MG RX-1 Version 2 Q5 Review

[ernsanada]

I'm glad I waited a couple of weeks to purchase the MG RX-1 Version 2 Q5. I did not know there was going to be an improved version. This version has a different shaped reflector for more throw.

The reflector screws into the lens bezel assembly. Similar to how Dereelight does it with the DBS V1 and V2. Uses a SMO reflector.

Circumference - 52.85mm or 2.080". Length - 41.76mm or 1.644"

The rear switch is also able to handle 3A.

Installed is a reverse clickie.

Inside view of the rear clickie.

I do not have the first version so I can't compare the reflectors to see the throw or overall beam shape.

The battery tube uses some thick o-rings. O-rings came lubed.

The finish is Type II Anodize which is done very good. All body parts match very good.

All MG RX-1 Version 2's comes serialized.

It says on the other side "Bright Your World' which the light actually does. I am amazed how bright the beam is. The MG RX-1 Version 2 uses a CREE XR-E Q5 Emitter, silver core. My beam tint is white.

Uses 3 levels, high, medium and low. 1200 mA on high mode, 300mA on medium, and 100 mA on low. Remembers the last setting when selected off.

Input voltage 2.8-4.2V

Uses 17670 or 18650 sized battery. Do not use 2 CR123's or RCR123's!!!

Voltage cut off 2.7V

Boost/buck circuit board.

The CREE XR-E Q5 Emitter, silver core.

I had to use some pliers to remove the Cree module.

The MG RX-1 Version 2 feels well balanced in my hand.

The light came with all these goodies.

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Size comparisions.

Left to right, MG RX-1 Version 2 Q5, Tiablo A10 R2, Dereelight DBS V2 Q5

Left to right, MG RX-1 Version 2 Q5, Tiablo A10 R2, Dereelight DBS V2 Q5

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These are the lux readings I got.

I used AW's Black Protected 18650's in all the lights.

I choose the Q5 for the Dereelight DBS V2 because the R2 I have for the DBS got lower lux readings.



MG RX-1 Version 2 Q5 (High) - 23,779 lux @ 1 meter

MG RX-1 Version 2 Q5 (Medium) - 10,006 lux @ 1 meter

MG RX-1 Version 2 Q5 (Low) - 4,012 lux @ 1 meter


Tiablo A10 R2 - 27,115 lux @ 1 meter

Dereelight DBS V2 Q5 - 20,767 lux @ 1 meter


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MG RX-1 Version 2 Q5 @ 96"

Tiablo A10 R2 @ 96"

Dereelight DBS V2 Q5 @ 96"

Left, MG RX-1 Version 2 Q5. Right, Tiablo A10 R2 @ 96"

Left, MG RX-1 Version 2 Q5. Right, Dereelight DBS V2 Q5 @ 96"

Left, MG RX-1 Version 2 Q5. Right, Tiablo A10 R2 @ 96" Stepped down exposure

Left, MG RX-1 Version 2 Q5. Right, Dereelight DBS V2 Q5 @ 96" Stepped down exposure

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MG RX-1 Version 2 Q5 (High) @ 32'

MG RX-1 Version 2 Q5 (Medium) @ 32'

MG RX-1 Version 2 Q5 (Low) @ 32'

Tiablo A10 R2 @ 32'

Dereelight DBS V2 Q5 @ 32'

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MG RX-1 Version 2 Q5 @ 146' or 44.5 meters

Tiablo A10 R2 @ 146' or 44.5 meters

Dereelight DBS V2 Q5 or 44.5 meters

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MG RX-1 Version 2 Q5 @ 210' or 64 meters

Tiablo A10 R2 @ 210' or 64 meters

Dereelight DBS V2 Q5 @ 210' or 64 meters

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Pros


Price

Comes with extra o-rings, lanyard and rear switch.

Uses thick o-rings. O-rings came lubed.

No strobe or SOS.

Parts not glued.



Cons


Type II Anodize, I wish the MG RX-1 Version 2 came with Type III Hard Anodize.

No holster

Cannot use 2 Cr123's or 2 RCR123's.

The lens seems "not clear". I cleaned the lens with some lens wipes but it looks the same.


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I really like the MG RX-1 Version 2. The cost was only $49.70, a budget thrower at a good price.

I am amazed at how bright the MG RX-1 Version 2 is.

I like that there is not annoying strobe or SOS.

If you want to use this light to read in the dark it's not very good. These "thrower" type lights have a very bright hot spot. It's due to the SMO reflector. If it had an OP reflector and a lower low then I think it would be OK to use to read at night.

I like how the light remembers it's last setting when selcted off. I don't like the lights that you have to go through all the settings to shut it off. I have a tendency to leave the light on after 1 click because I forget to cycle through all the levels to shut the light off.

I did order another MG RX-1 Version 2 for work. The light I take to work will get some abuse. The other light will be a "shelf queen".

The fit and finish was very good. I was surprised because I read that the earlier versions had some flaws in the finish. I like how thicker o-rings are used and that they came lubed.

I guess if the MG RX-1 Version 2 came with a holster and Type III Hard Anodize the price would be much higher.

 

[Ryanrpm]

Nice review erns.

I only have one question.......Is it always summer time where you live!?

J/K.....

Actually, I do have a question...

Per your perception, which of your 3 throwers you just showed has the most throw? From the pictures, it looks like the A10 has the most, and the DBS and RX-1 v2 are about the same.

 

[ernsanada]

It looks to me that the order of throw is.


1. Tiablo A10 R2
2. MG RX-1 Version 2 Q5
3. Dereelight DBS V2 Q5


Actually it's cool tonight, 55 degress F.

Tomorrow 64 degress F.

Sunday - Monday in the 80's.

 

[DigitalEternal]

If the lense really is not clear as you say then this will be affecthing the throw, it would be interesting to see how it stands up to the tiablo light with no lens because I think the rx-1 v2 is capable of matching if not surpasing the tiablo light.

 

[mayo]

Thank you for all your time on all your reviews.

 

[lightbug]

Always enjoy your reviews. Very easy to see the difference in each light's output. Especially the backyard beam shots over the lawn.

 

[Stereodude]

Any hint of PWM on low and med?

 

[ernsanada]

No I can't see any PWM at medium and low.

 

[SCEMan]

Maybe it's my monitor, but to me the DBS appears brighter than the RX-1 in the distance shots.

 

[divine]

It looks like the A10 is still the king. A RX-1 might do the same if it was running an R2.

I started to mod my RX-1 Version 1 with a R2 WH, but I need a 1200mA driver. -.-

 

[richardcpf]

Anyone knows how is this one compared to the A9? They are in the same price range.

I really want a long throwing flashlight but I dont feel paying $130+ for it.

 

[houtex]

Nevermind,will PM

 

[alohaluau]

Anyone knows how is this one compared to the A9? They are in the same price range.

I really want a long throwing flashlight but I dont feel paying $130+ for it.

I've got my A9 setup with a collimator lens + forward clicky, works a treat!

The LED shape beam is very trippy!

Hi ernsanada,

Is the MG RX-1 waterproof? I like to get a 'cheap' beater light but has to be waterproof.

Cheers,
Luau

 

[ernsanada]

With the thick o-rings it should have some waterproofness to it. Like I wouldn't be afraid to use it in the rain. I plan to use this at work and sometimes I have to use it outside in the rain so time will tell.

 

[ernsanada]

I received my second MG RX-1 Version 2 Q5.

The fit and finish is excellent.


At first when I took the lux reading I got 19,990 lux @ 1 meter.

I cleaned the threads on the battery tube and at the Cree XRE Q5 module. I also did this on my first light. I recommend you do this because you will get a lot of black grit off the threads. Both lights I have had a lot of black grit in the threads especially at the tailcap.

The seond reading improved to the exact same reading as my first light. 23,779 lux @ 1 meter. Now I call that consistency!

 

[alfreddajero]

Great review as always.....it seems that you can use cr123's in the first version.....i wonder why not this one. And it also seems that V1 cost about 10bones more.

 

[lightbug]

Both lights with identical output at 1 meter? That's a miracle. If I were you, I would go out and purchase myself a lotto ticket.

 

[alfreddajero]

And i never win....lol.

 

[ernsanada]

I have a couple of holsters that fit the MG RX-1 Version 2 Q5.

They are both made by Ripoffs.

CO188

BL188

 

[marcus80]

Hallo and Welcome

Ok it's my first post on CPF, but I'm reading it for over 1 year.

I'm interesting how RX-1 v2 lights after 1 hour.
How much drops brightness.

:welcome: