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#Post#: 521--------------------------------------------------
Black Shadow Darth 3*XM-L/3*18650
By: JohnnyMac Date: April 12, 2013, 12:58 pm
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[html]<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:
x-large;"><strong>Black Shadow Darth</strong></span></p><p><img
src="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LGq0Go8iuHY/UIcHT69d6nI/AAAAAAAAErU/esslxfDsewg/s800/780.JPG"<br
/>width="75%" style="display: block; margin-left: auto;
margin-right: auto;"></p><p><strong>Manufacturer
Specs:</strong></p><p><strong>Dimensions:
</strong>50mm(HD)×150mm(L)×47mm(TD)<strong><br> Weight:
</strong>350g(Without battery)<strong><br> Color:
</strong>Leaden<strong><br> Emitter: </strong>3×CREE XM-L U2
LED<strong> <br> Battery: </strong>3/18650<strong><br> Circuit:
</strong>Digital CC circuit<strong><br> Mode: </strong>Four
modes, Low-Mid-High-Strobe<strong><br> Dimming:
</strong>Magnetic sensor control system<strong><br> Material:
</strong>Aluminum alloy<strong> <br> Lens:
</strong>Impact-resistant optical lens with AR
coating<strong><br> Reflector: </strong>Metal reflector<strong>
<br> Head & Tail: </strong>Stainless steel bezel ring, tactical
tailstanding tailcap<strong><br> Accessories: </strong>Tactical
parachute-cord, Spare O-ring, User manual and Warranty
card.<strong><!--break--></strong></p><p>My Specs:</p><table
style="width: 75%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width:
211px;">Dimensions:</td><td style="width: 459px;">Head: 48mm |
Body: 44.4mm | Tail: 47mm | Length: 138mm</td></tr><tr><td
style="width: 211px;">Reflector diameter:</td><td style="width:
459px;">41mm</td></tr><tr><td style="width:
211px;">Emitter:</td><td style="width: 459px;">Cree XM-L T6 3C
NW (x3) <br> *Custom install from CNQG.</td></tr><tr><td
style="width: 211px;">Output:</td><td style="width:
459px;">1,450 OTF (Original U2 emitters would have put out much
greater)</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 211px;">Cells:</td><td
style="width: 459px;">18650 button-topped. Protected or
unprotected. Not picky on length.</td></tr><tr><td style="width:
211px;">Modes:</td><td style="width: 459px;">5 -
Standby(off)/Low/Medium/High/Strobe</td></tr><tr><td
style="width: 211px;">Switching:</td><td style="width:
459px;">Master switch in tail (forward clicky) + magnetic
control ring for modes</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 211px;">
</td><td style="width: 459px;"> </td></tr><tr><td style="width:
211px;">Accessories:</td><td style="width: 459px;">Spare o-ring,
lanyard., manual</td></tr><tr><td style="width:
211px;">Purchased from:</td><td style="width:
459px;">CNQualityGoods.com</td></tr><tr><td style="width:
211px;">Price Paid:</td><td style="width: 459px;">$62
USD</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p>I've had to put off this
review due to a ridiculously busy schedule but finally made
myself get it out. I purchased this light form CNQG as soon as
Ric made it known it was available. I purchased it at the brief
introductory price of $62. I believe the price then went to $92
after just 2 days due to an error from the manufacturer but has
since settled to $80 USD</p><p>Here's a brief rundown on my
impressions:</p><p>POSITIVES:</p><ul><li>Superb build
quality</li><li>Compact form. Just holding it you wouldn't
guess it had 3x18650 cells packed inside.</li><li>Comfortable
grip</li><li>Machining is crisp and smooth. No sharp edges.
Very clean machining and threads.</li><li>Forward-clicky tail
switch allows for momentary on in any mode</li><li>Smooth
control ring movement with nice "snick" at each mode
indent.</li><li>Very useful modes.</li><li>Good thermal
management.</li><li>Type3 Ano is evenly applied and the color is
great.</li><li>Heavy anode contact ring on driver board will not
wear out or scratch easily like that on the DRY triple or Skyray
King.</li><li>Tail stands extremely well.</li><li>Smooth
stainless steel bezel looks great.</li><li>Excellent lanyard
included. Attaches very securely without getting in the way of
anything.</li><li>Tail switch has quality feel and good feel to
it's action.</li><li>Extremely durable and secure
packaging.</li></ul><p>NEGATIVES:</p><ul><li>O-rings on
lens/bezel and body, while thick and durable, are just a tad too
thick than they should be.</li><li>Could be driven harder than
it is but it does not overheat or get too hot in
use.</li><li>PWM in low mode will be noticeable if you are
sensitive to it. There is PWM in medium but it is fairly fast
IMO. Fortunately for me I'm not sensitive to it but it may
bother some.</li><li>Fine machining on stainless control
ring</li><li>Lens is not A/R
coated.</li></ul><p>CONCLUSION:</p><p><img
src="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7ZZ2RjbZ9Jk/UJ1p9aDLmQI/AAAAAAAAE1g/uerHaKWqPNk/s600/buddy_christ2.jpg"<br
/>alt="Buddy Christ say's, "Yeah!"" title="Buddy Christ say's,
"Yeah!"" style="width: 600px; height: 250px;"></p><p>JohnnyMac
Approved!</p><p>This is a high quality light at the high-end of
budget price. Compact and easily slipped into a jacket or pants
cargo pocket, it's very powerful for it's size. Definitely a
flooder and not a thrower (for obvious reasons), the output of
my NW version is still compatable with a Trustfire TR-3T6. In
it's original XM-L U2 form it would be right there with a
Nitecore TM11 at around 2000 OTF lumens. My scored 14500 OTF.
Add 10% more for mine being NW and another 13% for the U2
binning and you can tack on 20-25% OTF lumens for the stock
Darth. 1800-2000 lumens should be about right for it in it's
stock U2 configuration. Even at 1450 lumens in NW form it is a
truly satisfying light to use and well worth the price for the
outstanding quality you get from it.</p><p>On with the pictures
and details...</p><p>The torch arrived in great condition. The
box is very thick and sturdy with the "Darth" name printed on
it.<br> <img
src="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KhVGM2oX_DA/UIcIzsfYYcI/AAAAAAAAEwY/GD4OUSaZgNY/s800/816.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p><p> </p><p>Inside the
box we find the folded one sheet manual, a spare o-ring in s
small zip-lock baggie, a very nice lanyard and, of course, the
Darth itself tucked snugly inside it's cut closed-cell foam
padding.<br> <img
src="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0Uq0FkHvTbI/UIcInQ1sCII/AAAAAAAAEv0/38rfgH2EG8c/s800/812.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p><p> </p><p>Here is
everything laid out...<br> <img
src="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Kzt83ENi-0g/UIcIpMKA6OI/AAAAAAAAEv8/uT2VDVuwG4w/s800/813.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p><p> </p><p>The head o
f
the light is etched nicely with the Black Shadow logo and the
Darth name. The first thing you notice is it's heft and it's
compact size. The next thing you notice is the great machining
and overall quality feel of the light. My example arrived
without a single visible flaw.<br> <img
src="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vLmNzWuusxA/UIcHG7SQOjI/AAAAAAAAEqo/YAMn9SfFkmA/s800/775.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p><p> </p><p>The magnet
ic
control ring operates smoothly and allows you to quickly and
easily spin to the mode you want with just one hand. Each mode
snicks into place with a solid indent but can be spun from one
end of it's cycle to the other with a determined flick of your
thumb. Each mode is nicely laser etched into the surface of the
ano.<br> <img
src="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wF2pM-aJHzw/UIcHMBmIhSI/AAAAAAAAEq0/V9F2IeJLamQ/s800/776.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p><p> </p><p>Here you c
an
see how nicely the surface and the fins are machined.
Everything is crisp without a trace of sharpness. The only
machining marks that are visible are in the grip notches of the
stainless steel control ring.<br> <img
src="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ktuQ7VvXj2E/UIcINNFEVfI/AAAAAAAAEuQ/uHgqxSkEmqs/s800/801.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p><p> </p><p>The main
body is carved from a block of aluminum into 3 main facets. The
grip grooves continue the styling of the control ring for one
of, if not the most, unified design styling as I've seen on any
flashlight. It is truly an attractive pice of equipment and as
much eye candy as it is hand candy.<br> <img
src="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IkpXB5l7npk/UIcHO86Cx6I/AAAAAAAAErE/MtwDBhCMkqk/s800/778.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p><p> </p><p>Here you g
et
a real good idea of the quality of the machining and anodization
on this torch. It feels very good in the hand!<br> <img
src="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cPZk1hHiMGw/UIcHOeWaowI/AAAAAAAAEq8/_axMHYiElSw/s800/777.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p><p> </p><p>Here is th
e
unique tailcap. The lanyard slips into the deep groove for a
confident attachment and secure feeling. If you choose not to
use the included lanyard, there are plenty of holes around the
perimeter of the base to attach a clip or split ring. I made
the mistake of trying to unscrew the base of the body in order
to get into the switch internals. While I am confident that the
very end unscrews from the rest of the body, I am also confident
that it is glued securely. When I attempted to insert the tips
of my needle nose pliers into the holes and unscrew the base, my
pliers slipped from the force needed and left a small mark in
the finish at the two points they were contacting. I quickly
berated myself for marring what was a flawless finish and gave
up on removing the tail cap. If you had to make repairs on the
switch I am sure a little heat applied to the area would soften
any glue or threadlock and allow you to get to the internals. I
will wait until it becomes necessary before I try that one
again. YMMV.<br> <img
src="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jyojypE7DCk/UIcHi38MIfI/AAAAAAAAExQ/_5loaJcVaVM/s800/785.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p><p> </p><p>Here you c
an
better see the lanyard groove.<br> <img
src="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MTb6zJ0GUN4/UIcHkuCtdaI/AAAAAAAAEsI/L1typOX8f-I/s800/786.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p><p> </p><p>My example
never got hot enough to really need this warning but I suppose
if you tail stood the light in a room with no ventilation it
would get pretty hot to the touch. Mine got hot on me on
extended runs but never to the point where it was uncomfortable
to hold.<br> <img
src="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2Jy9ojQYo4w/UIcHouLlJjI/AAAAAAAAEsQ/dSEHTID7VN4/s800/788.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p><p> </p><p>As you can
see, it is really a very compact light for a triple 18650 cell
light. I absolutely love the format and execution. Makes the
SkyRay King (4-cells) and even the DRY (3 cells in same format)
feel enormous in comparison.<br> <img
src="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-r6VkhvAFZMQ/UIcHubWMUdI/AAAAAAAAExU/e9ppaJTED2c/s800/790.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p><p> </p><p>Unscrewing
the body from the head reveals as much attention to detail as
there is on the outside.<br> <img
src="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QhsTbpqFrtk/UIcIH2RieSI/AAAAAAAAExw/RmGCcZmUjyc/s800/799.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p><p> </p><p>A look at
the inside of the head reveals a driver that is held in place
with screws. Not sure why, but I didn't open this to take a
peak inside. I will have to remedy this. The thing that made a
huge impression on me is the anode contact ring. It's about 1mm
thick and made of brass. It resists wear from the cells
scraping across it when the head is tightened or unscrewed. The
SkyRay King, in comparison, has an anode contact ring printed
onto the PCB like a circuit trace and quickly shows where even
after just one tightening and removing of the head with
batteries installed. While this leaves the long term durability
of the ever popular King's contact ring in serious doubt, the
Darth, on the other hand, leaves me feeling confident that it's
contact ring will easily outlife any of us.<br> <img
src="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-C1ZPg6x5yps/UIcH0MSSLRI/AAAAAAAAExY/EaOaamW0Pso/s800/792.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p><p> </p><p>Here we ha
ve
a closer look at the beautifully cut threads on the inside of
the head.<br> <img
src="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dalY2-OI970/UIcH3bdxJMI/AAAAAAAAExc/KNjVOleTZUI/s800/793.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p><p> </p><p>Here are t
he
wonderfully machined and anodized threads on the body. Ground
contact from the batteries is made through the lip of the body
contacting the bare metal of the outer driver contact ring.
While lockout isn't needed on the Darth due to the switch, if
you were to pack the Darth for travel in either a bag or a
suitcase you could unscrew the head just a hair and have no
worries at all about the switch or mode ring accidentally
turning the torch on and overheating while unattended. Peace of
mind is worth a little extra and the Darth provides
it.</p><p>The o-ring on the body is possibly my only complaint
about the entire light. While it is thick and provides a great
seal from moisture penetrating through the body/head joint, it
is overly thick and makes it very hard to twist the pieces while
threading them together or taking them apart. When attaching
the head to the body you have to engage the o-ring and place
pressure on it. Next you have to run your fingernail along the
o-ring and press it into the head a little, tight a little more,
run your nail around the o-ring to press it further under the
head, tighten a little...and so on until the o-ring is safely
under the lip of the head. Once it is under you can continue
threading the head onto the body until it is fully threaded.
While the light did arrive with dry threads, adding lube to the
threads and o-ring only helps with this a little as the o-ring
is just too thick. Not working it under the head lip with your
fingernail runs the very likely risk of pushing the o-ring out
of it's groove and rendering it useless. This is something the
Black Shadow folks need to address. Fortunately it is only a
problem when charging/swapping cells but it can be a PITA when
it could also be easily resolved with a slightly thinner o-ring.
One more note, the o-ring used on the body is the same as the
one used for the lens gasket. With the two locations being very
close in size, this means the body o-ring is not as tight as it
should be.<br> <img
src="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8eInIjpk1ac/UIcIA3BDcxI/AAAAAAAAEtk/HBI3ge-ULBQ/s800/797.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p><p> </p><p>The inside
of the battery compartment is smoothly machined to the point
where it almost looks like it was polished. Very little if any
machining grooves that you see in most light, including ones
that cost 2-3 times what the Darth costs. There is plenty of
room for all cells to work. From unprotected cells up to
protected cells as long as 70mm, as long as they are button
topped they will fit in the Darth easily.<br> <img
src="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9SxHlfKImhI/UIcIC9lEMOI/AAAAAAAAEts/Pm-lNOQo348/s800/796.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p><p><img
src="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mECGax0z03w/UIcIgN28TlI/AAAAAAAAEyM/ooSpbzAUpjY/s800/809.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p><p>The stainless stee
l
bezel is also nicely machined and threads easily onto the head
of the light. All threads are, again, cleanly cut. I will say
that the threads on the bezel are a little loose compared to the
other threads on the light but once the bezel is seated it is
snug and stays put tightly.<br> <img
src="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1Knv65rX7vA/UIcISSyD0LI/AAAAAAAAEuk/erES6_5csWs/s800/803.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p><p><img
src="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-o8og7Nd7H2I/UIcIZws2e7I/AAAAAAAAEx8/7UJpQEQSkoA/s800/805.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p><p> </p><p>All 3
emitters are perfectly centered. The reflector is clean and
free of any defects. The overlapping reflectors use all
available space inside the head.<br> <img
src="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EZX_-m03mpc/UIcIZGveZvI/AAAAAAAAEyA/mH3J0Of_928/s800/806.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p><p>Overall reflector
diameter is 41mm<br> <img
src="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_oedBRVMmaQ/UIqubsGu1FI/AAAAAAAAEzk/ulw7nP5E9N0/s800/821.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p><p>Outer head diamter
is 48mm<br> <img
src="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UevsPhZbV1w/UIqub00qSvI/AAAAAAAAEzs/hU2ImPdlP1Y/s912/820.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 912px; height: 684px;"></p><p>Body diameter is
44.4mm<br> <img
src="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fQNgvxqBKHY/UIquhUiwKnI/AAAAAAAAE1Y/l5v_3OzgOds/s800/822.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p><p>The tail diameter
is
47mm<br> <img
src="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vPV5pgJes4Y/UIqulpHeRWI/AAAAAAAAE1Q/atGBiFP-XIM/s912/824.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 912px; height: 684px;"></p><p>Overall length is
138mm<br> <img
src="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DkjPcu6u3Ek/UIqulzL6upI/AAAAAAAAE1U/CU-50WjP8dI/s800/823.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p><p> </p><p>Here you c
an
see the lanyard attached.<br> <img
src="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bg2xL9Z4HqQ/UIcI1aQvoUI/AAAAAAAAEwg/9memY3qW4Fc/s640/817.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 480px; height: 640px;"></p><p> </p><p>The Darth
tail stands extremely well due to it's broad, flat base.<br>
<img
src="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AIR-DCNCxyc/UIcI3RYQaSI/AAAAAAAAEwo/in_-Lt8cCY4/s800/818.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p><p> </p><p>Here is th
e
Darth next to my Ganzo G707 for a size comparison.<br> <img
src="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oKSWJj4x5uY/UIqusY4NkYI/AAAAAAAAE0M/7mHcy-syo38/s800/825.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p><p> </p><p>Here is th
e
Darth next to my Microtech Troodon OTF auto knife. About the
same size. ;)<br> <img
src="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NruYcCP6gv4/UIqu6ouzMqI/AAAAAAAAE04/sW5VVWMLWvg/s800/830.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p><p> </p><p>Here I hav
e
the Black Shadow Darth next to the SkyRay King. While the Darth
is a touch longer, it is also much smaller in diameter and far
more convenient to pocket.<br> <img
src="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LgDShmM9tpI/UIcG4e9Oi6I/AAAAAAAAEp0/HNeQatfUGUM/s800/767.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p><p> </p><p><img
src="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0iCT6mcuGAo/UIcG4MVdMbI/AAAAAAAAEpo/Jn0wbfwuFdU/s800/769.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p><p>I hope you enjoyed
the review and pictures. While the Darth could be driven a
little harder to satisfy the lumen junkies out there, it is
still an extremely bright little torch with great run time and
superb build quality. It will be brighter with the U2 CW
emitters it originally comes with and will be very close in
output to many other far more expensive triples all the while
doing so in an even smaller package with fantastic build
quality. The price is coming down since it was first released
and can be had for $85 shipped from FancyFlashlights.com. I've
seen it as low as <a
href="
HTML http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/black-shadow-darth-cree-xml-u2-3led-1000lumen-4mode-flashlight-mode-adjustment-ring-titanium- finish-318650-p-11795"><br
/>$70.80 at Manafont.com</a>.</p><p><img
src="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iCGBAjvCGr8/UIqu2NR0tfI/AAAAAAAAE0o/lpOe24Z3vdc/s800/828.JPG"<br
/>style="width: 800px; height: 600px;"></p>[/html]
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