EuphoricGrIn
Newly Enlightened
I've been lurking on CPF for years and finally decided that it was about time I "gave something back". So here's my first review - a quick look at the "900LM" SSC P7 900-Lumen LED Flashlight (1 x 18650) - sku 12271. I picked this particular model because it's the smallest P7 I've found, and I figured heat would be less of a problem as I plan to use it mostly on my mountainbike. It has taken a very long time to arrive - I placed the order just days after the P7s first became available. It arrived this afternoon, wrapped in the usual bubblewrap and yellow-brown envelope.
The body of the flashlight looks identical to my Q5 UltraFire C2 (in fact, the bodies are interchangeable). Here's a size comparison (from left to right: R2 DX bucklelight, Romisen RC-C3, SS UltraFire C3 Q5, Romisen RC-G2, UltraFire C2 Q5, 900LM SSC P7, Romisen RC-T5)
The tail switch is a single mode reverse clicky, and because the endcap is recessed slightly more deeply than that on the C2, it'll tailstand (albeit somewhat unsteadily). It also has only a single o-ring at the tailpiece joint, whereas the C2 has 2 o-rings:
The head has a virtually identical design, but is approximately 30% larger in every dimension. It has an aluminium orange peel reflector and a glass lens:
The only obvious flaw is that the P7 emitter isn't properly centered:
The anodising has no obvious flaws, and the threads are smooth, clean and lightly lubricated.
This light is very bright, with a perfect white beam. The beam is not at all blue, and there are no donuts / dark areas – just a nice concentrated hotspot surrounded by a big flood area. I prefer the beam over the "flower petal" Romisen RC-T5:
The outputs levels are remarkably similar – the RC-T5 has perhaps slightly more throw, but the 900LM comes very close. I'd say the two flashlights offer virtually identical functionality – the advantage with the 900LM is obviously its remarkably compact size. Here's a beamshot for the 900LM:
The same shot, this time with the RC-T5:
And for interest sake, the DX R2 buckle light:
I have used the 900LM handheld for 15 minutes and although it became warm it wasn't in the least bit uncomfortable.
I haven't tried the flashlight out on my bike yet, but will report back once I have been able to assess its performance as a mountainbike trail light – I'm hoping the combination of flood and throw will represent just the right balance, and carrying a couple of spare 18650's won't add much weight.So far, I'm happy with my purchase... :twothumbs
The body of the flashlight looks identical to my Q5 UltraFire C2 (in fact, the bodies are interchangeable). Here's a size comparison (from left to right: R2 DX bucklelight, Romisen RC-C3, SS UltraFire C3 Q5, Romisen RC-G2, UltraFire C2 Q5, 900LM SSC P7, Romisen RC-T5)
The tail switch is a single mode reverse clicky, and because the endcap is recessed slightly more deeply than that on the C2, it'll tailstand (albeit somewhat unsteadily). It also has only a single o-ring at the tailpiece joint, whereas the C2 has 2 o-rings:
The head has a virtually identical design, but is approximately 30% larger in every dimension. It has an aluminium orange peel reflector and a glass lens:
The only obvious flaw is that the P7 emitter isn't properly centered:
The anodising has no obvious flaws, and the threads are smooth, clean and lightly lubricated.
This light is very bright, with a perfect white beam. The beam is not at all blue, and there are no donuts / dark areas – just a nice concentrated hotspot surrounded by a big flood area. I prefer the beam over the "flower petal" Romisen RC-T5:
The outputs levels are remarkably similar – the RC-T5 has perhaps slightly more throw, but the 900LM comes very close. I'd say the two flashlights offer virtually identical functionality – the advantage with the 900LM is obviously its remarkably compact size. Here's a beamshot for the 900LM:
The same shot, this time with the RC-T5:
And for interest sake, the DX R2 buckle light:
I have used the 900LM handheld for 15 minutes and although it became warm it wasn't in the least bit uncomfortable.
I haven't tried the flashlight out on my bike yet, but will report back once I have been able to assess its performance as a mountainbike trail light – I'm hoping the combination of flood and throw will represent just the right balance, and carrying a couple of spare 18650's won't add much weight.So far, I'm happy with my purchase... :twothumbs
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