LG&M
Enlightened
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Outstanding work. Thank you. I have a weakness for 1 CR123. You are not helping me fight it. :mecry:
1xCR123A/RCR Round-up Review: RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, & more!
- Thread starter selfbuilt
- Start date
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geek4christ
Enlightened
Your reviews are so very useful, selfbuilt. Thanks for putting the time into them.
BigBluefish
Flashlight Enthusiast
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- Jan 25, 2008
- Messages
- 1,461
Another great review, Selfbuilt, thanks.
I just got my D-Mini Q5 from BatteryJunction today (along with its little brother the LM31). I must admit I found your regulation and runtime results a bit disappointing, though perhaps the Q5 version will perform a little better (though I would think runtime would be similar, and it would just be brighter, though perhaps I am wrong). As you noted, build quality is very good, and the clicky is nice and firm, especially for a forward clicky. But with the clicky also changing modes, 'momentary on' isn't really an option. The light feels very solid, but not too heavy. I have large hands, and this is alot more comfortable to use than my L1T v2, or my RC-N3 with the 1 x CR123a tube. The little sucker does throw on 'high', and 'low' mode looks to be about 10 lumens, and should be very useful. (I just hope it runs for more than 14 hours...I can get that from my L1T v2!)
I just got my D-Mini Q5 from BatteryJunction today (along with its little brother the LM31). I must admit I found your regulation and runtime results a bit disappointing, though perhaps the Q5 version will perform a little better (though I would think runtime would be similar, and it would just be brighter, though perhaps I am wrong). As you noted, build quality is very good, and the clicky is nice and firm, especially for a forward clicky. But with the clicky also changing modes, 'momentary on' isn't really an option. The light feels very solid, but not too heavy. I have large hands, and this is alot more comfortable to use than my L1T v2, or my RC-N3 with the 1 x CR123a tube. The little sucker does throw on 'high', and 'low' mode looks to be about 10 lumens, and should be very useful. (I just hope it runs for more than 14 hours...I can get that from my L1T v2!)
txgp17
Enlightened
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- Oct 23, 2007
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- 242
Awesome review.
aceo07
Enlightened
Thanks for the amazingly detailed review! Great job!
Looking at those graphs, I'm shocked to see how much the Fenix P2D stomps on the Novatac 120p. Especially noticable on HI/Med for Primary and RCR. It's brighter and lasts for almost as long or longer. Fenix regulation is flatter on Primary Hi/Med/Low than the Novatac.
Looking at those graphs, I'm shocked to see how much the Fenix P2D stomps on the Novatac 120p. Especially noticable on HI/Med for Primary and RCR. It's brighter and lasts for almost as long or longer. Fenix regulation is flatter on Primary Hi/Med/Low than the Novatac.
Thanks for the support everyone. 
The Jet-II PRO has arrived, and I'm just finishing up runtimes - review should up be within the next day or two. Jetbeam sent me one with the textured reflector, which is great since it allows me to compare apples-to-apples in terms of beam characteristics. Stay tuned ...
Obviously a lot of interest on this one! EDGETAC will be sending me one to review, but I don't know the exact timeframe. I imagine it should have pretty good runtimes, given that output is limited to 130 torch lumens (i.e. about what the NDI currently puts out, not the Extreme). We'll see!
To be fair, the P2D is running a Q5, versus the 120P's (presumably U-bin) SSC, so you should expect greater luminous flux or greater runtime on the P2D. Also, current-controlled lights (like the P2D) have an advantage over PWM on the lower outputs, since the emitters are more efficient at lower currents. And of course, nothing is more efficient than direct drive on Li-ion, so it's not surprising the P2D does so well here (but basically means you loose all the low modes). When you factor in the versatility and low output levels possible with the 120P (not to mention its build quality, beam quality, etc.), it's understandable why this light is such a favourite. But the P2D is indeed one of your best choices if you are looking for straight output/runtime efficiency.
Mine is one of the first Q2 Digital D-mini's off the assembly line, so I fully expect the latest batch of Q5s to be better performers (and again, I know my lightbox is under-estimating the output of this dedicated thrower somewhat). But it's still a great light - especially for those with larger hands who like a bit more heft.
:goodjob: putting this information together. Two of my EDC lights (120 & E1B) are listed here and it's nice to see how they compare.
I am very impressed with the Fenix & NiteCore.
I am very impressed with the Fenix & NiteCore.
Good point, but these beamshots are only 0.5m from a white wall. I've been meaning to do detailed outdoor night shots with these, but haven't gotten around to it yet (it's always easier to skulk around the inside of your own house at night
). But it's on my list of things to do ... Subjectively, I find only the strong throwers like the D-mini and Jet-II have notceable rings outdoors - and then only at really up-close distances. At regular distances in real use, they aren't noticeable at all (or at least, I don't notice them).
Me too.
And I also think the 120 and E1B make great EDCs, for different reasons and to suit different uses. Top notch build quality on both of 'em ...
DM51
Flashaholic
A very useful and thorough comparison. I'm moving it to the Review section.
Vrey informative review. thanks very much...:twothumbs
Backpacker
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Jul 30, 2007
- Messages
- 43
Exactly the comparison I've been looking for.
The 1 x 123 is the perfect form factor for a backpack flashlight. Small, lightweight, and able to throw.
Thanks for this very useful comparison :twothumbs
The 1 x 123 is the perfect form factor for a backpack flashlight. Small, lightweight, and able to throw.
Thanks for this very useful comparison :twothumbs
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I came to the light...
Flashlight Enthusiast
- Joined
- Nov 4, 2007
- Messages
- 1,059
This is the kind of review a true flashaholics prays for
I really hate to do this to you, but a few days ago your review lost is exhalted title as the complete CR-powered compilation - I think the EX10 is really begging to be put in. I've just purchased a LF5XT, but I'll probably purchase the CR123 winner according to this review... as soon as the EX10 is included
I really hate to do this to you, but a few days ago your review lost is exhalted title as the complete CR-powered compilation - I think the EX10 is really begging to be put in. I've just purchased a LF5XT, but I'll probably purchase the CR123 winner according to this review... as soon as the EX10 is included
I don't believe there's only one "winner" here.I think the EX10 is really begging to be put in. I've just purchased a LF5XT, but I'll probably purchase the CR123 winner according to this review... as soon as the EX10 is included
But not to worry, the EX10 will be added to this review, just as the D10 and LF5XT will be added to my 1AA round-up review. Just waiting on the vagaries of the postal system - likely won't be for a few more weeks, I'm afraidBut a point to keep in mind about the EX10 - based on the specs, max output is kept to 130 lumens, which is comparable to the E1B,120P, Incendio, but less than the P2D, Extreme, and Jet-II.
Oh, and my new Jet-II PRO review is up. I'll update this thread in a few days.
Excellent review! I'd also be interested in seeing a few of the cheap dx lights in just for kicks, and a little perspective, thanks.
coors
Enlightened
Good point, but these beamshots are only 0.5m from a white wall. I've been meaning to do detailed outdoor night shots with these, but haven't gotten around to it yet (it's always easier to skulk around the inside of your own house at night
I don't know how I missed seeing this review before now. It's fantastic to have the info about all of these lights in one place. Thank you, selfbuilt!
I'm looking forward to seeing outdoor beamshots in your reviews, too. That would be great!
coors
RGB_LED
Enlightened
selfbuilt... once again, a great review! :twothumbs
I was quite surprised, but kind of glad, that there is no clear 'winner' with these lights... clearly, you would have to decide what is more important to you ie. runtime vs. output vs. ramping vs. build, etc.., and decide on a light that would fulfill your needs. I have a few of these lights and I find it difficult sometimes to choose which one to edc as there are definitely strengths and weaknesses to each.
I have to say though that the one surprise for me was reading about the Horus... I didn't know what to make of this light when I first started reading about it and thought that they were quite nervy to make a Titanium light as their first offering (that I could tell) but the comment you made about beam pattern and the fact that it's right there in the pack with its performance was a pleasant surprise.
It will also be interesting to see the Nitecore EX10 added to this comparison.
I was quite surprised, but kind of glad, that there is no clear 'winner' with these lights... clearly, you would have to decide what is more important to you ie. runtime vs. output vs. ramping vs. build, etc.., and decide on a light that would fulfill your needs. I have a few of these lights and I find it difficult sometimes to choose which one to edc as there are definitely strengths and weaknesses to each.
I have to say though that the one surprise for me was reading about the Horus... I didn't know what to make of this light when I first started reading about it and thought that they were quite nervy to make a Titanium light as their first offering (that I could tell) but the comment you made about beam pattern and the fact that it's right there in the pack with its performance was a pleasant surprise.
It will also be interesting to see the Nitecore EX10 added to this comparison.
