Eagletac D25 Clicky Series Round-up Review (D25C, D25A2, D25LC2 - XM-L & XP-G)

[Edge Tactical]

Re: Eagletac D25 Clicky Series Round-up Review (D25C, D25A2, D25LC2 - XM-L & XP-G)

I love my D25C clicky.......what a pocket rocket!

 

[selfbuilt]

Re: Eagletac D25 Clicky Series Round-up Review (D25C, D25A2, D25LC2 - XM-L & XP-G)

Thanks for the support guys. And for the newer members, :welcome:

I orderd a D25LC2 (18650 XM-L U2) a couple days ago before this review. It looked to be smaller than my Spark SL6 800cw but just about as bright. It looks like this data confirmed that.. especially since Turbo on my Spark only works with very freshly charged 18650 batts and only for a very very short time.. so mostly the highest I get from it is ''high'', not ''turbo'' anyway. Looks like my new EDC.

Yes, my Spark SL6 is about the same brightness initially. The D25LC2 drops down less than the Spark does, after the timed step-down. Interestingly the SL6's Hi mode is almost about the same as the D25LC2's. The SL6 does have more throw, of course.

But keep in mind my Spark SL6 review is almost a year old, and my sample only had a T6 output bin. There may have been improvements on the model since then.

 

[BWX]

Re: Eagletac D25 Clicky Series Round-up Review (D25C, D25A2, D25LC2 - XM-L & XP-G)

Yeah I think my SL6 is the T6 too.. I'm sure I'll be happy with the D25LC2 from what your saying.. It'll fit my use perfectly. I have bigger badder lights for more throw/power etc. I love the size to output ratio on the D25LC2 more than anything!

 

[melty]

Re: Eagletac D25 Clicky Series Round-up Review (D25C, D25A2, D25LC2 - XM-L & XP-G)

Yowza! Thanks for the awesome review Selfbuilt!

The D25LC2 was my first light. I really like it, but I wish I had gone for the neutral tint instead of cool white (now that I have some warmer lights). The D25C neutral looks like it might be my next purchase. Surprising that it is both dimmer AND brighter than the D25LC2! If anything could improve the D25LC2 it would be a firefly mode.

 

[jhc37013]

Re: Eagletac D25 Clicky Series Round-up Review (D25C, D25A2, D25LC2 - XM-L & XP-G)

Excellent review their selfbuilt, top shelf stuff for sure thanks for all the time and effort for all our members.

I have the D25LC2 Clicky and it's the second best 18650 EDC light I have, second to the SC600 however for it's size and weight the D25LC2 is second to none.

When I first got my D25LC2 Clicky I thought I had a bad sample because it did not have a memory mode no matter how many times I did the head twist and also it did not have memory, like you said the manual says only the D25A is not suppose to have these features. After talking with some other members and trial and effort I found out my light was fine it just functioned a little different than I anticipated.

So to further elaborate on D25LC2 the moonlight mode is not really a moonlight mode more of a energy saving mode, enabling the moonlight mode drops the low a little but it's still not moonlight mode, also medium is lower while high stays the same. The best way to see a difference is to do a ceiling bounce test, it's easier to see the difference in the two different medium modes (m1/m2) but it's a lot tougher to see the difference with the two different lows (L1/L2) but you can see if you look hard enough while doing the ceiling bounce test if you focus on an object on the floor in a corner of the room.

There is no memory mode on D25LC2 as you mention, if you have the light on in medium if you turn if off for longer than 1.5secs it will come back on in low. However it does sort of have a memory because it does remember if you have the moonlight mode toggled off or on.

So if you like the slightly brighter low1 and med2 it will keep that memorized after you turn the light off, alternatively if you enable moonlight mode for the slightly dimmer low2 and med2 it will keep that memorized as well.

It would have been nice if the D25LC2 had a true moonlight mode but all things considered it's still one off the best 18650 EDC light's out there right now.

 

[kj2]

Re: Eagletac D25 Clicky Series Round-up Review (D25C, D25A2, D25LC2 - XM-L & XP-G)

Thanks for the review
No Eagletac for me, no support for flat-18650 head -and the 2AA version, is just like mine Fenix E21.

 

[selfbuilt]

Re: Eagletac D25 Clicky Series Round-up Review (D25C, D25A2, D25LC2 - XM-L & XP-G)

No Eagletac for me, no support for flat-18650 head -and the 2AA version, is just like mine Fenix E21.

Yes, the lack of flat-top support will be an issue for some.

But I'm surprised about the Fenix E21. On Max, my D25A2 (XP-G S2) has about twice the initial output of my E21 (XP-E R3), and exactly the same runtime on NiMH. On the E21, you also only get two modes (i.e. you also have a much wider range of modes on the D25A2). But the E21 still manages better throw, thanks to its larger head and smaller emitter ... I presume that's why you find them equivalent?

 

[kj2]

Re: Eagletac D25 Clicky Series Round-up Review (D25C, D25A2, D25LC2 - XM-L & XP-G)

Yes, the lack of flat-top support will be an issue for some.

But I'm surprised about the Fenix E21. On Max, my D25A2 (XP-G S2) has about twice the initial output of my E21 (XP-E R3), and exactly the same runtime on NiMH. On the E21, you also only get two modes (i.e. you also have a much wider range of modes on the D25A2). But the E21 still manages better throw, thanks to its larger head and smaller emitter ... I presume that's why you find them equivalent?

I like throw indeed

 

[zenbeam]

Re: Eagletac D25 Clicky Series Round-up Review (D25C, D25A2, D25LC2 - XM-L & XP-G)

And if I may, as a relative newbie flashaholic, I'd like to offer my interpretation of the term "moonlight" mode. I may be entirely wrong, but I think some folks are thinking of "firefly" mode when the term "moonlight" mode is referenced.

It seems that I've understood the following (primarily from readings in CPF, but subject to change and totally open to correction! lol):

Moonlight Mode =
Rather low lumens (10, 7, 5, 3, etc.) for generalized low light needs such as night vision preservation, night reading, generalized battery conservation and so forth.

Firefly Mode =
Ultra low lumens (3, 1, .5, .03, etc.) primarily for extreme runtime needs such as elevator entrapment, lost in wilderness, map reading, and so on.

So in my mind, when I did briefly own a D25LC2 Clicky, it did have a "moonlight" mode.


Disclaimer: I may be totally wrong, but at the chance of utterly embarrassing myself, if my unusual observations can help clarify an item of curiosity or contention or even inspire a different way of viewing a subject.... then that risk I shall shamelessly sometimes take! Hey! I should put this statement in my signature once I realize there's not exactly a whole lot of point in listing my lights there anyway.

 

[melty]

Re: Eagletac D25 Clicky Series Round-up Review (D25C, D25A2, D25LC2 - XM-L & XP-G)

And if I may, as a relative newbie flashaholic, I'd like to offer my interpretation of the term "moonlight" mode. I may be entirely wrong, but I think some folks are thinking of "firefly" mode when the term "moonlight" mode is referenced.

It seems that I've understood the following (primarily from readings in CPF, but subject to change and totally open to correction! lol):

Moonlight Mode =
Rather low lumens (10, 7, 5, 3, etc.) for generalized low light needs such as night vision preservation, night reading, generalized battery conservation and so forth.

Firefly Mode =
Ultra low lumens (3, 1, .5, .03, etc.) primarily for extreme runtime needs such as elevator entrapment, lost in wilderness, map reading, and so on.

So in my mind, when I did briefly own a D25LC2 Clicky, it did have a "moonlight" mode.


Disclaimer: I may be totally wrong, but at the chance of utterly embarrassing myself, if my unusual observations can help clarify an item of curiosity or contention or even inspire a different way of viewing a subject.... then that risk I shall shamelessly sometimes take! Hey! I should put this statement in my signature once I realize there's not exactly a whole lot of point in listing my lights there anyway.

There's not an official definition (AFAIK) of the terms "moonlight" or "firefly." I'm pretty sure it's just semantics. I equate the term "moonlight" with "sub-lumen". The times I have seen "firefly" it has been used to describe output below 0.1 lumens.

Selfbuilt measured the "moon" low on the D25LC2 to be 15 lumens. Mine is bright enough to be seen shining on the wall 20' across a fully lit room, definitely not what most would consider moonlight. The D25C on the other hand has a 0.5 lumen moon low which I would consider a true moonlight mode. But again... semantics... no true Scotsman... :shrug:

All I know is that I blow out my eyeballs if I turn on the LC2 after being in a pitch-black room for several minutes.

 

[selfbuilt]

Re: Eagletac D25 Clicky Series Round-up Review (D25C, D25A2, D25LC2 - XM-L & XP-G)

And if I may, as a relative newbie flashaholic, I'd like to offer my interpretation of the term "moonlight" mode. I may be entirely wrong, but I think some folks are thinking of "firefly" mode when the term "moonlight" mode is referenced.

As melty said, it is largely a question of semantics. But in my experience, most people mean the same thing by "moonlight" or "firefly" mode - that is, less than 1 lumen (preferrably considerably less). The terms are really used interchangeably here.

The first instance of "moonlight" that I can recall was the 4Sevens Quark line (0.2 lumens "moonlight" reported). This was used to differentiate it from the traditional "lo" modes of Fenix and other makers, which typically were in the low single to double-digit lumen range.

Similarly, I don't think most here would accept "firefly" to be anything more than a fractional lumen.

I know it may not sound like much, but even a couple of lumens will seem blindingly bright to you with dark adapted eyes. IMO, the D25LC2's Lo modes would not qualify as "moonlight" by a long-shot.

 

[MichaelW]

Re: Eagletac D25 Clicky Series Round-up Review (D25C, D25A2, D25LC2 - XM-L & XP-G)

What about [power on] operating 'memory'?
On my Fenix, if I switch from regular to Turbo, and then loosen the head, it resets to low regardless. With 4Sevens it reverts to the mode you had before initiating turbo.
What does the D25LC2 do?
and what is the CCT of the neutral xm-l and xp-g? Is there really a 4300K T6

 

[jhc37013]

Re: Eagletac D25 Clicky Series Round-up Review (D25C, D25A2, D25LC2 - XM-L & XP-G)

What about operating 'memory'?
On my Fenix, if I switch from regular to Turbo, and then loosen the head, it resets to low regardless. With 4Sevens it reverts to the mode you had before initiating turbo.
What does the D25LC2 do?
and what is the CCT of the neutral xm-l and xp-g? Is there really a 4300K T6

The D25LC2 works like your Fenix and goes back into low no matter what you had it on before, I've been thinking the same thing though and wish the Eagletac did work like the Quarks with that General mode memory or what you called operating memory and to me that is a better UI than typical "mode memory" on light's with a reverse clicky and tighten head for turbo.

I will add though that high is so close to being as bright as Turbo that I really never think to twist into turbo mode.

 

[BLUE LED]

Re: Eagletac D25 Clicky Series Round-up Review (D25C, D25A2, D25LC2 - XM-L & XP-G)

After reading your review, I tried to buy the D25C S2, but couldn't find it anywhere. I bought the U2 version and wondered where I can buy the S2 version. I like throw

 

[jhc37013]

Re: Eagletac D25 Clicky Series Round-up Review (D25C, D25A2, D25LC2 - XM-L & XP-G)

As melty said, it is largely a question of semantics. But in my experience, most people mean the same thing by "moonlight" or "firefly" mode - that is, less than 1 lumen (preferrably considerably less). The terms are really used interchangeably here.

The first instance of "moonlight" that I can recall was the 4Sevens Quark line (0.2 lumens "moonlight" reported). This was used to differentiate it from the traditional "lo" modes of Fenix and other makers, which typically were in the low single to double-digit lumen range.

Not wanting to get to far off topic but I'm with you I'm not sure I can recall the term moonlight mode before 4sevens and IIRC didn't Thrunite come out with the Firefly mode in the Scorpion. Which ever way we want to call it I consider moonlight less than 1 lumen depending on the reflector, if it's a deep reflector then 1 lumen can seem brighter but a shallow OP reflector can have a litter more total output and get away with calling it a moonlight mode.

 

[shelm]

Re: Eagletac D25 Clicky Series Round-up Review (D25C, D25A2, D25LC2 - XM-L & XP-G)

and wish the Eagletac did work like the Quarks with that General mode memory

we cant have it all, i guess. i was about to order the D25C only because it had mode memory (and is much brighter) .. but the D25A has to be bright with 14500 too and is more light-weight (24g vs 29g) and slimmer. the proportions look better imho.

ok, we cant have it all but we have at least the option to get some Titanium!!
Eagtac Titanium Clicky

 

[zenbeam]

Re: Eagletac D25 Clicky Series Round-up Review (D25C, D25A2, D25LC2 - XM-L & XP-G)

Thanks melty and selfbuilt. I will adapt my understanding of these terms to what is more commonly accepted in the crowd. I think I picked up some of my perception from manufacturer's product descriptions as well. But the kewl thing I am picking up on is that the user crowd (largely the population of CPF) actually dictates what is or isn't in flashlight tech and terminology - which the manufacturers then strive to provide. :thumbsup:

As melty said, it is largely a question of semantics. But in my experience, most people mean the same thing by "moonlight" or "firefly" mode - that is, less than 1 lumen (preferrably considerably less). The terms are really used interchangeably here.

The first instance of "moonlight" that I can recall was the 4Sevens Quark line (0.2 lumens "moonlight" reported). This was used to differentiate it from the traditional "lo" modes of Fenix and other makers, which typically were in the low single to double-digit lumen range.

Similarly, I don't think most here would accept "firefly" to be anything more than a fractional lumen.

I know it may not sound like much, but even a couple of lumens will seem blindingly bright to you with dark adapted eyes. IMO, the D25LC2's Lo modes would not qualify as "moonlight" by a long-shot.

 

[BWX]

Re: Eagletac D25 Clicky Series Round-up Review (D25C, D25A2, D25LC2 - XM-L & XP-G)

Mine worked for 5 minutes then stopped going into any low modes :-[ It just acted like head was tightened. I called eagletac and we tried the regular stuff, but it's cool because they're sending me one out and I don't have to wait for mine to get to them first.

Oh well, just got unlucky. The little sucker's bright as hell though! Nice quality feeling light. Eagletac were super cool about it though so I'm still happy. Will probably get new one Monday.

 

[MichaelW]

Re: Eagletac D25 Clicky Series Round-up Review (D25C, D25A2, D25LC2 - XM-L & XP-G)

Another question, this time about 'positional memory'.
Seeing as this has a LOT of modes in the general mode [head loose], does the flashlight revert to the first selection of steady state output after some set time, or does it alway follow the exact same cycle procedure?
Let me expound: if the outputs go as such A->B->C->A->B->C->Strobe->Strobe->Flash->SOS->SOS->Beacon->Flash If you selected the second C setting, but used that for five minutes, would the next press be Strobe, or would it go to A?
Going to A would be more useful.

 

[selfbuilt]

Re: Eagletac D25 Clicky Series Round-up Review (D25C, D25A2, D25LC2 - XM-L & XP-G)

Another question, this time about 'positional memory'.
Let me expound: if the outputs go as such A->B->C->A->B->C->Strobe->Strobe->Flash->SOS->SOS->Beacon->Flash If you selected the second C setting, but used that for five minutes, would the next press be Strobe, or would it go to A?
Going to A would be more useful.

Good question. I don't have the lights in front of me, but I recall it does have 'positional memory' of at least a few seconds. I recall turning one of the lights of in "second C" once, and when I turned back on after a couple of seconds (not long), it continue along to strobe when I tried switching modes. But I didn't set out to measure the interval, so I'm not sure how long it is. I'll take a look when I get the chance ... anyone else already try it?

EDIT: I just checked, and if memory mode is set to on, it continually recalls that you are in the second "C" (for example) and advances to the strobe modes. Even if you turn it off for a min or two - when you come back on, you are still in the second "C" in its memory, and will advance to strobe next.