MikeSalt
Flashlight Enthusiast
Many thanks to Matt from Weiguo Solutions for providing the two samples for evaluation. The official website is at www.12vspotlight.com . As much as I like freebies, I will try to remain impartial.
Before testing the review sample, it was charged and discharged three times to ensure optimal performance.
Specifications
Seoul Semi-Conductor (SSC) W92050C Z-power LED
3x 80mAh NiMH in series (environmentally friendly)
6061 Anodized Aluminium Construction
50mm Length
1.6 oz / 45 grams
Water resistant
Twisty with a click
Charges in 7 hours
Runtime of 120 minutes to 25% output
The first thing that surprised me was just how small this flashlight is. I consider the P1D-CE to be small, but this thing is tiny. The knurling is very grippy, which is essential for a flashlight this small. The charger, however, is not so small...
Yes, it charges in almost any car with a 12 volt cigarette. I can verify that it certainly fits in the socket found in the original Fiat Punto. Charging is as simple as turning it off, and plugging it into the cigarette socket. Sometimes a little wiggle is required to make contact, but as soon as the red glow appears behind the bezel, you're charging. What I really liked is that it protrudes from the socket very little, so you can close the ash-tray if you need to.
Once charged, the testing could begin. Being a 0.5w LED, I expected a blue beam. However, comparing to other LED flashlights I own, it is pretty white. What amazed me is how collimated the beam is; throw is excellent for a 0.5w emitter. This is achieved via a reflector and an optical lens in place of a flat window. Look how tight it is at 1 metre.
Using an optical lens means that the beam is pretty clean. It is a little tight for close-up work. For the jobs you are likely to do with it, a slightly wider beam would be more useful.
The user interface is simple, twist the head in the direction marked 'on'. The twist-switch has a slight 'click' to it, which prevents accidental operation. At first, the mechanism was a little gritty, but after a few twists, it is now nice and smooth.
As for runtime and output, I have no tools to measure this so the old eyeball camera will have to do. Judging against other sources, the output is approximately 25 emitter lumens. After running the flashlight for 120 minutes, the output was depreciated, but still very usable.
Judging by the feature list and components, I would expect this flashlight to be more expensive than it is. Suggested retail price is $14.95, which is £7.50 in English money. That is less than the cost of a Maglite Solitaire!
This sell-sheet shows the colours available...
Conclusions
This flashlight represents excellent value for money. You get rechargeable convenience, good construction, SSC emitter and cool colours for a price even a non-flashaholic would appreciate. Excellent product!
Before testing the review sample, it was charged and discharged three times to ensure optimal performance.
Specifications
Seoul Semi-Conductor (SSC) W92050C Z-power LED
3x 80mAh NiMH in series (environmentally friendly)
6061 Anodized Aluminium Construction
50mm Length
1.6 oz / 45 grams
Water resistant
Twisty with a click
Charges in 7 hours
Runtime of 120 minutes to 25% output
The first thing that surprised me was just how small this flashlight is. I consider the P1D-CE to be small, but this thing is tiny. The knurling is very grippy, which is essential for a flashlight this small. The charger, however, is not so small...
Yes, it charges in almost any car with a 12 volt cigarette. I can verify that it certainly fits in the socket found in the original Fiat Punto. Charging is as simple as turning it off, and plugging it into the cigarette socket. Sometimes a little wiggle is required to make contact, but as soon as the red glow appears behind the bezel, you're charging. What I really liked is that it protrudes from the socket very little, so you can close the ash-tray if you need to.
Once charged, the testing could begin. Being a 0.5w LED, I expected a blue beam. However, comparing to other LED flashlights I own, it is pretty white. What amazed me is how collimated the beam is; throw is excellent for a 0.5w emitter. This is achieved via a reflector and an optical lens in place of a flat window. Look how tight it is at 1 metre.
Using an optical lens means that the beam is pretty clean. It is a little tight for close-up work. For the jobs you are likely to do with it, a slightly wider beam would be more useful.
The user interface is simple, twist the head in the direction marked 'on'. The twist-switch has a slight 'click' to it, which prevents accidental operation. At first, the mechanism was a little gritty, but after a few twists, it is now nice and smooth.
As for runtime and output, I have no tools to measure this so the old eyeball camera will have to do. Judging against other sources, the output is approximately 25 emitter lumens. After running the flashlight for 120 minutes, the output was depreciated, but still very usable.
Judging by the feature list and components, I would expect this flashlight to be more expensive than it is. Suggested retail price is $14.95, which is £7.50 in English money. That is less than the cost of a Maglite Solitaire!
This sell-sheet shows the colours available...
Conclusions
This flashlight represents excellent value for money. You get rechargeable convenience, good construction, SSC emitter and cool colours for a price even a non-flashaholic would appreciate. Excellent product!
