pc_light
Enlightened
Since I already own the Rofis TR10 articulating head/swivel flashlight, my review will focus on a comparison of the new Rofis R1 to that model; leaving any detailed performance and impressions of the new R1 for others to reviewer.
New Rofis R1 (left) and original Rofis TR10 (right)
The TR10 is still actively being sold at the time of this review and the naming convention is slightly different, so whether or not Rofis intended the latter to be an upgrade of the former, to the extent they share the same-cell CR123/16350, swivel head, magnetic based form factor, I consider the R1 to be an upgrade (or at least a successor) to the earlier TR10.
Here are some feature comparisons
Similarities between the TR10 and R1 (with slight differences noted for R1)
Differences noticed in R1 versus previous TR10 (with notes)
New features only with the R1
Mfg's Specifications
Size comparison, including a popular AA model -
Rofis R1 (left), Rofis TR10 (center), Utorch UT01 (right)
The new longer deep-pocket clip is a nice improvement as clips go. The trade-off is that this limits where the clip can be positioned when the light is swiveled. If the clip is positioned on the bottom opposite the activation button (similar to where I typically position my TR10 clip), it impedes full swivel to 90-degrees.
If the clip is positioned opposite the swiveled head during full 90-degrees, the activation button is blocked.
(While not desirable for normal on/off functionality, it does serve as a form of physical lock-out.)
This limits the position to either side or complete removal from the light, in order to swivel to the full 90-degree position.
Here is the Rofis R1 and TR10 outside on Turbo, the trees are approximately 50-feet (15+m) away. Despite the difference in reflector texture and emitters, the combinations result in comparable beam patterns and throw.
Conclusion -
The Rofis R1 is a nice upgrade of features to an already good swivel head light. I actually prefer the R1's reduced 3-light level standard cycle (nicely spaced) with full-time hidden direct access to Turbo, over the TR10's 5-level cycle which includes Turbo in the standard cycle. Turbo drastically shortens battery life hence I prefer to limit its use and keep it out of the normally used modes. When called upon (with a simply double click) the R1's Turbo ramps up gently, and will fade off when turned off; a nice effect. Of course if one prefers being able to have single-click instant access to the memorized Turbo mode then the TR10 would be the better option.
The R1's smooth reflector/XM-L2 emitter combo works well and throws comparably to the TR10's orange peel/XP-L combo. On the basis of battery run-time specs, the R1 might have an advantage with a slightly more efficient driver compared to the TR10's. FWIW. my R1 seems to have a slightly warmer emitter (with a slight green tint) than the cooler pure white of my TR10 but it's still on the cool side as tints go or at most neutral. Rofis did not indicate any specific emitter Bin information so, we'll need more experience from other users before drawing any conclusions on the R1's tint characteristic.
The smoother clockwise swivel on the R1 seems more natural to me (as a right-hander) than the tighter counter-clockwise twist of the TR10. The R1's longer pocket clip is more practical in that it sits deeper in the pocket and thus offers more carry options compared to the shorter TR10 clip. Unfortunately a longer clip also means some interference with the head if swiveled.
On the one hand the wider R1 battery tube ensures a greater choice of batteries, on the other hand the absence of a spring contact at the driver side limits such battery use, (admittedly, I did not have any flat-top 16340 cells to actually test, so hopefully other users can confirm.)
In addition to any improvements mentioned above, the new USB charging feature, included Rofis 700 mAh 16340 battery and adjustable headband narrow the the practical price difference between the new R1 and the earlier (now lower priced) TR10.
[Some Follow-up at Post#6]
[Full Disclosure - the R1 was provided by Rofis in exchange for my review with no other conditions or obligations. I have no relationship with Rofis or any Rofis dealers (other than having previously purchased a TR10 from the retail market.)
New Rofis R1 (left) and original Rofis TR10 (right)
The TR10 is still actively being sold at the time of this review and the naming convention is slightly different, so whether or not Rofis intended the latter to be an upgrade of the former, to the extent they share the same-cell CR123/16350, swivel head, magnetic based form factor, I consider the R1 to be an upgrade (or at least a successor) to the earlier TR10.
Here are some feature comparisons
Similarities between the TR10 and R1 (with slight differences noted for R1)
- Approximate length (-2.2mm, shorter) and thickness, and weight (-3g, lighter)
- Aero Grade Aluminum, Black HAIII anodized
- 0-90 degree swivel of the head
- Single-cell 1x CR123 and RCR123/16340 battery compatible
- Single side-button on/off, levels switch with battery level/lock-out sm-led indicator
- Flat Magnetic tail-cap with lanyard hole and included wrist lanyward
- Removable Pocket Clip (attached more forward and larger for better deep pocket carry)
- Direct access Moonlight mode (2-sec press from Off) and easy access hidden/special modes (triple click)
- Direct access (memory) to last mode from off
- IPX-8 rating, 1M drop rated
- 5yr/60mo warranty
Differences noticed in R1 versus previous TR10 (with notes)
- Stainless steel bezel ring for added durability (and aesthetics)
- Larger rubber side button vs previous smaller plastic button(Both are translucent and permit the green/red battery level sm-led to show)
- Clockwise swivel from straight (smooth turning) vs previous counter-clockwise (slightly tight)
- Anodizing at the tail-cap and tail-end threads vs the TR10 tail and cap threads are un-anodized
- XM-L2 U2 (slightest green tint cool neutral; photo left) vs XP-L HI V3 Binned Emitters (pure white cooler neutral; photo right)
- This could be due to emitter tint variation but in my case I preferred the TR10s white tint.
(Taken with lights ~3-ft from wall, both beams are traditional reflector type hot-spot with large spill corona.)
- Smooth vs orange peel surfaced reflectors
- Interestingly. as a result both beam patterns appear quite similar even though the XM-L2 is generally considered a spready beam while the XP-Ls is considered a throwy beam.
(Both beams are relatively more throwy than flood)
- Spring at tail-cap with a slightly recessed brass button at driver side vs springs on both ends of body
- Eliminating a spring may have contributed to the overall reduction in body length, possibly at the expense of some shock absorbing compared to having springs at both ends of the battery. A recessed brass button provides additional passive polarity protection, however use of flat top batteries could then become an issue in the R1 (to be confirmed).
- R1 inside diameter is approx. 17.3mm vs TR10 i.d. = 16.9mm
- More 16340 battery options with the R1
- Press from On and R1 cycles Low-Med-Hi-repeat (3-level cycle) vs
- TR10 cycles Low-Med-Hi-Hi2-Turbo-repeat (5-level cycle)
- The R1 offers instant access to Turbo from any level (including from Off) by double clicking, which by the way has a nice fade up/down to/from Turbo brightness.
- The TR10 must be cycled through all levels to reach Turbo. As a result a TR10 user may find it necessary to first cycle/ramp through the 5-levels in order to determine whether theyve actuated Turbo particularly since Hi, Hi2 and Turbo are all very bright.
- Last Mode Memory and Turbo handling
- R1 remembers any of the (3) standard mode in the cycle, which excludes Moonlight and Turbo
- TR10 remember any of the (5) standard modes in the cycle including Turbo, but which excludes Moonlight
- Moonlight Mode
- Immediately accessible on both models from Off, by holding down switch for 2-3 secs. before releasing button
- Holding button down for more than 3-4 secs activates/deactivates the electronic Lock-out feature (which is nicely indicated by Moonlight turning On/Off)
New features only with the R1
- Built-in external magnetic USB charge port
- Included Magnetic USB charging cable
- Included Rofis 16340 700 mAh Lithium battery
- Included Headband and rubber holder for use use as a headlamp (the activation button is partially blocked when used in this fashion.)
Mfg's Specifications
Moon | Low | Mid | High | High 2 | Turbo |
Rofis R1 using 16340 battery | |||||
0.5 | 10 | 60 | 300 | - | 900-300 |
480 Hrs | 40 Hrs | 7.5 Hrs | 70 min | - | 0.5 + 65 mins |
Rofis TR10 using 16340 battery | |||||
3 | 18 | 70 | 300 | 600-300 | 900-300 |
70 Hrs | 29 Hrs | 2.8 Hrs | 60 min | 4.3+40 mins | 2+40 min |
Rofis TR10 using CR123a Primary | |||||
3 | 18 | 70 | 300 | 450-300 | 700-300 |
160 Hrs | 60 Hrs | 3 Hrs | 1.3 Hrs | 2+72 Mins | 4.3+66 Min |
- The R1 appears to have a slightly more efficient driver.
- There were no performance specifications provided for the R1 using CR123a primaries, presumably because it is provided with and built to charge a RCR123/16340 battery.
Size comparison, including a popular AA model -
Rofis R1 (left), Rofis TR10 (center), Utorch UT01 (right)
The new longer deep-pocket clip is a nice improvement as clips go. The trade-off is that this limits where the clip can be positioned when the light is swiveled. If the clip is positioned on the bottom opposite the activation button (similar to where I typically position my TR10 clip), it impedes full swivel to 90-degrees.
If the clip is positioned opposite the swiveled head during full 90-degrees, the activation button is blocked.
(While not desirable for normal on/off functionality, it does serve as a form of physical lock-out.)
This limits the position to either side or complete removal from the light, in order to swivel to the full 90-degree position.
Conclusion -
The Rofis R1 is a nice upgrade of features to an already good swivel head light. I actually prefer the R1's reduced 3-light level standard cycle (nicely spaced) with full-time hidden direct access to Turbo, over the TR10's 5-level cycle which includes Turbo in the standard cycle. Turbo drastically shortens battery life hence I prefer to limit its use and keep it out of the normally used modes. When called upon (with a simply double click) the R1's Turbo ramps up gently, and will fade off when turned off; a nice effect. Of course if one prefers being able to have single-click instant access to the memorized Turbo mode then the TR10 would be the better option.
The R1's smooth reflector/XM-L2 emitter combo works well and throws comparably to the TR10's orange peel/XP-L combo. On the basis of battery run-time specs, the R1 might have an advantage with a slightly more efficient driver compared to the TR10's. FWIW. my R1 seems to have a slightly warmer emitter (with a slight green tint) than the cooler pure white of my TR10 but it's still on the cool side as tints go or at most neutral. Rofis did not indicate any specific emitter Bin information so, we'll need more experience from other users before drawing any conclusions on the R1's tint characteristic.
The smoother clockwise swivel on the R1 seems more natural to me (as a right-hander) than the tighter counter-clockwise twist of the TR10. The R1's longer pocket clip is more practical in that it sits deeper in the pocket and thus offers more carry options compared to the shorter TR10 clip. Unfortunately a longer clip also means some interference with the head if swiveled.
On the one hand the wider R1 battery tube ensures a greater choice of batteries, on the other hand the absence of a spring contact at the driver side limits such battery use, (admittedly, I did not have any flat-top 16340 cells to actually test, so hopefully other users can confirm.)
In addition to any improvements mentioned above, the new USB charging feature, included Rofis 700 mAh 16340 battery and adjustable headband narrow the the practical price difference between the new R1 and the earlier (now lower priced) TR10.
[Some Follow-up at Post#6]
[Full Disclosure - the R1 was provided by Rofis in exchange for my review with no other conditions or obligations. I have no relationship with Rofis or any Rofis dealers (other than having previously purchased a TR10 from the retail market.)
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