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Hey guys,
So as promised I have purchased more flashlights since IE has forced me into this flashlight hobby (JK IE, you just exposed me to it
). I bought two lights, one might be good as a laser host and the other was to replace my 7G5CS I sold to Speedy
Flashlight: Portable Cree XM-L U2 LED 2000 Lumens 5-Mode White Light Waterproof Flashlight (1 x 26650) - Black- $15.57 shipped, currently on sale for less than I paid but thats alright, Im happy with the light even for $18.
Service:
Just like last time, the service from AuraBuy was fantastic, this time was probably better than last but for one reason; I originally ordered a Palight 26650 flashlight and within 12 hours someone from AuraBuy emailed me saying unfortunately that light was out of stock and wondering if Id like a refund or to pick another item. I picked a different 26650 light and a pair of "beat audio" styled headphones (was planning on doing a short separate review of those for anyone interested but a heads up....they are pretty kick sweet!). I also placed an order for the 7G5CS replacement 2 days before this order so I asked AuraBuy to please combine the orders for shipping and they did it with no problem
Shipping took about 12-14 days from Palight order date so Id say 10-12 days once they confirmed the order switch. The only thing I wasnt happy about was how the USPS handled this package once stateside (so this has nothing to do with AuraBuy but I know how much we all LOVE USPS). Package arrived in the US within 4 days and then SAT in NY for another 5 days without moving Then when it arrived in Tampa USPS decided to not leave the package with my apartments office but yet leave a pick up notice for me on Wednesday! So convenient since the post office it was at is open from 8:30a-5:00p and I happen to work 8:30-5:30 but the post office right up the road is open until 6:00 so if it was there, I could have got the package before SATURDAY! Ughhh USPS fails us yet again!
Anyways, enough about how much USPS sucks and back to the review. Packaged VERY nicely yet again in a large bubble mailer with overkill amounts of bubble wrap and I like it :beer:
Specs from the site:
Features:
Utilizes Cree XM-L U2 LED, lifetime can up to 50,000 hours
Maximum output of up to 2000 lumens
Constructed from aluminum alloy
Sturdy military grade hard-anodized makes it durable
Optimized ultra-precise reflector offers a longer beam distance
Stainless steel retaining ring protects the core components of the flashlight
Toughened ultra-clear mineral glass with anti-reflective coating
Outdoor activities, for climbing, camping, seeking survival, walking, diving, fishing as well as hunting, good preparation for your family
Specifications:
LED: Cree XM-L U2 LED
Power supply: 1 x 26650 rechargeable battery (not included)
5 Modes: High / Mid / Low / Strobe / SOS
LED color: White
Lumens: 2000 lumens
Switch: Tail button
Material: Aluminum alloy
Package size (L x W x H): 18 x 6 x 6 cm
Package weight: 280 g
Packing List:
1 x CREE XM-L U2 LED Flashlight Torch
My findings:
Well first thing that I thought was the anodizing is very nice for a sub $20 flashlight. My light does not have one nick or mark in the anodizing anywhere, which will probably change once I start using it more often There is a small nick on the bezel from when it was machined but it is not noticeable unless you run your fingers around the bezel. Overall fit and finish is superb for a sub $20 light.
The reflector is actually a nice solid piece of aluminum with a smooth finish. There is no blemishes or warping on the reflector at all which is very nice and it shows in the ring-less beam profile. Host comes apart in three pieces (4 if you include the bezel as a piece). All the threads are nice and smooth with no grinding or squeaking, although they could use some more lube/grease to make them even smoother. The host has nice cut triangular threads that are un-anodize so lock out is not possible on this light, but this isnt a huge issue in my mind.
The business end is very nice. As mentioned before, there are no issues with the reflector at all and the LED is centered perfectly due to the plastic spacer. I doubt this light is really 2000 lumen but more around the 700-900 mark (see comparison against a 800 lumen C8 below). It definitely has a VERY cool tint to the LED and is actually cooler than my 7G5CS (I bought another one to test against the Small Sun ZY-T13 I ordered but more on that in another review)
Pictures:
High (sneak peak of the headphones)
Low
In person there is a large difference between high and low so Im messing around with the camera setting to show this.
C8 T6 (right) vs XM-L2 (left)
Overall:
I am very impressed with this light. Its a nice solid feeling host with good threads and a current/up to date emitter. I really like the XM-L lights and the performance over the Q5 lights. Since this light runs on a 26650, it should last a long time before charging. I have only used it for about 30 minutes testing and it has been great thus far. Surprisingly it has a good amount of throw for such a short reflector. It has plenty of flood and I will be getting some flood and throw photos later in the week when I have time. The front of the light only heats up slightly after 5 minutes of use. Its a little large for EDC but its still small enough to be is nice for a night stand or truck/car light. This might end up in my truck for a while until I buy another light. I might end up having a heat sink made for this light and turning it into a laser down the road or might do a driver swap and drive it harder than 3.2A, but until then it will get a good amount of use.
This is my third flashlight from AuraBuy and overall I have to say, Im very impressed. Not one light has come in with broken glass or faulty drivers/emitters. Every light has worked and been packed VERY well with quick shipping, minus USPS holding on to this package for 5 days! Pretty soon Im going to have more flashlights than IE
Just realized the first photo is slightly blurry so Im going to grab a replacement photo tomorrow night.
Thanks for reading guys and keep an eye out for my Small Sun ZY-T13 and Beats Audio styled headphone review. they are going to stay at work with me and replace my nice Phillips ear buds For under $20 these headphones are a no brainer and Im buying a few more as gift for Christmas time
If you guys have any question please ask and ill get you the info right away or if you want specific photos please let me know
I will be updating this thread with more findings as I test the light throughout this week.
-Sean
So as promised I have purchased more flashlights since IE has forced me into this flashlight hobby (JK IE, you just exposed me to it
). I bought two lights, one might be good as a laser host and the other was to replace my 7G5CS I sold to Speedy Flashlight: Portable Cree XM-L U2 LED 2000 Lumens 5-Mode White Light Waterproof Flashlight (1 x 26650) - Black- $15.57 shipped, currently on sale for less than I paid but thats alright, Im happy with the light even for $18.
Service:
Just like last time, the service from AuraBuy was fantastic, this time was probably better than last but for one reason; I originally ordered a Palight 26650 flashlight and within 12 hours someone from AuraBuy emailed me saying unfortunately that light was out of stock and wondering if Id like a refund or to pick another item. I picked a different 26650 light and a pair of "beat audio" styled headphones (was planning on doing a short separate review of those for anyone interested but a heads up....they are pretty kick sweet!). I also placed an order for the 7G5CS replacement 2 days before this order so I asked AuraBuy to please combine the orders for shipping and they did it with no problem
Shipping took about 12-14 days from Palight order date so Id say 10-12 days once they confirmed the order switch. The only thing I wasnt happy about was how the USPS handled this package once stateside (so this has nothing to do with AuraBuy but I know how much we all LOVE USPS). Package arrived in the US within 4 days and then SAT in NY for another 5 days without moving
Then when it arrived in Tampa USPS decided to not leave the package with my apartments office but yet leave a pick up notice for me on Wednesday! So convenient since the post office it was at is open from 8:30a-5:00p and I happen to work 8:30-5:30 but the post office right up the road is open until 6:00 so if it was there, I could have got the package before SATURDAY! Ughhh USPS fails us yet again!Anyways, enough about how much USPS sucks and back to the review. Packaged VERY nicely yet again in a large bubble mailer with overkill amounts of bubble wrap and I like it :beer:
Specs from the site:
Features:
Utilizes Cree XM-L U2 LED, lifetime can up to 50,000 hours
Maximum output of up to 2000 lumens
Constructed from aluminum alloy
Sturdy military grade hard-anodized makes it durable
Optimized ultra-precise reflector offers a longer beam distance
Stainless steel retaining ring protects the core components of the flashlight
Toughened ultra-clear mineral glass with anti-reflective coating
Outdoor activities, for climbing, camping, seeking survival, walking, diving, fishing as well as hunting, good preparation for your family
Specifications:
LED: Cree XM-L U2 LED
Power supply: 1 x 26650 rechargeable battery (not included)
5 Modes: High / Mid / Low / Strobe / SOS
LED color: White
Lumens: 2000 lumens
Switch: Tail button
Material: Aluminum alloy
Package size (L x W x H): 18 x 6 x 6 cm
Package weight: 280 g
Packing List:
1 x CREE XM-L U2 LED Flashlight Torch
My findings:
Well first thing that I thought was the anodizing is very nice for a sub $20 flashlight. My light does not have one nick or mark in the anodizing anywhere, which will probably change once I start using it more often
There is a small nick on the bezel from when it was machined but it is not noticeable unless you run your fingers around the bezel. Overall fit and finish is superb for a sub $20 light.The reflector is actually a nice solid piece of aluminum with a smooth finish. There is no blemishes or warping on the reflector at all which is very nice and it shows in the ring-less beam profile. Host comes apart in three pieces (4 if you include the bezel as a piece). All the threads are nice and smooth with no grinding or squeaking, although they could use some more lube/grease to make them even smoother. The host has nice cut triangular threads that are un-anodize so lock out is not possible on this light, but this isnt a huge issue in my mind.
The business end is very nice. As mentioned before, there are no issues with the reflector at all and the LED is centered perfectly due to the plastic spacer. I doubt this light is really 2000 lumen but more around the 700-900 mark (see comparison against a 800 lumen C8 below). It definitely has a VERY cool tint to the LED and is actually cooler than my 7G5CS (I bought another one to test against the Small Sun ZY-T13 I ordered but more on that in another review)
Pictures:
High (sneak peak of the headphones
)
Low
In person there is a large difference between high and low so Im messing around with the camera setting to show this.
C8 T6 (right) vs XM-L2 (left)
Overall:
I am very impressed with this light. Its a nice solid feeling host with good threads and a current/up to date emitter. I really like the XM-L lights and the performance over the Q5 lights. Since this light runs on a 26650, it should last a long time before charging. I have only used it for about 30 minutes testing and it has been great thus far. Surprisingly it has a good amount of throw for such a short reflector. It has plenty of flood and I will be getting some flood and throw photos later in the week when I have time. The front of the light only heats up slightly after 5 minutes of use. Its a little large for EDC but its still small enough to be is nice for a night stand or truck/car light. This might end up in my truck for a while until I buy another light. I might end up having a heat sink made for this light and turning it into a laser down the road or might do a driver swap and drive it harder than 3.2A, but until then it will get a good amount of use.
This is my third flashlight from AuraBuy and overall I have to say, Im very impressed. Not one light has come in with broken glass or faulty drivers/emitters. Every light has worked and been packed VERY well with quick shipping, minus USPS holding on to this package for 5 days! Pretty soon Im going to have more flashlights than IE
Just realized the first photo is slightly blurry so Im going to grab a replacement photo tomorrow night.
Thanks for reading guys and keep an eye out for my Small Sun ZY-T13 and Beats Audio styled headphone review. they are going to stay at work with me and replace my nice Phillips ear buds
For under $20 these headphones are a no brainer and Im buying a few more as gift for Christmas time If you guys have any question please ask and ill get you the info right away or if you want specific photos please let me know
I will be updating this thread with more findings as I test the light throughout this week.
-Sean
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