gunga
Flashaholic
Lumapower ConneXion Review
Alright, here is my long overdue review for the Lumapower ConneXion. My apologies for the long delay but I've been rather pre-occupied with work (as well as other much more pleasant things!).
This light was purchased directly from Lumapower and is very similar to the CR123 powered Lumapower Incendio, sharing most characteristics and features. Those who would like more detail may want to consult my Incendio review at: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=194317
While it's tempting to follow the same format, I'll try something different this time!
Here's my overview of the ConneXion: a nice, solid offering from Lumapower that features 3 well-spaced modes, full battery compatibility, long runtimes (up to 50 hours advertised) , and a simple, no-nonsense interface.
Handling and Features
The ConneXion is a well built light that is nicely sized for EDC. It's 20.5 x 92 mm long, quite a bit smaller than a Fenix L1D, and similar in size to a Jetbeam Jet-1 mk IBS (see pictures).
The light is finished in a Type II+ (enhanced durability) anodizing and is available only in black. I, like many, hope that Lumapower offers these lights in a natural hard anodized finish in the future, but the black is attractive and quite durable.
The light has a somewhat matte finish as well as two bands of knurling at the head and tail. This aids in handling but I prefer a more aggressive knurling myself (Still, this is far superior to my Jetbeam which is akin to a wet bar of soap). I use o-rings on most of my lights though, so I'm able to get a good cigar grip on the ConneXion.
The light has a forward clicky, nicely finished with a stainless steel trim ring, and a bezel down clip. The clicky is non-serviceable and the clip is non-removable. I find this a shame since I don't use clips, usually opting for lanyards, and also like to have switch access for repair etc. The clip seems a bit undersized for the light, but in limited use, I've found no issues (also, using the o-rings really helps the clip when attaching to a thin shirt pocket).
The clicky glows (a nice touch) and has a good feel, not too firm or soft. The light wobbles slightly when off, but tailstands well when on.
The trim ring is flush with the clicky. My thumbs are average so I don't have issues with the clicky. Those with larger thumbs may prefer to use a cigar grip, using the tip of their thumbs to activate the clicky, or use their index fingers. .
The interface is the same as the Incendio:
- 3 modes, starting on high (No strobe or SOS!)
- Last used memory mode. Note: the light must be kept on for at least 3 seconds to lock mode, a bit longer than the Incendio.
- Unlike the Incendio, no flash to indicate memory has been stored.
I find the interface simple and easy to understand. The memory mode is a bit odd since the light must be kept on for at least 3 seconds to retain the last mode. In any case, I don't have any issues with the UI. It just works. Also, the light only got mildly warm on high, never overheating.
Beam, Tint, Output
The reflector has medium texturing and is surrounded by a glow ring (great feature). The reflector is quite shallow and identical to the Incendio, so expect the same beam with a bit less output. Tint is a pleasing warm white with very mild rose undertones.
The beam is smooth, with a mild cree ring. Spot to spill transition is quite distinct and the spill is bright and wide. It's a very practical beam, optimized for mid range use.
I couldn't find any firm numbers for lumen output, but compared the ConneXion with a known reference: Fenix L1D, Q5 on eneloop.
The Fenix is advertised as: 12, 53, and 107 lumens on low-medium-high.
I don't have a light meter but did notice that the Lumapower is a bit dimmer on all levels using nimh.
My estimate is: 5, 40, and 90 lumens, but this is definitely only an estimate.
The light is somewhat brighter on 14500. It's advertised as 100+ lumens here, and I would believe it.
Last thoughts
All the hot lights these days are pretty fancy programmable affairs. While they are indeed pretty cool, they may be too complicated at times! If you prefer a simpler, solid light with good features and runtimes, definitely remember make a ConneXion!
Alright, here is my long overdue review for the Lumapower ConneXion. My apologies for the long delay but I've been rather pre-occupied with work (as well as other much more pleasant things!).
This light was purchased directly from Lumapower and is very similar to the CR123 powered Lumapower Incendio, sharing most characteristics and features. Those who would like more detail may want to consult my Incendio review at: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=194317
While it's tempting to follow the same format, I'll try something different this time!
Here's my overview of the ConneXion: a nice, solid offering from Lumapower that features 3 well-spaced modes, full battery compatibility, long runtimes (up to 50 hours advertised) , and a simple, no-nonsense interface.
Handling and Features
The ConneXion is a well built light that is nicely sized for EDC. It's 20.5 x 92 mm long, quite a bit smaller than a Fenix L1D, and similar in size to a Jetbeam Jet-1 mk IBS (see pictures).
The light is finished in a Type II+ (enhanced durability) anodizing and is available only in black. I, like many, hope that Lumapower offers these lights in a natural hard anodized finish in the future, but the black is attractive and quite durable.
The light has a somewhat matte finish as well as two bands of knurling at the head and tail. This aids in handling but I prefer a more aggressive knurling myself (Still, this is far superior to my Jetbeam which is akin to a wet bar of soap). I use o-rings on most of my lights though, so I'm able to get a good cigar grip on the ConneXion.
The light has a forward clicky, nicely finished with a stainless steel trim ring, and a bezel down clip. The clicky is non-serviceable and the clip is non-removable. I find this a shame since I don't use clips, usually opting for lanyards, and also like to have switch access for repair etc. The clip seems a bit undersized for the light, but in limited use, I've found no issues (also, using the o-rings really helps the clip when attaching to a thin shirt pocket).
The clicky glows (a nice touch) and has a good feel, not too firm or soft. The light wobbles slightly when off, but tailstands well when on.
The trim ring is flush with the clicky. My thumbs are average so I don't have issues with the clicky. Those with larger thumbs may prefer to use a cigar grip, using the tip of their thumbs to activate the clicky, or use their index fingers. .
The interface is the same as the Incendio:
- 3 modes, starting on high (No strobe or SOS!)
- Last used memory mode. Note: the light must be kept on for at least 3 seconds to lock mode, a bit longer than the Incendio.
- Unlike the Incendio, no flash to indicate memory has been stored.
I find the interface simple and easy to understand. The memory mode is a bit odd since the light must be kept on for at least 3 seconds to retain the last mode. In any case, I don't have any issues with the UI. It just works. Also, the light only got mildly warm on high, never overheating.
Beam, Tint, Output
The reflector has medium texturing and is surrounded by a glow ring (great feature). The reflector is quite shallow and identical to the Incendio, so expect the same beam with a bit less output. Tint is a pleasing warm white with very mild rose undertones.
The beam is smooth, with a mild cree ring. Spot to spill transition is quite distinct and the spill is bright and wide. It's a very practical beam, optimized for mid range use.
I couldn't find any firm numbers for lumen output, but compared the ConneXion with a known reference: Fenix L1D, Q5 on eneloop.
The Fenix is advertised as: 12, 53, and 107 lumens on low-medium-high.
I don't have a light meter but did notice that the Lumapower is a bit dimmer on all levels using nimh.
My estimate is: 5, 40, and 90 lumens, but this is definitely only an estimate.
The light is somewhat brighter on 14500. It's advertised as 100+ lumens here, and I would believe it.
Last thoughts
All the hot lights these days are pretty fancy programmable affairs. While they are indeed pretty cool, they may be too complicated at times! If you prefer a simpler, solid light with good features and runtimes, definitely remember make a ConneXion!
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