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Lumapower Vantage Tool-Light review
Lumapower has come out with a line of lights, named, the Tool-light series. This series is meant for utility, for hard use in work environments, for trades-people, and others who will not be gentle with their tools.
The Vantage is the next model of the series and runs on 2 AA cells.
It can run effectively on alkaline cells but achieves highest performance when used with NiMH, or lithium primary (1.5V) cells.
Ricky at Lumapower sent me a neutral tint (Cree Q3 5A bin) review sample of this latest release. Here's a thorough evaluation of this versatile work light.
Specs and Information
The Vantage is a multi-mode AA cell light that has 3 levels, selected by the forward clicky. It features an enhanced version of the Lumapower EDC UI, named "Smart UI" and will be described below.
The specifications (as quoted from Lumapower) are as follows:
Standard LED: Cree XR-E
2 versions are available to satisfy different tastes.
R2 (WC/WD) Version: (Max ~200 Lumens) (Higher output, cool white tint model)
Q3-5A version: (Max ~150L Lumens) (Neutral tint model)
Powered by 2xAA-size Alkaline, lithium (1.5V) or NiMH batteries, the Vantage can also be used with a lithium-ion 14500 battery with a dummy cell (max circuit voltage is 4.5V). Using a lithium-ion cell produces somewhat higher output.
Runtime: On high: 85mins, on medium: 3.5 hours, on low: pending, (2 x AA 2500mah Nimh)
- 3 output levels (no SOS/Strobe, low-medium-high mode sequence)
- 2-way memory locking system (Smart UI)
- Electronic battery polarity protection
- Forward clicky with momentary-on. Tailcap lockout available.
- Square threads
- Double side AR-coated lens
- OP textured reflector
- Anti-roll features and tail-stand capable
- Solid, removable clip
- Type III Hard Anodized (Grey or special edition Silver)
Standard Dimensions:
- Overall length: 155mm
- Max. Head Diameter: 25.4mm
- Body Diameter: 21.5mm
- Tail Diameter: 23mm
- Weight: 96g (without battery)
The included accessory kit includes a few items. The included items are
- Spare (black) o-rings
- Spare (black) switch cover
- A tactical grip-ring that allows for cigar grip and also provides extra anti-roll functionality.
Regular retail price for the Vantage is $65, or $75 for the limited edition Silver Anodized model.
An optional Tele-force kit is available for $23. This kit features an extended bezel assembly and a much deeper, smooth reflector for extended throw.
First Impressions: Beefy construction, Impressive Output
The Vantage is a nice, solid utility light, built with thick walls, and rugged construction.
It has springs in both the head and tail, increasing pressure on the batteries, and protecting the head circuitry from shock damage if the light is dropped.
The finish is a durable hard anodized grey (or optional silver) that is surprisingly well matched (grey hard anodized finishes typically suffer from bad colour matching). No flaws were noted. The light has ample knurling that ensures a solid grip.
The light has a very firm clip secured by a retaining ring (or the included tactical grip ring). I found the clip to be very solid and dependable, but would like Lumapower to machine a slot in the body to prevent rotation. I also think the clip should be 1-2 mm shorter. Currently it falls just short of the knurling on the body, but seems just a touch too long. Overall this clip is well implemented; I hope Lumapower can incorporate it into more of their lights.
The light tailstands, but due to the length and weight, it may be a bit tippy.
A glow ring is found around the anti-reflective coated glass lens, and the firm tailcap switch uses a glow-in-the-dark boot. The tailcap threads are anodized so lockout is possible.
Output is very impressive, with a distinct, intense spot and bright spill.
Good interface: Smart UI for single or multiple modes
The Vantage uses the standard Lumapower interface, named Smart UI (first released in the Tool Series Mentor light). Smart UI offers the typical three mode interface (low-medium-high brightness sequence with memory mode) but also offers the ability to lock-in any single brightness setting for tactical use or signaling.
Here's how it works: the light must be on for at least 1 second or more to set the mode memory. At this stage, turn off the light and quickly pulse the light on 4 times (within 1 second). Now the light is locked into that brightness setting and works like a single mode, forward clicky light.
To unlock the light, simply pulse the light on 4 times within a second. The light is now back to the standard 3-level interface. Simple and effective.
There are no strobe or SOS modes, so the interface remains relatively clean, and simple.
Locking the mode is a bit fiddly initially, but once learned it's easy to change from multi-level to single level interface. Adding some kind of mode-locked indication would be helpful. In any case the Smart UI should satisfy many different types of users.
I believe that the interface could be extended to 4 modes, but having 4 half presses combined with 4 modes could be somewhat problematic. Perhaps switching to 5 half presses for the smart UI would allow 4 mode selections.
Battery availability and compatibility
The Vantage is compatible with alkaline cells, but like most high powered lights, runs much brighter and longer with lithium primaries (1.5V) or NiMH cells. The Vantage can also run effectively on 1 Li-on AA cell (also called 14500, max 4.2V) for a bit more output with reduced runtime.
Battery availability should not be a problem with this light since AA cells are very common and can be found at most any store.
Levels: Very high output, but limited runtimes
I found the levels on the Vantage to be quite well spaced but they tended to lean towards more power at the expense of runtime.
The levels are set to 15 lumens (low), 70 lumens (medium) and 200 lumens (high) for the R2 bin model. My Q3 5A neutral tint model would produce about 20-30% less output, with a much warmer beam tint.
The Vantage low mode is a good general purpose level for work use, and is likely to be the most used setting in darker environments. Night vision preservation is not really the intended purpose of this level. It's just a good all-around level for general use.
Medium is quite bright and can be used when there is more ambient light, such as work during the day or other environments with a lot of light pollution.
The high mode is useful for spotting and sweeping large dark areas.
Overall, I'd suggest lowering the medium setting to say 40-50 lumens to achieve longer runtimes and provide more even level spacing.
PWM (pulse width modulation) is used for dimming the light. The frequency used is 1.3 Khz. I did not detect any PWM flicker in use, though it can be observed by shaking the light rapidly.
Size, ergonomics
The Vantage feels good in the hand, and works well in the typical overhand grip. The knurling is grippy without being too aggressive. The scallops in the tailcap allow for tailstanding while allowing reasonably good access to the tailcap switch.
There is a tactical grip-ring included that allows for a more secure cigar grip as well as providing more anti-roll features. I found the light to be too long and unbalanced with the tactical ring installed and opted to leave it off. I think it would be better suited for a single cell light.
The clicky feels firm and crisp, with good feedback.
Beam, tint quality
The Vantage uses the Cree XR-E emitter. My sample has the neutral 5A tint emitter and provides a warm beam, with a slight hint of pink.
This tint tends to emphasize greens and browns as well as providing better colour rendition in a beam that is easier on the eyes. It does lose about 20 - 30% output compared to the cool white bins (WC/WH tint bins) so one must chose between tint preference and absolute maximum output. Lumapower offers R2 Cool white LEDs as well as the warmer Q3 5A tint. This should please most users.
The Vantage uses a textured reflector and produces a beam with a strong, broad spot and bright medium/wide spill. This is a very useful beam pattern.
This beam profile is effective for some throw and flood. There is the typical Cree dark-ring around the hotspot, but it was not seen in normal use.
The emitter was perfectly centered.
Other notes, Optional Teleforce head
The Vantage has a slightly crenulated bezel so one can tell that the light is still on when placed bezel down on a flat surface.
I also received a Teleforce head for evaluation. This optional upgrade changed the characteristics of the beam, transforming the Vantage into a very effective thrower. The deeper, smooth reflector concentrated a lot more of the beam into a tight spot with a narrower, brighter spill. The beam was quite ringy (a consequence of combining a Cree XR-E LED and a smooth reflector) but this should not affect performance in normal use. The colour match of my teleforce head was poor however.
Upgradabilty
For modding types, the Vantage is not glued or potted, so there is easy access to the LED and driver. I have not tried to disassemble the head to access the driver (yet).
Summary
The Vantage is a good addition to the utility oriented Tool-light series. It has rugged construction, a useful beam, and generally effective levels combine with a flexible interface.
I would suggest a slight reduction in output for the medium/high modes to increase runtimes, but otherwise find the levels quite good.
The optional Teleforce head is a good option if one wants an AA cell powered throw light.
Good job Lumapower.
Lumapower Vantage Tool-Light review
Lumapower has come out with a line of lights, named, the Tool-light series. This series is meant for utility, for hard use in work environments, for trades-people, and others who will not be gentle with their tools.
The Vantage is the next model of the series and runs on 2 AA cells.
It can run effectively on alkaline cells but achieves highest performance when used with NiMH, or lithium primary (1.5V) cells.
Ricky at Lumapower sent me a neutral tint (Cree Q3 5A bin) review sample of this latest release. Here's a thorough evaluation of this versatile work light.
Specs and Information
The Vantage is a multi-mode AA cell light that has 3 levels, selected by the forward clicky. It features an enhanced version of the Lumapower EDC UI, named "Smart UI" and will be described below.
The specifications (as quoted from Lumapower) are as follows:
Standard LED: Cree XR-E
2 versions are available to satisfy different tastes.
R2 (WC/WD) Version: (Max ~200 Lumens) (Higher output, cool white tint model)
Q3-5A version: (Max ~150L Lumens) (Neutral tint model)
Powered by 2xAA-size Alkaline, lithium (1.5V) or NiMH batteries, the Vantage can also be used with a lithium-ion 14500 battery with a dummy cell (max circuit voltage is 4.5V). Using a lithium-ion cell produces somewhat higher output.
Runtime: On high: 85mins, on medium: 3.5 hours, on low: pending, (2 x AA 2500mah Nimh)
- 3 output levels (no SOS/Strobe, low-medium-high mode sequence)
- 2-way memory locking system (Smart UI)
- Electronic battery polarity protection
- Forward clicky with momentary-on. Tailcap lockout available.
- Square threads
- Double side AR-coated lens
- OP textured reflector
- Anti-roll features and tail-stand capable
- Solid, removable clip
- Type III Hard Anodized (Grey or special edition Silver)
Standard Dimensions:
- Overall length: 155mm
- Max. Head Diameter: 25.4mm
- Body Diameter: 21.5mm
- Tail Diameter: 23mm
- Weight: 96g (without battery)
The included accessory kit includes a few items. The included items are
- Spare (black) o-rings
- Spare (black) switch cover
- A tactical grip-ring that allows for cigar grip and also provides extra anti-roll functionality.
Regular retail price for the Vantage is $65, or $75 for the limited edition Silver Anodized model.
An optional Tele-force kit is available for $23. This kit features an extended bezel assembly and a much deeper, smooth reflector for extended throw.
First Impressions: Beefy construction, Impressive Output
The Vantage is a nice, solid utility light, built with thick walls, and rugged construction.
It has springs in both the head and tail, increasing pressure on the batteries, and protecting the head circuitry from shock damage if the light is dropped.
The finish is a durable hard anodized grey (or optional silver) that is surprisingly well matched (grey hard anodized finishes typically suffer from bad colour matching). No flaws were noted. The light has ample knurling that ensures a solid grip.
The light has a very firm clip secured by a retaining ring (or the included tactical grip ring). I found the clip to be very solid and dependable, but would like Lumapower to machine a slot in the body to prevent rotation. I also think the clip should be 1-2 mm shorter. Currently it falls just short of the knurling on the body, but seems just a touch too long. Overall this clip is well implemented; I hope Lumapower can incorporate it into more of their lights.
The light tailstands, but due to the length and weight, it may be a bit tippy.
A glow ring is found around the anti-reflective coated glass lens, and the firm tailcap switch uses a glow-in-the-dark boot. The tailcap threads are anodized so lockout is possible.
Output is very impressive, with a distinct, intense spot and bright spill.
Good interface: Smart UI for single or multiple modes
The Vantage uses the standard Lumapower interface, named Smart UI (first released in the Tool Series Mentor light). Smart UI offers the typical three mode interface (low-medium-high brightness sequence with memory mode) but also offers the ability to lock-in any single brightness setting for tactical use or signaling.
Here's how it works: the light must be on for at least 1 second or more to set the mode memory. At this stage, turn off the light and quickly pulse the light on 4 times (within 1 second). Now the light is locked into that brightness setting and works like a single mode, forward clicky light.
To unlock the light, simply pulse the light on 4 times within a second. The light is now back to the standard 3-level interface. Simple and effective.
There are no strobe or SOS modes, so the interface remains relatively clean, and simple.
Locking the mode is a bit fiddly initially, but once learned it's easy to change from multi-level to single level interface. Adding some kind of mode-locked indication would be helpful. In any case the Smart UI should satisfy many different types of users.
I believe that the interface could be extended to 4 modes, but having 4 half presses combined with 4 modes could be somewhat problematic. Perhaps switching to 5 half presses for the smart UI would allow 4 mode selections.
Battery availability and compatibility
The Vantage is compatible with alkaline cells, but like most high powered lights, runs much brighter and longer with lithium primaries (1.5V) or NiMH cells. The Vantage can also run effectively on 1 Li-on AA cell (also called 14500, max 4.2V) for a bit more output with reduced runtime.
Battery availability should not be a problem with this light since AA cells are very common and can be found at most any store.
Levels: Very high output, but limited runtimes
I found the levels on the Vantage to be quite well spaced but they tended to lean towards more power at the expense of runtime.
The levels are set to 15 lumens (low), 70 lumens (medium) and 200 lumens (high) for the R2 bin model. My Q3 5A neutral tint model would produce about 20-30% less output, with a much warmer beam tint.
The Vantage low mode is a good general purpose level for work use, and is likely to be the most used setting in darker environments. Night vision preservation is not really the intended purpose of this level. It's just a good all-around level for general use.
Medium is quite bright and can be used when there is more ambient light, such as work during the day or other environments with a lot of light pollution.
The high mode is useful for spotting and sweeping large dark areas.
Overall, I'd suggest lowering the medium setting to say 40-50 lumens to achieve longer runtimes and provide more even level spacing.
PWM (pulse width modulation) is used for dimming the light. The frequency used is 1.3 Khz. I did not detect any PWM flicker in use, though it can be observed by shaking the light rapidly.
Size, ergonomics
The Vantage feels good in the hand, and works well in the typical overhand grip. The knurling is grippy without being too aggressive. The scallops in the tailcap allow for tailstanding while allowing reasonably good access to the tailcap switch.
There is a tactical grip-ring included that allows for a more secure cigar grip as well as providing more anti-roll features. I found the light to be too long and unbalanced with the tactical ring installed and opted to leave it off. I think it would be better suited for a single cell light.
The clicky feels firm and crisp, with good feedback.
Beam, tint quality
The Vantage uses the Cree XR-E emitter. My sample has the neutral 5A tint emitter and provides a warm beam, with a slight hint of pink.
This tint tends to emphasize greens and browns as well as providing better colour rendition in a beam that is easier on the eyes. It does lose about 20 - 30% output compared to the cool white bins (WC/WH tint bins) so one must chose between tint preference and absolute maximum output. Lumapower offers R2 Cool white LEDs as well as the warmer Q3 5A tint. This should please most users.
The Vantage uses a textured reflector and produces a beam with a strong, broad spot and bright medium/wide spill. This is a very useful beam pattern.
This beam profile is effective for some throw and flood. There is the typical Cree dark-ring around the hotspot, but it was not seen in normal use.
The emitter was perfectly centered.
Other notes, Optional Teleforce head
The Vantage has a slightly crenulated bezel so one can tell that the light is still on when placed bezel down on a flat surface.
I also received a Teleforce head for evaluation. This optional upgrade changed the characteristics of the beam, transforming the Vantage into a very effective thrower. The deeper, smooth reflector concentrated a lot more of the beam into a tight spot with a narrower, brighter spill. The beam was quite ringy (a consequence of combining a Cree XR-E LED and a smooth reflector) but this should not affect performance in normal use. The colour match of my teleforce head was poor however.
Upgradabilty
For modding types, the Vantage is not glued or potted, so there is easy access to the LED and driver. I have not tried to disassemble the head to access the driver (yet).
Summary
The Vantage is a good addition to the utility oriented Tool-light series. It has rugged construction, a useful beam, and generally effective levels combine with a flexible interface.
I would suggest a slight reduction in output for the medium/high modes to increase runtimes, but otherwise find the levels quite good.
The optional Teleforce head is a good option if one wants an AA cell powered throw light.
Good job Lumapower.
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