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Solarforce M8 Review

erns

0
Joined
May 11, 2008
Messages
350
Points
0
I purchased the Solarforce M8 from Solarforce-Sales.com

SolarforceM8XML005.jpg


Came with 3 mode A.I switch & 1 mode switch, o-rings, spare rear switch cover Glow In the Dark (GITD) and lanyard.

SolarforceM8XML006.jpg



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Battery options 1 or 2 18650 or 2, CR123A or 2 RCR123's.

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Uses a hybrid reflector. Orange Peel by the LED, Smooth (SMO) outside the LED>

SolarforceM8XML014.jpg


Uses a XM-L T6 Cool White (CW) 780 lumens. I don't know how they rated the lumens.

Voltage 2.7 - 9V

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The XML is easy to get to.

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Rear view of the "Head".

SolarforceM8XML029.jpg


My M8 had some major flaws in the Type III Hard Anodize.

SolarforceM8XML026.jpg


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Inside view of the rear Clickie.

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This single level switch is a forward clickie.

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Tail stands

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I took a Lux reading of the Solarforce M8 using 2 AW's Black 3.7V 2200mAh Batteries fully charged.


Solarforce M8, High - 26,254 lux @ 1 meter


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Solarforce M8 @ 96"

SolarforceM8XML001.jpg



Solarforce M8 @ 32'

SolarforceM8XML043.jpg


Solarforce M8 @ 146' or 44.5 meters

SolarforceM8XML040.jpg


Solarforce M8 @ 210' or 64 meters

SolarforceM8XML038.jpg



_________________________________________



The Solarforce M8 build quality was OK. My light had some flaws in the Type III Hard Anodize. The threads were smooth but had no lube.

I like the 1 level switch. I hate the A.I Switch. The A.I switch has high, low then strobe. Doesn't remember it's last setting. You have to cycle through the levels to shut it off. Irritating IMO.

The hybrid reflector puts out a very nice beam. I think the hybrid reflector does cut down on the "throw" of the light. I have a Thrunite Catapult V2 XML and I get lower Lux readings but it slightly out throws the Solarforce M8.


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Left, Solarforce M8, XML T6. Right, ThruNite Catapult V2 XML T6 @ 96"

SolarforceM8XML045.jpg


Left, Solarforce M8, XML T6. Right, ThruNite Catapult V2 XML T6 @ 96" Stepped down exposure

SolarforceM8XML046.jpg


Solarforce M8 @ 210' or 64 meters

SolarforceM8XML038.jpg


ThruNite Catapult V2 @ 210' or 64 meters

SolarforceM8XML039.jpg



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


ThruNite Catapult V3 should easily out throw the Solarforce M8. It's supposed to be more brighter than my ThruNite Catapult V2.

You have to remember though the Solarforce M8 is at a lower price.
 





LaZeRz

0
Joined
Feb 19, 2011
Messages
2,549
Points
63
Nice review :)

Are you going to get a replacement? those scratches look pretty bad.
 

erns

0
Joined
May 11, 2008
Messages
350
Points
0
I'll keep the light. I have had other lights I purchased like that.
 




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