kj75
Enlightened
The brand Thorfire produces rather cheap, but good quality lights. This is not a slogan, but my opinion after I reviewed about five members of the family. Recently, the VG15 came in: this is a (little) brother of the VG10, also positioned in the popular 1 x 18650-class. Let's have a look at the VG15, and see the difference between the VG10 brother!
the Thorfire VG15, another addition in the 1x18650-class
powered by XM-L2
suited for tactical and all-day-use
Let's have a look at the (short) description Thorfire gives:
Features:
· Utilizes Cree XM-L2 LED.
· Gives out 1.6LM-800LM output
· max. 200m beam distance.
· 5 Modes: Eco/Low/Mid/High and hidden strobe.
· Double tap to activate strobe mode.
· Runs on 1x 18650 battery or 2x CR123A batteries.(Neither Included)
· Superior quality.
· Made of Aircraft-grade Aluminum.
· Waterproof to IPX-8 standard.
· What's in Box: 1 x ThorFire VG15 flashlight.
· 40 days money-back guarantee.
And the output specs:
Unboxing:
All Thorfires I got until now, came in cheap-looking cartons. The VG15 also. The light-brown, some weak box has only the brands' name and a sticker with some features of the light on it. That's all. The contents are surprising: this carton is really complete! A lot of spare-parts are included. So, a simple but complete box. Have a look at the pictures that show the contents!
a no-nonsense, cheap carton
but complete: the VG15, leaflet, manual, holster, lanyard and 7(!) spare parts
Impressions:
Like I said earlier in this review, the first impression of this light is good. It has pretty heavy feels because of the used materials. I can tell you Thorfire surprises again with the VG15 because of the good build quality for this price. Machining is well done, no sharp parts or defects here, anodizing is well done. The lubricating of the threads could be some better. The VG15 has a clean, orange-peel reflector and a well centered XM-L2 led. The cooling fins at the lights head are flattened and prevent accidentally rolling off the table. Inside the tube the finishing is ok, the tailcaps' inner too. Strong springs both in the head and tailcap, you can use both button-tops and flat-tops. The VG15 has comfortable grip and luckily, instead of some earlier tested Thorfires, a strong clip that has enough length. Tailstanding is no problem, the double holes at the tail are a strong point: with a added-on lanyard the light still stands stable. Well done! Summarizing, no remarks at the machining and finishing. Scroll down for more impression-pictures….
another addition to the busy 1x18650 class…
the Thorfire VG15
steady tailstanding here..
all modes controlled by the tailclicky
no problem to carry it every day
the textured reflector has a bluish color
nice bezel and well-centered led
good build quality, rather heavy tube and parts
well machined and double lanyard holes
not that much grease at the threads
a look into the tailcap
the button has stiff structure and is easy to locate
the tubes's inner
the VG15 comes including a (thin) holster…
but good quality lanyard
the XM-L2 led
User interface:
The VG15 has solid feels, is therefore little heavy, but can easily controlled by one hand. All modes are controlled by the tailbutton. The VG15 hasn't momentary, so silent operation isn't possible. Click to turn to light on, after that tap to select the desired mode. The VG15 memorizes the last used mode. To enter the (total one) special mode needs some exercise: for me, it sometimes was a hard job to enter the strobe-mode. You've to activate this (when the light is on) by two short taps. Sometimes I succeed, but many times I failed. This should be fixed by Thorfire, and I would like to see an instant strobe too. Except that, the normal modes work fine, but, to be honest, this isn't my favorite interface.
Modes:
The Thorfire VG15 has total four normal modes. Good job from Thorfire that this light has also a very good low. Most users will appreciate this. After starting at ECO, you will get into LOW-MID-HIGH. The spacing is rather good, but a 5th mode between eco and low would be a nice addition. One special mode at the VG15, STROBE. It's easy to LOCK-OUT the light by releasing the lights' head or tailcap a little.
Size comparison:
The VG15 shown here together with it brother VG10 that has a bigger "throwy" head and body.
18650 cell, Thorfire VG15 and Thorfire VG10
Thorfire VG15 and Thorfire VG10
Thorfire VG15 and Thorfire VG10
the heads: both driven by a XM-L2
the tails: Thorfire VG15 and Thorfire VG10
Beamprofile:
Because of the used led in combination with the textured reflector the VG15 has a clear hotspot and corona, but a usable beam. The light has medium throw. The beam has a nice mixed profile and I can't find any defects. Unfortunately, PWM is visible at all modes. See also the wall pictures that show the VG15's profile…
Tint:
The tint is as often see at XM-L2's: Coolwhite spot and corona and little bluish in the spill. At the picture a comparison to the other Thorfire, the VG10, that has the same led.
Beamshots:
Starting by projecting the VG15's beam at a white wall. Total four modes here, the eco-mode is barely visible. Distance to the wall about 0,75 meters.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, 1/125 sec, F/2.7, 35mm
GIF-picture
Going outdoors now with the VG15. The beam shown in the forest here. Starting with the four output modes, after that also compared to the VG10 brother.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, 4 sec, F/2.7, 35mm
GIF-picture
the VG15 compared to the Thorfire VG10
Conclusion:
The VG15 has good build-quality, is easy to carry and has nice output and good spaced modes. Because of this, I can recommend this friendly-priced torch. I detected PWM at any mode (though a camera lens), but its barely or not visible while using the VG15. But I would like to see some improvements also: The Strobe-mode should be a direct one, and easy to activate. I would like to have an extra low mode too, around 10 lumens. Summarized, a good-quality light for a friendly price!
Thorfire VG15 provided for review
the Thorfire VG15, another addition in the 1x18650-class
powered by XM-L2
suited for tactical and all-day-use
Let's have a look at the (short) description Thorfire gives:
Features:
· Utilizes Cree XM-L2 LED.
· Gives out 1.6LM-800LM output
· max. 200m beam distance.
· 5 Modes: Eco/Low/Mid/High and hidden strobe.
· Double tap to activate strobe mode.
· Runs on 1x 18650 battery or 2x CR123A batteries.(Neither Included)
· Superior quality.
· Made of Aircraft-grade Aluminum.
· Waterproof to IPX-8 standard.
· What's in Box: 1 x ThorFire VG15 flashlight.
· 40 days money-back guarantee.
And the output specs:
Unboxing:
All Thorfires I got until now, came in cheap-looking cartons. The VG15 also. The light-brown, some weak box has only the brands' name and a sticker with some features of the light on it. That's all. The contents are surprising: this carton is really complete! A lot of spare-parts are included. So, a simple but complete box. Have a look at the pictures that show the contents!
a no-nonsense, cheap carton
but complete: the VG15, leaflet, manual, holster, lanyard and 7(!) spare parts
Impressions:
Like I said earlier in this review, the first impression of this light is good. It has pretty heavy feels because of the used materials. I can tell you Thorfire surprises again with the VG15 because of the good build quality for this price. Machining is well done, no sharp parts or defects here, anodizing is well done. The lubricating of the threads could be some better. The VG15 has a clean, orange-peel reflector and a well centered XM-L2 led. The cooling fins at the lights head are flattened and prevent accidentally rolling off the table. Inside the tube the finishing is ok, the tailcaps' inner too. Strong springs both in the head and tailcap, you can use both button-tops and flat-tops. The VG15 has comfortable grip and luckily, instead of some earlier tested Thorfires, a strong clip that has enough length. Tailstanding is no problem, the double holes at the tail are a strong point: with a added-on lanyard the light still stands stable. Well done! Summarizing, no remarks at the machining and finishing. Scroll down for more impression-pictures….
another addition to the busy 1x18650 class…
the Thorfire VG15
steady tailstanding here..
all modes controlled by the tailclicky
no problem to carry it every day
the textured reflector has a bluish color
nice bezel and well-centered led
good build quality, rather heavy tube and parts
well machined and double lanyard holes
not that much grease at the threads
a look into the tailcap
the button has stiff structure and is easy to locate
the tubes's inner
the VG15 comes including a (thin) holster…
but good quality lanyard
the XM-L2 led
User interface:
The VG15 has solid feels, is therefore little heavy, but can easily controlled by one hand. All modes are controlled by the tailbutton. The VG15 hasn't momentary, so silent operation isn't possible. Click to turn to light on, after that tap to select the desired mode. The VG15 memorizes the last used mode. To enter the (total one) special mode needs some exercise: for me, it sometimes was a hard job to enter the strobe-mode. You've to activate this (when the light is on) by two short taps. Sometimes I succeed, but many times I failed. This should be fixed by Thorfire, and I would like to see an instant strobe too. Except that, the normal modes work fine, but, to be honest, this isn't my favorite interface.
Modes:
The Thorfire VG15 has total four normal modes. Good job from Thorfire that this light has also a very good low. Most users will appreciate this. After starting at ECO, you will get into LOW-MID-HIGH. The spacing is rather good, but a 5th mode between eco and low would be a nice addition. One special mode at the VG15, STROBE. It's easy to LOCK-OUT the light by releasing the lights' head or tailcap a little.
Size comparison:
The VG15 shown here together with it brother VG10 that has a bigger "throwy" head and body.
18650 cell, Thorfire VG15 and Thorfire VG10
Thorfire VG15 and Thorfire VG10
Thorfire VG15 and Thorfire VG10
the heads: both driven by a XM-L2
the tails: Thorfire VG15 and Thorfire VG10
Beamprofile:
Because of the used led in combination with the textured reflector the VG15 has a clear hotspot and corona, but a usable beam. The light has medium throw. The beam has a nice mixed profile and I can't find any defects. Unfortunately, PWM is visible at all modes. See also the wall pictures that show the VG15's profile…
Tint:
The tint is as often see at XM-L2's: Coolwhite spot and corona and little bluish in the spill. At the picture a comparison to the other Thorfire, the VG10, that has the same led.
Beamshots:
Starting by projecting the VG15's beam at a white wall. Total four modes here, the eco-mode is barely visible. Distance to the wall about 0,75 meters.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, 1/125 sec, F/2.7, 35mm
GIF-picture
Going outdoors now with the VG15. The beam shown in the forest here. Starting with the four output modes, after that also compared to the VG10 brother.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, 4 sec, F/2.7, 35mm
GIF-picture
the VG15 compared to the Thorfire VG10
Conclusion:
The VG15 has good build-quality, is easy to carry and has nice output and good spaced modes. Because of this, I can recommend this friendly-priced torch. I detected PWM at any mode (though a camera lens), but its barely or not visible while using the VG15. But I would like to see some improvements also: The Strobe-mode should be a direct one, and easy to activate. I would like to have an extra low mode too, around 10 lumens. Summarized, a good-quality light for a friendly price!
Thorfire VG15 provided for review
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