Raidfire Spear TM Q5

[ernsanada]

I just received the Raidfire Spear Q5 from EDGETAK CPFMP Thread

Shipping EMS took 8 days to Socal.

The box was slight crushed during shipping.

The Type III Hard Anodize is excellent.

The printing on the Spear is blotchy in spots.

The fits is good.

One of my o-rings on the front of the battery tube is smashed. It looks like during installation the o-ring was not put on correct. Part of it was twisted.

Uses Cree Q5 WC.

Patented ThermoflowTM heat sinking design.

Forward clickie.

Uses 18650 sized battery. No 2 RCR123's.

I got in the first group CPFMP special buy at $70.00. Paid $10.00 extra for EMS Shipping.

Rear view of the Cree Q Module.

Inside view of the rear clickie.

Patented ThermoflowTM heat sinking design. Note the "Strong Light", should have left this printing off the Spear.

Printing is bad. Note the Raidfire printing.

O-ring was twisted and pinched.

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Size comparsions.

Left to right, Raidfire Spear TM Q5, Dereelight DBS Q5, Lumapower MRV 1st Gen., Fenix T Q5

Left to right, Raidfire Spear TM Q5, Dereelight DBS Q5, Lumapower MRV 1st Gen., Fenix T Q5

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These are the lux readings I got. I am using a Meterman LM631 Light Meter measured at 1 meter. I waited 2 minutes before taking the readings. I am using AW's Protected 18650 and AW's Protected RCR123's which were fully charged.

Raidfire Spear TM Q5 - 20,100 lux @ 1 meter

Dereelight DBS XRE-E Q4 with 3 Way Module SMO - 18,500 lux @ 1 meter

Dereelight DBS XRE-E Q5 with 3 Way Module SMO - 20,767 lux @ 1 meter

Lumapower MRV 1st gen. SMO - 8110 lux @ 1 meter

Regal WT1 Q5, 18650, SMO - 10180 lux @ 1 meter

Regal WT1 Q5 SMO, 2 RCR - 11350 @ 1 meter

Fenix T1 Q5 OP 2 RCR123's - 5950 lux @ 1 meter


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In these beam shots I used the Raidfire Spear TM Q5 SMO, Dereelight DBS XRE-E Q5 with 3 Way Module SMO and Lumapower MRV 1st gen. SMO.


Raidfire Spear TM Q5 SMO @ 90"

Dereelight DBS XRE-E Q5 with 3 Way Module SMO @ 90"

Lumapower MRV 1st gen. SMO @ 90"

Raidfire Spear TM Q5 SMO @ 90" Stepped down exposure

Dereelight DBS XRE-E Q5 with 3 Way Module SMO @ 90" Stepped down exposure

Lumapower MRV 1st gen. SMO @ 90" Stepped down exposure

Left, Raidfire Spear TM Q5 SMO. Right, Dereelight DBS XRE-E Q5 with 3 Way Module SMO @ 90"

Left, Raidfire Spear TM Q5 SMO. Right, Lumapower MRV 1st gen. SMO @ 90"

Left, Raidfire Spear TM Q5 SMO. Right, Dereelight DBS XRE-E Q5 with 3 Way Module SMO @ 90" Stepped down exposure

Left, Raidfire Spear TM Q5 SMO. Right, Lumapower MRV 1st gen. SMO @ 90" Stepped down exposure

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Raidfire Spear TM Q5 SMO @ 32'

Dereelight DBS XRE-E Q5 with 3 Way Module SMO @ 32'

Lumapower MRV 1st gen. SMO @ 32'

Regal Light WT1 Q5 SMO @ 32'

Fenix T1 Q5 OP @ 32'

 

[selfbuilt]

Thanks for the review Ernie! Great pics, especially the outdoor shots.

Can't wait to get mine ...

 

[Weskix]

Does the lettering appear to be a type of paint, or is it permenantly etched into the HA. Your right about them needing to leave off the "Strong Light" warning, it certainly does not add anything to the asthetics.

 

[WadeF]

Why are you comparing to a Q4 DBS? I thought you had a Q5 pill?

"Dereelight DBS XRE-E Q5 with 3 Way Module SMO, 18650 - 20,767 lux @ 1 meter"

Looks like you have the Q5 listed for the pictures, and in the outdoor distance shots the DBS appears to have the more intense hot spot.

Interesting that your Raidfire has a tighter hot spot than the DBS, or so it appears in the white wall shots. My Raidire has a larger hot spot than my DBS, especially at longer distances.
Seems from Raidfire to Raidfire, from DBS to DBS, slight variations in the emitter, or their position, can make a noticeable difference in the hot spot.

Surprisingly, with the Raidfire having a larger hot spot, I get about the same LUX readings as my DBS with my best performing pill, at one meter. There is more of a difference at about 30-35 feet, where the DBS has a larger difference between them, having a higher lux reading.

I get around 25,000LUX with the Raidfire, and 25,500LUX with the DBS. I know I've seen 26,200 LUX with my DBS, but I think it comes down to how the pill is screwed in, fully tight, or backed off just a bit, etc.

They are very close when using Q5's, which is impressive since the Raidfire has a smaller reflector. I think the difference maybe the Raidfire has a coated lens, and the DBS doesn't. I should try a LUX reading from the DBS with no lens, and the same with the Raidfire if you can remove the lens.

Great review as always!

 

[cmacclel]

"Strong Light"

Mac<<<<<< Shakes head

How is the heatsinking patended? Microfire's 24w HID was very similar that was released a year ago.


Excellent review :thumbsup:

Mac

 

[FlashCrazy]

Great review of this "Strong" light! At least it doesn't have grow in the dark o-rings!

I'm trying to patiently wait for mine... you're not helping!

 

[Chao]

Thanks for the review and pics, this light looks beautiful, I like the outdoor shots, :goodjob:

 

[adirondackdestroyer]

Awesome review! I can't wait for mine to arrive! :twothumbs
I really wish they would have left the "Strong Light" off of the light, but oh well. Can't be perfect I guess.
I'll put up a short review comparing it to my other lights, but I'm not sure I have anything that will give it any competition. My furthest throwing lights are the Taskforce 2C, Rayovac 3C, and a Maglite 3D LED. Oh and my Sam's HID! :naughty:

 

[EDGETAC]

Why are you comparing to a Q4 DBS? I thought you had a Q5 pill?

"Dereelight DBS XRE-E Q5 with 3 Way Module SMO, 18650 - 20,767 lux @ 1 meter"

Looks like you have the Q5 listed for the pictures, and in the outdoor distance shots the DBS appears to have the more intense hot spot.

Interesting that your Raidfire has a tighter hot spot than the DBS, or so it appears in the white wall shots. My Raidire has a larger hot spot than my DBS, especially at longer distances.
Seems from Raidfire to Raidfire, from DBS to DBS, slight variations in the emitter, or their position, can make a noticeable difference in the hot spot.

Surprisingly, with the Raidfire having a larger hot spot, I get about the same LUX readings as my DBS with my best performing pill, at one meter. There is more of a difference at about 30-35 feet, where the DBS has a larger difference between them, having a higher lux reading.

I get around 25,000LUX with the Raidfire, and 25,500LUX with the DBS. I know I've seen 26,200 LUX with my DBS, but I think it comes down to how the pill is screwed in, fully tight, or backed off just a bit, etc.

They are very close when using Q5's, which is impressive since the Raidfire has a smaller reflector. I think the difference maybe the Raidfire has a coated lens, and the DBS doesn't. I should try a LUX reading from the DBS with no lens, and the same with the Raidfire if you can remove the lens.

Great review as always!

WadeF,

We use 3mm thick toughened glass in Spear, which owns extremely high anti-impact capability, but profit from dual-coating technique, it owns high efficency as well.

Best Regards,
Y.L.Wong

 

[ernsanada]

Why are you comparing to a Q4 DBS? I thought you had a Q5 pill?

"Dereelight DBS XRE-E Q5 with 3 Way Module SMO, 18650 - 20,767 lux @ 1 meter"

Looks like you have the Q5 listed for the pictures, and in the outdoor distance shots the DBS appears to have the more intense hot spot.

Interesting that your Raidfire has a tighter hot spot than the DBS, or so it appears in the white wall shots. My Raidire has a larger hot spot than my DBS, especially at longer distances.
Seems from Raidfire to Raidfire, from DBS to DBS, slight variations in the emitter, or their position, can make a noticeable difference in the hot spot.

Surprisingly, with the Raidfire having a larger hot spot, I get about the same LUX readings as my DBS with my best performing pill, at one meter. There is more of a difference at about 30-35 feet, where the DBS has a larger difference between them, having a higher lux reading.

I get around 25,000LUX with the Raidfire, and 25,500LUX with the DBS. I know I've seen 26,200 LUX with my DBS, but I think it comes down to how the pill is screwed in, fully tight, or backed off just a bit, etc.

They are very close when using Q5's, which is impressive since the Raidfire has a smaller reflector. I think the difference maybe the Raidfire has a coated lens, and the DBS doesn't. I should try a LUX reading from the DBS with no lens, and the same with the Raidfire if you can remove the lens.

Great review as always!

Thanks for catching the error!

Not a Q4, it's a Q5. Will correct post.

Too many reviews. I was copying and pasting, trying to save some time.

I am doing another review right now.

 

[phrozen]

:wave:
Thanks for the great review
received my RaidFire Spear on 17th Dec.

same problem with "Laser Patented " as below pix.

and, I try to open Spear's HEAD (want to see Reflector)
but, it's use Glue to LOCKED!(I think so) (IT's HARDCOR LOCKED)
( I have no IDEA how to change Reflector)

I was email to EDGETAC,
EDGETAC say.. how to Change Reflector Tutorial will show on later..

 

[WadeF]

Thanks for catching the error!

Not a Q4, it's a Q5. Will correct post.

Too many reviews. I was copying and pasting, trying to save some time.

I am doing another review right now.

Ah, that makes sense. You still have the Q4 LUX reading though, and not your Q5 LUX reading.

 

[sledhead]

Thanks for the great review! Excellent choices for comparisons! Hopefully quality control will be in full force when the 2nd batch goes out in a month. Great photos as usual.:twothumbs

 

[WadeF]

WadeF,

We use 3mm thick toughened glass in Spear, which owns extremely high anti-impact capability, but profit from dual-coating technique, it owns high efficency as well.

Best Regards,
Y.L.Wong

The peformance of the reflector is impressive for its size. I think the biggest issue people will have with this light is the tail cap. It's very large and mushroomed, which makes pressing the button akward and uncomfortbale. I have seen people complain about tail cap designs that are much less obstrusive than the Raidfire Spears. Guess we'll see what people think, but I'm just making a prediction here. I can certainly live with it, and I like the fact that the design improves tail standing reliability.

The good news is, if it's a problem, you can just design a new tail cap that people could purchase to replace the stock tail cap with.

You might consider less markings on the lights in the future as well. Maybe removable warning stickers could be used instead?

 

[AFAustin]

Thanks, Ernie. Great photos, as always.

I haven't bought an LED super thrower since the 1st gen. MRV & Tiablo. I have a Raidfire on the way, so looks like I'm in for a treat (esp. for $70).

 

[d1dd1]

:wow:Thanks for your great review :twothumbs
Hope mine will arrive soon (sorting in Shanghai for 3 days now )
btw: :kewlpics:

 

[fnmag]

Thankyou for the review. The light looks very interesting.
Cheers.

 

[ernsanada]

Ah, that makes sense. You still have the Q4 LUX reading though, and not your Q5 LUX reading.

Thanks again!

My head is spinning, 3 reviews, too many photos, downloading pics and adding info. I knew I was bound to manke some mistakes.

 

[woodrow]

Great review as Always. I really like your backyard comparison shots.

 

[WadeF]

Thanks again!

My head is spinning, 3 reviews, too many photos, downloading pics and adding info. I knew I was bound to manke some mistakes.

I know the feeling. I haven't been able to finish my reviews with all the holiday stuff going on.