-L2 LED.





Clean beam profile. Small and very bright hotspot.Good spill.
There are some artifacts around the hotspot,when pointed on a white wall.
The flashlight is a definite thrower designed for a long distance illumination and at that distance the beam is perfect.


1meter, 1/20sec
High-Mid-Low
I

5 meters,1/6sec



Peak beam intensity measured by me.
Measured at 3 meters distance.
Olight SR52UT 213.300cd
Olight M3XS UT 261.000cd
Olight M2X UT 180.000cd
ThruNite TN32 211.500cd
I can't guarantee the accuracy of my luxmeter.

5 meters,1/50sec



5 meters,1/250sec



5 meters,1/1000sec



5 meters,1/1600sec



Below is a comparison at 5 meters distance,with the predecessor Olight SR52 with a XM-L2 LED.
1/50sec


1/200sec


1/500sec



Outdoor Beamshots

I did all possible to represent the real beam tint on the pictures I show in the review.
However it's hard to judge for the tint only by the pictures.There are too many factors that could affect the color reproduction-screen brightness,white balance setting,contrast,etc. The tint is also depending on the exposure of the picture.

I put even more effort this time. Hope you enjoy all the static and animated beamshots :thumbsup:.

Olight SR52 UT in action.
(maybe a little warmer white balance here,than the real)


Olight M3XS UT(left side) Olight SR52 UT(right side) Distance ~75 meters


Olight M3XS UT(left side) Olight SR52 UT(right side) Distance ~75 meters


Distance ~75 meters

Distance ~75 meters


Here(below) the M2X and M3XS look more yellowish/greenish,because of the slightly different white balance.
I tried to correct it,but the SR52UT and the TN32 became bluish/purplish.

Distance ~160 meters


All pictures from above animated.Unfortunately no much detail in the GIF format.


Distance ~160 meters


Olight is one of the first manufacturers adding the new special high intensity emitter to their flashlights(actually the SR52UT is the first and only model,so far).
The upgrade is really worth it.We get one of the best throw capabilities,from a stock flashlight,without sacrificing the tint. The light from the Cree XP-L Hi led used here is cool white.No sign of the greenish tint from the de-domed leds. It's great to have the choice :thumbsup:. The peak beam intensity is higher than the Olight M2X and without the tint. The M3XS UT has a higher intensity and higher lumen output,but it also has the greenish tint(hopefully they will upgrade it with the XP-L Hi soon).
According to my lux measurements,the SR52UT and Thrunite TN32 have the same peak beam intensity. The lumen output on the TN32 is higher though and still does impress when switching to it. Note that in the TN32 all batteries are in series and the output is constant,because of the higher voltage. The output of the SR52UT drops with the voltage drop,which means it will not start with the same output every time.The size of the SR52UT on other hand,is much more compact and easy to carry and operate.

Normally for Olight,build quality is on high level. The charging feature works as it should-safe terminating voltage,compatible with USB power source. The charging time takes more time than I usually like to wait. One amp current is divided among three batteries.Each of the batteries take ~333mA,which results in about 10 hours charging time,for fully discharged 3400mAh batteries.
I like that I can use the flashlight even with one,or two batteries,if needed.
I don't find any deffect,or something to bother me. The Olight SR52 UT is still a great choice for a thrower,as its predecessor.

Thanks for reading!

Thanks to Olight for providing the SR52 UT for test and review!

 
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Ryp

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Re: OLIGHT SR52-UT XP-L Hi (3Px18650) REVIEW (80% complete)

Wow, great photos and gifs!
 

tab665

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Re: OLIGHT SR52-UT XP-L Hi (3Px18650) REVIEW (80% complete)

great beamshots!! nice long runtime, almost 3 hrs before it drops to 50%! definitely a good mix of output and runtime. i havent purchased an olight since i got a SR50 with the sst50 years ago. this is better in every way imaginable AND retails for half the price the original SR50 did.
 

KarstGhost

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Re: OLIGHT SR52-UT XP-L Hi (3Px18650) REVIEW (80% complete)

Love the animated beam shots! Very cool and useful!
 

keithallenlaw

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Re: OLIGHT SR52-UT XP-L Hi (3Px18650) REVIEW (80% complete)

Batteries must be in a parallel configuration? Don't see how at that output and time.
3x18650's in a series is to much if the light is only rated @9v max. :confused:

Edit: How rude. Very nice presentation! :twothumbs
 

FlashLion

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Re: OLIGHT SR52-UT XP-L Hi (3Px18650) REVIEW (80% complete)

Thanks for the comments!

It is rated up to 9V,because six RCR123A or 18350 can be inserted instead of three 18650.
This means,each of the 18650 batteries is replaced by 2x4,2V
The output will be constant,thanks to the higher voltage,but so many batteries and some of them in series is not for everyone.
Of course,RCR123A can't be charged in the flashlight!
 
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ven

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Re: OLIGHT SR52-UT XP-L Hi (3Px18650) REVIEW (80% complete)

wow awesome pics flashlion,:cool:stunning beam shots:),thank you for the time and effort:thumbsup:
 

Tac Gunner

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Re: OLIGHT SR52-UT XP-L Hi (3Px18650) REVIEW (80% complete)

Thank you for the beam shots! Finally a good comparison of the SR52-UT and the M2X-UT.

I want a new thrower that will put a minimum of 2 lux on a target at 350m and both of these are being considered for there size and performance. I want something smaller than my SX25L2 Turbo because my big lights don't get used due to the size.

Of the two which do you recommend and how much difference is there in size? I know the dimensions but the still don't do justice when explaining how a light fells in the hand.
 

Tac Gunner

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Re: OLIGHT SR52-UT XP-L Hi (3Px18650) REVIEW (80% complete)

To reach 350m with 2 lux will require 245KCD.

Thanks,
-Chuck

Thanks but I was basing my calculations off of Selfbuilt's review of the M2X-UT that measured 196kcd which would give me 1.6 lux, that's as close as I have found in a stock light in this size range. I may end up getting a modded version later.
 

ven

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Re: OLIGHT SR52-UT XP-L Hi (3Px18650) REVIEW (80% complete)

Regarding size tac,i can say the sr52 feels great in hand,nice size/balance and of a solid feel. Bonus of running in high till the cells say no more,heat is no problem with this light!!!

Its one of my fav all time lights,great throw in a relatively compact size for a 3 cell light. I am yet to hear anyone not happy with the sr52!

:thumbsup:
 

chuckhov

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Re: OLIGHT SR52-UT XP-L Hi (3Px18650) REVIEW (80% complete)

The only thing that I don't like about it, is because of the 'In-Light' charging, the cells are parallel. - This limits voltage and hence the light is poorly regulated on high. - As Flashlion mentioned, using 6 primaries should fix the regulation problem, but of course CR123's introduce problems of their own.

Other than that, I really like this light!

I wonder just how much 4.35v 18650's would help?

Thanks,
-Chuck
 

ven

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Re: OLIGHT SR52-UT XP-L Hi (3Px18650) REVIEW (80% complete)

Yes,direct drive pattern on high,not regulated, the USB is just handy to have but i always charge my cells out of my lights tbh.

Low/med have good regulation ..........so using on medium for hours would give a nice balanced regulated output of over 4/5hrs(cell dependent)

Pros/cons, for the pros,having direct drive it takes a while to notice it ,its not a huge output and looking at the graph it would probably be past 80 min on high before even noticing if running continuous ...........if not longer with eyes adapting. Also plenty of warning with the light getting dimmer,so no being left in the dark.

Also running in high continuous,you have potentially 260 minutes of useful light !Thats with 3100mah cells,of course 3500mah would give longer still.........just imo:)
 

Mr. Tone

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Re: OLIGHT SR52-UT XP-L Hi (3Px18650) REVIEW (80% complete)

Your photos are great as is your review. This is a very tempting offering by Olight.
 

FlashLion

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Re: OLIGHT SR52-UT XP-L Hi (3Px18650) REVIEW (80% complete)

Thank you for the beam shots! Finally a good comparison of the SR52-UT and the M2X-UT.

I want a new thrower that will put a minimum of 2 lux on a target at 350m and both of these are being considered for there size and performance. I want something smaller than my SX25L2 Turbo because my big lights don't get used due to the size.

Of the two which do you recommend and how much difference is there in size? I know the dimensions but the still don't do justice when explaining how a light fells in the hand.
Thanks for reading!

Both flashlights SR52UT and M2XUT have almost the same head diameter and length of the body.
The SR52 though is much heavier,which is really good for the heat dissipation,but weighs more when carrying,even in a backpack.
SR52UT=534gr. with batteries
M2X UT=267gr. with a battery
The SR52UT requires some time to adjust the position of the switch in the hand,so the M2X may be a better choice,if quick activating is needed.
About the quality of the light,the SR52UT is very clean white(may be too cool white for some people).The M2XUT in the version I have with de-domed XM-L2 is noticeably greenish tint.
The SR52UT has about 200 lumens more output and at least 20kcd more beam intensity. It also has no timed step down.This could be a huge advantage,depending on the way of use.
I really like the M2X,it is one of the best "pocket" throwers. But to be honest,after getting the M3XS UT,I almost don't use the M2X.
The M3XS UT with two 18500 is also a good choice.


 
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keithallenlaw

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Re: OLIGHT SR52-UT XP-L Hi (3Px18650) REVIEW (80% complete)

So it is a parallel configuration? 6x16340's or 18350's reach 25 volts.
But in the parallel configuration we are talking only 3.6 to 4.2v?
Just doesn't make sense unless the circuitry is taking advantage
of gobs of mAh. Unless they are running 3 series groups in parallel.
That would be 8.4v max which makes more sense.
Help me see this please.

Thanks for the comments!

It is rated up to 9V,because six RCR123A or 18350 can be inserted instead of three 18650.
This means,each of the 18650 batteries is replaced by 2x4,2V
The output will be constant,thanks to the higher voltage,but so many batteries and some of them in series is not for everyone.
Of course,RCR123A can't be charged in the flashlight!
 
Last edited:

ven

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Re: OLIGHT SR52-UT XP-L Hi (3Px18650) REVIEW (80% complete)

So it is a parallel configuration? 6x16340's or 18350's reach 25 volts.
But in the parallel configuration we are talking only 3.6 to 4.2v?
Just doesn't make sense unless the circuitry is taking advantage
of gobs of mAh. Unless they are running 3 series groups in parallel.
That would be 8.4v max which makes more sense.
Help me see this in please.


Yes parallel 1s3p 3-9v iirc
 

FlashLion

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Re: OLIGHT SR52-UT XP-L Hi (3Px18650) REVIEW (80% complete)

So it is a parallel configuration? 6x16340's or 18350's reach 25 volts.
But in the parallel configuration we are talking only 3.6 to 4.2v?
Just doesn't make sense unless the circuitry is taking advantage
of gobs of mAh. Unless they are running 3 series groups in parallel.
That would be 8.4v max which makes more sense.
Help me see this in please.
The batteries are in parallel configuration,because of the charging option. With 5V,1A, we can charge only 4,2V batteries.Charging batteries in parallel is also much more safe way to do.
Yes,if you use 16340/18350 batteries,they will be 3x 8,4V in parallel. Total voltage 8,4V.
If,each of the batteries has 800mAh capacity,the total mAh will be 2400mAh.
 
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