DEXlight X.1 Comparison Review

[UnknownVT]

Kyle (Sonny Chen) of DealExtreme.com sent me a pre-production of the Cree XR-E based DEXlight X.1 (link) for review

The "DEX" comes from Deal-EXtreme.

Size

smaller than the Fenix L1Dce, slightly longer than the Fenix L1T, same diameter as the L1T - but the tailcap widenes slightly the very end.

The color is HA3 black - but in real life it is a very dark grey with a slight hint of brown - actually very attractive.

Head -

The DEXlight X.1 uses a stippled/textured reflector.

Nice touches -

double O-rings at both ends.

gold(?or just colored?) contacts for the tail.....

Glow-In-The-Dark (GITD) tail-switch cover - the switch is a reverse clicky - it clicks ON then there is momentary OFF by tapping or slight depression. This makes switching modes easy - similar to the Fenix L1D-CE.

Although the DEXlight X.1 is basically uniform in diameter (except at the very end of the tailcap) its body tube is noticably thicker at the head than at the tail.

Being a pre-production review sample Kyle has notified me of some known issues which are to be addressed for the full production units -

The lower levels from max at by PWM - at 100Hz for the pre-production review sample - but to be 200Hz for production.

I see that ernsanada has already posted his review - Dexlight X.1 3W Cree - where he has shown it using 3.7V rechargeable Li-Ion 14500 (AA size).

So to complement his review I'll look at the DEXlight X.1 using plain Alkalines and NiMH rechargeables -

Alkaline AA -

vs. Fenix L1D-CE both on Alkalines and maximum brightness -

hard call to make because oof the tint difference - biut I think the Fenix L1Dce is very slightly brighter - but the DEXlight X.1 shows less of the dark halo.

vs. Fenix L1T both on Alkalines and max brightness -

not surprisingly the Cree XR-E based DEXlight X.1 is substantially brighter than the 3watt Luxeon III of the Fenix L1T

NiMH AA rechargeable -

vs. Fenix L1D-CE both on NiMH and max brightness

similar results to the alkaline comparison - similar brightness with perhaps a very slight edge to the Fenix L1Dce.

vs. Fenix L1T both on Alkalines and max brightness

similar results to the alkaline comparison.

The DEXlight X.1 has several modes - the best is to quote the specs from the DEXlight X.1 page -
QUOTE:
Flashlight Modes (Basic):
Default Brightness – Lowest Brightness – Maximum Brightness – Medium Brightness – Strobe – Standby (blinks every 60 seconds)
Advanced Modes: 11 levels of output & 5 special function modes (click here to see complete chart)
END QUOTE

Issues -
When using 3.7V rechargeable Li-Ion 14500 I seem only to get the advanced modes (click on the link in the quote to see the modes) - I do not seem to be able to get to the general modes.

On Alkaline or NiMH - on my review sample I would get initially High > High > Medium > fast strobe > standby
Then it would appear to behave and give the spec'd general modes.
But occassionally I would get that "strange" initial state and I cannot work out when I may get it.
If I do get that "strange" state - changing the light to standby would get the light back on track to the general modes.

This could cause a bit of uncertainty to which brightness I might be on for the beamshots -
however I always switch the modes until I got the correct sequence and then double checked by waving my open hand in front of the light to make sure there wasn't any PWM - so I was sure of the max brightness.

Also in standby mode the light flashes about once every 6.5 secs on my sample.

The threads do feel a bit touchy with a possibility to cross-threading - and I am pleased to see that is a known issue to be addressed with wider threads for production - hopefully that will make the threads smoother.

I do like the light - although I feel it may have too many modes which may make things confusing - of course my pre-production sample's "strange" behavior doesn't help.

The one big change that I would like to see is either a selectable default brightness on first switching on (I would choose low) - or just make the inital brightness Low. I know others may prefer max brightness - the first option of selectable default brightness - would allow everyone to tailor their own initial brightness level.

see also CPF discussion -

Dexlight 16-mode CREE at DX

 

[selfbuilt]

Thanks for the review Vincent. :goodjob:

Looks like the output on standard batteries is at least fairly close to the L1DCE, much more so than my Jetbeam MkIIX and C-LE. Good to know, as I'm anxiously awaiting the final verison of this light for comparison.

Interesting how your sample also has a very blue-tint beam, just like ernsanada's. I'm a little concerned they are using non-premium tints in there ... I've always prefered warmer ones myself.

 

[UnknownVT]

selfbuilt wrote: "Interesting how your sample also has a very blue-tint beam, just like ernsanada's. I'm a little concerned they are using non-premium tints in there ... I've always prefered warmer ones myself."

Interesting....

I thought I was in the minority - I too prefer warmer tints.

I thought many would prefer the cooler white of this Cree DEXlight X.1 -
in real life it seems more neutral, albeit cool -
it could be because I have compared it side-by-side with the warmer tint of the Luxeon 3 based Fenix L1T - that the cool tint is emphasized.

Please take a look at this discussion on LED tints -

LED Tint

It almost seems that I perversely prefer what looks like a very yellow-green tint of the S1801 1w Luxeon 1xCR123 -
it is because I have compared it side-by-side with a more "neutral" tint -
but in real life those S1801's (of all the LEDs I own) are the closest tint to mid-day sunlight - which would be my "ideal" tint.
(note: the more "neutral" tint in this case was that same Fenix L1T - so things are all relative)

Tint preference is a personal thing
- and as always YMMV.

 

[selfbuilt]

Wow, that S1801 of yours is pretty yellow/green looking. I typically prefer warmer tints, but usually just slightly off the premium bin. Thus, my preferred premium tint is VO/SVO/WJ (Lux/SSC/Cree), as opposed to more common WO/SWO/WD. But if I had to go far off premium, I'd rather go yellow/green than blue/purple, as it's better for outdoor use (i.e. seeing green grass/plants/trees/etc.).

But I've noticed most of the premium tint bin SSC/Cree lights I've been getting from DX & Kai lately seem to be more blue-shifted than anything else. Not a big deal, but I do wonder how this dexlight will compare to the Jetbeam MkIIX which it is a copy of. My MkIIX is probably one the "purest" white lights I own.

Well, I'll find out ... I pulled the trigger on the Dexlight as soon as I got my rebate code.

 

[UnknownVT]

I was also sent 20 Invitation Numbers for the production DEXlight X.1

Please PM me if you want one of these invitation numbers.

 

[Gunner12]

Good review, it seems like it will be a good light if it meets all the requirements.

 

[adnj]

Nice review. Thanks. How did you like the surface finish vs. the JetBeam?

 

[UnknownVT]

adnj wrote: "How did you like the surface finish vs. the JetBeam?"

I don't have a JetBeam.

However in my review above I said I liked the finish of the pre-production sample of the DEXlight X.1. It just shows in the photo that the HA(3) finish looks like a very dark grey with a slight hint of brown rather than just black - which I find very attractive.

See also the scan of the known issues from Kyle in the review about the light.

 

[Gary123]

Looks like the output on standard batteries is at least fairly close to the L1DCE, much more so than my Jetbeam MkIIX and C-LE.

Selfbuilt: The JetBeam is noticeably dimmer than the L1DCE in normal mode and slightly brighter in advanced mode. I always resisted using the advanced mode on the JB, but after using it last night in a blackout I may prefer it to the normal mode. If you don't want it on high when it comes on, the trick is two quick clicks as soon as you turn it on and you'll immediately drop into low. Works nicely, and then you can click up in brightness as you need it.

This is wierd, why did my post slot in here? It should have been at the end of this post.

 

[selfbuilt]

Selfbuilt: The JetBeam is noticeably dimmer than the L1DCE in normal mode and slightly brighter in advanced mode.

Thanks Gary - but which battery type? On NiMH or alkaline, my MkIIX on100% advanced mode is still ~10-15% dimmer than my L1DCE on Hi. On 14500 the MkIIX is outstanding, but I haven't tried 14500 in my L1DCE for comparison (given the reports of some people frying theirs).

 

[Magichunter]

Received my Dexlight last Thursday and it's turned out to be a very pleasant surprise.

Cancelled my order for 4 Rexlights after seeing all of the shipping delays and quality control issues. Thinking that I might be missing something with these off brand offerings, I took a chance on the Dexlight. 40 instead of 30 bucks, no big deal.

Took it camping in the woods of western Massachusetts for a few days where it gets pitch black at night. On 14500's it was brighter than my Fenix which by comparison, has a green tint. It's just a little bit dimmer than my Jetbeam MKII but does not get as hot as fast. Seems like the perfect compromise between the two worlds and...something about the roundness makes it feel perfect in my hands.

My friends think I'm a little nuts; they all know that it's me coming when they see such bright lights coming down the dirt road or searchlights shining out over the lake.

Can't understand why there isn't more excitement about this product. I would recommend it to anyone.

 

[Gary123]

Thanks Gary - but which battery type? On NiMH or alkaline, my MkIIX on100% advanced mode is still ~10-15% dimmer than my L1DCE on Hi.

Selfbuilt: On like battery types, I come out that the MK.IIX is noticeably dimmer than the L1D and on advanced mode the MK.IIX is slightly brighter than the L1D. If you check again, do your test and then switch batteries between the lights and retest. I'll double check.

 

[FliGuyRyan]

I have a question about the advanced modes... are they user programmable? Please explain.

Thanks,
Ryan

 

[UnknownVT]

I have a question about the advanced modes... are they user programmable? Please explain.

No, not as far as I know -
the advanced mode is fixed as per DEXlight X1's instructions.

Copied from the review/opening post -
"The DEXlight X.1 has several modes - the best is to quote the specs from the DEXlight X.1 page -
QUOTE:
Flashlight Modes (Basic):
Default Brightness – Lowest Brightness – Maximum Brightness – Medium Brightness – Strobe – Standby (blinks every 60 seconds)
Advanced Modes: 11 levels of output & 5 special function modes (click here to see complete chart)
END QUOTE"

 

[selfbuilt]

Selfbuilt: On like battery types, I come out that the MK.IIX is noticeably dimmer than the L1D and on advanced mode the MK.IIX is slightly brighter than the L1D. If you check again, do your test and then switch batteries between the lights and retest. I'll double check.

Thanks Gary - I double-checked again, and my L1D-CE on Hi is definitely brighter on regular batteries than my MkIIX on 100% in advanced mode (both by eye and by my milk carton light box). Looks like you have a real winner if yours is brighter.

FYI, I've posted detailed runtimes for these two lights (and more) here:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=166448

 

[FliGuyRyan]

UnknownVT,

Thanks for the reply concerning the Dexlight and its modes... much appreciated. It sounds like a good light though since they thought about using Sapphire lenses in their lights. That's a great feature as they're only one less degree scratch resistant than a diamond (9 vs 10). It's much better than mineral glass that a lot of other manufacturers use.


Thanks again...
Ryan

 

[farscape105]

What is "rough" guess as to C-LE runtimes for modes when using 14500's? Like maybe half the runtime? Even though capacity is greater, the lumens are more than double with 14500's. FYI, I posted this on other C-LE thread also. Thanks

 

[selfbuilt]

What is "rough" guess as to C-LE runtimes for modes when using 14500's? Like maybe half the runtime? Even though capacity is greater, the lumens are more than double with 14500's.

Well, I wouldn't want to test it directly given all the reports of people frying their C-LEs on 14500, but based on my 14500 runs on the DX X.1 (JB MkIIX knock-off), and comparing to the comparable modes of the C-LE, I'd "guestimate" you would only get ~20 mins on Hi and around ~60mins on primary (medium). The C-LEs runtime is typically just slightly less than its "big brother" MkIIX, matched for equivalent output level.

Once my 5% runtime test is done on my X.1 (which should roughly match the C-LE on low)., I'll post that to my review page:
Rexlight, DX X.1 & X.V, Jetbeam MkIIX & CLE, Fenix L1DCE review: RUNTIMES + BEAMSHOTS

 

[farscape105]

Thanks, what does many fried their C-LE's mean? Does that mean their lights still work fine, but they are forced to ONLY use 14500's and still get all modes, this is the way I understand it?

Has anyone with hidden mode using 14500 actually ruined their light so it doesn't work at all or again just that won't work with anything but 14500?

 

[selfbuilt]

Thanks, what does many fried their C-LE's mean? Does that mean their lights still work fine, but they are forced to ONLY use 14500's and still get all modes, this is the way I understand it?

That's my understanding for CLEs with the hidden mode - you wind up frying the boost circuit, so it can no longer take 1.2-1.5V AA batteries. On non-hidden mode ones, you wind up completely frying the light immediately. However, I'm not 100% sure here - it's possible someone with the hidden mode has completely fried their light.

FYI, there's a thread around here somewhere showing the terrible heat-sinking in the head of this light. As I recall, there's an indentation below the emitter (presumably originally designed to take another emitter type?), and the gap is simply filled with thermal paste instead of a conducting piece of metal. End result is that you would seriously risk damaging the emitter if run on 14500 on high ...