Dorcy Rechargeable Cree XRE Review

[ernsanada]

I just purchased the Dorcy Rechargeable Cree XRE from Dorcy Direct for $43.99. There was a special, receive 20% off. I used the code HOLIDAY20. I opted for free shipping. There is another holiday special 15% off use HOLIDAY. I'm not sure if the HOLIDAY20 special is still working.


The Dorcy Rechargeable uses a nicad battery. Voltage is 4.8V, 700mAh. Before charging remove the insulator insert before using. Dorcy tells you to do the intial charge for 12 hours. After that recharge time is 4 hrs. Run time is rated for 2 hours. There is a charging port behind the reverse clickie one level switch. Just loose the tubing behind the switch.

The Dorcy comes with an AC charger and a 12V car charger. Not a bad deal for the price. I noticed on the Dorcy website that parts are offered such as another rechargeable battery if needed. Maybe you may need a spare or if your battery starts to die after using it a lot.

I pleasently surprised at the build quality. The fit is excellent, threads are smooth. I like the knurling on the battery tube, it gives some grip to the light. The Dorcy feels well balanced in my hand. I give the grade A.

I'm not sure of the finish but it's probably Type II Anodize. No flaws in the finish. I give the grade A.

The Dorcy comes apart very easy. Nothing glued!

The switch is a side one level reverse clickie. It's on the stiff side to push. Maybe it's a good thing because the switch won't be accidently activated.

The lens of the Dorcy is made of plastic and measures at 51.97mm. The thickness of the lens is 1.04mm. A Maglite UCL will fit but the lens bezel assembly will have some threads showing.

Th reflector is also made of plastic and it's a SMO. The length is 56.65mm and the width is 51.65mm. The reflector uses a gasket at the widest opening between the lens.

The color of the tint of the Cree is a cool white. The beam has the typical rings due to the SMO.

I found this information in a thread about this light.

Drive current is 1000Ma
Vf is 4.8 V
Cree Q4 rated at 220 Lm at 1000Ma

Non regulated drive circuit so initial current is present when batteries are fully charged.

I am very surprised at the lux readings I got. It's in the same range of the Dereelight DBS V2 Q5 3S and the Tiablo A10 R2 I have.

Reverse view of the Cree module.

Lens bezel assembly. A Maglite UCL will fit but some threads will show when he lens bezel assembly is screwed down. Measures 51.65mm.

SMO made of plastic.

Length is 46.26mm. Black gasket located on the front.

Uses a one level reverse clickie.

Dorcy is printed on both side of the "flats".

Charging port located behind the single level reverse clickie. Rotate the "movable tube" counterclockwise to open. Clockwise to close.

No o-rings used in the "movable tube", so watch the water!

AC 100-240V

AC charger included.

12V car charger included.

Remove the insulator insert before using.

Nicad battery. Voltage is 4.8V, 700mAh.

Rear tailcap inside view.

Has the words "China" imprinted on the outside if the tailcap.

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Size comparsions.

Left to right, Dorcy Rechargeable Cree XRE, Dereelight DBS V2 Q5 3S, Tiablo A10 R2 WC

Left to right, Dorcy Rechargeable Cree XRE, Dereelight DBS V2 Q5 3S, Tiablo A10 R2 WC

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I also took lux readings of the lights shown above. These are the lux readings I got. I am using a Meterman LM631 Light Meter measured at 1 meter. I waited 2 minutes before taking the readings. I am using AW's Protected Black 18650's and AW's Protected RCR123's which were fully charged. The Dorcy uses a nicad voltage is 4.8V, 700mAh.


Dorcy Rechargeable Cree XRE - 22,050 lux @ 1 meter

Dereelight DBS V2 Q5 3S, 18650 - 20,767 lux @ 1 meter

Tiablo A10 R2 WC, 18650 - 21300 lux @ 1 meter

Tiablo A10 R2 WC, 2 RCR123's - 21730 lux @ 1 meter



Note, this lux reading I got on the Dorcy Rechargeable Cree XRE was on the initial charge of the light. The lux reading may improve a little in time. Also use an UCL lens the lux reading should also improve. Stock plastic lens used in the lux reading.


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Dorcy Rechargeable Cree XRE @ 96"

Dereelight DBS V2 Q5 3S, 18650 @ 96"

Tiablo A10 R2 WC, 18650 @ 96"

Left, Dorcy Rechargeable Cree XRE, Right, Dereelight DBS V2 Q5 3S, 18650 @ 96"

Left, Dorcy Rechargeable Cree XRE, Right, Tiablo A10 R2 WC, 18650 @ 96"

Left, Dorcy Rechargeable Cree XRE, Right, Dereelight DBS V2 Q5 3S, 18650 @ 96" Stepped down exposure

Left, Dorcy Rechargeable Cree XRE, Right, Tiablo A10 R2 WC, 18650 @ 96" Stepped down exposure

Dorcy Rechargeable Cree XRE @ 146' or 44.5 meters

Dereelight DBS V2 Q5 3S @ 146' or 44.5 meters

Tiablo A10 R2 WC, 18650 @ 146' or 44.5 meters

Dorcy Rechargeable Cree XRE @ 210' or 64 meters

Dereelight DBS V2 Q5 3S @ 210' or 64 meters

Tiablo A10 R2 WC, 18650 @ 210' or 64 meters

Beam shots taken against buildings. At this time distance unknown.


Dorcy Rechargeable Cree XRE

Dereelight DBS V2 Q5 3S

Tiablo A10 R2 WC

Dorcy Rechargeable Cree XRE Stepped down exposure

Dereelight DBS V2 Q5 3S Stepped down exposure

Tiablo A10 R2 WC Stepped down exposure

 

[TITAN1833]

That dorcy for the price is not bad hey! would it make any difference if you stuck a DBS SMO reflector in there or are they about the same coating wise?

 

[ernsanada]

That dorcy for the price is not bad hey! would it make any difference if you stuck a DBS SMO reflector in there or are they about the same coating wise?

The front of the DBS reflector screws into the lens bezel and the DBS pill screw into the reflector.

The Dorcy reflector front sits flush with the lens, does not screw in. The small end sits almost flush with the Cree. Does not screw in.

 

[TITAN1833]

sorry, and I have a DBS duh! so I should have known this :thinking:

 

[adirondackdestroyer]

WOW! I knew this thing could throw like crazy, but I didn't think it would out do the legendary DBS!!! Is there anywhere that sells a 52x1mm glass lens? That would pretty much be a direct fit, right?

I think I'm going to have to go to Sear's in the next few days.

 

[TITAN1833]

WOW! I knew this thing could throw like crazy, but I didn't think it would out do the legendary DBS!!! Is there anywhere that sells a 52x1mm glass lens? That would pretty much be a direct fit, right?

Yes here

 

[ernsanada]

WOW! I knew this thing could throw like crazy, but I didn't think it would out do the legendary DBS!!! Is there anywhere that sells a 52x1mm glass lens? That would pretty much be a direct fit, right?

I think I'm going to have to go to Sear's in the next few days.

Direct fit but it's thicker than the stock lens so some of the threads of lens bezel assembly will show.

 

[adirondackdestroyer]

I'm wondering if there's a 1mm lens that would be a direct fit and the threads wouldn't be exposed or anything. I didn't see a 52x1mm lens on flashlightlens. They only had standard Maglite sizes.

 

[ernsanada]

Actually I tried the UCL lens again. I guess I didn't have the reflector all the way down. All that shows is part of the o-ring.

Left, Stock lens, Right, UCL lens

Stock lens installed.

UCL lens installed.

I'm keeping the UCL lens in. I'll see how much of a difference the UCL lens makes in the outdoor night beam shots.

 

[gswitter]

Nicad battery. Voltage is 4.8V, 700mAh.

I'm guessing by the capacity, that's a 2/3 A stack?

If that's the case, $8 in Elite 1500's would be a easy, capacity-doubling upgrade.

 

[ernsanada]

Added night beam shots, see above #1 post at the end.

 

[ernsanada]

I'm guessing by the capacity, that's a 2/3 A stack?

If that's the case, $8 in Elite 1500's would be a easy, capacity-doubling upgrade.

It look like 4 pieces measuring 25.72mm.

An AW Black RCR123 measures 33.82mm.

 

[ernsanada]

The only drawback I can see is that I wish there was some kind of indicator light showing when the battery is fully charged.


From the Dorcy website.

Parts Information
** SPECIAL NOTE: Remove Paper Insulator Insert Before Charging - Unscrew Tail Cap of Flashlight and Remove Paper Insert Located Beside Batteries
** Please Charge 12 hours Using AC (Home) Charger Before Use.
** Regular Charge Time is 4 Hours Using Either AC or DC Charger.
** Unplug Charger After Charging is Complete. Battery Could Overcharge if Left on Charger Longer Than Recommended Time.

 

[jake25]

A poor man's DBS:twothumbs

I wonder how the runtime is on those Nicd batteries.

 

[jayb79]

Nice pics. How long is the battery pack?
The code still works, but I must resist.

 

[ernsanada]

A poor man's DBS:twothumbs

I wonder how the runtime is on those Nicd batteries.

Dorcy says a 2hr run time.

 

[ernsanada]

Nice pics. How long is the battery pack?
The code still works, but I must resist.

Battery is 112.85mm long. 17.35mm wide.

 

[selfbuilt]

Nice find Ernie - very impressive output for the price.

Thanks for all the detailed pics and comments! :thumbsup:

 

[gswitter]

Battery is 112.85mm long. 17.35mm wide.

CBP lists the Elite 1500's at 28.70mm x 16.76mm. 4 x 28.7 = 114.8... I don't know if you can stack them in series without adding contacts (length), but they might fit.

 

[fieldops]

Thanks Ernsanada! Great find and review!

Still looks like the DBS wins at the longer ranges from your shots, but not by much. Pretty impressive for an inexpensive light!