csshih
Flashlight Enthusiast
Hi Everyone,
Up for review is the Reflex1, a very exceptional light regarding its use of technology!
Here are some of the specs from their site, do visit it!
Tested Lumens -- From BigChelis
18650 - 225.4 peak, 224.6 after 3 minutes. -- a very low drop in output during regulation.
here is the light: more pictures will be up soon ;)
an attempt to show the sensor -- it's slightly offset from the middle.
Size Comparisons:
Comparison Beamshots:
no shutter speeds specified -- this is solely to compared tints/beam profile/estimated total output.
White Wall Shots:
Shutter Speed is not specified -- the white wall shots are meant to show artifacts, rings, etc in the beam, not for brightness comparison.
even though the Reflex1 uses 3 reflectors, the beam is still very even.
The Reflex1 uses 3 Neutral tinted Rebel 100 emitters for more natural looking light.
Outdoor Beamshots:
Reflex Flashlights Reflex1 2xCR123A
Runtime:
The more I look at this light, the more I like it. The light drops to low as the battery runs down - many other lights I know of that have a completely flat regulation shut off without warning. The Reflex1 doesn't leave you in the dark, so to speak. ;)
Impressions:
It is simple for most manufacturers to assemble a light - toss an emitter onto a heatsink, shove it into an aluminum tube, drop it on a cnc mill, anodizer, and add a switch. some quick programming, and bang! you have a new light. (note: this is an oversimplification to get a message through, please don't take offense, manufacturers ;) )
The Reflex1 is more than just a simple flashlight. It is a flashlight with a more purposeful design, one that will actually adjust modes by itself by means of a sensor in the head in a mode called, "auto".
But, before we get to the interesting details, let's make a quick detour on what else is different about the light compared to many others commonly founds on CPF. The light is produced in the USA - and machined by a fellow CPF member, TnC. As expected, the feel of the machining rivals many other manufacturers' lights. While I'm not too educated in machining, I believe TNC cut's their knurling instead of pressing it (which results in a much better feeling, and looking imo, surface).
The Reflex1 has a antiroll/grip ring built into the light, to be exact, it is part of the tailcap itself. My experiences with hard antiroll/grip rings have been less than positive, but this particular one has been designed well as it doesn't dig into your leg when resting in your pocket.
Speaking of the tailcap, this light utilizes a McClicky switch, one that is famed for it's durability and reliability ( I believe I've said that before ), and I probably don't need to say how it feels (excellent). Reflex Flashlights have really done their research in producing a light.
Now, onto the most... special portion of the light.
As pictured above, the Reflex1 uses an ambient light sensor to dim the flashlight intelligently during use. The light is not affected by ambient light, i.e. light that is in the room,.. the sensor only detects light reflected by the light itself.
Basically, as the flashlight gets closer to an object, output will drop. I've worked on many things with this light, and it functioned flawlessly with an exception of a car -- there are too many contrasting surfaces in the car (shiny/matte) and it would change modes often while peering in. This is a problem that can't be fixed, as that's how the sensor is designed ,but a smaller transition would be preferred.
With it's current configuration, I find it very simple to use. There are 4 modes --> AUTO, High, Medium, Low. You switch modes like every other light -- quick presses on the tailcap.
The steps for going into programming mode are pretty easy to follow, yet pretty much impossible to accidentally activate, click off, wait 5 seconds, click on, wait 5 seconds -- repeat until light flashes. I find that watching a clock helps quite a bit. Because of this timed programming sequence, it'll be near impossible to accidentally activate.
As said before, in my review unit, transitions were pretty noticeable to the eye, in my opinion, it would be nice for a smoother transition between modes. At a maximum, 40% should be the difference between modes as human vision can only reasonably perceive changes that large (100%-60%-36-21.6-12.96-7.78-4.67... And so on.
When I sent this information to Reflex Flashlights, they said they they were working on improving the UI, and customers would be able to upgrade their lights!
One last thing- there should be a spring at the positive battery contact if this light is marketed for the LEO/.mil market. If any excessive sudden shock is applied to the light ( impact, recoil ) I fear the cells will get dented at the head and disconnect. Otherwise, this light is superb and highly recommended.
As of [date], the price of this light is roughly 200$
Up for review is the Reflex1, a very exceptional light regarding its use of technology!
Here are some of the specs from their site, do visit it!
- Anti-roll tail cap with switch
- Auto setting adjustable for user preference (An industry FIRST!)
- Manufactured and assembled in the United States of America
- Multi-mode: High, medium, low, and AUTO
- Type III matte black anodized
- Water proof up to 3 meters (one month submerged)
Tested Lumens -- From BigChelis
18650 - 225.4 peak, 224.6 after 3 minutes. -- a very low drop in output during regulation.
here is the light: more pictures will be up soon ;)
an attempt to show the sensor -- it's slightly offset from the middle.
Size Comparisons:
Comparison Beamshots:
no shutter speeds specified -- this is solely to compared tints/beam profile/estimated total output.
White Wall Shots:
Shutter Speed is not specified -- the white wall shots are meant to show artifacts, rings, etc in the beam, not for brightness comparison.
even though the Reflex1 uses 3 reflectors, the beam is still very even.
The Reflex1 uses 3 Neutral tinted Rebel 100 emitters for more natural looking light.
Outdoor Beamshots:
Reflex Flashlights Reflex1 2xCR123A
Runtime:
The more I look at this light, the more I like it. The light drops to low as the battery runs down - many other lights I know of that have a completely flat regulation shut off without warning. The Reflex1 doesn't leave you in the dark, so to speak. ;)
Impressions:
It is simple for most manufacturers to assemble a light - toss an emitter onto a heatsink, shove it into an aluminum tube, drop it on a cnc mill, anodizer, and add a switch. some quick programming, and bang! you have a new light. (note: this is an oversimplification to get a message through, please don't take offense, manufacturers ;) )
The Reflex1 is more than just a simple flashlight. It is a flashlight with a more purposeful design, one that will actually adjust modes by itself by means of a sensor in the head in a mode called, "auto".
But, before we get to the interesting details, let's make a quick detour on what else is different about the light compared to many others commonly founds on CPF. The light is produced in the USA - and machined by a fellow CPF member, TnC. As expected, the feel of the machining rivals many other manufacturers' lights. While I'm not too educated in machining, I believe TNC cut's their knurling instead of pressing it (which results in a much better feeling, and looking imo, surface).
The Reflex1 has a antiroll/grip ring built into the light, to be exact, it is part of the tailcap itself. My experiences with hard antiroll/grip rings have been less than positive, but this particular one has been designed well as it doesn't dig into your leg when resting in your pocket.
Speaking of the tailcap, this light utilizes a McClicky switch, one that is famed for it's durability and reliability ( I believe I've said that before ), and I probably don't need to say how it feels (excellent). Reflex Flashlights have really done their research in producing a light.
Now, onto the most... special portion of the light.
As pictured above, the Reflex1 uses an ambient light sensor to dim the flashlight intelligently during use. The light is not affected by ambient light, i.e. light that is in the room,.. the sensor only detects light reflected by the light itself.
Basically, as the flashlight gets closer to an object, output will drop. I've worked on many things with this light, and it functioned flawlessly with an exception of a car -- there are too many contrasting surfaces in the car (shiny/matte) and it would change modes often while peering in. This is a problem that can't be fixed, as that's how the sensor is designed ,but a smaller transition would be preferred.
With it's current configuration, I find it very simple to use. There are 4 modes --> AUTO, High, Medium, Low. You switch modes like every other light -- quick presses on the tailcap.
The steps for going into programming mode are pretty easy to follow, yet pretty much impossible to accidentally activate, click off, wait 5 seconds, click on, wait 5 seconds -- repeat until light flashes. I find that watching a clock helps quite a bit. Because of this timed programming sequence, it'll be near impossible to accidentally activate.
As said before, in my review unit, transitions were pretty noticeable to the eye, in my opinion, it would be nice for a smoother transition between modes. At a maximum, 40% should be the difference between modes as human vision can only reasonably perceive changes that large (100%-60%-36-21.6-12.96-7.78-4.67... And so on.
When I sent this information to Reflex Flashlights, they said they they were working on improving the UI, and customers would be able to upgrade their lights!
One last thing- there should be a spring at the positive battery contact if this light is marketed for the LEO/.mil market. If any excessive sudden shock is applied to the light ( impact, recoil ) I fear the cells will get dented at the head and disconnect. Otherwise, this light is superb and highly recommended.
As of [date], the price of this light is roughly 200$
Last edited:
