Dereelight DR-CL1H SSC & XR-E P4 - Mini Review - UPDATE: More details on Cree module

[whc]

Dereelight DR-CL1H SSC & XR-E P4 - Mini Review - UPDATE: More details on Cree module

Just gut the brand new Dereelight DR-CL1H in the mail today, was shipped on the 20th and today the 23th I got it. Thats only 3 days with DHL Express, nice and fast .

I got this flash from Dereelight directly, see in this thread: http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=160704&page=1&pp=30

Dereelight is a brand new company, if I am not mistaking this is the first flashlight ever coming from Dereelight, and for that reason I was very exited about what I did get for my money, since no review or users opinion was to find of this flashlight. But could not resist, the tactical switch, 2-stage head twist system, and either SSC P4 or Cree XR-E modules to chose from (also LuxIII and Xenon Bulb is a choice), either Black and Gey colour can be chosen (I got the Grey one). More info can be found on http://www.dereelight.com/dr-c1h.htm.

It came in a nice gift box where it also is vell protected, the flashlight has a nice Grey/Natural HAIII all shiny, I came with the SSC P4 module installed (also bought the Cree XR-E module), a small bag with O-ring and a screw for fitting 18650 (if too short, though I did not nedd it), aluminium ring for use with "drop in" modules, and a extra flat rubber switch cover, for tail standing. And now to some thing that it not often seen a Manual is also included, and it is well written (in English) with ilustrations, VERY NICE!

The pocket clip is nice and hard, it really gets a tight grip. The pocket clip easy comes off, just unscrew the 3 screws, and woila a flashlight without a pocket clip. It is a very good solution, nothing I have seen before, if you don't like pocket clips, you can take it off and the only reminder is 3 small "half" holes, that dosn't bother you (you probably would not even notice them).

Enough reading, now to some pictures, hope you will enjoy .

From left: DR-CL1H, M1, M1 Tactical

With M1 GID rubber cover installed (not included)

Fits 18650 protected nicely

Battery has to be put in "reversed" (+ at tail end)

The SSC P4 reflector and glass lins

The SSC P4 LED module

The Cree XR-E Drop In Module (Widest: 26.5mm, Middle: 23mm, Bottom: 19.5mm)

The tailcap disassembled

The Manual

The head twist low/high system, is very clever. If you can see the picture below, there is a spring and in the middle of the spring there is a little "golden stick". I belive when the spring comes in contact with the "golden stick", it is on high (when the head is tight), and when not in contact (head lossened) it is in low. Simple and unique.

Now to some beamshots .

DR-CL1H SSC P4 1x18650 on High <-UPDATED!

DR-CL1H SSC P4 1x18650 on Low <-UPDATED!

DR-CL1H SSC P4 1x18650 on High Bezel tighned all the way down (max flood) <-UPDATED!

DR-CL1H SSC P4 1x18650 on High Bezel tighned all the way down (max flood), 2-Stops Underexposed <-UPDATED!

DR-CL1H SSC P4 1x18650 on High Bezel loosened just a tad (max flood without hole in center) <-UPDATED!

DR-CL1H SSC P4 1x18650 on High Bezel loosened just a tad (max flood without hole in center), 2-Stops Underexposed <-UPDATED!

DR-CL1H SSC P4 1x18650 on High Bezel loosened just a tad more (max throw) <-UPDATED!

DR-CL1H SSC P4 1x18650 on High Bezel loosened just a tad more (max throw), 2-Stops Underexposed <-UPDATED!

DR-CL1H SSC P4 1x18650 on High Bezel loosened a bit more (wide spot) <-UPDATED!

DR-CL1H SSC P4 1x18650 on High Bezel loosened a bit more (wide spot), 2-Stops Underexposed <-UPDATED!

Left: DR-CL1H SSC P4 1x18650 on High, Right: M1 SSC P4 1x18650 <-UPDATED!

Left: DR-CL1H SSC P4 1x18650 on High, Right: M1 SSC P4 1x18650, 2-Stops Underexposed <-UPDATED!

Left: DR-CL1H SSC P4 1x18650 on High, Right: T5 SSC P4 1xR123A <-UPDATED!

Left: DR-CL1H SSC P4 1x18650 on High, Right: T5 SSC P4 1xR123A, 2-Stops Underexposed <-UPDATED!

Left: DR-CL1H SSC P4 1x18650 on High, Right: M1 With Dereeligh Cree XR-E Drop In 1x1865

Left: DR-CL1H SSC P4 1x18650 on High, Right: M1 With Dereeligh Cree XR-E Drop In 1x18650, 2-Stops Underexposed

Yes you read right, the M1 can fit the Deree XR-E Drop In module

The DR-CL1H has a very nice/big sidespill, se here compared to M1 Tactical <-UPDATED!

---

UPDATE: Here is some Lux reading of Overall Output:

Dereelight DR-CL1H:
1x18650 3.7v SSC P4 on high: 7300 Lux <-UPDATED!
1x18650 3.7v SSC P4 on low: 2190 Lux
2xRCR123A 3.7v SSC P4 on high: 7740 Lux <-UPDATED!
2xRCR123A 3.7v SSC P4 on low: 3450 Lux
1x18650 3.7v Cree XR-E on high: 7340 Lux
1x18650 3.7v Cree XR-E on low: 2560 Lux
2xRCR123A 3.7v Cree XR-E on high: 7290 Lux
2xRCR123A 3.7v Cree XR-E on low: 2840 Lux

Amilite T5:
1xRCR123A 3.0v on high: 8340 Lux
1xRCR123A 3.7v on high: 10910 Lux
Fenix L1D-CE:
1xAA Ni-Mh on turbo: 3990 Lux
1xAA Ni-Mh on high: 3770 Lux
1xAA Ni-Mh on medium: 1910 Lux
1xAA Ni-Mh on low: 430 Lux
1xAA Ni-Mh OP on turbo: 4410 Lux
1xAA Ni-Mh OP on high: 4030 Lux
1xAA Ni-Mh OP on medium: 2060 Lux
1xAA Ni-Mh OP on low: 460 Lux
1x14500 Li-ion on turbo: 8240 Lux
1x14500 Li-ion OP on turbo: 8390 Lux
Led-Lenser Hokus Fokus:
3xAAA Ni-Mh: 4850 Lux
Lumapower M1:
1x18650 XR-E OP on high: 8140 Lux
1x18650 XR-E OP on low: 1640 Lux
2xRCR123A 3.7v XR-E OP: 8950 Lux
1x18650 SSC P4 OP: 5540 Lux
2xRCR123A 3.7v SSC P4 OP: 8230 Lux
Lumapower Tactical M1:
1x18650 3.7v OP on high: 7770 Lux
1x18650 3.7v SM on high: 8140 Lux
2xRCR123A 3.7v OP on high: 8130 Lux
2xRCR123A 3.7v SM on high: 8250 Lux
Lumapower LP-Mini:
1xRCR123A 3.7v OP: 7810 Lux
Lumapower M3:
1xAA Ni-Mh on high: 3640 Lux
1xAA Ni-Mh on medium: 1270 Lux
1xAA Ni-Mh on low: 40 Lux
2xAA Ni-Mh on high: 4300 Lux
2xAA Ni-Mh on medium: 1310 Lux
2xAA Ni-Mh on low: 350 Lux
1x14500 Li-Ion on high: 5880 Lux
1x14500 Li-Ion on medium: 3020 Lux
1x14500 Li-Ion on low: 690 Lux
1xRCR123A 3.7v on high: 4390 Lux
1xRCR123A 3.7v on medium: 2940 Lux
1xRCR123A 3.7v on low: 680 Lux
Nuwai X-3:
2xAA Ni-Mh: 3020 Lux
Ultrafire WF-500L:
2x18650 3.7v: 4660 Lux
Rexlight REX2.0:
1xAA Ni-Mh on high: 3810 Lux
1xAA Ni-Mh on medium: 810 Lux
1xAA Ni-Mh on low: 210 Lux
1x14500 Li-Ion on high: 5550 Lux
1x14500 Li-Ion on medium: 1570 Lux
1x14500 Li-Ion on low: 570 Lux

Here is some Lux reading at 1m in Throw:

Dereelight DR-CL1H:
1x18650 3.7v SSC P4 on high: 2430 Lux <-UPDATED!
1x18650 3.7v SSC P4 on low: 1110 Lux
2xRCR123A 3.7v SSC P4 on high: 2540 Lux
2xRCR123A 3.7v SSC P4 on low: 1550 Lux
1x18650 3.7v Cree XR-E on high: 3290 Lux
1x18650 3.7v Cree XR-E on low: 1160 Lux
2xRCR123A 3.7v Cree XR-E on high: 3410 Lux
2xRCR123A 3.7v Cree XR-E on low: 1380 Lux

Amilite T5:
1xRCR123A 3.0v on high: 2520 Lux
1xRCR123A 3.7v on high: 3260 Lux
Fenix L1D CE:
1xAA Ni-Mh on turbo: 1460 Lux
1xAA Ni-Mh OP on turbo: 1510 Lux
1xAA Ni-Mh OP on high: 1410 Lux
1xAA Ni-Mh OP on medium: 730 Lux
1xAA Ni-Mh OP on low: 170 Lux
1x14500 Li-ion on turbo: 3150 Lux
1x14500 Li-ion OP on turbo: 2820 Lux
Led-Lenser Hokus Fokus:
3xAAA Ni-Mh: 4460 Lux
Lumapower M1:
1x18650 XR-E OP on high: 4820 Lux
2xRCR123A 3.7v XR-E OP: 5500 Lux
Lumapower Tactical M1:
1x18650 3.7v OP on high: 4940 Lux
1x18650 3.7v SM on high: 7150 Lux
2xRCR123A 3.7v OP on high: 5070 Lux
2xRCR123A 3.7v SM on high: 7390 Lux
Lumapower M3:
1xAA Ni-Mh on high: 1240 Lux
2xAA Ni-Mh on high: 1530 Lux
1x14500 Li-Ion on high: 1980 Lux
1xRCR123A 3.7v on high: 1550 Lux
Lumapower Lp-Mini:
1xRCR123A 3.7v OP: 4700 Lux
Nuwai X-3:
2xAA Ni-Mh: 1340 Lux
Ultrafire WF-500L:
2x18650 3.7v: 4710 Lux
Rexlight REX2.0:
1xAA Ni-Mh on high: 840 Lux
1xAA Ni-Mh on medium: 210 Lux
1xAA Ni-Mh on low: 60 Lux
1x14500 Li-Ion on high: 1460 Lux
1x14500 Li-Ion on medium: 460 Lux
1x14500 Li-Ion on low: 160 Lux

---

Current Draw with SSC P4:
1x18650 on High: 0.75A
2xRCR123A on High 0.69A

---

UPDATE: First runtime tests now done with SSC P4.

AW's protected RCR123A "750"mAh on High: 1hours 3minutes until the protection kicked in.
Protected 18650 2200mAh on High: Start 4.23v after 2hours down to 3.73v
After about 2hours 45minutes the flashlight became noticeably dimmer
After 3hours voltage down to 2.77v and the flashlight is very dim, still with usable light
After 4hours voltage down to 2.65v and flashlight is a bit dimmer, but still with usable light
After 5hours the flashlight is still very dim voltage down to 2.62v, stopped the test here!

I would say about 2hours 45minutes of very well regulated light on 2200mAh 18650, and after that the flashlight gradually becomes more and more dimmer, think the flashlight will have a usable light until the protection would kick in.

---

UPDATE: Seams like there was a problem with the SSC P4 module I got, or that will say, the LED was not proper glued to the heat sink, which caused the flashlight to turn blue/greenish and loose output after being turned on for about 10sec, and that was becaurse the LED was getting to hot since it could not proper get off with the heat. I used some Artic Silver Thermal Adhensive and that really took care of that problem, a small fix, but with at big effect. Se this post for details: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showpost.php?p=1987922&postcount=67

An example of the before and after:

Before (left: CL1H SSC P4, Right: M1 SSC P4)

After (left: CL1H SSC P4, Right: M1 SSC P4)

Notice how blue the tint was before, hard to believe it is the same led right? (but it is )...

---

UPDATE: Some more details on the Cree module, and the new special Cree "curved" reflector, that Dereelight was so kind to let me try.

Here is some images comparing to the stock smooth reflector (left) and the new "curved" reflector (right).

Smooth

"Curved"

Some beamshots.

Smooth reflector

Smooth reflector, 2-stops underexposed

"Curved" reflector

"Curved" reflector, 2-stops underexposed

Left: "Curved" reflector, Right: M1 OP-Reflector

Left: "Curved" reflector, Right: M1 OP-Reflector, 2-stops underexposed

 

[StefanFS]

Re: Dereelight DR-CL1H SSC & XR-E P4 - Mini Review - Many Pictures

Nice review, thanks! It really looks massive. Does the manual say if the retaining ring comes with all lights or is it only supplied when you get both modules? If mine ever gets to leave Frankfurt (where it is being held) the modding will begin. I'm going to use a dropin or driver from another source to increase the output as a first step. A deeper reflector would be nice too.
Fläskigt flott ficklampa!
Stefan

 

[whc]

Re: Dereelight DR-CL1H SSC & XR-E P4 - Mini Review - Many Pictures

Nice review, thanks! It really looks massive. Does the manual say if the retaining ring comes with all lights or is it only supplied when you get both modules? If mine ever gets to leave Frankfurt (where it is being held) the modding will begin. I'm going to use a dropin or driver from another source to increase the output as a first step. A deeper reflector would be nice too.
Fläskigt flott ficklampa!
Stefan

Nothing in the manual about if the aluminium ring is included when nut buying the Cree drop in. Though would be very surprised if it was not include, think it is standard accessory .

 

[luchs]

Re: Dereelight DR-CL1H SSC & XR-E P4 - Mini Review - Many Pictures

thanks for the nice review. quick as usual!!!

i would like to see a beamshot with the focus opened but not as wide as the donut hole comes. (reminds me of the old mag )
do you think, in this case the beam is wider than a usual SSC-light?? (without focus)

and once again: someone has put it into the huntlight FT01???

 

[Lobo]

Re: Dereelight DR-CL1H SSC & XR-E P4 - Mini Review - Many Pictures

Wow, very nice review. You're damn fast I must say, didn't think we would see any reviews on this light for a while, so thanks!
The M1 looks insanely bright with the Deree light cree drop in. Is it brighter than the Deree with the cree drop in?
All in all, looks like a very fine light.

 

[whc]

Re: Dereelight DR-CL1H SSC & XR-E P4 - Mini Review - Many Pictures

thanks for the nice review. quick as usual!!!

i would like to see a beamshot with the focus opened but not as wide as the donut hole comes. (reminds me of the old mag )
do you think, in this case the beam is wider than a usual SSC-light?? (without focus)

and once again: someone has put it into the huntlight FT01???

Will see what I can come up with, right now I am running a runtime test. You can get spot (like the LuxIII) or a bit more floody (like many other including Lumapower M1 and Amilite T5), or you can go to wide, but seams like the donut ring is not to be without in wide mode and in max flood mode.

 

[havand]

Re: Dereelight DR-CL1H SSC & XR-E P4 - Mini Review - Many Pictures

Just a quick question...Are the spare modules just a replacement post and led or do they include a seperate driver as well? Thanks!

 

[whc]

Re: Dereelight DR-CL1H SSC & XR-E P4 - Mini Review - Many Pictures

Wow, very nice review. You're damn fast I must say, didn't think we would see any reviews on this light for a while, so thanks!
The M1 looks insanely bright with the Deree light cree drop in. Is it brighter than the Deree with the cree drop in?
All in all, looks like a very fine light.

Should be the same since it uses the same regulation, only the body is difference.

 

[whc]

Re: Dereelight DR-CL1H SSC & XR-E P4 - Mini Review - Many Pictures

Just a quick question...Are the spare modules just a replacement post and led or do they include a seperate driver as well? Thanks!

The Cree module? It is a complete "Drop In" with driver/regulation, LED, Reflector, Spring and so on .

 

[jsr]

Re: Dereelight DR-CL1H SSC & XR-E P4 - Mini Review - Many Pictures

The Dereelight is really nice looking. I love bezel down carry, something that's sorely lacking in lights this size. Considering the weight of most 2x123A lights and that their clips aren't super hard/tight, most cannot be clipped onto the brim of a hat (SF C2, SF M2, LP M1, etc.) which is the only reason for a bezel-up clip. The wire clip looks great too, and I like the simple 2-mode operation. But I'm a bit disappointed that it seems to have considerably lower output, about 75%, so about 85 lumens.

 

[HiltiHome]

Re: Dereelight DR-CL1H SSC & XR-E P4 - Mini Review - Many Pictures

whc:

Is the two mode system part of the LA, or part of the head ?

Will we loose two mode when using common D26 LA ?

 

[HiltiHome]

Re: Dereelight DR-CL1H SSC & XR-E P4 - Mini Review - Many Pictures

whc:

Is this a must have light, or just another nice light ?

It has some nice features and seems to be very well build,
but the output isn't that great...

What do you think ?

 

[whc]

Re: Dereelight DR-CL1H SSC & XR-E P4 - Mini Review - Many Pictures

The Dereelight is really nice looking. I love bezel down carry, something that's sorely lacking in lights this size. Considering the weight of most 2x123A lights and that their clips aren't super hard/tight, most cannot be clipped onto the brim of a hat (SF C2, SF M2, LP M1, etc.) which is the only reason for a bezel-up clip. The wire clip looks great too, and I like the simple 2-mode operation. But I'm a bit disappointed that it seems to have considerably lower output, about 75%, so about 85 lumens.

The output is actually brighter the first 10 seconds the light is turned on, then it becomes darker and more blue in tint (starts at about 8300LUX then drops down to about 6700Lux). Contacted Dereelight about this, and was told that this probably was the LED, so maybe bad BIN...?

 

[whc]

Re: Dereelight DR-CL1H SSC & XR-E P4 - Mini Review - Many Pictures

whc:

Is the two mode system part of the LA, or part of the head ?

Will we loose two mode when using common D26 LA ?

It is a part of the driver/regulation (LED module/drop in). So you will loose the 2 modes when using a standard drop in.

 

[HiltiHome]

Re: Dereelight DR-CL1H SSC & XR-E P4 - Mini Review - Many Pictures

The output is actually brighter the first 10 seconds the light is turned on, then it becomes darker and more blue in tint (starts at about 8300LUX then drops down to about 6700Lux). Contacted Dereelight about this, and was told that this probably was the LED, so maybe bad BIN...?

Ohh, i have seen this behavior before...it's caused by very poor thermal contact from the emitter to the heatsink.

You should ask for a replacment, or remount the emitter with good thermal paste, or epoxy like arctic-silver.

Check if the emitter is not sitting flush on the heatsink...


Would you buy it again ?
I have to many light and asking myself, if i realy need it...

Heinz

 

[whc]

Re: Dereelight DR-CL1H SSC & XR-E P4 - Mini Review - Many Pictures

whc:

Is this a must have light, or just another nice light ?

It has some nice features and seems to be very well build,
but the output isn't that great...

What do you think ?

Depends on what you are looking for. This got pretty much it all, throw or flood, 2-stage output, tactical switch, several LED modules, good pocket clip, and it fits D26 drop inn's. I think that is a good deal for $54.5 (introduction price).

Though the one I got has some smaller issues that I hope is not normal.

1. Some of the mirror of the SSC P4 reflector, was/is broken off (have contacted Alan from Dereelight, and he will send me a new one).
2. The screws that are holding the clip was/is kind of "over tightened", or looks like a too big screwdriver has bean used to tighten them, making the top "star" little damaged (hard to explain) (will get some new screws after contacting Alan from Dereelight).
3. The lens/glass is a bit too small in diameter, nothing to be worried about, since it is not noticeably, and is covering the o-ring well. But it is about 0.65mm too small in diameter.
4. The SSC P4 module/LED is getting darker/blue after about 10 seconds of constant on, going from about 8300Lux to 6700Lux, maybe just a bad LED/BIN (am hoping so), thinking about ordering a new SSC P4 module and some good bin SSC P4 LED's, and try to mod a module and see if it is in fact the LED or driver/regulation.

Will keep Dereelight updated if I find any more "problems", and hopefully they will correct them in the future (Alan is very helpful, and am open for info/problems and so on). I see a great future for this brand ...

 

[whc]

Re: Dereelight DR-CL1H SSC & XR-E P4 - Mini Review - Many Pictures

Ohh, i have seen this behavior before...it's caused by very poor thermal contact from the emitter to the heatsink.

You should ask for a replacment, or remount the emitter with good thermal paste, or epoxy like arctic-silver.

Check if the emitter is not sitting flush on the heatsink...


Would you buy it again ?
I have to many light and asking myself, if i realy need it...

Heinz

Am actually considering getting a second, while the price is down, though have no real use for two, but would be nice to have one permanent SSC P4, and another for Cree drop in (damn this forum is real hard for my wallet) ...So yes would buy it again, think you get much for the money.

Will try remounting the emitter, will buy some "Arctic Silver Thermal Adhesive" if that should fix it...

 

[havand]

Re: Dereelight DR-CL1H SSC & XR-E P4 - Mini Review - Many Pictures

Is the finish the same as the one in the pics? I usually don't like 'slick' lights. IE, the new fenix finishes annoy me for some reason. But, I think these lights look really cool as they appear 'wet'. Dunno, maybe it's just me.

 

[whc]

Re: Dereelight DR-CL1H SSC & XR-E P4 - Mini Review - Many Pictures

Is the finish the same as the one in the pics? I usually don't like 'slick' lights. IE, the new fenix finishes annoy me for some reason. But, I think these lights look really cool as they appear 'wet'. Dunno, maybe it's just me.

Yes it is the same, looks "shiny", very different HA than other flashlights I have seen. Looks nice I think ...

 

[whc]

Re: Dereelight DR-CL1H SSC & XR-E P4 - Mini Review - Many Pictures

Some throw shots.

Dereelight DR-CL1H SSC P4 1x18650 on High

Lumapower M1 SSC P4 1x18650

Amilite T5 SSC P4 R123A 3.0v