BessieBenny's Budget LED (DX/KD etc) Flashlights Review Roundup (Part X)

[bessiebenny]

UPDATED JUNE 14th 2009
- Bryan is selling new Romisen RC-G2 Q5 II. Much brighter!
- 4 new budget flashlights will be reviewed and posted within next week or two. (I hope)

UPDATED MAY 31st 2009
- AKOray k109a Review by Wiggle added to list. Thank you!

UPDATED MAY 26rd 2009
- New Part 10 thread! (Last thread was getting too long again..)

UPDATED MAY 23rd 2009
- I now own a Canon 100mm F2.8 Macro USM lense!
- So I'll be doing more closeup photos of each flashlight.
- Added 4 photos to the AKOray K-103 review.
- Added 4 photos to the AKOray K-106 review.

UPDATED MAY 15th 2009
- New Review - AKOray K-103 AAA CREE Q5 1-Mode light.
- It's good. AKOray is definitely making a name for themselves.
- Added new photos for MTE SSC P7 and KD Long Throw 2-mode.


----------------------------


[Budget LED DX/KD Flashlights Review Roundup]


Continued from Part 1 , Part 2 , Part 3 , Part 4 , Part 5 , Part 6 , Part 7 , Part 8 , and Part 9.
FYI - This main initial post carries over. (Except Part 4 that includes many of my older reviews)
But I will try and make sure you don't need to go back over time. (By re-posting them separate)

[BESSIEBENNY REVIEWS]

fyi - If it doesn't say "New Lightbox", it is the OLD lightbox which is different.

[05 15 2009] ★★★★★★- AKOray K-103 AAA CREE Q5 1-Mode
[04 25 2009] ★★★★★★ - MTE SF-22 SSC P7-D-SXO 5-Mode
[03 28 2009] ★★★★★★- Akoray K-106 3-mode Q5 AA/14500 (Best bang for buck AA flashlight)
[03 15 2009] ★★★★★★ - Kaidomain 2-Mode HAIII Long Throw Q5
[02 22 2009] ★★★★★★- planet bike blaze 1W w\ superflash
[02 18 2009] ★★★★★★ - TANK007 TK-702 P4
[12 17 2008] ★★★★★★- KD Buckle V5 HAIII XRT
[12 10 2008] ★★★★★★- MTE C2-1 Q5 AA
[11 16 2008] ★★★★★★- Romisen RC-T6
[08 24 2008] ★★★★★★ - Quick 6 flashlights Impressions
[08 10 2008] ★★★★★★ - Romisen RC-A8
[06 21 2008] ★★★★★★- Romisen RC-A3
[06 06 2008] ★★★★★★- Romisen RC-F4 Q5 Shiningbeam
[05 01 2008] ★★★★★★ - Romisen RC-I3
[04 16 2008] ★★★★★★- Romisen RC-G2 Q5 Shiningbeam
[03 27 2008] ★★★★★★ - Romisen RC-N3

Older Reviews - Check here and here for now.


[REVIEWS POSTED BY OTHER MEMBERS IN THIS THREAD]

[May 31 2009] AKOray k109a Review by Wiggle
[May 20 2009] Ultrafire A20 Q5 Cree 5-mode RCR by old4570
[May 02 2009] Romisen RC-N3 v SmallSun ZY-C61 by Luau
[Apr 15 2009] RCR123A Battery Test Roundup by old4570
[Apr 04 2009] Ultrafire 503B & Trustfire TR-C2 Pics and 503B REVIEW by kramer5150
[Mar 29 2009] Ultrafire WF-502B / 501B by old4570
[Mar 28 2009] AKOray K-106 beam shot comparison by vali
[Mar 18 2009] 2 x 3W Cheap AA Flashlights by nuron
[Mar 13 2009] Ultrafire 602C vs KD Cree Q3 by old4570
[Mar 09 2009] Akoray K-102 / Romisen RC-H3 / MTE C2-1 by copperfox
[Mar 04 2009] SacredFire NF-011 Cree P4-WC by Phill
[Feb 18 2009] Akoray K-102 by Hrvoje
[Feb 18 2009] Romisen RC-A3 by seaside
[Feb 18 2009] Kaidomain 2-Mode HAIII Long Throw R2 (sku:S004798) by skyva
[Feb 17 2009] Romisen RC-G2 (non-Q5) Review by rockz4532
[Feb 12 2009] Romisen RC-N3 & Akoray K-102 by vali

- PM me if I missed yours. Some I didn't include as I wasn't sure what light was reviewed or was just a bit too short etc.
- If your review is in the closed thread but you want to update/modify it, just copy your review into this new thread as a new post then PM me.


----------------------------

PLEASE SEE PART 4 FOR ALL THE REVIEWS THAT ARE NOT LISTED ABOVE. EXCEPT LOW RATED ONES WHICH ARE HERE INSTEAD.

[RESULTS AT A GLANCE]

Star Rating
★★★★★★ - Buy it now! Amazing bang for the buck!
★★★★★ - It is excellent. A great buy! Won't regret it.
★★★★ - Pretty darn good. It's not the best but not bad either.
★★★ - It's 'ok' but there's nothing that great about it imo.
★★ - Not good. Avoid if if you can coz it's not worth it.
★ - Why am I even reviewing this?! Total waste of $$$.

Chart Download Links
High - http://sharebee.com/67ec17d1 (Uploaded April 5th 2009)
Low - http://sharebee.com/94696242 (Uploaded April 5th 2009)

[HIGH PERFORMANCE / HIGH RATED LIGHTS] - - Link to reviews prior to Romisen RC-T6 are HERE

[LOW RATED, LOW PERFORMANCE or DISCONTINUED] - Link to reviews for below lights HERE

NOTE: Output values are for the near absolute peak while batteries are fully charged at its highest voltage.
Always check the runtime graph if available as you cannot expect all light to maintain such values for very long.


[FLASHLIGHTS] - Not all flashlights reviewed may yet be shown below. (very outdated now)


Submitted by MetalZone

[FYI]

- GITD silicone tailcap I mention throughout are all DX sku 5714 unless stated otherwise. (Orange ones are not GITD but are same size)
- Measurements are using my own DMM and Light Meter in near-identical controlled conditions. (Still assume around plus or minus 10% error)
Throw = Firing the center of the hotspot directly at the sensor from 1m away using fully charged batteries. (Close to initial peak)
Lightbox = My own cardboard box where I fire light in through a hole and measure the lux reading inside after 1 minute. (no direct light to the sensor)

[Output Photos]
1. Wall Shot - Taken in a near pitch dark room with lights firing at a white wall from around 40cm away. (F5.0 1/60sec ISO 400)
2. Kitchen - Taken in a near pitch dark room with lights firing at the back corner of my kitchen from around 7m away. (F2.8 1/25 ISO 800)

[Runtime Graphs]
Light is shone on to the light meter's sensor from about 1 inch away.
There is a small camera lense in between to collect most of the light.
Current output of the light sensor is measured by my datalogging DMM.
Current output is close to the overal amount of light and not just throw.
So it is relatively comparable with graphs of other lights in my review.
But do take into account that my graphs may have up to 10% of error.

Just an FYI - Any reading of 0.005mA or higher is still quite useable.
It's enough to find a key hole or see stuff in very dark environments.

[Batteries]

Some tips/recommendations for some battery types.

RCR123A
Check out Raymond's RCR123A battery test thread.
Also RCR123A Battery Test Roundup by old4570.

AA/AAA
If you use the lights very often and recharge often, get high capacity ones.
It should at least cost you about ~$5 for 2 AA or AAA if it's a decent battery.
LSD (Low-Self-Discharge) or 'Ready' batteries are better if you intend it as an emergency light. (Recyko, Eneloop etc)
Coz it holds around 80% of its charge even after not using it for a whole year.
Use a smart charger whenever possible also for best rssults.

[Glossary]
OP Reflector = Orange Peel reflector. Also called a rough / textured reflector. It helps in smoothing out the beam so there's less of ugly rings or black holes / artifacts. But it results in less throw output.
EDC = Every Day Carry light. For most people, it means it fits in their desired jeans/jacket/bag pocket and it's their most often used light. For me, it's a small enough light which fits in my jeans pocket. =)
Forward clicky - It's a switch which turns on the light when half-pressed while the light is off. So you can simply tap the switch to light it up without needing to press it fully and turn it on permanently. Good for manual flashing signals and quick usage. It's also called a positive clicky.
Reverse clicky - It's the opposite of above. Generally what everyone would think a normal switch would do. You need to full depress the switch to turn on the light permanently. While on, you can do half presses to turn the light off.
Throw - The ability to throw the center hotspot a long way. The intensity or the brightness of the center hotspot determines how far it can light up things. Usually, higher the throw value means smaller the hotspot or a less bright spill. So it may not be as useful for short distances. Flashlights that use smooth reflecters generally have more throw than ones with OP reflector.


[help~!] [help~!] [help~!]
I am constantly running short on funds to buy and review more recent lights. :mecry:
Feel free to send me $2 or $4 or $8 donations so that I can keep adding new lights. :devil:
(fyi - Paypal takes away ~40 cents per donation which sorta sux.)

All new lights from FEB 2008 will be bought with the addition of your donations. (if any )
I thank you for all for the amazing support so far. It helps greatly to keep this thread alive!

You may instead opt to use my referral id at DX. It doesn't cost you anything which is the best part. =)
To use my id, just add ~r.29749062 directly to the end of any product url address. (without "" of course)
Every ~$1300 spent using my referral id, I get $10. Not a lot but better than nothing I guess. =P

Donations received:
crescendopower < JUNE '09 SleepEXE < MAY '09 bensonm < APRIL '09 tommy_tiger66, old4570 < MARCH '09 dp62 < FEBRUARY '09 AndreD, lenny, waddup < NOVEMBER '08 JEFFSR < OCTOBER holeymoley < SEPTEMBER FlemingWak < AUGUST gunnut, PhantomLights, tmlwyb, Dandan, Crescendopower < JULY RafS, ScottM, SteveZ, Rizky ,WarriorZ, kostas, yekimak, JoeBob, smootik, RepoUK < JUNE stinky, Wolf359, alohaluau, johnnyngo, OCDGearhead, Wagen < MAY Wolf359, Centropolis, amdaxiom, t3h, Deks, SPRocketman, Flash25296, Fabio, tip61 < APRIL Wolf359, dudu84, marcus, Pokerstud, wmissen, RecycledElectron, qtaco, fizzy, briiansd, meuge, SportyBen, Raymond < MARCH Schierle, HenryL, Andres(ocau), baconheist, Dougmeister, linterno, anarchocap, saedwards, docian37, violatorjf, MikeSalt, Debbie, Luke, dulridge, martinSE, mmbeller191, ReGet, Mascione, Probedude < FEBRUARY '08

I would like to sincerly thank everyone who supported this thread and my reviews. (donation or not)
P.S. Every dollar is put forward to purchasing more lights/equipment for this thread and nothing else!

 

[radar45]

Ultrfire C1

Hi, I am thinking of purchasing an Ultrafire C1 from DX but I have noticed there are 4 different versions. Which is the better buy? The first one that I looked at was: Ultrafire C1 Cree R2-WC 5-Mode Memory LED Flashlight (2*CR123A/1*18650) Maximum brightness: 250 lumens (manufacturer rated) SKU 1443. Any advice please?
Regards radar45
Albany, Western Australia

 

[richardcpf]

Re: Ultrfire C1

I believe they all have the same drop-in, either Q5 or R2. You won't notice big difference. Just buy the item with most reviews...

 

[FLT MEDIC]

Re: Ultrfire C1

I got the Ultrafire C1 R2-WC 5-Mode Memory 250-LM LED Flashlight with 2*Assault Crowns (2*CR123A/1*18650) sku 14601 because of its HA-III anti-scratch finish in flat black and stainless assault crown.

The sku 14443 is 19 cents cheaper but it has no stainless assault crown, it has a more glossy black finish and has no HA-III anti-scratch finish.

The sku 14601's stainless assault crown can be removed and its supplied plastic flat crown attached so it looks exactly like the sku 14443. Good luck!

 

[radar45]

Re: Ultrfire C1

Hi, thanks guys for the reply.
Regards radar45 :ironic:
Albany, Western Australia

 

[Wiggle]

My AKOray k109a Review (Update: Beamshots vs my other lights)

AKOray k109a

Build:

The k109 definitely feels and looks more like a mid-priced light than a $20 USD shipped light. The anodizing is of high quality, possibly the best non-HAIII finish I've seen. Knurling on the body is very cleanly machined and provides a good amount of traction. There are no machining flaws I could see except for one issue, the o-ring slots could be milled deeper than they are . The O-rings seem as if they would tear easily if one were not very careful about keeping some lube on the threads and o-rings. The switch may not be to some peoples liking as it needs a good amount of pressure to activate but it isn't a problem for me, even in a cigar hold it isn't an issue in my opinion. The head of the light actually reminds me a lot of the Fenix L2D/P2D heads in both size and pattern. The only item I'm not crazy about on the build is the clip, its a bit thin and has a small amount of play, it works fine so far but it doesn't feel as solid as I'd like. Tailstanding works great with this light as well.

User Interface:

One of the most appealing aspects of this light is the UI which, to my knowledge, cannot be matched by any other light close to this price range. Essentially there are 3 mode slots, each slot can be programmed to 0-100% ramp, SOS and strobe (of which the frequency is selectable, much like the ramping output). The programming is quite simple, the low and high outputs are easy to get, only a medium output can take a couple trys to capture the exact setting you want. There is also mode memory that works well in my testing.

Performance:

Output-wise the light is very flexible thanks to the programming but seems to cover practically any range needed. The low output is about 6-8 lumens and the top end is around 150 lumens. Quite surprising is the beam pattern of this small light. The reflector setup looks alot like the one in my Fenix L2D but oddly enough, the beam is much tighter and throws quite far with a bright enough spill to the side. The beam is not the prettiest around with some ringiness present, but doesn't show in normal use.

Battery life on high mode is a little lacking but theres a limit to how long you can pull 150 lumens out of a light that is powered by a 16340 cell. 100% output lasts around 30 minutes and then falls sharply towards a lower setting. The custom "medium" mode of around 60 lumens I programmed lasts almost 2 hours which seemed like a good balance of output and runtime for my needs. I have not yet done a run time test on low, but based on current draw measurements I'd estimate more than 12 hours.

Mod:
I've modified the light with a Q4 5B emitter, it was a simple operation to complete. I've included a beamshot below. Please note that it looks dimmer than before a little because the Q4 bin is lower but mainly because I dropped the drive current from 1.1 amps down to 0.7 for the sake of battery life. I like the tint alot more than stock but I think the 5A is just a little more to my taste, probably the increased red in 5A is the difference I see. The beamshot is a slightly different angle and not tripodded but should be good enough.

Photos/Beamshots:

Taking beamshot requests. What lights would you like to see compared to this light, which modes in particular etc...

Notes: All beamshots have same exposure and white balance. I aimed all lights at the basket on the table but aim may not be identical. The Solarforce R2 drop-in is running on one cell only, it is a good bit brighter on 2 cells. I also accidentally ran the L2D with alks so it's turbo output is perhaps 15-20 lumens weaker than normal.

AKOray k109: Low/Med/High/Q4 Swap at 700mA drive (between old med and high)

Fenix L2D: Low/High/Turbo

Romisen RC-N3 II Q5: Low/High

DX Warm Q2 P60 in Solarforce L2 /w 1 x 18650

Solarforce R2 P60 in Solarforce L2 /w 1 x 18650

Trustfire TR801 with Q3 5A emitter

 

[s.c.]

Re: My AKOray k109a Review

I find that the stock tailcap is not only ugly, but too recessed to use. I swapped mine with 14mm black ones that protrude slightly and have more texture. (I have nothing against orange caps, as many of my black fenixes have them). I lose tailstanding ability, but its much easier to operate. I also think it looks much nicer and matches the overall look and feel of the light much better.

 

[Fallingwater]

Re: My AKOray k109a Review

Does it have square-cut threads like the K-106? I love them on my 106, it's the first light that doesn't feel like I'm about to crossthread it every time I twist it...

 

[boomhauer]

Re: My AKOray k109a Review

Thanks for the review. :thumbsup: Seems like a lot of features and performance for $20.

This one's definitely on my short list, along with the Solarforce L2. Got to pace my purchases though, so as to not raise my wife's suspicions that I'm suffering from some kind of disease...

 

[Wiggle]

Re: My AKOray k109a Review

Does it have square-cut threads like the K-106? I love them on my 106, it's the first light that doesn't feel like I'm about to crossthread it every time I twist it...

Yep seems to, and I agree it threads really nicely.

 

[Wiggle]

Re: My AKOray k109a Review

I find that the stock tailcap is not only ugly, but too recessed to use. I swapped mine with 14mm black ones that protrude slightly and have more texture. (I have nothing against orange caps, as many of my black fenixes have them). I lose tailstanding ability, but its much easier to operate. I also think it looks much nicer and matches the overall look and feel of the light much better.

I rather like the explosive-detonator look of the stock setup

 

[Zeruel]

Re: My AKOray k109a Review

Taking beamshot requests. What lights would you like to see compared to this light, which modes in particular etc...

Thanks for the review.
Can you compare the beamshot to LF3XT and/or EX10 R2 if possible?

 

[Wiggle]

Re: My AKOray k109a Review

Thanks for the review.
Can you compare the beamshot to LF3XT and/or EX10 R2 if possible?

Probably should have mentioned what I have available first:thinking:

Fenix L2D
Fenix E01
Romisen RC-N3 Q5
Trustfire TR-801 modded to Q3 5A
Solarforce L2/L2M + ext (dropins are Solarforce R2 1 mode, warm Q2 drop-in from DX, MC-E from DX).
I also have MTE P7s modded to direct drive on my bike so outdoor only for that one.

 

[seaside]

Re: My AKOray k109a Review

Thanks for cool review.

It would be nice if you can compare beam with that of Fenix L2D, and solarforce L2 w/ R2 1 mode for referense.

 

[Zeruel]

Re: My AKOray k109a Review

Probably should have mentioned what I have available first:thinking:

Fenix L2D
Fenix E01
Romisen RC-N3 Q5
Trustfire TR-801 modded to Q3 5A
Solarforce L2/L2M + ext (dropins are Solarforce R2 1 mode, warm Q2 drop-in from DX, MC-E from DX).
I also have MTE P7s modded to direct drive on my bike so outdoor only for that one.

That's the case, the L2M and L2D please. Thanks.

 

[vollight]

Re: My AKOray k109a Review

Thanks for the review of this light. I recently ordered the K106 from DX and received this light by mistake. My initial reaction was to send it back because of the price of the CR123 batteries, but after your review I am not sure. Would I be better of with the AA version? Also, I am having a difficult time programming this light. Can anyone give some advice to a new aspiring flashaholic?

 

[kramer5150]

Re: My AKOray k109a Review

Nice concise review, thanks for sharing. I kind of like the OEM orange button.

 

[Zeruel]

Re: My AKOray k109a Review

Speaking of button, your L2's button looks like it's suffering from battery vent... looks like it's going to anytime.

 

[luckee]

Re: My AKOray k109a Review

I just ordered one, Thanks for the review.

 

[s.c.]

Re: My AKOray k109a Review

Thanks for the review of this light. I recently ordered the K106 from DX and received this light by mistake. My initial reaction was to send it back because of the price of the CR123 batteries, but after your review I am not sure. Would I be better of with the AA version? Also, I am having a difficult time programming this light. Can anyone give some advice to a new aspiring flashaholic?

If you stick with regular batteries, the version you have will be brighter than the 106. The 109 is obviously a little shorter too. Otherwise, they're essentially the same light. Considering the cost compared to the hassle and wait time for a replacement, I'd just keep it and order a 106. I've got a two of each and love them; I find myself carrying one or the other more than my pd20 or lf3xt.

To program. First, turn the light on. Then do 5 rapid soft presses, the light should shut off and then flash once. That one flash indicates you'll be programming the first mode. It will start to ramp up and then go through all the strobe modes. Soft click when you've reached the desired level and then the light will flash twice, indicating you'll be programming the second mode. Repeat the process for the second and third mode. When you're done, make sure you do a full press and turn the light off (a soft press will bring you back to programming the first mode). Be sure to keep it off for a few seconds before using it.