kj75
Enlightened
A lot of torches of the "next-generation" come (and will come in future) with a powerful XHP70 LED built-in. Because there's only one 26650-cell needed, these lights are pocked-sized. So it's possible now to have 3000 lumens in your pocket. The Acebeam EC50 GEN II is one of this generation; in this review we have a closer look at this compact power-light, also side by side to another torch in the same output-class. Of course, we also go outside with both ones, to see how they perform. Let's kick off!
the second generation of the Acebeam EC50
pocket-sized and rechargeable
up to 3000 lumens by a XHP70 LED
thanks to its compact size….
it can be carried every day
To start with, the features and specifications here, given by Acebeam:
• CREE XHP70 LED with a lifespan of 50,000hours
• Max Output 3000lumens Use 1*26650 battery (included)
• Working Voltage:3V-6V
• Max Runtime 900hrs
• Max beam 302 meters
• Peak beam intensity 22800cd
• Impact resistant 1.2meters
• Waterproof : IPX-8 Standard (2meters)
• Orange-peel reflector gives perfect beam and throw.
• Digitally regulated output- maintains constant brightness
• Side switch on the body
• Over-heat protection to avoid high-temperature of the surface
• Made of durable aircraft grade aluminum
• Premium Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish
• Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating
• Streamlined body design
• Battery reverse protection function. And batteries low indication
(it will flash when voltage down to 3v)
• Intelligent temperature controlled light-output for user safety
• Specially designed for military, law enforcement, self-defense, hunting, search and rescue and outdoor activities
The dimensions:
• Length: 5.2" (132mm)
• Head Diameter: 1.6"(40mm)
• Tube Diameter: 1.2" (30mm)
• Weight: 4.5oz (128g)(without battery)
And the output specs:
Unboxing:
Like we are used of, Acebeam always takes good care about the package. The EC50 Gen II arrives in a sturdy light-brown box. Personally, I like these boxes, because it's easy to restore the light and you can open the package without tearing the carton. At the box some prints and specialties about the light in black and orange color. Inside it looks neat: Branded sachets for the spare parts and lanyard, a gold-plated USB-charging-cable and a plastic warranty-card. The box is ready-to-go: Only thing we need is a charger or USB-port to charge the EC50 Gen II. So, again a nice and complete package here. I took some pictures of the box and the contents, please scroll down!
a nice, light-brown box
the specialties of the light mentioned at the box
Acebeam takes care of their packages!
unboxed: the light, holster, charging-cable, warranty card, manual and spare O-rings
Impressions:
The Acebeam EC50 Gen II is a mid-sized torch that has a relative thick tube because of its power source, a 26650-cell. But daily carrying this light in your coat pocket should not give any problem, it's easy to carry. Personally I like the looks of the EC50 Gen II: The knurling, the fins and the bezel give the light powerful looks. The light is in deep-black color and is built and finished very well. No defects found on the anodizing, and the laser-engraving is clear and well-done. In contrast to the first batches my EC50 has a different print below the power-button, in the same tint as the button and the bezel. The micro-USB charging port is protected by a rubber cover. That cover closes properly, because when you remove it, a "pop" is heard. I hope it will last for years, Acebeam doesn't provide a spare-one in the package. I'm happy with the good anti-rolling design of this one. Looking into the lights' head we see an orange-peel reflector (I detected a tiny spot in the reflector) and a well-centered XHP70 LED. Looking into a reflector that has a "four-in-one" LED shows (for your eyes only) a typical bloom-shape. During releasing the cap I noticed that the threads run smooth and are lubed well. Striking detail is the red O-ring, I saw this earlier at…. the Nitecore TM03. No glue or solder rests in the cap or tube, Acebeam really takes care about the finishing. Let's have a look at a couple of pictures below, that show more impressions and details!
compact, but a rather thick body
a nice design and powerful looks
no problem to carry it often
steady tailstand, usable as a candle thanks to the good low mode
can't be hidden in your hand's palm, but compact relative to its output!
well built, excellent finished
in deep-black color
a branded 26650-cell is included
the XHP70 LED brings both output and throw
nice details on the finishing
the XHP70 is well centered
the micro-USB port is protected by a rubber cover
a red O-ring and well machined and lubed threads
a look into the cap
and the tube
a tiny spot in the reflector visible
good care on the finishing, eye for details
sturdy holster, the EC50 Gen II fits well
the lanyard added-on
the "four-in-one" XHP70 LED
the USB-cover is also branded
charging in an easy job
the charging indicator is hard to check
again ready for action!
EC50 Gen II: power in your pocket
nice option for searching-jobs
User interface:
The EC50 Gen II has a compact shape, a rather thick tube but fits therefore good in a man's hand. The head that has a lot of cooling-fins and the knurling protect in a proper way against accidentally slipping out of your hand. The light is not too heavy. Charging of the light is an easy job: plug in the micro-USB jack and connect it to a cell-phone charger or anything like that. The indicator is not that bright, but will inform you about the progress. Keep in mind that a big 26650-cell needs a longer charging-time.
All modes and functions of the EC50 Gen II are controlled by the same power button. Personally, this button is not my favorite: I would have seen a button that needs a firmer press and with a stiff structure. With this button, there's the risk of accidentally-on, and during cycling through the modes I picked regularly the wrong one because of the "week feels" of the button. So, I hope that Acebeam will bring back the rubber on a next version….
The operation of the EC50 Gen II is not a difficult one: Press of on and off, the light will start in memorized mode, except Turbo or Strobe. Press and hold the button to cycle through the four normal modes. The Turbo mode is an instant-one: two quick clicks (both from on or off) will enter the highest output. Three quick clicks will bring you in Strobe. Those modes (Turbo and Strobe) are locked: this means that you can't cycle to another desired mode, you first have to shut off the light. The EC50 Gen II has also instant-Firefly mode; this mode can only be activated from off. Press and hold the button to activate. In contrast to the other direct-modes, you can go to the other normal modes out of Firefly. You can lock and unlock the light by pressing and holding the switch for more than 3 seconds, and is indicated by three slow flashes. The torch has a built-in overheat protection, this is needed on a light like this, it gets really hot in a few minutes.
Modes:
The EC50 Gen II has in total five normal output modes, in order of: FIREFLY > LOW > MID > HIGH > TURBO. Except the lack of a mode between 1 and 80 lumens the spacing is good. Three instant/ special modes: direct-FIREFLY, instant-TURBO and instant-STROBE. Two ways to LOCK-OUT the light: by pressing and holding the button and by releasing the cap a little. Overall, I'm satisfied about the modes the EC50 Gen II offers, especially the instant-FIREFLY and TURBO.
Size comparison:
A comparison here to another light in the same lumen-class and also powered by the powerful XHP70 LED, the Nitecore TM03.
26650-cell, Acebeam EC50 Gen II and Nitecore TM03
Acebeam EC50 Gen II and Nitecore TM03
Acebeam EC50 Gen II and Nitecore TM03
Acebeam EC50 Gen II and Nitecore TM03
both powered by XHP70 LED
the tails: Acebeam EC50 Gen II and Nitecore TM03
Tint:
I was little surprised by the tint of the EC50 Gen II. It seems more neutral than cool-white, especially when its shown against the little bluish Nitecore TM03. Personally, I'm happy with this tint.
Beamprofile:
A mixed profile here: big spot and corona, little spill. Not an impressive thrower, but the EC50 Gen II emits a wall of light. It's a clean beam, no rings or defects visible. Neither PWM detected at any mode, so the beam and the profile is ok to me.
Beamshots:
Let's have a look now how the EC50 Gen II performs! Starting by projecting the light at a white wall, distance about 0,75 meters.
Camera-settings: ISO100, F/2.7, WB daylight, 1/125 sec, 35mm
GIF-picture:
Going outdoors now with the EC50 Gen II now! The pictures show the mixed beamprofile and the good output. Starting with the five normal modes and a GIF, after that a shoot-out against the Nitecore TM03.
Camera-settings: ISO100, F/2.7, WB daylight, 4 sec, 35mm
GIF-picture:
the EC50 Gen II against the Nitecore TM03, both lights at Turbo
The second location is a road with trees at left and a dam at right side. The Nitecore has better throw, the EC50 Gen II a nicer beam and better color rendering.
Acebeam EC50 Gen II at Turbo
Nitecore TM03 at Turbo
animation
Conclusion:
At the end of this review I can tell you my overall impression of this light is a good one. It is a well-built and finished light, is rather compact, so daily carrying doesn't require that much effort. Charging is an easy job, and the light comes including a cell, so you're ready to go. It produces a clean and nice mixed beam that has a good tint too. The Turbo mode is a nice feature to impress and for quick search, but will not last for that long; for longer jobs the High-mode is the better option, also because it drains the cell quickly. So a good point in my opinion that Turbo is an instant and separate mode.
Main issue to me that I want to see improved is the power button. I would like to see a (illuminated) rubber switch that better grip and pressure point.
But I can recommend the EC50 Gen II: it emits a wall of nice light!
Special thanks to Acebeam that I could enter to the Global Test Campaign!
the second generation of the Acebeam EC50
pocket-sized and rechargeable
up to 3000 lumens by a XHP70 LED
thanks to its compact size….
it can be carried every day
To start with, the features and specifications here, given by Acebeam:
• CREE XHP70 LED with a lifespan of 50,000hours
• Max Output 3000lumens Use 1*26650 battery (included)
• Working Voltage:3V-6V
• Max Runtime 900hrs
• Max beam 302 meters
• Peak beam intensity 22800cd
• Impact resistant 1.2meters
• Waterproof : IPX-8 Standard (2meters)
• Orange-peel reflector gives perfect beam and throw.
• Digitally regulated output- maintains constant brightness
• Side switch on the body
• Over-heat protection to avoid high-temperature of the surface
• Made of durable aircraft grade aluminum
• Premium Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish
• Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating
• Streamlined body design
• Battery reverse protection function. And batteries low indication
(it will flash when voltage down to 3v)
• Intelligent temperature controlled light-output for user safety
• Specially designed for military, law enforcement, self-defense, hunting, search and rescue and outdoor activities
The dimensions:
• Length: 5.2" (132mm)
• Head Diameter: 1.6"(40mm)
• Tube Diameter: 1.2" (30mm)
• Weight: 4.5oz (128g)(without battery)
And the output specs:
Unboxing:
Like we are used of, Acebeam always takes good care about the package. The EC50 Gen II arrives in a sturdy light-brown box. Personally, I like these boxes, because it's easy to restore the light and you can open the package without tearing the carton. At the box some prints and specialties about the light in black and orange color. Inside it looks neat: Branded sachets for the spare parts and lanyard, a gold-plated USB-charging-cable and a plastic warranty-card. The box is ready-to-go: Only thing we need is a charger or USB-port to charge the EC50 Gen II. So, again a nice and complete package here. I took some pictures of the box and the contents, please scroll down!
a nice, light-brown box
the specialties of the light mentioned at the box
Acebeam takes care of their packages!
unboxed: the light, holster, charging-cable, warranty card, manual and spare O-rings
Impressions:
The Acebeam EC50 Gen II is a mid-sized torch that has a relative thick tube because of its power source, a 26650-cell. But daily carrying this light in your coat pocket should not give any problem, it's easy to carry. Personally I like the looks of the EC50 Gen II: The knurling, the fins and the bezel give the light powerful looks. The light is in deep-black color and is built and finished very well. No defects found on the anodizing, and the laser-engraving is clear and well-done. In contrast to the first batches my EC50 has a different print below the power-button, in the same tint as the button and the bezel. The micro-USB charging port is protected by a rubber cover. That cover closes properly, because when you remove it, a "pop" is heard. I hope it will last for years, Acebeam doesn't provide a spare-one in the package. I'm happy with the good anti-rolling design of this one. Looking into the lights' head we see an orange-peel reflector (I detected a tiny spot in the reflector) and a well-centered XHP70 LED. Looking into a reflector that has a "four-in-one" LED shows (for your eyes only) a typical bloom-shape. During releasing the cap I noticed that the threads run smooth and are lubed well. Striking detail is the red O-ring, I saw this earlier at…. the Nitecore TM03. No glue or solder rests in the cap or tube, Acebeam really takes care about the finishing. Let's have a look at a couple of pictures below, that show more impressions and details!
compact, but a rather thick body
a nice design and powerful looks
no problem to carry it often
steady tailstand, usable as a candle thanks to the good low mode
can't be hidden in your hand's palm, but compact relative to its output!
well built, excellent finished
in deep-black color
a branded 26650-cell is included
the XHP70 LED brings both output and throw
nice details on the finishing
the XHP70 is well centered
the micro-USB port is protected by a rubber cover
a red O-ring and well machined and lubed threads
a look into the cap
and the tube
a tiny spot in the reflector visible
good care on the finishing, eye for details
sturdy holster, the EC50 Gen II fits well
the lanyard added-on
the "four-in-one" XHP70 LED
the USB-cover is also branded
charging in an easy job
the charging indicator is hard to check
again ready for action!
EC50 Gen II: power in your pocket
nice option for searching-jobs
User interface:
The EC50 Gen II has a compact shape, a rather thick tube but fits therefore good in a man's hand. The head that has a lot of cooling-fins and the knurling protect in a proper way against accidentally slipping out of your hand. The light is not too heavy. Charging of the light is an easy job: plug in the micro-USB jack and connect it to a cell-phone charger or anything like that. The indicator is not that bright, but will inform you about the progress. Keep in mind that a big 26650-cell needs a longer charging-time.
All modes and functions of the EC50 Gen II are controlled by the same power button. Personally, this button is not my favorite: I would have seen a button that needs a firmer press and with a stiff structure. With this button, there's the risk of accidentally-on, and during cycling through the modes I picked regularly the wrong one because of the "week feels" of the button. So, I hope that Acebeam will bring back the rubber on a next version….
The operation of the EC50 Gen II is not a difficult one: Press of on and off, the light will start in memorized mode, except Turbo or Strobe. Press and hold the button to cycle through the four normal modes. The Turbo mode is an instant-one: two quick clicks (both from on or off) will enter the highest output. Three quick clicks will bring you in Strobe. Those modes (Turbo and Strobe) are locked: this means that you can't cycle to another desired mode, you first have to shut off the light. The EC50 Gen II has also instant-Firefly mode; this mode can only be activated from off. Press and hold the button to activate. In contrast to the other direct-modes, you can go to the other normal modes out of Firefly. You can lock and unlock the light by pressing and holding the switch for more than 3 seconds, and is indicated by three slow flashes. The torch has a built-in overheat protection, this is needed on a light like this, it gets really hot in a few minutes.
Modes:
The EC50 Gen II has in total five normal output modes, in order of: FIREFLY > LOW > MID > HIGH > TURBO. Except the lack of a mode between 1 and 80 lumens the spacing is good. Three instant/ special modes: direct-FIREFLY, instant-TURBO and instant-STROBE. Two ways to LOCK-OUT the light: by pressing and holding the button and by releasing the cap a little. Overall, I'm satisfied about the modes the EC50 Gen II offers, especially the instant-FIREFLY and TURBO.
Size comparison:
A comparison here to another light in the same lumen-class and also powered by the powerful XHP70 LED, the Nitecore TM03.
26650-cell, Acebeam EC50 Gen II and Nitecore TM03
Acebeam EC50 Gen II and Nitecore TM03
Acebeam EC50 Gen II and Nitecore TM03
Acebeam EC50 Gen II and Nitecore TM03
both powered by XHP70 LED
the tails: Acebeam EC50 Gen II and Nitecore TM03
Tint:
I was little surprised by the tint of the EC50 Gen II. It seems more neutral than cool-white, especially when its shown against the little bluish Nitecore TM03. Personally, I'm happy with this tint.
Beamprofile:
A mixed profile here: big spot and corona, little spill. Not an impressive thrower, but the EC50 Gen II emits a wall of light. It's a clean beam, no rings or defects visible. Neither PWM detected at any mode, so the beam and the profile is ok to me.
Beamshots:
Let's have a look now how the EC50 Gen II performs! Starting by projecting the light at a white wall, distance about 0,75 meters.
Camera-settings: ISO100, F/2.7, WB daylight, 1/125 sec, 35mm
GIF-picture:
Going outdoors now with the EC50 Gen II now! The pictures show the mixed beamprofile and the good output. Starting with the five normal modes and a GIF, after that a shoot-out against the Nitecore TM03.
Camera-settings: ISO100, F/2.7, WB daylight, 4 sec, 35mm
GIF-picture:
the EC50 Gen II against the Nitecore TM03, both lights at Turbo
The second location is a road with trees at left and a dam at right side. The Nitecore has better throw, the EC50 Gen II a nicer beam and better color rendering.
Acebeam EC50 Gen II at Turbo
Nitecore TM03 at Turbo
animation
Conclusion:
At the end of this review I can tell you my overall impression of this light is a good one. It is a well-built and finished light, is rather compact, so daily carrying doesn't require that much effort. Charging is an easy job, and the light comes including a cell, so you're ready to go. It produces a clean and nice mixed beam that has a good tint too. The Turbo mode is a nice feature to impress and for quick search, but will not last for that long; for longer jobs the High-mode is the better option, also because it drains the cell quickly. So a good point in my opinion that Turbo is an instant and separate mode.
Main issue to me that I want to see improved is the power button. I would like to see a (illuminated) rubber switch that better grip and pressure point.
But I can recommend the EC50 Gen II: it emits a wall of nice light!
Special thanks to Acebeam that I could enter to the Global Test Campaign!
Last edited:
