AardvarkSagus
Flashlight Enthusiast
Sunwayman V10R - Submitted for consideration for the review forum
Good versatility and excellent design. Sunwayman once again swings for the fence with their V10R. Is complete variability a gimmick or the new brilliant lighting concept?
Sunwayman V10R
Meat and Potatoes
The Sunwayman M10R was, in my opinion, an absolutely excellent light. Small, 1 CR123A, with the crème de la crème of user interfaces, the control ring. Having 3 outputs easily selectable from any point, even when the light is off, is such an excellent concept that it is rarely exceeded in my mind. The V10R however does just that. Why should I be content to settle for someone else's concept of what my perfect light level should be for any given situation? Everywhere I look using a flashlight, my needs are likely going to be slightly different. Often times with preset modes we have to find the light level that is "close enough" to what we actually need, with either the light level or the runtime suffering from the lack of options. This has been eliminated with a small, but growing number of lights. The V10R definitely fits into that category.
Complete variability, labelled as infinite, is the name of the game now. We've actually seen it before a number of times in the form of selectable single mode lights, as well as lights with varying degrees of programmability. None of those options though are as gratifyingly simple to use as the variable control ring. Its operation is so organic and intuitive that it is instantly second nature. This elegant interface just disappears into the light making it second nature to operate. The control ring offers just enough tension to hold its position nicely, even in your pocket, while still being very easy to operate. Even better is the ability to preset your output to at least an approximate level before turning the torch on. This eliminates accidentally blinding yourself because it activated with too much power for your surroundings. Bare minimum, you can always just start it at the minimum since it is just a simple twist to achieve any output you desire. Your exact level of illumination is a flick of the wrist away.
Cree XP-G
Once again, packing an R5 bin Cree XP-G focused with a very lightly textured reflector, the V10R maintains a relatively floody beam with very few artifacts that is excellent for most EDC activities. The XP-G's beam emission pattern naturally creates an excellent transition between spot and spill for an absolutely astounding beam pattern. I am more than a little impressed at the quantity of light being output from this little light. It is rated at 210 ANSI FL1 Lumens and it appears to live up to every one. Potentially more astounding is its incredible low level. Rated at a mere 1 lumen, I have many suspicions that it is far lower than that. As a bonus, the V10R has a nice "soft start" feature that vanquishes any preflash, saving your night vision. Also of note, there are no strobe, SOS or other blinky modes, hidden or otherwise to accidentally stumble onto. The only outputs available are constant brightness variations.
As was somewhat expected, the V10R completely lives up to the now approaching legendary Sunwayman build quality. The machine work is just as superb here as I have seen on any previous Sunwayman lights back to when they were still called SunwayLED. The body of the V10R is identical to the previous M10R, with all of the advancements coming "under the hood" as it were. Even the anodizing is just as superbly thick as ever. Mine has already been subjected to a number of the daily dings common to an EDC, weathering them like a champion with hardly a mar.
Sunwayman V10R
Constructive Criticism
The V10R comes with a pocket clip but most unfortunately it is once again the tension mount variety. This clip has been designed quite specifically for this light I think, and allows it to be deep carried in the pocket flush with the tail of the light. However, protrudes to the point that it starts to get in the way a little with operation of the control ring. Its little tabs that prevent it somewhat from scratching up the anodizing when installed or removed serve to disrupt the flow of the light's body and feel almost frustratingly sharp in hand. I really would prefer a clip with a more permanently secure attachment and less offensive protrusions. Something threaded into the tailcap holes would be best. In the mean time, the V10R lives happily at the bottom of my pocket, clipless.
Though the action of the control ring is exquisitely smooth as silk, the actual location of that ring can occasionally be a little difficult to find purely by feel in the dark. Unfortunately this suggestion has the side effect of potentially ruining the beautifully sleek aesthetic lines that the V10R possesses. Since this is a bit of a minor inconvenience rather than a severe problem, it should be considered only lightly.
Sunwayman V10R
Conclusions
Easily pocketable, well made, and what very well might be the best user interface created thus far. This light has quickly become one of my absolute favorites.
Provided for review by the kind folks at Sunwayman.
Good versatility and excellent design. Sunwayman once again swings for the fence with their V10R. Is complete variability a gimmick or the new brilliant lighting concept?
Sunwayman V10R
Meat and Potatoes
The Sunwayman M10R was, in my opinion, an absolutely excellent light. Small, 1 CR123A, with the crème de la crème of user interfaces, the control ring. Having 3 outputs easily selectable from any point, even when the light is off, is such an excellent concept that it is rarely exceeded in my mind. The V10R however does just that. Why should I be content to settle for someone else's concept of what my perfect light level should be for any given situation? Everywhere I look using a flashlight, my needs are likely going to be slightly different. Often times with preset modes we have to find the light level that is "close enough" to what we actually need, with either the light level or the runtime suffering from the lack of options. This has been eliminated with a small, but growing number of lights. The V10R definitely fits into that category.
Complete variability, labelled as infinite, is the name of the game now. We've actually seen it before a number of times in the form of selectable single mode lights, as well as lights with varying degrees of programmability. None of those options though are as gratifyingly simple to use as the variable control ring. Its operation is so organic and intuitive that it is instantly second nature. This elegant interface just disappears into the light making it second nature to operate. The control ring offers just enough tension to hold its position nicely, even in your pocket, while still being very easy to operate. Even better is the ability to preset your output to at least an approximate level before turning the torch on. This eliminates accidentally blinding yourself because it activated with too much power for your surroundings. Bare minimum, you can always just start it at the minimum since it is just a simple twist to achieve any output you desire. Your exact level of illumination is a flick of the wrist away.
Cree XP-G
Once again, packing an R5 bin Cree XP-G focused with a very lightly textured reflector, the V10R maintains a relatively floody beam with very few artifacts that is excellent for most EDC activities. The XP-G's beam emission pattern naturally creates an excellent transition between spot and spill for an absolutely astounding beam pattern. I am more than a little impressed at the quantity of light being output from this little light. It is rated at 210 ANSI FL1 Lumens and it appears to live up to every one. Potentially more astounding is its incredible low level. Rated at a mere 1 lumen, I have many suspicions that it is far lower than that. As a bonus, the V10R has a nice "soft start" feature that vanquishes any preflash, saving your night vision. Also of note, there are no strobe, SOS or other blinky modes, hidden or otherwise to accidentally stumble onto. The only outputs available are constant brightness variations.
As was somewhat expected, the V10R completely lives up to the now approaching legendary Sunwayman build quality. The machine work is just as superb here as I have seen on any previous Sunwayman lights back to when they were still called SunwayLED. The body of the V10R is identical to the previous M10R, with all of the advancements coming "under the hood" as it were. Even the anodizing is just as superbly thick as ever. Mine has already been subjected to a number of the daily dings common to an EDC, weathering them like a champion with hardly a mar.
Sunwayman V10R
Constructive Criticism
The V10R comes with a pocket clip but most unfortunately it is once again the tension mount variety. This clip has been designed quite specifically for this light I think, and allows it to be deep carried in the pocket flush with the tail of the light. However, protrudes to the point that it starts to get in the way a little with operation of the control ring. Its little tabs that prevent it somewhat from scratching up the anodizing when installed or removed serve to disrupt the flow of the light's body and feel almost frustratingly sharp in hand. I really would prefer a clip with a more permanently secure attachment and less offensive protrusions. Something threaded into the tailcap holes would be best. In the mean time, the V10R lives happily at the bottom of my pocket, clipless.
Though the action of the control ring is exquisitely smooth as silk, the actual location of that ring can occasionally be a little difficult to find purely by feel in the dark. Unfortunately this suggestion has the side effect of potentially ruining the beautifully sleek aesthetic lines that the V10R possesses. Since this is a bit of a minor inconvenience rather than a severe problem, it should be considered only lightly.
Sunwayman V10R
Conclusions
Easily pocketable, well made, and what very well might be the best user interface created thus far. This light has quickly become one of my absolute favorites.
Provided for review by the kind folks at Sunwayman.
Last edited:
