kj75
Enlightened
Acebeam is a leading manufacturer in the "lumens-race" and launches always innovative products. So, I was happy when I had a mailcall (the light was sent out by Nitetorch.com) that the X45 arrived. I know that there are several brighter lights already, also made by Acebeam, but for me this is the brightest flashlight ever that I'm gonna try out. Different to most powerhouses is that the X45 not only puts out a lot of light; it has an impressive beam distance too. So, again a nice Acebeam-toy to play with. In this review I will share my opinions about this torch, show you the light and a lot of details by a couple of pictures, and describe the interface and the options. Also included: A comparison with some other big lights and indoor and outdoor beamshots. Enjoy reading my story and watching the photo's!
the most powerful flashlight I tried out ever
the compact Acebeam X45
this is the second version, powered by four XHP70.2 P2 leds
blinding lumens and decent throw make this light very interesting
As, I'm used of, I give you the specifications first (by manufacturer):
· 4 Cree XHP70.2 P2 LED with a lifespan of 50,000hours
· Max Output 18000 lumens
· Approximate runtimes in each mode:
Firefly : 10 lumens 310 hours;
Low : 800 lumens 10 hours;
Mid : 2000 lumens 3.5hours;
High: 5000 lumens 1.4hours;
Turbo:9000 lumens-5000 lumens, 10 minutes + 72 minutes
Turbo Max:18000 lumens-4000 lumens, 3 minutes + 66 minutes
Strobe 5000 lumens, 3 hours
· Working Voltage:12V-16.8V light on switch indicates low reserve
· Max Runtime 310 hours
· Max beam 622 meters:
· Peak beam intensity 96569 cd
· Impact resistant 1.2meters
· Waterproofing: IPX8 standard to 2m
· Size: 156.7mm length, 88mm head diameter, 50.5mm tube diameter
· Weight 535g (18.9oz)
· Smooth reflector for max light output
· Digitally regulated output- maintains constant brightness
· Side switch on the body
· Mode steps down from Turbo-Max to Turbo if internal temperature exceeds 65℃
· Made of durable aircraft grade aluminum
· Premium Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish
· ultra-clear tempered glass with AR coating, 98.3% transmittance, protected by a stainless steel crenelated bezel
And the output and runtimes specs in a graph:
Unboxing:
The X45 is packed in a carton with plastic handle which makes it more easy to carry. Same package like the K65-brother that I tried out in the past year. On the box we see some "highlights" of the torch and the specifications and runtimes. No unexpected things here. On the left side of the box we can see that Acebeam brings the X45 in two versions: Cool white (6500K) and neutral white (5000K). I got the most powerful one, the 6500K-version. Remarkable is that both versions get the same package, although a 5000K-version will put out less lumens, estimated minus 1500 lumens on highest level. After removing the flap, we find back the X45 protected by the holster; this may be also the best way to restore the light. The lens of the X45 is protected by plastic film, that you need to remove before use. A big plus in my eyes is that Acebeam again delivers a complete set: Aside from the parts and manual the X45 comes with the most important, four pieces of quality high-drain cells. At this way, you don't need to worry about which batteries will fit; the only accessory you need is a dedicated charger.. I like the way that Acebeam pack their products! See some photos that show more!
same package that we saw earlier by the K65-brother
specifications and runtimes on the back
the X45 is protected by the holster
dustproof film on the lens; the X45 comes in a 5000K or 6500K-version
and the rest that is in, including a set of dedicated batteries
Impressions:
First impression: More compact than I expected! Most most big lights powered by four batteries are obviously larger than the X45. I'm still fan a big of "kings-torches" like this one is: Because of the powerful appearance, main to the impressive head with four big leds. What we see back again on this product is the excellent overall quality, like we saw at earlier tested Acebeam-lights. The X45 comes in matte black like almost all flashlights, so that may not be a big surprise. Anodizing job and finishing is well done, I couldn't detect any shortcoming on the light here. Same for the engraving. Striking details of the lights are the silver power button (made of metal, good point) with an indicator above it. Another eye-catching detail is the big head with deep cooling fins. This is absolutely needed, because the light will get hot in short time due to the four "quad-leds" that put of a lot of lumens. A solution that I didn't meet before is the ring for the carrying strap: If you push and turn it will "disappear" in the body. Nice find of Acebeam, I'll show you how it works by some pictures too. Of course the light stands very stable both on head and tail. The tail has got also a nice styling and has the looks of a star. The serial number and the URL of Acebeam is also engraved in the tail on a special way. The edge of the head is grey, nice accent, but very sensitive for scratches. The light has several notches in the head, which prevents the torch against accidental rolling away. Works well; I'm always happy with that; I don't like it if lights roll of the table and get damaged.. Looking into the massive head, we see four well-positioned XHP70.2 P2 bulbs in middle-deep reflectors. The reflector is different to the previous version, no orange-peel structure anymore, but a smooth one. Pay attention on this if you are intend to purchase an Acebeam! The manufacturer regularly comes with an update on a model. The restyled reflector results in more concentrated spot that throws further. When we open the light we can have a look at the well-lubed threads and the inside of the head with strong spring that will protect against shocks. In the tube we find back the battery carrier, with gold-plated contacts. In contrast to what I saw at other brands, this carrier stable and durable, and with this one I wasn't afraid that I would destroy it during inserting the batteries. It doesn't make sense how you put it in, because of the position of the batteries. All contacts are gold-plated in the carrier, there's a sticker fixed on the carrier that warns you to use the right batteries. A big plus is that the right cells are standard in the box, so this shouldn't go wrong. Also after opening the light, we see it's all ok here: Well-lubed and smooth running threads, well finished parts. All-in-all, I can say that Acebeam has launched again an excellent manufactured and finished product; the X45 is a high-quality flashlight. I'll show you more details by a couple of pictures, please scroll down to watch!
a big torch, but more compact than expected
main colors matte black and silver
looking into the head we see four XHP70.2 P2 emitters
big fins in the head to dissipate the heat
stable standing, no surprise
look at the special design of the tail
the X45 in a hands' palm
anodizing is done well, no flaws anywhere
this latest version has smooth reflectors
a strong springs keeps the battery carrier in place
gold plated contacts
a warning to use the right cells fixed on the carrier
a stylish indicator above the switch
the battery carrier is made of good quality
the quad-leds are well-centered
a close-up to the threads
the lights is built and finished very well
special detail: the ring for the lanyard
it "pops up" when you turn it
good strap, not to big
this is the tube from inside
rather deep reflectors, so this light will have good throw
nice design, good anti-rolling prevention
the grey ring on the head is sensitive for scratches
this is a high-quality product
the X45 has a good lowest level for a big light like this
User interface:
As I said you earlier, this light is more compact than most of its competitors, but still a big one. It feels heavy but well balanced. The grip is good, although the knurling isn't that aggressive on the body. But thanks to the big tube and the large head that has several cut-outs and deep fins this light won't slip out of your hand easily. The good adjustable strap is recommended during a longer trip.
The Acebeam X45 needs dedicated batteries; a big plus is that Acebeam delivers most of their products including cells. This helps to avoid problems with users. High-drain batteries are a must because the light can put out a crazy 18000 lumens for longer time. The only thing you have to mind is that you use a good charger to refill these special 18650's. I tried out the light with High-Drain-batteries from other brands; they all fit in the carrier and the light worked well. The carrier can be inserted at two ways because of the circuit. It's good to have an indicator that will informs you continuously about the voltage, it will not go off during use and lights up as long as you use the light. If the voltage drops below 13 volts, it will turn into red. The silver switch isn't that large, but is rather easy to locate in most circumstances. Just keep in mind that it is in the opposite of the ring that you can add the lanyard to, this will help you to find it back in the dark. I would like to see a larger switch on a big light like this is. The button has a clear pressure point and will not accidentally turn on in most ways, I never had it issue until now.
The X45 has the same interface like earlier lights of this brand that I tested before, and I would have to say: Don't change an interface like this, because it works well. It has three main modes and three "hidden" ones. Normally if you turn on the X45 by a single click, it will start in last memorized mode e.g. Low, Mid or High. In most cases, these modes will suffice. The firefly (that has 10 lumens so not a real firefly) can be reached by pressing and holding the button from off. The turbo modes (the X45 has two) can be turned on by a double click (works both from off or on). If you're in "normal" turbo next double click will bring you in turbo max. So you need some steps to go before you're in maximum output; but the maximum mode will be used in practice for short times and not as much as the other levels. You can switch between the turbo modes by double clicks as much as you want. If you press and hold the button the X45 goes back to the normal cycle of Low-Mid-High. These turbo-modes (and firefly) will not be memorized. My experience with the turbo max is that I missed it regularly because I "double-clicked" to fast, so I switched off the light after the first click. It needs some exercise but goes better now. By the way, the output that this light shows is really stunning! The light is temperature controlled, and in both turbo's levels it will step down when the temperature comes above 65 degrees Celsius. In practice. with full batteries, the X45 stays in turbo max for several minutes without problems; but I would recommend not to use this maximum levels too long (it's limited to about 3 minutes if the light doesn't reach 65 degrees) because the light will get very hot in short time, the heat is "starting" around the "neck" of the torch. The normal turbo is limited to about 10 minutes and this will make the X45 a very good searchlight, also because of the good throw. See my beamshots later in this review that will show the enormous wall of bright light. The blinding strobe-function must be activated by a triple click, this works both from off and on. This brightness of strobe is limited at 9000 lumens, but this may be more than enough to blind someone. To avoid accidentally turning on, the X45 has an electronic and physical lock-out. Hold the side-switch more than 2 seconds (the light will turn into firefly first) to (de)activate the prevention. The light will flash two times if you're in of out of lock-out mode. If the X45 is locked and you press the button for shorter than 3 seconds, the green indicator will light up to tell you that the light is locked. Second way to lock the light is by turning the battery tube about 45 degrees. Mostly I use the second option during transport to be safe that nothing can go wrong.
I don't have that many remarks or minors on the X45's interface. It works fine and doesn't need practice. Activating the Turbo Max takes some effort. I'd recommend one extra mode, which is a favorite of mine: I would like to see a momentary option on the lumens-monster.
Modes:
The X45 has in total six levels, which seems quite a lot. But I'm happy with this because this makes it easier to adjust the light to your needs. The levels are in order of: FIREFLY > LOW > MID > HIGH > TURBO > TURBO MAX. I really appreciate the FIREFLY, that give very good runtime, but the jump between FIREFLY and LOW is too big in my eyes. For the rest the spacing is good and better balanced. No direct modes here, although FIREFLY and TURBO / TURBO MAX are only available by a long or a double press. The special mode is STROBE. This option can be activated both from off and on. The X45 has LOW-VOLTAGE-warning: If the current voltage is below 13 volts, the indicator turns red. So, no accurate voltage (which I really would like to see), but the only thing you can check is if you are below 13V. Two ways to LOCK-OUT the light. Nothing to complain about here, the modes that are needed are on board.
Size comparison:
I have not that many options in this class, but for reference I'll show you another compact lumens-king, the Olight X7R Marauder and a big-lumens-light that should reach about the same distance, the Fenix RC40-2016. Later in this review, we'll meet this lights again: In the beamshots-chapter.
18650-battery, Olight X7R Marauder, Acebeam X45 and Fenix RC40-2016
Olight X7R Marauder, Acebeam X45 and Fenix RC40-2016
Olight X7R Marauder, Acebeam X45 and Fenix RC40-2016
the heads: 3 x XHP70, 4 x XHP70.2 P2 and 6 x XM-L2 (U2)
the backs: Olight X7R Marauder, Acebeam X45 and Fenix RC40-2016
Tint:
Looking at the tints of the three lights, we see that no one has the perfect tint, but the X45 has a good tint to me, that I can live with. The spot is cool white to neutral white, but we see some yellow back at the edge. Same to the other lights: The Fenix has more blue, the Olight looks slightly greenish.
Beamshots:
Time to have a look at the beamshots. As usual, first job is indoors: The light projected on a white wall at about a meter away from the target. I'll show you the six levels and after that a GIF. Note: I had to adjust my settings (shutter time) to avoid that some pictures would be overexposed.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 1/200 sec, 35mm
GIF:
Going outdoors now! First location is a lawn near to a river with some big trees at about 75 meters away. The X45 mounted on a tripod; I'll show you the six levels and after that a GIF. Sorry for the overexposure at the Turbo-levels, but I want to use always the same settings in my reviews.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 4 sec, 35mm
GIF:
Let's compare the X45 now with the other big lights! Starting with the Fenix RC40-2016. This light has clearly less lumens, but has better throw, also thanks to the narrow beam.
the Acebeam X45 against the Fenix RC40-2016, both on highest level
And now the lumens-king made by Olight, the X7R Marauder in a shoot-out against the X45. The X7R has a larger hotspot, but less intense than the X45. Also nearby the X45 puts out much more.
the Acebeam X45 against the Olight X7R Marauder, both on highest level
Next location: The top of a windmill; distance to the top about 200 meters. This shows again that the RC40-2016 has a very narrow beam in contracts to the X45 that lights up a big area at shorter distance too.
the Acebeam X45 against the Fenix RC40-2016, both on highest level
The Olight X7R can light up the mill, but the X45 has clearly more throw and overall output.
the Acebeam X45 against the Olight X7R Marauder, both on highest levelafbeelding uploaden
After these comparison, I'll show you some pictures with the X45 in the hand on different locations. This shows again the crazy throw and output that this light has!
the Acebeam X45 at Turbo Max
the Acebeam X45 at Turbo Max
the Acebeam X45 at Turbo Max
Conclusion:
With the X45 Acebeam has proved again that this manufacturer can make high-quality products in combination with some interesting features. If I put it to turbo max, this light still gives a wow-effect on me: The combination of a broad and far reaching beam is so nice! Like I said, the overall quality is very good, you don't have to worry about the cells because they are inclusive. The interface works well but choosing turbo max needs some exercise. The 18000-lumens turbo max is a nice level to impress or for short sessions; the high and turbo level will fit better in most cases, because they will last much longer. I would like to see a level between 10 and 800 lumens on this light and the option for instant (momentary) turbo max.
In short: A good product, easy to handle with, that has amazing brightness and impressive throw.
Special thanks to Nitetorch.com for the opportunity to test this flashlight!
the most powerful flashlight I tried out ever
the compact Acebeam X45
this is the second version, powered by four XHP70.2 P2 leds
blinding lumens and decent throw make this light very interesting
As, I'm used of, I give you the specifications first (by manufacturer):
· 4 Cree XHP70.2 P2 LED with a lifespan of 50,000hours
· Max Output 18000 lumens
· Approximate runtimes in each mode:
Firefly : 10 lumens 310 hours;
Low : 800 lumens 10 hours;
Mid : 2000 lumens 3.5hours;
High: 5000 lumens 1.4hours;
Turbo:9000 lumens-5000 lumens, 10 minutes + 72 minutes
Turbo Max:18000 lumens-4000 lumens, 3 minutes + 66 minutes
Strobe 5000 lumens, 3 hours
· Working Voltage:12V-16.8V light on switch indicates low reserve
· Max Runtime 310 hours
· Max beam 622 meters:
· Peak beam intensity 96569 cd
· Impact resistant 1.2meters
· Waterproofing: IPX8 standard to 2m
· Size: 156.7mm length, 88mm head diameter, 50.5mm tube diameter
· Weight 535g (18.9oz)
· Smooth reflector for max light output
· Digitally regulated output- maintains constant brightness
· Side switch on the body
· Mode steps down from Turbo-Max to Turbo if internal temperature exceeds 65℃
· Made of durable aircraft grade aluminum
· Premium Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish
· ultra-clear tempered glass with AR coating, 98.3% transmittance, protected by a stainless steel crenelated bezel
And the output and runtimes specs in a graph:
Unboxing:
The X45 is packed in a carton with plastic handle which makes it more easy to carry. Same package like the K65-brother that I tried out in the past year. On the box we see some "highlights" of the torch and the specifications and runtimes. No unexpected things here. On the left side of the box we can see that Acebeam brings the X45 in two versions: Cool white (6500K) and neutral white (5000K). I got the most powerful one, the 6500K-version. Remarkable is that both versions get the same package, although a 5000K-version will put out less lumens, estimated minus 1500 lumens on highest level. After removing the flap, we find back the X45 protected by the holster; this may be also the best way to restore the light. The lens of the X45 is protected by plastic film, that you need to remove before use. A big plus in my eyes is that Acebeam again delivers a complete set: Aside from the parts and manual the X45 comes with the most important, four pieces of quality high-drain cells. At this way, you don't need to worry about which batteries will fit; the only accessory you need is a dedicated charger.. I like the way that Acebeam pack their products! See some photos that show more!
same package that we saw earlier by the K65-brother
specifications and runtimes on the back
the X45 is protected by the holster
dustproof film on the lens; the X45 comes in a 5000K or 6500K-version
and the rest that is in, including a set of dedicated batteries
Impressions:
First impression: More compact than I expected! Most most big lights powered by four batteries are obviously larger than the X45. I'm still fan a big of "kings-torches" like this one is: Because of the powerful appearance, main to the impressive head with four big leds. What we see back again on this product is the excellent overall quality, like we saw at earlier tested Acebeam-lights. The X45 comes in matte black like almost all flashlights, so that may not be a big surprise. Anodizing job and finishing is well done, I couldn't detect any shortcoming on the light here. Same for the engraving. Striking details of the lights are the silver power button (made of metal, good point) with an indicator above it. Another eye-catching detail is the big head with deep cooling fins. This is absolutely needed, because the light will get hot in short time due to the four "quad-leds" that put of a lot of lumens. A solution that I didn't meet before is the ring for the carrying strap: If you push and turn it will "disappear" in the body. Nice find of Acebeam, I'll show you how it works by some pictures too. Of course the light stands very stable both on head and tail. The tail has got also a nice styling and has the looks of a star. The serial number and the URL of Acebeam is also engraved in the tail on a special way. The edge of the head is grey, nice accent, but very sensitive for scratches. The light has several notches in the head, which prevents the torch against accidental rolling away. Works well; I'm always happy with that; I don't like it if lights roll of the table and get damaged.. Looking into the massive head, we see four well-positioned XHP70.2 P2 bulbs in middle-deep reflectors. The reflector is different to the previous version, no orange-peel structure anymore, but a smooth one. Pay attention on this if you are intend to purchase an Acebeam! The manufacturer regularly comes with an update on a model. The restyled reflector results in more concentrated spot that throws further. When we open the light we can have a look at the well-lubed threads and the inside of the head with strong spring that will protect against shocks. In the tube we find back the battery carrier, with gold-plated contacts. In contrast to what I saw at other brands, this carrier stable and durable, and with this one I wasn't afraid that I would destroy it during inserting the batteries. It doesn't make sense how you put it in, because of the position of the batteries. All contacts are gold-plated in the carrier, there's a sticker fixed on the carrier that warns you to use the right batteries. A big plus is that the right cells are standard in the box, so this shouldn't go wrong. Also after opening the light, we see it's all ok here: Well-lubed and smooth running threads, well finished parts. All-in-all, I can say that Acebeam has launched again an excellent manufactured and finished product; the X45 is a high-quality flashlight. I'll show you more details by a couple of pictures, please scroll down to watch!
a big torch, but more compact than expected
main colors matte black and silver
looking into the head we see four XHP70.2 P2 emitters
big fins in the head to dissipate the heat
stable standing, no surprise
look at the special design of the tail
the X45 in a hands' palm
anodizing is done well, no flaws anywhere
this latest version has smooth reflectors
a strong springs keeps the battery carrier in place
gold plated contacts
a warning to use the right cells fixed on the carrier
a stylish indicator above the switch
the battery carrier is made of good quality
the quad-leds are well-centered
a close-up to the threads
the lights is built and finished very well
special detail: the ring for the lanyard
it "pops up" when you turn it
good strap, not to big
this is the tube from inside
rather deep reflectors, so this light will have good throw
nice design, good anti-rolling prevention
the grey ring on the head is sensitive for scratches
this is a high-quality product
the X45 has a good lowest level for a big light like this
User interface:
As I said you earlier, this light is more compact than most of its competitors, but still a big one. It feels heavy but well balanced. The grip is good, although the knurling isn't that aggressive on the body. But thanks to the big tube and the large head that has several cut-outs and deep fins this light won't slip out of your hand easily. The good adjustable strap is recommended during a longer trip.
The Acebeam X45 needs dedicated batteries; a big plus is that Acebeam delivers most of their products including cells. This helps to avoid problems with users. High-drain batteries are a must because the light can put out a crazy 18000 lumens for longer time. The only thing you have to mind is that you use a good charger to refill these special 18650's. I tried out the light with High-Drain-batteries from other brands; they all fit in the carrier and the light worked well. The carrier can be inserted at two ways because of the circuit. It's good to have an indicator that will informs you continuously about the voltage, it will not go off during use and lights up as long as you use the light. If the voltage drops below 13 volts, it will turn into red. The silver switch isn't that large, but is rather easy to locate in most circumstances. Just keep in mind that it is in the opposite of the ring that you can add the lanyard to, this will help you to find it back in the dark. I would like to see a larger switch on a big light like this is. The button has a clear pressure point and will not accidentally turn on in most ways, I never had it issue until now.
The X45 has the same interface like earlier lights of this brand that I tested before, and I would have to say: Don't change an interface like this, because it works well. It has three main modes and three "hidden" ones. Normally if you turn on the X45 by a single click, it will start in last memorized mode e.g. Low, Mid or High. In most cases, these modes will suffice. The firefly (that has 10 lumens so not a real firefly) can be reached by pressing and holding the button from off. The turbo modes (the X45 has two) can be turned on by a double click (works both from off or on). If you're in "normal" turbo next double click will bring you in turbo max. So you need some steps to go before you're in maximum output; but the maximum mode will be used in practice for short times and not as much as the other levels. You can switch between the turbo modes by double clicks as much as you want. If you press and hold the button the X45 goes back to the normal cycle of Low-Mid-High. These turbo-modes (and firefly) will not be memorized. My experience with the turbo max is that I missed it regularly because I "double-clicked" to fast, so I switched off the light after the first click. It needs some exercise but goes better now. By the way, the output that this light shows is really stunning! The light is temperature controlled, and in both turbo's levels it will step down when the temperature comes above 65 degrees Celsius. In practice. with full batteries, the X45 stays in turbo max for several minutes without problems; but I would recommend not to use this maximum levels too long (it's limited to about 3 minutes if the light doesn't reach 65 degrees) because the light will get very hot in short time, the heat is "starting" around the "neck" of the torch. The normal turbo is limited to about 10 minutes and this will make the X45 a very good searchlight, also because of the good throw. See my beamshots later in this review that will show the enormous wall of bright light. The blinding strobe-function must be activated by a triple click, this works both from off and on. This brightness of strobe is limited at 9000 lumens, but this may be more than enough to blind someone. To avoid accidentally turning on, the X45 has an electronic and physical lock-out. Hold the side-switch more than 2 seconds (the light will turn into firefly first) to (de)activate the prevention. The light will flash two times if you're in of out of lock-out mode. If the X45 is locked and you press the button for shorter than 3 seconds, the green indicator will light up to tell you that the light is locked. Second way to lock the light is by turning the battery tube about 45 degrees. Mostly I use the second option during transport to be safe that nothing can go wrong.
I don't have that many remarks or minors on the X45's interface. It works fine and doesn't need practice. Activating the Turbo Max takes some effort. I'd recommend one extra mode, which is a favorite of mine: I would like to see a momentary option on the lumens-monster.
Modes:
The X45 has in total six levels, which seems quite a lot. But I'm happy with this because this makes it easier to adjust the light to your needs. The levels are in order of: FIREFLY > LOW > MID > HIGH > TURBO > TURBO MAX. I really appreciate the FIREFLY, that give very good runtime, but the jump between FIREFLY and LOW is too big in my eyes. For the rest the spacing is good and better balanced. No direct modes here, although FIREFLY and TURBO / TURBO MAX are only available by a long or a double press. The special mode is STROBE. This option can be activated both from off and on. The X45 has LOW-VOLTAGE-warning: If the current voltage is below 13 volts, the indicator turns red. So, no accurate voltage (which I really would like to see), but the only thing you can check is if you are below 13V. Two ways to LOCK-OUT the light. Nothing to complain about here, the modes that are needed are on board.
Size comparison:
I have not that many options in this class, but for reference I'll show you another compact lumens-king, the Olight X7R Marauder and a big-lumens-light that should reach about the same distance, the Fenix RC40-2016. Later in this review, we'll meet this lights again: In the beamshots-chapter.
18650-battery, Olight X7R Marauder, Acebeam X45 and Fenix RC40-2016
Olight X7R Marauder, Acebeam X45 and Fenix RC40-2016
Olight X7R Marauder, Acebeam X45 and Fenix RC40-2016
the heads: 3 x XHP70, 4 x XHP70.2 P2 and 6 x XM-L2 (U2)
the backs: Olight X7R Marauder, Acebeam X45 and Fenix RC40-2016
Tint:
Looking at the tints of the three lights, we see that no one has the perfect tint, but the X45 has a good tint to me, that I can live with. The spot is cool white to neutral white, but we see some yellow back at the edge. Same to the other lights: The Fenix has more blue, the Olight looks slightly greenish.
Beamshots:
Time to have a look at the beamshots. As usual, first job is indoors: The light projected on a white wall at about a meter away from the target. I'll show you the six levels and after that a GIF. Note: I had to adjust my settings (shutter time) to avoid that some pictures would be overexposed.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 1/200 sec, 35mm
GIF:
Going outdoors now! First location is a lawn near to a river with some big trees at about 75 meters away. The X45 mounted on a tripod; I'll show you the six levels and after that a GIF. Sorry for the overexposure at the Turbo-levels, but I want to use always the same settings in my reviews.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 4 sec, 35mm
GIF:
Let's compare the X45 now with the other big lights! Starting with the Fenix RC40-2016. This light has clearly less lumens, but has better throw, also thanks to the narrow beam.
the Acebeam X45 against the Fenix RC40-2016, both on highest level
And now the lumens-king made by Olight, the X7R Marauder in a shoot-out against the X45. The X7R has a larger hotspot, but less intense than the X45. Also nearby the X45 puts out much more.
the Acebeam X45 against the Olight X7R Marauder, both on highest level
Next location: The top of a windmill; distance to the top about 200 meters. This shows again that the RC40-2016 has a very narrow beam in contracts to the X45 that lights up a big area at shorter distance too.
the Acebeam X45 against the Fenix RC40-2016, both on highest level
The Olight X7R can light up the mill, but the X45 has clearly more throw and overall output.
the Acebeam X45 against the Olight X7R Marauder, both on highest levelafbeelding uploaden
After these comparison, I'll show you some pictures with the X45 in the hand on different locations. This shows again the crazy throw and output that this light has!
the Acebeam X45 at Turbo Max
the Acebeam X45 at Turbo Max
the Acebeam X45 at Turbo Max
Conclusion:
With the X45 Acebeam has proved again that this manufacturer can make high-quality products in combination with some interesting features. If I put it to turbo max, this light still gives a wow-effect on me: The combination of a broad and far reaching beam is so nice! Like I said, the overall quality is very good, you don't have to worry about the cells because they are inclusive. The interface works well but choosing turbo max needs some exercise. The 18000-lumens turbo max is a nice level to impress or for short sessions; the high and turbo level will fit better in most cases, because they will last much longer. I would like to see a level between 10 and 800 lumens on this light and the option for instant (momentary) turbo max.
In short: A good product, easy to handle with, that has amazing brightness and impressive throw.
Special thanks to Nitetorch.com for the opportunity to test this flashlight!
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