candle lamp
Flashlight Enthusiast
Acebeam has released their first XHP50 light, the T25. It is also the first XHP50 light I've seen that runs on 2x26650 (or 2x18650). The light comes with a choice of body colors (black, dark green, dark gray), and my review sample is the black. I will compare it to other 2x18650 XM-L (or XM-L2)-class lights.
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The T25 comes securely packaged in the nice cardboard box with cut-out foam. Included in the box was the light with 2x18650 (4xCR123A) battery holder, holster, two spare o-rings, tailcap rubber button cap, lanyard, manual and warranty card.
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Manufacturer Specifications from Acebeam website & manual :
• LED : Cree XHP50 LEDs with lifespan 20yrs of runtimes
• Use 2x26650 or 4xCR123A batteries or 2x18650
• Rated operation voltage : 6V to 16V
• One key strobe
• Copper base plate for more efficient heat dissipation
• Max. output : 3050 lumens (max. output for 5mins and then down to 65%
• Output modes :
- Firefly : 1 lms (1200hrs)
- Low : 50 lms (55hrs)
- Mid : 1000 lms (4hrs)
- High : 2000 lms (1.6hrs)
- Turbo : 3050 lms (1.5hrs)
- Strobe : 3050 lms (3hrs)
• Max beam distance : 680m
• Peak beam intensity : 115800cd
• Impact resistant : 1.2m
• Waterproof to IPX-8 Standard
• Size : 258mm(length)x72mm(bezel)x30mm(tube dia.)
• Weight : 320g (without batteries)
• Aircraft grade aluminum body structure
• Made of durable aircraft grade aluminum
• Premium Type III hard anodized anti-abrasive finish
• Toughened ultra-clear lens with anti-reflective coating
• Battery reverse polarity protection function
• Battery low indication (it will flash when voltage down to 6V)
Note : The above-mentioned parameters (tested with 2x2500mAH 26650 batteries) are approximate and may vary between flashlights, batteries and environments.
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The hard (type III) anodizing is a matt black and consistent throughout with no chips or blemishes to be found on my sample. Labels are minimal, but clear in bright white against the black background. There is knurling on the battery tube and a band around the tailcap. There is nothing on the body works as an anti-roll device.
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The light comes apart into three parts (i.e. head, battery tube and tailcap) without the use of tools. You can see also a 2x18650 (4xCR123A) battery holder.
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The light has a shallow crenellated bezel ring, but not being removable on my sample. The T25 has a number of raised concentric rings near the head of the light to help with grip and heat dissipation. There is a spring in the head, however true flat-top 18650 unprotected cells don't work, due to the longer battery tube. Note that you should use button-top 18650 unprotected or protected cells with a 2x18650 battery holder. Because I don't have any 26650 cells at the moment, I will inform you of this availability after receiving the 26650 cells I ordered for this review. The light has a low voltage warning indication (i.e., it will flash about 3 times every 11 secs when the battery voltage is down to 6V. The light does have electrical reverse polarity protection function to protect from improper battery installation.
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The light uses ultra-clear tempered AR coating lens. The purple hue is reflected on the lens. The reflector is moderately textured. Its surface finish is good from visual inspection, and well-centered XHP50 J4 LED sits at the bottom of the reflector cup. The reflector is wide and deep.
The XHP50 is a member of Cree's Extreme High Power (XHP) class of LEDs, and based on the SC5 technology platform. According to Cree website, at its maximum current, the XHP50 provides twice the light output of the industry's brightest single-die LED, the XLamp XM-L2 LED, at a similar lumens per watt and without increasing the package footprint. XHP50 is four-die devices (5x5mm) which is similar to the Cree MK-R. You can see the Cree XHP50 specification sheet for more information.
Acebeam claims XHP50 6500K, 6V, J4, 1C for the T25.
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The distinctive aspect of the light is the dual-side switch in the head to control the light. These switches are electronic switches, with a clear and audible click, and control the output levels of the light when on (by a tailcap switch). Scroll down for an explanation of the user interface.
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The included 2x18650 battery holder is optional, so you don't need to use it in the 2x26650 configuration. The battery tube has a cylindrical tube design and you can run 2x18650's or 4xCR123A's with the battery holder. The battery tube is mostly covered with knurling. The knurling is aggressive. Grip is good. The wall thickness (1.4mm) of the battery tube seems reasonably thick.
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Threads on both ends are well machined, with those at both ends of the battery tube being anodized which allows the light to be locked-out when the tailcap is slightly loosened. Tailcap threads are fully anodized too. The screws threads are good quality square-cut. My sample has a good amount of lube on both ends of the tube. Threads on either ends on the battery tube mate well with the head and tailcap with no issues of cross-threading or grinding.
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The tailcap switch is a forward clicky with good feel. The rubber switch cap is recessed within the tail end. In general, it means the tail switch can be a bit difficult to access, especially when you are wearing gloves. I however, didn't have any difficulties to access, thanks to the raised tail end. The light can tailstand. The switch has a bit stiff tension with tactile clicking feedback.
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User Interface
The light is turned on/off by the forward tailcap switch (i.e., press for momentary on, click for lock on). Mode switching is controlled by the lower side switch in the head. When On, press and release (i.e., click) the lower mode switch repeatedly to cycle between the five main output levels in the following repeating sequence : Turbo -> Hi –> Mid. –> Low -> Firefly.
The light has mode memory if you click-off or unscrew the rear tailcap. The light will come back on in last output used when connecting/activating the rear tailcap.
Note that you can access the momentary Strobe mode by a press-hold of the upper side switch when on. Just release to turn off Strobe.
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From left to right, VicLite 18650(2600mAh) protected, Olight M3X (XM-L2 T6), Crelant 7G5CS (XM-L U3), Acebeam T25 (XHP50 J4) Armytek Barracuda (XM-L U2).
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The head size & body weight excluding battery of the lights are as follows :
M3X - 63.2mm / 276g, 7G5CS - 64mm / 336g, T25 - 71.9mm / 349g, Barracuda - 64mm / 392g,
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The light comes with a basic nylon holster with a velcro strap on the head. The light fits in the holster head-up only. It has a loop allows to carry it in horizontal position for belt.
.
.
T25 is long light, as expected from a 2x26650's (or 4xCR123A's) powered light since the batteries are arranged end-to-end. The overall size and weight of the light is reasonable for this class. Overall grip is good. Overall build quality is very high.
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Measured Dimensions & Weight
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PWM
The T25 shows no sign of PWM at any output levels. I do think the light is constant current controlled. I noticed there is no buzzing sound at any levels.
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Runtime
The runtime to fall to 10% of its initial output from 30 seconds after the point the light is first turned on (i.e., based on ANSI FL-1) for Turbo, High and Mid. is as above graph :
On Turbo, the light steps down to High after 5mins, and it enter a period of flat regulation (around 6 mins), before eventually dropping off.
On High, the light maintains flat regulation for a longer period (13 mins), before dropping off slowly in output.
On Mid., T25 maintains perfectly flat regulation for an extended period, before dropping off slowly in output. I make no doubt that flat regulation will be evident on Low, Firefly. Note that there are big blips near the end of the run which are from the low-battery warning function of the light (i.e., the light starts blinking for low battery warning at 6V working voltage as manufacturer says). The flashing is at a fast rate, about three times every 11 secs.
I used a bit lower capacity (2600mAh) 2x18650 cells in my review. If you use higher capacity 2x26650 (or 2x18650) cells, you will get not only longer flat regulation but also longer runtime on Turbo, High.
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The T25 is much brighter on Turbo, High than the other lights in 2x18650 XM-L (or XM-L2) class. Similarly, output and runtime on Mid. is a bit brighter and longer respectively, thanks to new XHP50. Overall efficiency seems quite good for the 2x18650 class, when taking into account the same number of cells.
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[New 15.06.15]
I didn't receive the Keepower 26650 (5200mAh) protected and IMR 26650 (5200mAh) unprotected cells until last Friday (June 12th), although ordered them on April 25th. My Keeppoer 26650 protected is a tight fit and work inside the light. Some really longer 26650 protected cells may have issues when inserting the cells and tightening the tailcap. The Keeppower 26650 unprotected gives a nice snug fit.
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The above is a 30secs sampling frequency and 30 mins runtime scale. You can see an extened runtime on 26650 (5200mAh) cells compared to the other 18650 (2500~2600mAh) cells, as expected.
The Keeppower IMR 26650 (5200mAh) unprotected and the LG 18650 HE2 (2500mAh) unprotected cells show a slight increase in initial output, compared to the other cells. It seems that the higher capacity and the higher drain (current) rated cells (i.e., Keeppower IMR 26650 (5200mAh), Keeppower 26650 (5200mAh) and LG 18650 HE2 (2500mAh) tend to use their energy well before step-down occurs, in my view.
[New 15.06.15]
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Beamshot
1. White door beamshot (about 50cm from the white door) on max. output on 2x18650 (2600mAh) VicLite protected cells
- ISO100, F/10.0, 1/200sec, Auto white balance
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- ISO100, F/10.0, 1/500sec, Auto white balance
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- ISO100, F/10.0, 1/1000sec, Auto white balance
The hot spot is well focused and a corona surrounds the bright hot spot. Spill beam is comparable to other XM-L or XM-L2 class lights. The beam profile is clean. The beam has a cool temperature on my sample.
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2. Indoor beamshot (about 7m from the target) on max. output on 2x18650 (2600mAh) VicLite protected cells
- ISO100, F/2.8, 1/5sec, Auto white balance
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3. 55m Outdoor Beamshot on max. output on 2x18650 (2600mAh) VicLite protected cells
- ISO100, F/2.8, 1sec, Auto white balance
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4. 60~65m Outdoor Beamshot on max. output on 2x18650 (2600mAh) VicLite protected cells
- ISO100, F/2.8, 1sec, Auto white balance
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5. 130m Outdoor Beamshot on max. output on 2x18650 (2600mAh) VicLite protected cells
- ISO100, F/2.8, 1sec, Auto white balance
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6. 155m Outdoor Beamshot on max. output on 2x18650 (2600mAh) VicLite protected cells
- ISO100, F/2.8, 1sec, Auto white balance
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The T26 has reasonable throw, and overall output is much higher than other lights.
.
.
.
.
You can see a characteristic of Cree XHP50. The T25 gives you a nice firefly output level.
.
.
Overall Impression
• Build quality is very high.
• You can use 2x26650 (or 2x18650 or 4xCR123A).
• Electrical reverse polarity protection function
• Secondary Strobe switch on the head (i.e., You can access to Strobe from any modes when on).
• Firefly mode is available.
• Low battery warning indication function (i.e., the light blinks about 3 times every 11secs when the working voltage is down to 6V).
• No sign of PWM flickers at any output modes
• Beam pattern is good (i.e., no greenish tint, resonable throwy beam with good spill).
• No anti-roll indentations on the body
• True flat-top batteries will not work
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.
Acebeam T25 was supplied by Acebeam for review.
.
.
The T25 comes securely packaged in the nice cardboard box with cut-out foam. Included in the box was the light with 2x18650 (4xCR123A) battery holder, holster, two spare o-rings, tailcap rubber button cap, lanyard, manual and warranty card.
.
.
Manufacturer Specifications from Acebeam website & manual :
• LED : Cree XHP50 LEDs with lifespan 20yrs of runtimes
• Use 2x26650 or 4xCR123A batteries or 2x18650
• Rated operation voltage : 6V to 16V
• One key strobe
• Copper base plate for more efficient heat dissipation
• Max. output : 3050 lumens (max. output for 5mins and then down to 65%
• Output modes :
- Firefly : 1 lms (1200hrs)
- Low : 50 lms (55hrs)
- Mid : 1000 lms (4hrs)
- High : 2000 lms (1.6hrs)
- Turbo : 3050 lms (1.5hrs)
- Strobe : 3050 lms (3hrs)
• Max beam distance : 680m
• Peak beam intensity : 115800cd
• Impact resistant : 1.2m
• Waterproof to IPX-8 Standard
• Size : 258mm(length)x72mm(bezel)x30mm(tube dia.)
• Weight : 320g (without batteries)
• Aircraft grade aluminum body structure
• Made of durable aircraft grade aluminum
• Premium Type III hard anodized anti-abrasive finish
• Toughened ultra-clear lens with anti-reflective coating
• Battery reverse polarity protection function
• Battery low indication (it will flash when voltage down to 6V)
Note : The above-mentioned parameters (tested with 2x2500mAH 26650 batteries) are approximate and may vary between flashlights, batteries and environments.
.
.
.
.
The hard (type III) anodizing is a matt black and consistent throughout with no chips or blemishes to be found on my sample. Labels are minimal, but clear in bright white against the black background. There is knurling on the battery tube and a band around the tailcap. There is nothing on the body works as an anti-roll device.
.
.
The light comes apart into three parts (i.e. head, battery tube and tailcap) without the use of tools. You can see also a 2x18650 (4xCR123A) battery holder.
.
.
The light has a shallow crenellated bezel ring, but not being removable on my sample. The T25 has a number of raised concentric rings near the head of the light to help with grip and heat dissipation. There is a spring in the head, however true flat-top 18650 unprotected cells don't work, due to the longer battery tube. Note that you should use button-top 18650 unprotected or protected cells with a 2x18650 battery holder. Because I don't have any 26650 cells at the moment, I will inform you of this availability after receiving the 26650 cells I ordered for this review. The light has a low voltage warning indication (i.e., it will flash about 3 times every 11 secs when the battery voltage is down to 6V. The light does have electrical reverse polarity protection function to protect from improper battery installation.
.
.
The light uses ultra-clear tempered AR coating lens. The purple hue is reflected on the lens. The reflector is moderately textured. Its surface finish is good from visual inspection, and well-centered XHP50 J4 LED sits at the bottom of the reflector cup. The reflector is wide and deep.
The XHP50 is a member of Cree's Extreme High Power (XHP) class of LEDs, and based on the SC5 technology platform. According to Cree website, at its maximum current, the XHP50 provides twice the light output of the industry's brightest single-die LED, the XLamp XM-L2 LED, at a similar lumens per watt and without increasing the package footprint. XHP50 is four-die devices (5x5mm) which is similar to the Cree MK-R. You can see the Cree XHP50 specification sheet for more information.
Acebeam claims XHP50 6500K, 6V, J4, 1C for the T25.
.
.
The distinctive aspect of the light is the dual-side switch in the head to control the light. These switches are electronic switches, with a clear and audible click, and control the output levels of the light when on (by a tailcap switch). Scroll down for an explanation of the user interface.
.
.
The included 2x18650 battery holder is optional, so you don't need to use it in the 2x26650 configuration. The battery tube has a cylindrical tube design and you can run 2x18650's or 4xCR123A's with the battery holder. The battery tube is mostly covered with knurling. The knurling is aggressive. Grip is good. The wall thickness (1.4mm) of the battery tube seems reasonably thick.
.
.
Threads on both ends are well machined, with those at both ends of the battery tube being anodized which allows the light to be locked-out when the tailcap is slightly loosened. Tailcap threads are fully anodized too. The screws threads are good quality square-cut. My sample has a good amount of lube on both ends of the tube. Threads on either ends on the battery tube mate well with the head and tailcap with no issues of cross-threading or grinding.
.
.
The tailcap switch is a forward clicky with good feel. The rubber switch cap is recessed within the tail end. In general, it means the tail switch can be a bit difficult to access, especially when you are wearing gloves. I however, didn't have any difficulties to access, thanks to the raised tail end. The light can tailstand. The switch has a bit stiff tension with tactile clicking feedback.
.
.
User Interface
The light is turned on/off by the forward tailcap switch (i.e., press for momentary on, click for lock on). Mode switching is controlled by the lower side switch in the head. When On, press and release (i.e., click) the lower mode switch repeatedly to cycle between the five main output levels in the following repeating sequence : Turbo -> Hi –> Mid. –> Low -> Firefly.
The light has mode memory if you click-off or unscrew the rear tailcap. The light will come back on in last output used when connecting/activating the rear tailcap.
Note that you can access the momentary Strobe mode by a press-hold of the upper side switch when on. Just release to turn off Strobe.
.
.
From left to right, VicLite 18650(2600mAh) protected, Olight M3X (XM-L2 T6), Crelant 7G5CS (XM-L U3), Acebeam T25 (XHP50 J4) Armytek Barracuda (XM-L U2).
.
.
The head size & body weight excluding battery of the lights are as follows :
M3X - 63.2mm / 276g, 7G5CS - 64mm / 336g, T25 - 71.9mm / 349g, Barracuda - 64mm / 392g,
.
.
The light comes with a basic nylon holster with a velcro strap on the head. The light fits in the holster head-up only. It has a loop allows to carry it in horizontal position for belt.
.
.
T25 is long light, as expected from a 2x26650's (or 4xCR123A's) powered light since the batteries are arranged end-to-end. The overall size and weight of the light is reasonable for this class. Overall grip is good. Overall build quality is very high.
.
.
Measured Dimensions & Weight
.
.
PWM
The T25 shows no sign of PWM at any output levels. I do think the light is constant current controlled. I noticed there is no buzzing sound at any levels.
.
.
Runtime
The runtime to fall to 10% of its initial output from 30 seconds after the point the light is first turned on (i.e., based on ANSI FL-1) for Turbo, High and Mid. is as above graph :
On Turbo, the light steps down to High after 5mins, and it enter a period of flat regulation (around 6 mins), before eventually dropping off.
On High, the light maintains flat regulation for a longer period (13 mins), before dropping off slowly in output.
On Mid., T25 maintains perfectly flat regulation for an extended period, before dropping off slowly in output. I make no doubt that flat regulation will be evident on Low, Firefly. Note that there are big blips near the end of the run which are from the low-battery warning function of the light (i.e., the light starts blinking for low battery warning at 6V working voltage as manufacturer says). The flashing is at a fast rate, about three times every 11 secs.
I used a bit lower capacity (2600mAh) 2x18650 cells in my review. If you use higher capacity 2x26650 (or 2x18650) cells, you will get not only longer flat regulation but also longer runtime on Turbo, High.
.
.
The T25 is much brighter on Turbo, High than the other lights in 2x18650 XM-L (or XM-L2) class. Similarly, output and runtime on Mid. is a bit brighter and longer respectively, thanks to new XHP50. Overall efficiency seems quite good for the 2x18650 class, when taking into account the same number of cells.
.
.
[New 15.06.15]
I didn't receive the Keepower 26650 (5200mAh) protected and IMR 26650 (5200mAh) unprotected cells until last Friday (June 12th), although ordered them on April 25th. My Keeppoer 26650 protected is a tight fit and work inside the light. Some really longer 26650 protected cells may have issues when inserting the cells and tightening the tailcap. The Keeppower 26650 unprotected gives a nice snug fit.
.
.
.
.
The above is a 30secs sampling frequency and 30 mins runtime scale. You can see an extened runtime on 26650 (5200mAh) cells compared to the other 18650 (2500~2600mAh) cells, as expected.
The Keeppower IMR 26650 (5200mAh) unprotected and the LG 18650 HE2 (2500mAh) unprotected cells show a slight increase in initial output, compared to the other cells. It seems that the higher capacity and the higher drain (current) rated cells (i.e., Keeppower IMR 26650 (5200mAh), Keeppower 26650 (5200mAh) and LG 18650 HE2 (2500mAh) tend to use their energy well before step-down occurs, in my view.
[New 15.06.15]
.
.
Beamshot
1. White door beamshot (about 50cm from the white door) on max. output on 2x18650 (2600mAh) VicLite protected cells
- ISO100, F/10.0, 1/200sec, Auto white balance
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.
- ISO100, F/10.0, 1/500sec, Auto white balance
.
.
- ISO100, F/10.0, 1/1000sec, Auto white balance
The hot spot is well focused and a corona surrounds the bright hot spot. Spill beam is comparable to other XM-L or XM-L2 class lights. The beam profile is clean. The beam has a cool temperature on my sample.
.
.
2. Indoor beamshot (about 7m from the target) on max. output on 2x18650 (2600mAh) VicLite protected cells
- ISO100, F/2.8, 1/5sec, Auto white balance
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3. 55m Outdoor Beamshot on max. output on 2x18650 (2600mAh) VicLite protected cells
- ISO100, F/2.8, 1sec, Auto white balance
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4. 60~65m Outdoor Beamshot on max. output on 2x18650 (2600mAh) VicLite protected cells
- ISO100, F/2.8, 1sec, Auto white balance
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5. 130m Outdoor Beamshot on max. output on 2x18650 (2600mAh) VicLite protected cells
- ISO100, F/2.8, 1sec, Auto white balance
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6. 155m Outdoor Beamshot on max. output on 2x18650 (2600mAh) VicLite protected cells
- ISO100, F/2.8, 1sec, Auto white balance
.
.
The T26 has reasonable throw, and overall output is much higher than other lights.
.
.
.
.
You can see a characteristic of Cree XHP50. The T25 gives you a nice firefly output level.
.
.
Overall Impression
• Build quality is very high.
• You can use 2x26650 (or 2x18650 or 4xCR123A).
• Electrical reverse polarity protection function
• Secondary Strobe switch on the head (i.e., You can access to Strobe from any modes when on).
• Firefly mode is available.
• Low battery warning indication function (i.e., the light blinks about 3 times every 11secs when the working voltage is down to 6V).
• No sign of PWM flickers at any output modes
• Beam pattern is good (i.e., no greenish tint, resonable throwy beam with good spill).
• No anti-roll indentations on the body
• True flat-top batteries will not work
.
.
Acebeam T25 was supplied by Acebeam for review.
Last edited:
