XTAR A01 R5 or ITP R01?

[phaserrifle]

I'm looking at getting a budget re-chargeable torch. Currently my primary options are the XTAR A01 R5 and the ITP R01.
what research I've found suggests that the ITP brand has a respected company behind it, while XTAR is relatively unknown.
however the ITP uses propretiary battery that can't easily be replaced, while the XTAR uses comparatively common 18700s meaning I have easily purchase extra batteries.

what I'm wondering is if anyone can compare the build quality.
is the quality of the ITP better than the XTAR?
if it is, is the quality difference enough to compensate for the battery issue?

 

[phantom23]

No. XTAR has fairly good quality, A01 has modes (you chan choose the number of them), bigger reflector (better throw) and it's just brighter than R01. ITP is smaller though.

 

[Dontsleeponit]

My XTAR A01 worked properly for about three weeks. The light started to flicker on and off and have a problem that seemed like a bad connection. I was sent another tailcap, because I thought this was the problem. This seemed to fix it for about a week, then the same problem came back. I have been trying to troubleshoot it for awhile now, but can't figure it out. Too bad, becuase the light was pretty nice otherwise, very throw oriented beam and the usb charging feature was cool.

My XTAR li-ion charger was the biggest piece of junk I've ever bought on the internet for too many reasons to list, and my XTAR TZ50 was unimpressive from the beginning and it also has begun to exhibit the same problem as the A01.

I'd stay away from the XTAR products, but thats just my opinion.

 

[LazyJ]

My XTAR is about 3 months old and has been a workhorse. Beam is throwy and little ringy but decent tint.

It charges 18650 batteries fine, dont need to buy or use their 18700 and I suggest you dont. With the USB dongle you can buy a cig lighter USB adapter and charge in your car which is really great for camping or travel. One quirk, you must turn it on to initiate charging, it doesnt actually light up when you do but I keep forgetting to do it.

 

[jake25]

Xtar has upgraded the A01 to the R01. A bit tougher, reverse polarity protection and a forward clicky switch

 

[shortstack]

I have the ITP R01 and have been using it for at work for about 4 months now. It does great, works well in the cold, use it about 10-20x a day 4 or 5 days a week; in short bursts sometimes using it maybe for an 1hr at a time. I have only had to charge it about 3 or 4 time, charging it takes about 6hrs. Great light!!!

 

[SirJohn]

I have the Xtar upgraded R01. A solid light. It does give you a bit more flexibility than the ITP, but PWM is noticeable on the modes (you can get rid of unwanted modes using a pencil). I have the XM-L version of the Xtar R01 so the output vs the ITP is no contest. The charging flexibility of the Xtar is definitely a huge bonus. Miles at Xtar is excellent in terms of service though I have not had to deal with anything not working on mine. I use my EDC's a lot more than the Xtar so I can't speak to its durability in terms of high usage.

 

[phaserrifle]

No. XTAR has fairly good quality, A01 has modes (you chan choose the number of them), bigger reflector (better throw) and it's just brighter than R01. ITP is smaller though.

Size genuinely isn't an issue, since it's going to be carried in the car. I was even considering the mag-charger, if it wern't for the price, and that's not a small bit of kit.

the idea of multi-mode does tempt me, much as I love the simplicity of a simple on/off system.