Introduce the new LiteFlux LF2X Cree XR-E Q5

It's about one year after the first LF2 Cree XR-E was released, here's new LF2X in Natural HAIII finish. :thumbsup:

Manufacurer's page: http://www.liteflux.com/english/product_detail.php?act=1&index=16
English User manual: http://mountech.myweb.hinet.net/operation manual - english.pdf
Chinese User manual: http://mountech.myweb.hinet.net/operation manual - chinese.pdf


LED Cool's sales thread: http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=175263


Another great review at Light-Reviews.com: http://light-reviews.com/liteflux_lf2_x/review.html


Spec. (Copied from the manufacturer site)

• LED : CREE XR-E Q5
• 78 mm (L) x 14 mm (D)
• Made of aircraft grade aluminum
• Natural HA III Hard anodized finish
• Battery : single AAA (Alkaline,Ni-MH,Lithium) batteries
• single 10440 Li-Ion is available
• Switch : twist
• Input voltage : 0.9V ~ 5.0V
• 4 operation modes
• 6 user defined output
• 1 user adjusted output
• 4 functions
• Weight : 19g (excluding battery)
• Waterproof
• Glass lens with AR coating
• Candle mode available
• Accessories : plastic light cover,O-ring,silicon oil
• Wood gift box,quick install necklet assembly & cilp assembly

The main difference from the previous version:

• Use Cree XR-E Q5 (Not sure about the color bin)
• Natural Type III hard anodized finish
• 3-in-1 tail (pocket clip, quick release cap. will described below)
• Snap on diffuser

===== Photos =====

Now it's the picture time (Sorry for the poor quility. :faint:)

Woody gift box:

(The silver sticker is on the shrink warp)

Content: (LF2X with clip, diffuser, o-rings, lubricant, quick release cap and 80cm chain)



Unlike the previous black HAIII, the new NAT HAIII is beautiful, smooth and shining. But the color is very hard to control in natural hard anodizing process. Thus, there'll be color mis-match.


The body has 4 long grooves (slots) like LF3/4/5. But the laser engraved letter orientation is different.



One of the new enhancement of the LF2X is the multi-function tail. It consists of 1. Detachable pocket clip 2. Socket with threaded hole to attach tripod and 3. quick release cap to use with necklace or lanyard.

Pocket Clip:


Pocket Clip detached:




Threaded hole:


LF2X on tripod and also with snap on diffuser:







Quick release cap:


The cap is twisted to lock and open. Turn 180 degree to lock and another 180 degree to open:

(Left: Opened. Right: Locked)


The thread is also anodized like LF2 but the twisting feels smoother than LF2. And head knurling is one the engine part (LF2 is one the bezel), there won't be loose bezel when you switch on/off.



New detachable 2-stage switch



There're concave dots to indicate the P1 and P2 position: (one dot for P1 and two dots for P2)



Here's a quick size comparison with the LF2:

(Left to right: LF2 SSC P4/LF2X/LF2X/LF2 Cree XR-E)



With diffuser. (Diffuser for LF2X is snap on, thus it's longer)

(Left to right: LF2 SSC P4/LF2X/LF2 Cree XR-E)

Head:

(Left to right: LF2 SSC P4/LF2X/LF2 Cree XR-E)








===== BeamShots =====

The beam pattern of LF2X is funny. The light OP reflector has smoothed out the transit from hotspot to side spill, but the outer side spill is brighter and make the side spill like a big dark riing for short distance.


-----
LF2X beamshot (NiMH, default P5 50% output):

(F2.8, 1/4s ISO100)


(F2.8, 1/6s ISO100)


(F2.8, 1/8s ISO100)
-----

-----
LF2X(L) with LF2 SSC P4 (R) beamshot (NiMH, default P5 50% output):

(F2.8, 1/4s ISO100)


(F2.8, 1/6s ISO100)


(F2.8, 1/8s ISO100)
-----

-----
LF2X(L) with LF2 modded Q5-WG (R) beamshot (NiMH, default P5 50% output):

(F2.8, 1/4s ISO100)


(F2.8, 1/6s ISO100)


(F2.8, 1/8s ISO100)

The hotspot is tighter than LF2 Cree XR-E.




===== Runtime =====

All runtimes are tested in my closet with beam direct point to a lux meter. (No lightbox used). Since the brightness will be different with the angle or distance, I re-scale the intensity to 0-100 scale based on the initial brightness. I don't have recording meters, the readings are taken by webcam every one minutes.

I test for default settings only. P1 for 15% output and P2 for 50% output. Also test 100% output.

I don't know what's the dimension of the milk carton that Quickbeam used? The milk carton isn't the same size here. If I know the size, I may make one to estimate the lumen output. Thanks.

The LF2X's circuit was modified to fit the high Vf of Q5. The 100% output for Alkaline/NiMH look like not regulated. I think that may be caused by the high current drain that the battery couldn't provide.

For testing of Alkaline, the battery over-discharge protection is turned OFF. For NiMH/Li-ion, it's ON.


----- Alkaline -----
The battery is Energizer E92.





----- NiMH -----
The battery is Eneloop and charged on MAHA MH-C9000.




----- Li-ion -----
The battery is LC10440 bought from AW. Charged on self-made LTC4054 charger. The starting open-circuit voltage is 4.16v




Below is 100% output runtime. (The reading was taken at 10sec interval.)

(The sharp drop near the end of LC 10440 is the low voltage warning)

I use two 10440. One is Soshine 360mAh button top 10440 and another is LC 320mAh flat top 10440. (The botton top 10440 won't fit the previous LF2.) I don't know how much current needed at 100%, but is obviously over 2C for 10440. It's not good for li-ion to continuously drain over 2C. It's not recommended.

Both start from 4.16v and cut by the over-discharging protection. The batteries were hot when take out. After rest for awhile, the open circuit voltage back to 3.85v for Soshine and 3.9v for LC 10440. The batteries still have some juice left from the rest voltage. I think the voltage sag is large and the protection triggered earily.




===== Cleaning of the switch =====

The 2-stage switch is detachable. If LF2X act strangely, it could be cleaned. The previous LF2 was glued.

First, clean the tube bare aluminium and switch contact:



If it doesn't work, following the step to detach the switch. But don't do it if you don't know what you're doing.

1. located the two notch of the switch contact:



2. Use a sharp tweezers, insert into the notch. You must also locate the underneath notches, otherwise it won't be loosed. Turn counter clockwise to screw the switch out.



3. Clean the contacts around the positive contact stick. You could also sink the switch assembily (right part in the photo, NOT THE HEAD) in alcohol to clean it.



-------------------------------

Thanks for viewing. :wave:

Will the SSC LF2 be discontinued?

Re: Introduce the new LiteFlux LF2X Cree XR-E Q5 (corrected)

Great pictures and very informative. Can't wait to receive mine.

I think you inadvertantly swapped the description in the last beam shots. Did you mean that the LF2X is on the Left and Q5 LF2 on Right?

It looks like the new LF2X puts out a bit more light than the older SSC.

Re: Introduce the new LiteFlux LF2X Cree XR-E Q5 (corrected)

Excellent review - very thorough and helpful, with good pics. It looks a very well designed light. I like the detachable tailcap feature, with the threaded socket - a bit like the SF Titan one.

Re: Introduce the new LiteFlux LF2X Cree XR-E Q5 (corrected)

Netkids, How bright is the output using the 14400 cell at P1 (15%) compared to using a NiMh cell? Is it close to the NiMh cell at P2 (50%)? Just curious if the efficiency goes up when using a higher voltage cell.

I have both NiMh and the 14400 cells and wonder if there is an advantage to using the 14400 - besides being able to get higher blazing output (which is probably not good for such a small light to run it that high anyways). I am looking for which cell would give the longest runtime for general purpose use at medium to low ouputs. Thanks.

Re: Introduce the new LiteFlux LF2X Cree XR-E Q5 (corrected)

Netkids,are the ones selling now in the MP the same do they come with quick detach cap :thinking:
Great review BTW

Re: Introduce the new LiteFlux LF2X Cree XR-E Q5 (corrected)

The pictures links seemed dead. The first post couldn't be edited. It always has problem when I try to edit it. :green:

I moved all contents to #3. Sorry for the inconvenience.


@cave dave,
Not sure about it. The beam pattern is different. I think LF2 SSC still have selling point.


@regulator,
Yup. LF2X on Left. :green:

I don't make a lightbox to measure the total output. I don't know the milk carton's dimension and couldn't use Quickbeam's factor to estimate the lumen. LF2 SSC is floody while LF2X's beam is tighter. That'll make the difference you saw.

About the output for NiMH and 10440. (NOT 14400). 10440's output is about twice as NiMH. I think the boost/buck logic wasn't changed: below 2v, drive about 350mA. Above 2v drive about 700mA.

I always use 10440 with LF2. I didn't change the setting, default P1/P2 is enough for my daily use. If I need the max output, it's easy to access by SWx2.


@DM51,
Yes. I like the tail, too. :)


@TITAN1833,
The cap is standard.

Thanks.

Re: Introduce the new LiteFlux LF2X Cree XR-E Q5 (corrected)

Netkidz, thanks for the review, very interesting. :thumbsup:

I have a question. I already own an LF2 SSC delivered end of September 07 which I assume is the latest version and I have learned how to use it. Yesterday I ordered an LF2X from Ledcool. Will the operating procedure/programming of the two be identical? In other words, will I be able to use LF2X without looking at the manual?

Thanks.:)

Re: Introduce the new LiteFlux LF2X Cree XR-E Q5 (corrected)

Kilovolt said:

Netkidz, thanks for the review, very interesting. :thumbsup:

I have a question. I already own an LF2 SSC delivered end of September 07 which I assume is the latest version and I have learned how to use it. Yesterday I ordered an LF2X from Ledcool. Will the operating procedure/programming of the two be identical? In other words, will I be able to use LF2X without looking at the manual?

Thanks.:)

Click to expand...

Not having owned the LF2X, but noticing the manual in the link of the original poster, to look to be the same as the ones for the LF2, I believe the operation is unchanged.

LF2 (Cree XR-E) proud owner

Yes, the UI is the same. There's no need to re-learn. :)

Re: Introduce the new LiteFlux LF2X Cree XR-E Q5 (corrected)

regulator said:

Netkids, How bright is the output using the 14400 cell at P1 (15%) compared to using a NiMh cell? Is it close to the NiMh cell at P2 (50%)? Just curious if the efficiency goes up when using a higher voltage cell.

I have both NiMh and the 14400 cells and wonder if there is an advantage to using the 14400 - besides being able to get higher blazing output (which is probably not good for such a small light to run it that high anyways). I am looking for which cell would give the longest runtime for general purpose use at medium to low ouputs. Thanks.

Click to expand...

100% on NiMH runs 33mins to 50%, gradually dimming the whole time.
50% on 10440 is the same amount of output as 100% NiMH initially, but maintains 47 minutes of regulation. AAA and 10440 have the same energy content, so that difference is entirely due to efficiency.

2X - thanks. I just noticed that. NiMh 100% is 350ma to the LED and 14400 at 50% would be 350ma to the LED from the information above. Well, I know what cell I will want to run in the light. Pretty cool to be able to use the higher voltage cell (with low discharge) and still be able to get the lower output levels AND better efficiency.

However, there may not be as big a difference when the medium outputs are used. I will do some test to see if there is still an advantage with the 14400 cell.

That quick release tailcap, when it's on is it fairly tight and secure? Or is there a danger of it comeing apart (releasing) when you don't want it to?

Any info on how bright this is compared to the Tiablo MA1? Both on max and a setting w/ equivalent runtime to the MA1's high.

Has anyone got their LF2X yet ?

Mine came today, fantastic fit and finish...just have to work out this programming lark...

@Bigsy I assume direct from liteflux,as no one else seems to be shipping yet?

Why didnt i order direct. :mecry:

Mine came yesterday but I was not home - going to pick it up today at the post office after work. I ordered direct. Will post some info later today.

kooter said:

Why didnt i order direct. :mecry:

Click to expand...

Because like me,you are a fool :poke:

I doubt we will see them,before others have gone through a few battery changes :nana: