gunga
Flashaholic
Lumapower ConneXion X2, Special Edition (bare, 7000 series) review
Here is the review of the new Lumapower Connexion X2, special edition. I enjoyed the Lumapower Connexion V1, but found it could use a few changes, this update is a great improvement and has extra pizzaz due to the bare finish. It can also be polished to a brilliant shine (see below for some tips).
A few months ago, Lumapower released an Incendio V2 with several key improvements, so a Connexion V2 (in this case, named X2) was sure to follow. So, an X2 version was requested for review. Much to my surprise, Ricky at Lumapower sent me an Engineering sample of the special edition, 7000 series alminum, bare Connexion, X2! A great surprise eh? I'm unsure if these will be put into wide release, so I guess we'll have to encourage Ricky to do a production run of these little beauties!
There are several factors that are important to me in an edc light. I'll go over them and see how the new Connexion measures up. Keep in mind that this is an engineering sample so there may be some improvements when the final version is shipped. You can also see my Incendio V1/V2 and Connexion V1 reviews for reference.
There have been many changes/improvements on the Connexion X2 (I will just refer to it as the X2 in this review) so I decided to write an independent review.
Battery availability and compatibilty
The X2 retains the same characteristics as the first Connexion. I like AA lights for EDC since one can get a spare battery just about anywhere for a reasonable cost. Getting a CR123 in a corner store (if available) can be pretty costly, especially when travelling abroad. Also modern low self-discharge rechargables (eneloops, hybrids etc) make it pretty practical to run AA.
The X2 also retains all modes when running 14500 Li-on cells, though all modes are brighter. You do get a more piercing high mode, but you lose the low-low mode. I tend to run eneloops in most use because I like the lower low mode, but 14500s are great for impressing friends!
Good interface
The X2 retains a simple 3 mode (high-med-low) interface with mode memory. My preference is a low to high ramping, with no memory, but this is a good alternative. Like the Incendio V2, the memory mode has been shortened to 1 second which is a great improvement (½ second would be even better, but perhaps that's pushing things?). This interface is easy to use, but is not suitable for signaling since the light must be on for 1 second for it to retain its setting. In any case, I found it to be practical and easy to use.
There is no strobe or SOS mode. A hidden strobe mode would be nice, though I don't think it's too important (ever see a Surefire with strobe?). I'm glad SOS mode was left out, as I've found this to be an annoying gimmic most of the time.
The light, like all the recent Lumapowers, has a forward clicky. This is a nice feature but I wish there was some way to lock out the light to prevent accidental activation. Body and head threads are not anodized (of course!) in this version. They are also not anodized in the released HA III version.
Useful levels and good efficiency
I'm pleased to see that Lumapower has decided to tweak the levels of the X2. The high level has been boosted about 15% (with an expected decrease in runtime). The low level remains about the same (a good thing) and the medium level seems a touch brighter. I'd estimate that the light is about 100+ lumens on high (more with 14500 batteries) and the low is a useful 3-5 lumens (about 8-10 lumens with 14500). The medium level stays at around 35-45 lumens depending on battery type.
The Connexion retains good efficiency, getting about 1.5 hours of runtime on high and 50+ hours on low (these are manufacturer's specs as I don't have the equipment for runtime tests). Lower levels are current regulated, so there is no PWM flickering.
I did note some good heatsinking. I ran my X2 on high (with eneloop) for about 40 minutes, as a candle, and it was too hot to handle for the next 10 minutes or so! It might be a good idea to hand hold the light on high for increased heatsinking.
Size, ergonomics
While many elements make for a good edc, this is a very personal one. Some lights just feel "right" in the hand, some just feel clumsy and odd. Luckily, the X2 feels nice in the hand. Lumapower has greatly improved the ergonomics of this light in a few subtle ways.
improved knurling: previous lights had knurling that was more cosmetic than functional. The new X2 has reasonably aggressive and effective knurling. It is not as rough as Surefire or Nitecore knurling, but it is pocket friendly and assures a good grip. It's also nice to see a band of knurling at the head of the flashlight now. It improves the appearance and handling of the light.
Finishing details: My previous Connexion had a few rough/sharp edges (mainly, the rear of the light) that felt uncomfortable in the hand. The X2 is well finished, with smooth edges and good detailing. There are no sharp edges to poke you the wrong way.
I'm also glad Lumapower responded to user feedback and redesigned the tail to allow switch access.
Beam, tint quality
The X2 uses a standard Cree Q5 emitter. I'm unsure of the tint bin, but it is a pleasing slightly-warm white. It seems the X2 has a slightly wider refector also. This has increased the spot intensity somewhat but I didn't notice much change in throw. The spill is still wide and smooth, but now there is a slight corona around the beam. You can focus the beam somewhat by unscrewing the head, but I refer to keep things screwed in tight.
Carry options
For all you clip users, the new X2 has an upgraded clip. The new clip is longer and thicker, though it's still not as stiff as I'd like.
I'm more of a lanyard carry person, so I'm pleased to see that Lumapower now includes a lanyard ring option to replace the clip. You can also attach a lanyard to the clip (see pictures). I also like o-rings on my lights to improve the cigar grip. The X2 has a convenient location for these too, but you do lose some of the charm of the bare light.
Upgradabilty, options
This is more for the tinkering types. The X2 is not glued or potted at all so it's easily modded. I'm planning to swap the emitter (a cree on a 15 mm round circuit board) for a warm Q3 5A tint cree. Nice. I hope Lumapower offers the X2 in a warm white tint sometime in the future. In any case, the X2 can easily be modded to keep up with changing emitter trends.
I also like the turbohead option on the X2. This turbohead greatly increases throw, so pop a 14500 in there and you have your pocket searchlight. This turbohead is also compatible with the Incendio and Encore lights, so you have a flexible lego option.
That special something...
Well, now that I've covered the bases for my edc how about the bling factor? This little beauty is shiny and flashy! The 7000 series aluminum came from the factory with a nice smooth finish and has held up well in a couple weeks of edc in my pocket, just keep the keys away! Well, after evaluating the light for a bit, I decided to polish her up to see her shine.
Polishing Info
Well, the X2 came through the polishing with a nice, near-mirror shine. The light is quite the stunner now, but the finish gets scratched up pretty quickly with standard edc use. I've got to find some kind of wax to seal up the finish.
In the past, I have spent a few hours polishing up bare lights with Brasso, and a combination of make-up removal pads and a soft t-shirt. I decided to research some better and quicker options and now I'm using a white polishing compound (from Samona). It is finer than their red-rouge compound so gives a deeper shine with better lustre. I don't know if it's finer than standard jeweler's rouge, but this is what was available to me.
First I disassembled the light for polishing and I taped up all the areas of knurling (don't want smooth knurling.)
Next, I used small felt tubes and cones on my dremel for the initial cutting. You have to work against the direction of rotation at this stage, it better removes the surface scratches. I like to work in one direction when possible, to ensure a more consistent finish. This can be difficult in the small bands around the knurling, so this is where the cones are most useful. I've also read that it is more effective to alter your polishing directions in between sessions to remove micro-scratches, but I found working in one direction to be effective enough in this case. Aluminum is quite forgiving.
Make sure you only use one compound per felt tip and keep them clean! You don't want cross contamination or dirt to scratch up your finish. You will see a black layer of compound on the light, this will be buffed off in next step.
I then used a soft polishing disc on the dremel for the final polishing. In this step you work with the direction of the rotation to produce a nice, near-mirror like shine. I have a buffing puff that can be used for further polishing but decided to skip this step. Final finishing and touch up can be done with a micro-fibre cloth or soft, used t-shirt.
I'd say Brasso (or the finer Silvo) can be used for effective touch up polishing when needed.
So there you have it, a simple ABC primer on polishing your Connexion X2. Hope you enjoyed the review, now time for some pix!
Here is the review of the new Lumapower Connexion X2, special edition. I enjoyed the Lumapower Connexion V1, but found it could use a few changes, this update is a great improvement and has extra pizzaz due to the bare finish. It can also be polished to a brilliant shine (see below for some tips).
A few months ago, Lumapower released an Incendio V2 with several key improvements, so a Connexion V2 (in this case, named X2) was sure to follow. So, an X2 version was requested for review. Much to my surprise, Ricky at Lumapower sent me an Engineering sample of the special edition, 7000 series alminum, bare Connexion, X2! A great surprise eh? I'm unsure if these will be put into wide release, so I guess we'll have to encourage Ricky to do a production run of these little beauties!
There are several factors that are important to me in an edc light. I'll go over them and see how the new Connexion measures up. Keep in mind that this is an engineering sample so there may be some improvements when the final version is shipped. You can also see my Incendio V1/V2 and Connexion V1 reviews for reference.
There have been many changes/improvements on the Connexion X2 (I will just refer to it as the X2 in this review) so I decided to write an independent review.
Battery availability and compatibilty
The X2 retains the same characteristics as the first Connexion. I like AA lights for EDC since one can get a spare battery just about anywhere for a reasonable cost. Getting a CR123 in a corner store (if available) can be pretty costly, especially when travelling abroad. Also modern low self-discharge rechargables (eneloops, hybrids etc) make it pretty practical to run AA.
The X2 also retains all modes when running 14500 Li-on cells, though all modes are brighter. You do get a more piercing high mode, but you lose the low-low mode. I tend to run eneloops in most use because I like the lower low mode, but 14500s are great for impressing friends!
Good interface
The X2 retains a simple 3 mode (high-med-low) interface with mode memory. My preference is a low to high ramping, with no memory, but this is a good alternative. Like the Incendio V2, the memory mode has been shortened to 1 second which is a great improvement (½ second would be even better, but perhaps that's pushing things?). This interface is easy to use, but is not suitable for signaling since the light must be on for 1 second for it to retain its setting. In any case, I found it to be practical and easy to use.
There is no strobe or SOS mode. A hidden strobe mode would be nice, though I don't think it's too important (ever see a Surefire with strobe?). I'm glad SOS mode was left out, as I've found this to be an annoying gimmic most of the time.
The light, like all the recent Lumapowers, has a forward clicky. This is a nice feature but I wish there was some way to lock out the light to prevent accidental activation. Body and head threads are not anodized (of course!) in this version. They are also not anodized in the released HA III version.
Useful levels and good efficiency
I'm pleased to see that Lumapower has decided to tweak the levels of the X2. The high level has been boosted about 15% (with an expected decrease in runtime). The low level remains about the same (a good thing) and the medium level seems a touch brighter. I'd estimate that the light is about 100+ lumens on high (more with 14500 batteries) and the low is a useful 3-5 lumens (about 8-10 lumens with 14500). The medium level stays at around 35-45 lumens depending on battery type.
The Connexion retains good efficiency, getting about 1.5 hours of runtime on high and 50+ hours on low (these are manufacturer's specs as I don't have the equipment for runtime tests). Lower levels are current regulated, so there is no PWM flickering.
I did note some good heatsinking. I ran my X2 on high (with eneloop) for about 40 minutes, as a candle, and it was too hot to handle for the next 10 minutes or so! It might be a good idea to hand hold the light on high for increased heatsinking.
Size, ergonomics
While many elements make for a good edc, this is a very personal one. Some lights just feel "right" in the hand, some just feel clumsy and odd. Luckily, the X2 feels nice in the hand. Lumapower has greatly improved the ergonomics of this light in a few subtle ways.
improved knurling: previous lights had knurling that was more cosmetic than functional. The new X2 has reasonably aggressive and effective knurling. It is not as rough as Surefire or Nitecore knurling, but it is pocket friendly and assures a good grip. It's also nice to see a band of knurling at the head of the flashlight now. It improves the appearance and handling of the light.
Finishing details: My previous Connexion had a few rough/sharp edges (mainly, the rear of the light) that felt uncomfortable in the hand. The X2 is well finished, with smooth edges and good detailing. There are no sharp edges to poke you the wrong way.
I'm also glad Lumapower responded to user feedback and redesigned the tail to allow switch access.
Beam, tint quality
The X2 uses a standard Cree Q5 emitter. I'm unsure of the tint bin, but it is a pleasing slightly-warm white. It seems the X2 has a slightly wider refector also. This has increased the spot intensity somewhat but I didn't notice much change in throw. The spill is still wide and smooth, but now there is a slight corona around the beam. You can focus the beam somewhat by unscrewing the head, but I refer to keep things screwed in tight.
Carry options
For all you clip users, the new X2 has an upgraded clip. The new clip is longer and thicker, though it's still not as stiff as I'd like.
I'm more of a lanyard carry person, so I'm pleased to see that Lumapower now includes a lanyard ring option to replace the clip. You can also attach a lanyard to the clip (see pictures). I also like o-rings on my lights to improve the cigar grip. The X2 has a convenient location for these too, but you do lose some of the charm of the bare light.
Upgradabilty, options
This is more for the tinkering types. The X2 is not glued or potted at all so it's easily modded. I'm planning to swap the emitter (a cree on a 15 mm round circuit board) for a warm Q3 5A tint cree. Nice. I hope Lumapower offers the X2 in a warm white tint sometime in the future. In any case, the X2 can easily be modded to keep up with changing emitter trends.
I also like the turbohead option on the X2. This turbohead greatly increases throw, so pop a 14500 in there and you have your pocket searchlight. This turbohead is also compatible with the Incendio and Encore lights, so you have a flexible lego option.
That special something...
Well, now that I've covered the bases for my edc how about the bling factor? This little beauty is shiny and flashy! The 7000 series aluminum came from the factory with a nice smooth finish and has held up well in a couple weeks of edc in my pocket, just keep the keys away! Well, after evaluating the light for a bit, I decided to polish her up to see her shine.
Polishing Info
Well, the X2 came through the polishing with a nice, near-mirror shine. The light is quite the stunner now, but the finish gets scratched up pretty quickly with standard edc use. I've got to find some kind of wax to seal up the finish.
In the past, I have spent a few hours polishing up bare lights with Brasso, and a combination of make-up removal pads and a soft t-shirt. I decided to research some better and quicker options and now I'm using a white polishing compound (from Samona). It is finer than their red-rouge compound so gives a deeper shine with better lustre. I don't know if it's finer than standard jeweler's rouge, but this is what was available to me.
First I disassembled the light for polishing and I taped up all the areas of knurling (don't want smooth knurling.)
Next, I used small felt tubes and cones on my dremel for the initial cutting. You have to work against the direction of rotation at this stage, it better removes the surface scratches. I like to work in one direction when possible, to ensure a more consistent finish. This can be difficult in the small bands around the knurling, so this is where the cones are most useful. I've also read that it is more effective to alter your polishing directions in between sessions to remove micro-scratches, but I found working in one direction to be effective enough in this case. Aluminum is quite forgiving.
Make sure you only use one compound per felt tip and keep them clean! You don't want cross contamination or dirt to scratch up your finish. You will see a black layer of compound on the light, this will be buffed off in next step.
I then used a soft polishing disc on the dremel for the final polishing. In this step you work with the direction of the rotation to produce a nice, near-mirror like shine. I have a buffing puff that can be used for further polishing but decided to skip this step. Final finishing and touch up can be done with a micro-fibre cloth or soft, used t-shirt.
I'd say Brasso (or the finer Silvo) can be used for effective touch up polishing when needed.
So there you have it, a simple ABC primer on polishing your Connexion X2. Hope you enjoyed the review, now time for some pix!
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