Hello everyone! Let me start off by saying I have not taken any beamshots, but if someone gives me a link telling me how I will try to get some posted. I recently recieved by WE Thunder Q5 which I am using as a primary duty light to replace a Streamlight sl-20. Let me start off by saying THIS IS A GREAT LIGHT!!!!!! After using it only a week two co-workers have placed orders for the same light! Although I do not own any equipment to measure output, this is a DAMN BRIGHT LIGHT!!
The light came in a black cardboard box, which included the light, rechargeable batteries, and charger. The light itself appears to be VERY well made. I was greatly impressed by the fit/finish, as this was my first WE purchase. The thunder has a black HA finish which is very nice and free from any apparent defects. It has an almost satin finish, not the high gloss of say, a surefire or maglite. It almost reminds me of a nonstick coating on a cooking pan. All threads were super smooth and turned freely. The tailcap is a 'tactical' switch which turns on with a light press and clicks on for constant on. The WE tailcap feels better than any surefire or streamlight I have used. It also has a lockout feature to prevent accidental activation.
This light has three separate cree Q5 emitters which screw onto the control core. As with the rest of the light, the emitters screw smoothly onto the control core. If there is one thing that doesnt feel as solid as a surefire is the glass lens. It seems that from tapping on the lens it is not as thick or strong as on some other lights (anyone know if there are aftermarket alternatives?).
Turning this light on shows just how bright it is. It is advertised at 780 bulb lumes, which I have been told is closer to ~500 torch lumes. Either way, this light simply BLOWS AWAY any other light I have ever owned. I can easily illuminate a treeline well enough to pick out details 150-200 yards away. As I am a police officer, on traffic stops I can easily illuminate the entire interior of a vehicle. This is also the BRIGHTEST WHITE LED I have ever seen. I had actually stayed away from leds after seeing some of the older models which had a defenite bluish tint. I have used this light for one week on duty (I work midnights so it sees a lot of use) and have not had to recharge the batteries yet. Like I said before, two co-workers have placed orders after seeing my light. At around $285 including shipping, I think that is a pretty strong statement!!
I cannot attest to long term reliability, but from what I have seen so far this is a very strong light. I dropped it on the ground once from chest high and it didn't suffer a single scratch and fired up right away. I also assume that it's modular design means that in coming years when even brighter led modules come out (I'm assuming they will) they will screw right in to where the old ones were.
Finally, I have been nothing but impressed with this light and would not hesitate to purchase another WE product; in fact, I plan on it.
I know this review probably doesn't include all the info some want, so please let me know if you have any questions and I will try me best to answer them. I will also try to get some photos if I figure out how.
Oh, I actually have a question. This light has 3 emitters. It uses two rechargeable batteries which show they ouptut 3.7volts. Okay, I also bought a WE drop-in Q5 for my SF Z2. That says it operates at 3.7-12V. I am assuming the low 3.7V number means that is the lowest voltage it will operate at, correct? Now, on the thunder it uses three emitters which I believe are the same output as the drop-in? My question is this: 3 emitters needing 3.7V equals 11.1 volts to operate right? How do the 2 3.7V batteries power all three modules? Please someone who understands all this fill me in!!!
Everyone have a great day, and let me know if you have any questions. Oh yeah, I ordered from pacific tactical solutions. Great customer service, great price (with CPF discount), and super quick shipping! Mike from pts was even great on the phone dealing with all my phone calls and questions. Have a great day!!!
The light came in a black cardboard box, which included the light, rechargeable batteries, and charger. The light itself appears to be VERY well made. I was greatly impressed by the fit/finish, as this was my first WE purchase. The thunder has a black HA finish which is very nice and free from any apparent defects. It has an almost satin finish, not the high gloss of say, a surefire or maglite. It almost reminds me of a nonstick coating on a cooking pan. All threads were super smooth and turned freely. The tailcap is a 'tactical' switch which turns on with a light press and clicks on for constant on. The WE tailcap feels better than any surefire or streamlight I have used. It also has a lockout feature to prevent accidental activation.
This light has three separate cree Q5 emitters which screw onto the control core. As with the rest of the light, the emitters screw smoothly onto the control core. If there is one thing that doesnt feel as solid as a surefire is the glass lens. It seems that from tapping on the lens it is not as thick or strong as on some other lights (anyone know if there are aftermarket alternatives?).
Turning this light on shows just how bright it is. It is advertised at 780 bulb lumes, which I have been told is closer to ~500 torch lumes. Either way, this light simply BLOWS AWAY any other light I have ever owned. I can easily illuminate a treeline well enough to pick out details 150-200 yards away. As I am a police officer, on traffic stops I can easily illuminate the entire interior of a vehicle. This is also the BRIGHTEST WHITE LED I have ever seen. I had actually stayed away from leds after seeing some of the older models which had a defenite bluish tint. I have used this light for one week on duty (I work midnights so it sees a lot of use) and have not had to recharge the batteries yet. Like I said before, two co-workers have placed orders after seeing my light. At around $285 including shipping, I think that is a pretty strong statement!!
I cannot attest to long term reliability, but from what I have seen so far this is a very strong light. I dropped it on the ground once from chest high and it didn't suffer a single scratch and fired up right away. I also assume that it's modular design means that in coming years when even brighter led modules come out (I'm assuming they will) they will screw right in to where the old ones were.
Finally, I have been nothing but impressed with this light and would not hesitate to purchase another WE product; in fact, I plan on it.
I know this review probably doesn't include all the info some want, so please let me know if you have any questions and I will try me best to answer them. I will also try to get some photos if I figure out how.
Oh, I actually have a question. This light has 3 emitters. It uses two rechargeable batteries which show they ouptut 3.7volts. Okay, I also bought a WE drop-in Q5 for my SF Z2. That says it operates at 3.7-12V. I am assuming the low 3.7V number means that is the lowest voltage it will operate at, correct? Now, on the thunder it uses three emitters which I believe are the same output as the drop-in? My question is this: 3 emitters needing 3.7V equals 11.1 volts to operate right? How do the 2 3.7V batteries power all three modules? Please someone who understands all this fill me in!!!
Everyone have a great day, and let me know if you have any questions. Oh yeah, I ordered from pacific tactical solutions. Great customer service, great price (with CPF discount), and super quick shipping! Mike from pts was even great on the phone dealing with all my phone calls and questions. Have a great day!!!
