gunga
Flashaholic
It's been a while, so time for a new review!
Sunwayman M40A review
The M40A is a very powerful new light by Sunwayman, an intriguing new company with quite a niche in lighting.
Sunwayman specializes in lights that have variable output based on magnetic ring controls (MCS or Magnetic Control System). The ring is used to dial the light level, from a mere glow to a blinding burst of light, depending on the model. It makes their models intuitive and easy to use. While they do have other lights with different interfaces, the magnetic control ring is a distinctive feature on most of their line.
Their V series of lights has continuously variable levels for maximum flexibility and control, while the M series has preset levels for speed and ease of use.
The M40A, based on Sunwayman naming convention, has preset levels, and takes 4 AA batteries.
This is an extremely powerful and easy-to-use light that definitely pushes the boundaries of what one can do with 4AA batteries.
The light itself is a medium throw light, with a bright but broad spot and wide spill. It is not optimized for long distance projection, but still throws well due to its sheer output.
The light can run on any common AA cell, but performs best with cells that can handle high current loads.
This light was provided to me by Sunwayman.ca, the Canadian distributor for Sunwayman. I’ll do a thorough examination and see how it performs.
Specs and Information
The M40A is a three-mode 4x AA cell light that can be set from 35 to 600 lumens, or high frequency strobe. These are ANSI lumens as provided by Sunwayman.
The specifications are as follows:
LED: Cree XM-L LED, T6 flux, Cool white tint
Outputs and Runtimes (provided by Sunwayman):
Max: 600 lumens, 1.5 hours, to 10% of initial output (ANSI)
Mid: 200 lumens, 6 hours
Min: 35 lumens, 35 hours (see level selection section below)
Strobe: 600 lumens
- Fully regulated for constant output
- Aerospace-grade aluminum, Hard Anodized
- Double sided AR-coated lens (toughened glass)
- Magnetic Ring control (no tail switch)
- Integrated Heat sinking fins
- Tail stand capable
- Waterproof (as per IPX-8 standard)
Standard Dimensions:
Overall length: 144 mm
Body Diameter: 57 mm
Head Diameter: 40 mm
Weight: 237.8 gm (excluding batteries)
The included accessory kit is quite sparse and consists only of a couple spare o-rings and a wrist lanyard. This is a bit disappointing as a holster would be quite useful for a light of this size.
Retail price for the M40A is about $133.95.
First Impression: Very Powerful and well made
The M40A is nicely constructed with an attractive dark gray finish.
The parts are well matched and the finish is very well done with no noticeable flaws. All lettering is clear and crisp, as well as being suitably subdued (no garish advertising). The threads are very broad and square-cut, ensuring a very solid and reliable connection.
The head of the light has minor detailing that can provide very minor anti-roll characteristics and some very pronounced heat sink ridges that are quite striking as well as functional.
The control ring is subtle, too subtle. In fact, initially, I thought the heat sink fins were the control ring! While the ring turns smoothly and easily, with solid detents; it blends into the body and is not easy to find. While the subtle detailing provides some grip, a solid band of knurling or ridges would make the design more ergonomic. Also, the ring is not marked in any way; some indication that this is a switch would be useful. There is no real issue in use, but these minor changes would make the light a bit more pleasant to use (especially with gloves on).
There is some knurling on the body, but it is a tad smooth. Making the knurling a bit more aggressive would be beneficial because the light can be quite a hefty handful when loaded with batteries.
There is no clip on the light, but the size, shape, and weight of the light wouldn’t work well with a clip anyways.
The 4AA battery carrier is very solid, and reversible, so there is no worry of putting it in backwards.
Battery availability and compatibility
The M40A is compatible with standard AA cells, the most common battery on the planet, so battery availability should rarely be an issue. However, the light does draw a lot of power from the cells, so it is best to use batteries that are able to handle high current drain.
These include rechargeable metal hydride batteries (nimh) or lithium primary cells (1.5 V). Alkaline batteries can be used, but expect very short runtimes. Do not attempt to use 14500 Lithium ion batteries (3.7V nominal), they will destroy the light.
User interface: easy to use, intuitive
The M40A uses the magnetic control ring to control the levels of the light.
When the ring is turned fully counter-clockwise, the light is off. Turning the ring clockwise takes one through the 3 levels (35 – 200 – 600 lumens), then to strobe.
Using the light is simple and can be done with one hand. The ring runs from off to strobe in 180 degrees (or 1/2 a full rotation) so it is easy to select any mode. It would be nice if the detent before strobe could be made a bit firmer to prevent accidental activation, as is, it’s easy to accidentally go into strobe mode if one is unaware of the levels of the light (especially since they are not marked in any way!).
Level Selection: Lots of output, but could use more even spread and an extra mode
The M40A offers a fairly good set of modes, but with such a high max output, it would be more practical to add an extra mode to better distribute the differing levels.
As is, the modes are fairly widely spaced, offering a fairly useful selection of levels.
The interesting thing is that the low mode seems much lower than the specified 35 lumens. When compared to known sources, the low level seems more like 15-20 lumens. It is possible that there was a change in the design of the light after the specifications were printed. The previous model (using a lower output MC-E LED), was rated at 15 – 500 lumens. The current model seems to be running at 18 – 600 lumens. Whether or not the low-mode runtime has also changed (from 35 hours to the previous model’s 60 hours) is unknown.
The current model seems to have levels at 18 – 200 – 600 lumens. The spread from low to medium seems pretty extreme. I would suggest adding an extra level and re-spacing them to say 8 – 40 – 150 – 600 lumens to increase max runtimes and to provide a more practical spread of levels, with good visual spacing.
I did not detect any PWM flickering in any mode. This is impressive for such a wide range of output.
Size, ergonomics
The M40A is a medium sized light that fits well in the hand, and is reasonably balanced.
Here is the light compared to the 18650 powered ArmyTek Predator and the common minimag, as well as an eneloop AA battery.
The ergonomics are quite good, but not ideal. When using the control ring, the light is a bit short for my medium sized hands.
When I re-adjust my grip, my fingers rest on the heat sink fins; not allowing me to control the light. I have to re-position the light to change levels.
The handle diameter of the light is quite large (40 mm, similar to a Maglite D cell light) so those with small hands may find the light a bit unwieldy.
As stated before, the control ring and body could use some aggressive knurling to improve grip.
The light became quite warm on maximum output levels, but was not uncomfortable in use.
Beam, tint quality
The M40A uses the Cree XM-L LED (T6 flux, Cool white tint) for max output. The tint is a pure white with a mildly warm corona; the spill is a touch cooler. While the output is stark and impressive, it is a bit cold for my tastes (of course my tastes are for warmer/neutral tints and are purely subjective).
I did not notice any tint shift through the different levels.
The M40A uses a fairly deep textured reflector that provides an intense spot that blends into a bright corona. The spill beam is quite wide and a bit dimmer.
This light is not as focused as my dedicated throw lights (like an Armytek Predator for instance) but still produces an impressive beam due to its sheer power (600 lumens) and actually out throws the Predator. The Predator uses an XP-G LED for a more focused, narrow beam, but the massive output from the M40A overpowers it.
The beam was smooth, with a very well blended corona, and few beam issues (there is a fairly distinct donut in the beam at distances less than two feet). This beam is good for medium to long range use but, as expected, is not well suited for any close range use.
The emitter was well centered.
Upgradability, other Notes
The M40A’s crenulated bezel is not glued, allowing access to the lens and reflector (for cleaning etc). Unfortunately, the LED is hidden under a plastic insulating shield, as is the driver. I was unable to disassemble the light to fully access the LED or driver.
I am hoping that Sunwayman plans a neutral tint run at some point as I find that tint much more pleasant and easy on the eyes.
The threads in the head are anodized allowing switch lockout if the head is partially unscrewed from the body. This can prevent accidental activation when the light is carried in a pack etc.
Summary
Sunwayman has made an intriguing model that allows one to achieve max output using common AA batteries. The M40A can put out an amazing 600 lumens, or a long running 18 lumen mode.
The magnetic control ring interface is both intuitive and reliable, offering easy access to the light’s three modes (and strobe). An extra level and perhaps some adjustments in level selection would provide more even spacing and increase the utility of the light.
Overall construction is very good, with well-machined parts that are nicely finished in a durable, attractive, dark grey anodizing. While the light is well made, it would be improved by some knurling or other features to improve handling and access to the control ring.
Based on all the qualities of the M40A, I look forward to what Sunwayman has in store for future models. I find their magnetic control ring interface to be ingenious and innovative. Good job!
Sunwayman M40A review
The M40A is a very powerful new light by Sunwayman, an intriguing new company with quite a niche in lighting.
Sunwayman specializes in lights that have variable output based on magnetic ring controls (MCS or Magnetic Control System). The ring is used to dial the light level, from a mere glow to a blinding burst of light, depending on the model. It makes their models intuitive and easy to use. While they do have other lights with different interfaces, the magnetic control ring is a distinctive feature on most of their line.
Their V series of lights has continuously variable levels for maximum flexibility and control, while the M series has preset levels for speed and ease of use.
The M40A, based on Sunwayman naming convention, has preset levels, and takes 4 AA batteries.
This is an extremely powerful and easy-to-use light that definitely pushes the boundaries of what one can do with 4AA batteries.
The light itself is a medium throw light, with a bright but broad spot and wide spill. It is not optimized for long distance projection, but still throws well due to its sheer output.
The light can run on any common AA cell, but performs best with cells that can handle high current loads.
This light was provided to me by Sunwayman.ca, the Canadian distributor for Sunwayman. I’ll do a thorough examination and see how it performs.
Specs and Information
The M40A is a three-mode 4x AA cell light that can be set from 35 to 600 lumens, or high frequency strobe. These are ANSI lumens as provided by Sunwayman.
The specifications are as follows:
LED: Cree XM-L LED, T6 flux, Cool white tint
Outputs and Runtimes (provided by Sunwayman):
Max: 600 lumens, 1.5 hours, to 10% of initial output (ANSI)
Mid: 200 lumens, 6 hours
Min: 35 lumens, 35 hours (see level selection section below)
Strobe: 600 lumens
- Fully regulated for constant output
- Aerospace-grade aluminum, Hard Anodized
- Double sided AR-coated lens (toughened glass)
- Magnetic Ring control (no tail switch)
- Integrated Heat sinking fins
- Tail stand capable
- Waterproof (as per IPX-8 standard)
Standard Dimensions:
Overall length: 144 mm
Body Diameter: 57 mm
Head Diameter: 40 mm
Weight: 237.8 gm (excluding batteries)
The included accessory kit is quite sparse and consists only of a couple spare o-rings and a wrist lanyard. This is a bit disappointing as a holster would be quite useful for a light of this size.
Retail price for the M40A is about $133.95.
First Impression: Very Powerful and well made
The M40A is nicely constructed with an attractive dark gray finish.
The parts are well matched and the finish is very well done with no noticeable flaws. All lettering is clear and crisp, as well as being suitably subdued (no garish advertising). The threads are very broad and square-cut, ensuring a very solid and reliable connection.
The head of the light has minor detailing that can provide very minor anti-roll characteristics and some very pronounced heat sink ridges that are quite striking as well as functional.
The control ring is subtle, too subtle. In fact, initially, I thought the heat sink fins were the control ring! While the ring turns smoothly and easily, with solid detents; it blends into the body and is not easy to find. While the subtle detailing provides some grip, a solid band of knurling or ridges would make the design more ergonomic. Also, the ring is not marked in any way; some indication that this is a switch would be useful. There is no real issue in use, but these minor changes would make the light a bit more pleasant to use (especially with gloves on).
There is some knurling on the body, but it is a tad smooth. Making the knurling a bit more aggressive would be beneficial because the light can be quite a hefty handful when loaded with batteries.
There is no clip on the light, but the size, shape, and weight of the light wouldn’t work well with a clip anyways.
The 4AA battery carrier is very solid, and reversible, so there is no worry of putting it in backwards.
Battery availability and compatibility
The M40A is compatible with standard AA cells, the most common battery on the planet, so battery availability should rarely be an issue. However, the light does draw a lot of power from the cells, so it is best to use batteries that are able to handle high current drain.
These include rechargeable metal hydride batteries (nimh) or lithium primary cells (1.5 V). Alkaline batteries can be used, but expect very short runtimes. Do not attempt to use 14500 Lithium ion batteries (3.7V nominal), they will destroy the light.
User interface: easy to use, intuitive
The M40A uses the magnetic control ring to control the levels of the light.
When the ring is turned fully counter-clockwise, the light is off. Turning the ring clockwise takes one through the 3 levels (35 – 200 – 600 lumens), then to strobe.
Using the light is simple and can be done with one hand. The ring runs from off to strobe in 180 degrees (or 1/2 a full rotation) so it is easy to select any mode. It would be nice if the detent before strobe could be made a bit firmer to prevent accidental activation, as is, it’s easy to accidentally go into strobe mode if one is unaware of the levels of the light (especially since they are not marked in any way!).
Level Selection: Lots of output, but could use more even spread and an extra mode
The M40A offers a fairly good set of modes, but with such a high max output, it would be more practical to add an extra mode to better distribute the differing levels.
As is, the modes are fairly widely spaced, offering a fairly useful selection of levels.
The interesting thing is that the low mode seems much lower than the specified 35 lumens. When compared to known sources, the low level seems more like 15-20 lumens. It is possible that there was a change in the design of the light after the specifications were printed. The previous model (using a lower output MC-E LED), was rated at 15 – 500 lumens. The current model seems to be running at 18 – 600 lumens. Whether or not the low-mode runtime has also changed (from 35 hours to the previous model’s 60 hours) is unknown.
The current model seems to have levels at 18 – 200 – 600 lumens. The spread from low to medium seems pretty extreme. I would suggest adding an extra level and re-spacing them to say 8 – 40 – 150 – 600 lumens to increase max runtimes and to provide a more practical spread of levels, with good visual spacing.
I did not detect any PWM flickering in any mode. This is impressive for such a wide range of output.
Size, ergonomics
The M40A is a medium sized light that fits well in the hand, and is reasonably balanced.
Here is the light compared to the 18650 powered ArmyTek Predator and the common minimag, as well as an eneloop AA battery.
The ergonomics are quite good, but not ideal. When using the control ring, the light is a bit short for my medium sized hands.
When I re-adjust my grip, my fingers rest on the heat sink fins; not allowing me to control the light. I have to re-position the light to change levels.
The handle diameter of the light is quite large (40 mm, similar to a Maglite D cell light) so those with small hands may find the light a bit unwieldy.
As stated before, the control ring and body could use some aggressive knurling to improve grip.
The light became quite warm on maximum output levels, but was not uncomfortable in use.
Beam, tint quality
The M40A uses the Cree XM-L LED (T6 flux, Cool white tint) for max output. The tint is a pure white with a mildly warm corona; the spill is a touch cooler. While the output is stark and impressive, it is a bit cold for my tastes (of course my tastes are for warmer/neutral tints and are purely subjective).
I did not notice any tint shift through the different levels.
The M40A uses a fairly deep textured reflector that provides an intense spot that blends into a bright corona. The spill beam is quite wide and a bit dimmer.
This light is not as focused as my dedicated throw lights (like an Armytek Predator for instance) but still produces an impressive beam due to its sheer power (600 lumens) and actually out throws the Predator. The Predator uses an XP-G LED for a more focused, narrow beam, but the massive output from the M40A overpowers it.
The beam was smooth, with a very well blended corona, and few beam issues (there is a fairly distinct donut in the beam at distances less than two feet). This beam is good for medium to long range use but, as expected, is not well suited for any close range use.
The emitter was well centered.
Upgradability, other Notes
The M40A’s crenulated bezel is not glued, allowing access to the lens and reflector (for cleaning etc). Unfortunately, the LED is hidden under a plastic insulating shield, as is the driver. I was unable to disassemble the light to fully access the LED or driver.
I am hoping that Sunwayman plans a neutral tint run at some point as I find that tint much more pleasant and easy on the eyes.
The threads in the head are anodized allowing switch lockout if the head is partially unscrewed from the body. This can prevent accidental activation when the light is carried in a pack etc.
Summary
Sunwayman has made an intriguing model that allows one to achieve max output using common AA batteries. The M40A can put out an amazing 600 lumens, or a long running 18 lumen mode.
The magnetic control ring interface is both intuitive and reliable, offering easy access to the light’s three modes (and strobe). An extra level and perhaps some adjustments in level selection would provide more even spacing and increase the utility of the light.
Overall construction is very good, with well-machined parts that are nicely finished in a durable, attractive, dark grey anodizing. While the light is well made, it would be improved by some knurling or other features to improve handling and access to the control ring.
Based on all the qualities of the M40A, I look forward to what Sunwayman has in store for future models. I find their magnetic control ring interface to be ingenious and innovative. Good job!
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