DIR Return Create A Forum - Home
---------------------------------------------------------
UK Flashaholics
HTML https://ukflashaholics.createaforum.com
---------------------------------------------------------
*****************************************************
DIR Return to: Flashlight Reviews
*****************************************************
#Post#: 522--------------------------------------------------
TrustFire Z8 - XM-L Flood-to-Throw
By: JohnnyMac Date: April 12, 2013, 12:59 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[html]<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Review: TrustFire
Z8 - XM-L Flood-to-Throw</strong></p><p><a
href="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ouhWDgN2ElQ/T_xPMGZPTBI/AAAAAAAAEa8/FAF8XvBO-dA/s800/SDC10145.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ouhWDgN2ElQ/T_xPMGZPTBI/AAAAAAAAEa8/FAF8XvBO-dA/s800/SDC10145.JPG"<br
/>width="50%" style="display: block; margin-left: auto;
margin-right: auto;"></a></p><p style="text-align:
center;"><strong>Review: TrustFire Z8 - XM-L
Flood-to-Throw</strong></p><p><a
href="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ouhWDgN2ElQ/T_xPMGZPTBI/AAAAAAAAEa8/FAF8XvBO-dA/s800/SDC10145.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ouhWDgN2ElQ/T_xPMGZPTBI/AAAAAAAAEa8/FAF8XvBO-dA/s800/SDC10145.JPG"<br
/>width="50%" style="display: block; margin-left: auto;
margin-right: auto;"></a></p><p><strong style="font-size:
14px;">Specifications (from manufacturer)<br></strong></p><table
style="width: 100%;" border="0" cellspacing="0"
cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td width="131">Brand</td><td
width="365">TrustFire</td></tr><tr><td width="131">Model</td><td
width="365">Z8</td></tr><tr><td width="131">Emitter Type</td><td
width="365">CREE T6</td></tr><tr><td width="131">Lumens</td><td
width="365">1200 Lumens</td></tr><tr><td
width="131">Power</td><td width="365">10W</td></tr><tr><td
width="131">Bulb Quantity</td><td width="365">1</td></tr><tr><td
width="131">Light Color</td><td
width="365">White</td></tr><tr><td width="131">Lightbulb / LED
Lifespan</td><td width="365">100000 hours</td></tr><tr><td
width="131">Modes</td><td width="365">3</td></tr><tr><td
width="131">Mode Arrangement</td><td width="365">Hi > Lo >
SOS</td></tr><tr><td width="131">Lighting Distance</td><td
width="365">200 m</td></tr><tr><td width="131">Battery
Configuration</td><td width="365">1 x 14500 batteries (not
included)</td></tr><tr><td width="131">Input Voltage</td><td
width="365">3.7 - 4.2V</td></tr><tr><td
width="131">Runtime</td><td width="365">1 hour</td></tr><tr><td
width="131">Switch Type</td><td width="365">Clicky /
Clickie</td></tr><tr><td width="131">Switch Location</td><td
width="365">Tail - cap</td></tr><tr><td width="131">Lens</td><td
width="365">Convex Lens</td></tr><tr><td
width="131">Reflector</td><td width="365">Aluminum Smooth / SMO
Reflector</td></tr><tr><td width="131">Material</td><td
width="365">Aerospace aluminum alloy</td></tr><tr><td
width="131">Color</td><td width="365">Silver and
Black</td></tr><tr><td width="131">Dimensions</td><td
width="365">4.06" x 0.98" x 0.79" / (10.3 x 2.5 x 2) cm (L x
Head Dia.x Body Dia.)</td></tr><tr><td
width="131">Weight</td><td width="365">102g /
3.6oz</td></tr><tr><td width="131">Waterproof</td><td
width="365">Yes</td></tr><tr><td width="131">Landyard</td><td
width="365">Yes</td></tr><tr><td width="131">Focusing</td><td
width="365">Yes</td></tr></tbody></table><p><strong>My
Specs:</strong></p><table style="width: 408px; height: 322px;"
border="1" cellspacing="0"
cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td>Purchased From:</td><td><a
href="
HTML http://www.tmart.com/TrustFire-Z8-CREE-T6-10W-1200-Lumen-3-Modes-Focusing-Mini-Flashlight-Silver-and-Black-114500_p148205.html"<br
/>target="_blank">Tmart</a></td></tr><tr><td>Purchase
Price:</td><td>$17
USD</td></tr><tr><td>Make/Model:</td><td>TrustFire/Z8</td></tr><
tr><td>Type:</td><td>Flood-To-Throw</td></tr><tr><td>Main
Materials:</td><td>Stainless Steel and
Aluminum</td></tr><tr><td>Stainless Steel parts:</td><td>Body
and
Bezel</td></tr><tr><td>Anodizing:</td><td>TypeII</td></tr><tr><t
d>Tailcap:</td><td>GITD</td></tr><tr><td>Emitter:</td><td>Cree
XM-L T6 CW</td></tr><tr><td>Driver Modes:</td><td>3 -
High/Low/Strobe</td></tr><tr><td>Mode Memory:</td><td>Yes (must
be off for @ 3
minutes)</td></tr><tr><td>Tailstands:</td><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><
td>O-rings:</td><td>Yes-4
(bezel, lens, head &
tail)</td></tr><tr><td>Waterproof:</td><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>
Included
Accessories:</td><td>Lanyard</td></tr><tr><td>Battery
Type:</td><td>1 x 14500</td></tr><tr><td>Total Length in Flood
mode:</td><td>100.19mm</td></tr><tr><td>Total Length in Zoom
mode:</td><td>110.55mm</td></tr><tr><td>Head/Bezel
Diameter:</td><td>26.00mm</td></tr><tr><td>Body
Diameter:</td><td>22.03mm</td></tr><tr><td>Tail
Diameter:</td><td>20.73</td></tr><tr><td>Switch Boot
Diameter:</td><td>14mm</td></tr><tr><td>Lens
Diameter/Height</td><td>18mm/8.42mm</td></tr><tr><td>Driver
Diameter:</td><td>17mm</td></tr><tr><td>LED PCB
Diameter:</td><td>16mm</td></tr><tr><td>Pill
Diameter/Height</td><td>19.85mm/13.49mm</td></tr><tr><td>OTF
Lumens:</td><td>490(high)/103(low) lumens</td></tr><tr><td>Lux @
3m</td><td>695 after 1 minute </td></tr><tr><td>ANSI Throw (in
meters)</td><td>160 meters after 1
minute</td></tr><tr><td>Tailcap Draw
High:</td><td>1.83A</td></tr><tr><td>Tailcap Draw
Low:</td><td>0.368A</td></tr><tr><td>Waterproof:</td><td>
Yes</td></tr><tr><td> </td><td>
</td></tr></tbody></table><p><strong>PROS:</strong></p><ul><li>G
orgeous
(you have to admit it), a feast for the eyes.</li><li>Insane
build quality. Honestly right up there with the best torches I
own.</li><li>Square threads...EVERYWHERE!! Everything fits and
turns like butter.</li><li>Arrived in flawless condition. No
scratches, dings or blemishes.</li><li>Arrived with light lube
on all body threads.</li><li>Compact size but very heavy and
solid</li><li>All O-rings seal very well. Bezel, lens and base
of head sealed tight with proper sized O-rings. Is it
waterproof? It sure is!</li><li>Head twists to zoom, not
push/pull. Nice resistance due to O-ring at base of head that
grips the polished stainless steel body. No water
entry.</li><li>Thick, black, satin finished typeII ano on all
external aluminum parts.</li><li>Design on all parts is insanely
well done with one slight exception (see cons).</li><li>Throws
very well in spite of the small lens diameter thanks to
ingeniously simple design.</li><li>Firm switch boot and
switching feel. Not mushy like some
lights.</li></ul><p><strong>CONS:</strong></p><ul><li>Deep bezel
keeps flood area from being as large as possible. In spite of
this it still manages to be only 6" smaller in flood diameter at
7-8ft than my Romisen RC-29.</li><li>Satin finish on inside of
the deep bezel creates a brighter center spot at full flood. If
you zoom out just a little it all smooths out
nicely.</li><li>Slightly rough twist action when zooming in or
out. The threads in the aluminum head rub slightly if even
pressure is not applied on the head when turning it. Could be a
matter of break-in or use of a different lubrication. I cleaned
and relubed the head with silicon gel and it didn't help as much
as I hoped. Perhaps some light machine oil is in order later.
It's really not that big a deal but compared to the butter
smooth action of all the other threads on the torch it is a tad
annoying.</li><li>Thumb cut-outs on the tail cap for switch
access means a level surface is needed for tail standing. Tail
standing is nowhere as stable as I'd prefer it to be but on a
level surface it works. Would have been better for Trustfire to
leave the cap fully ringed since with it's small size, cutouts
aren't necessary to work the switch.</li><li>As you would guess
from it's design, the only place heat from the LED has nowhere
to go but into the body. Being a stainless steel body it heats
up quick and causes quite a bit of loss in output after initial
cold start.
</li></ul><p><strong>PERFORMANCE</strong></p><p>When I first
tested and calculated ANSI throw from a cold start it manged a
surprising 306 meters. After being on for a minute I found that
number to drop almost by half to just 160 meters. All this is
due to thermal sag. Is it a huge problem? Could be depending
on your intended use. As I see it, it still throws better than
most other 14500 sized lights. For a light you can toss in your
pocket as an EDC, throw is pretty decent and you get a huge die
image making it not seem as "tunnel vision" like as the other
FTT lights in it's size. Compared to a Balder SE-1 or a Xeno
E03 I think it would hold it's own or better them in throw. If
I owned one of those I would compare but unfortunately I don't
at this time.</p><p>Flood is wonderful with this light. My
Integrated Sphere testing shows it pumps out around
<strong>490</strong> lumen on high (quite a bit more than that
when cold but it drops quickly) and <strong>103</strong> lumen
on low. Light output is in about 3 phases, each blending
smoothly into the next and finally fading out nicely on the
edges with zero rings or the annoying artifacts that all my
other FTT lights exhibit. Very bright center spot fading into a
second zone and that into a third before quickly and smoothly
fading into black at the edges of the spill.</p><p>It is a
Trustfire, after all, so there is PWM in low mode. However,
it's not too slow and to me it appears pretty fast against the
ceiling fan and I don't notice it at all in use. The tint is a
creamy white on my example. While the driver does appear to
have memory, I originally thought it didn't since it's the type
where the light has to be off for @ 3 minutes otherwise it just
goes to the next mode.</p><p>Is it waterproof? Heck yeah. I
put it into a container of water for 20 minutes while on high
mode. It was <strong>completely</strong> unaffected by moisture
and after opening it up and checking the internals I found it to
be a dry as it was before putting it underwater. I wouldn't try
that with my SK68 at all and would hesitate to try it with the
RC-29. Take it in the rain, forget it in your pocket while
swimming or falling out of a boat and never worry about it
getting wet or not functioning
afterwards.</p><p><strong>CONSTRUCTION</strong></p><p>I will let
the light speak for itself through the pics I took. Pictures
really do say 1000 words. Enjoy! Click any photo to view it on
it's own page. My summary follows after the pics.</p><p>Ain't
she purty?<a
href="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y5IzY-Augbk/T_uGKVsCWLI/AAAAAAAAEWY/T_oT6pBzy9A/s640/SDC10143.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><br><img
src="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y5IzY-Augbk/T_uGKVsCWLI/AAAAAAAAEWY/T_oT6pBzy9A/s640/SDC10143.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>Note the nice even printin
g
on the logo and the heavy satin finished anodization on the
head.<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6qRhbHCs-3E/T_uF_ckA5LI/AAAAAAAAEV4/HapCFOIy3DA/s640/SDC10138.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6qRhbHCs-3E/T_uF_ckA5LI/AAAAAAAAEV4/HapCFOIy3DA/s640/SDC10138.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="514"></a></p><p>Nice machining on the head
and fins.<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ugzr5uEN5uc/T_uGJ5aNo6I/AAAAAAAAEWM/SPOKHVx5f0I/s640/SDC10141.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ugzr5uEN5uc/T_uGJ5aNo6I/AAAAAAAAEWM/SPOKHVx5f0I/s640/SDC10141.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>Smooth, well machined
ribbing on the body makes for easy gripping and many faceted
edges to sparkle and catch the light.<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sE_bEgoms3U/T_uF_P1HITI/AAAAAAAAEWI/zO_dg82ALYE/s640/SDC10140.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sE_bEgoms3U/T_uF_P1HITI/AAAAAAAAEWI/zO_dg82ALYE/s640/SDC10140.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>Tail is well machined and
heavily ano'd as well. Note the unusual knurling...it's square
cut and provides a nice amount of grip - more than it looks like
it might. It's also a sign that this may not be your ordinary
budget light...<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ilsB5D0l_7k/T_uF_QMlTTI/AAAAAAAAEV8/1-Tm7h9-HnY/s640/SDC10139.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ilsB5D0l_7k/T_uF_QMlTTI/AAAAAAAAEV8/1-Tm7h9-HnY/s640/SDC10139.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="484"></a></p><p>A quick look at the busine
ss
end. Looks great but that deep bezel and small lens had me
question when I first saw the Z8 listed on line how well it
would flood.<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nfb6Y6sSSUM/T_uGT8QioLI/AAAAAAAAEWc/WC_DqYwiw4A/s640/SDC10144.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nfb6Y6sSSUM/T_uGT8QioLI/AAAAAAAAEWc/WC_DqYwiw4A/s640/SDC10144.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>Another look at the tail
cap. This time you can see the thumb cutouts and how much they
reduce tail standing stability on uneven surfaces. Once you
remove the lanyard it's pretty stable on smooth surfaces.<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6vzWa6g2n7w/T_uGd3CApLI/AAAAAAAAEWo/duoWcfFNwb8/s640/SDC10147.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6vzWa6g2n7w/T_uGd3CApLI/AAAAAAAAEWo/duoWcfFNwb8/s640/SDC10147.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>Here is the beginning of
what amazed me most about the Z8 - the threads! Unscrew the
tail cap and what do we find? Some amazing threading!<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ot886EKUp68/T_uGsE7-DII/AAAAAAAAEXA/UpqrQh5hL28/s640/SDC10151.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ot886EKUp68/T_uGsE7-DII/AAAAAAAAEXA/UpqrQh5hL28/s640/SDC10151.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>Clean, well cut square
threads in the tailcap as well (of course).<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0fm0AOdTpBI/T_uGx1JRfTI/AAAAAAAAEXI/thVN6rzeX8g/s640/SDC10153.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0fm0AOdTpBI/T_uGx1JRfTI/AAAAAAAAEXI/thVN6rzeX8g/s640/SDC10153.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>Switch insert threads into
the tailcap. A nylon insert holds the spring into place.<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gLS3xEX3Xy8/T_uG3HgOKdI/AAAAAAAAEXM/rF6g5d8F0XQ/s640/SDC10154.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gLS3xEX3Xy8/T_uG3HgOKdI/AAAAAAAAEXM/rF6g5d8F0XQ/s640/SDC10154.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>How about another peak at
those threads? Mmmm...yummy<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rcuQdqaUL-w/T_uG8LsPVUI/AAAAAAAAEXU/mMRPv7aFkFU/s640/SDC10156.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rcuQdqaUL-w/T_uG8LsPVUI/AAAAAAAAEXU/mMRPv7aFkFU/s640/SDC10156.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>So the tail is pretty nice
so far, what about the business end? A few twists and we have
the stainless steel bezel out for show. Rather deep but it does
work. Very good machining plus a proper fitting O-ring at the
top of the threads.<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vlCD67EuFzI/T_uHB_ibr3I/AAAAAAAAEXg/Y1cyMY1RcmI/s640/SDC10158.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vlCD67EuFzI/T_uHB_ibr3I/AAAAAAAAEXg/Y1cyMY1RcmI/s640/SDC10158.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="520"></a></p><p>Yup, square cut threads he
re
too. Look how beautiful they are!<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zhKjYDrMjAg/T_uHB5MoueI/AAAAAAAAEXc/M5sQKpPIjyw/s640/SDC10157.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zhKjYDrMjAg/T_uHB5MoueI/AAAAAAAAEXc/M5sQKpPIjyw/s640/SDC10157.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>A look at what going on in
the head. Clean cut anodized threads here, too. They work very
well.<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ps5QOumiZUE/T_uHGRbdNTI/AAAAAAAAEXk/Jyzn_28p6Nw/s640/SDC10159.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ps5QOumiZUE/T_uHGRbdNTI/AAAAAAAAEXk/Jyzn_28p6Nw/s640/SDC10159.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>Here I've pulled the lens
so
we can get a better look at it. Only 18mm across, what it lacks
in diameter it makes up for in that it appears TrustFire took a
larger lens and removed the less useful outer diameter, keeping
only the center and more useful part. This way we get nice
throw from the XM-L while still keeping the light compact and
pocketable. The O-ring hugs the lens tight while the bezel and
inside lens retaining ring sandwich the O-ring tightly,
providing for the most waterproof FTT head design I've ever
seen.<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0-XiiUjuOs8/T_uHMoIj3RI/AAAAAAAAEXo/UNw0b6ePUpg/s640/SDC10160.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0-XiiUjuOs8/T_uHMoIj3RI/AAAAAAAAEXo/UNw0b6ePUpg/s640/SDC10160.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>Here is a better look at
just the lens and O-ring. No scratches or visible imperfections
with the lens.<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-v2H8yUOtGqU/T_uHNKL-4fI/AAAAAAAAEXw/_KuZLY79l9M/s640/SDC10161.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-v2H8yUOtGqU/T_uHNKL-4fI/AAAAAAAAEXw/_KuZLY79l9M/s640/SDC10161.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>Here we get our first look
at the emitter and pill. To get to them we must first remove
the lens/head retaining ring.<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ViN86WVHqKA/T_uHaCttVBI/AAAAAAAAEX4/rHqTIyxM4OU/s640/SDC10163.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ViN86WVHqKA/T_uHaCttVBI/AAAAAAAAEX4/rHqTIyxM4OU/s640/SDC10163.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>Here is the retaining ring
from the head. Really? Look at this thing...it's
beautiful!<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HpbYM9UGv8c/T_uHlsR8UGI/AAAAAAAAEYI/C6j-aM-qDxw/s640/SDC10166.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HpbYM9UGv8c/T_uHlsR8UGI/AAAAAAAAEYI/C6j-aM-qDxw/s640/SDC10166.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>With the retaining ring
removed from the inside of the head, the head slides off of the
rear of the body. The first thing you will notice is how well
the O-ring at the base of the head grips the body of the light.
The second thing is the heavy, square cut threads for the
zooming mechanism.<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oSW2hNvKYP4/T_uHmhi5TfI/AAAAAAAAEYM/TVpXWon6eCY/s640/SDC10167.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oSW2hNvKYP4/T_uHmhi5TfI/AAAAAAAAEYM/TVpXWon6eCY/s640/SDC10167.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="484"></a></p><p>Here you can see the fully
anodized inside of the head and the thick, perfectly sized
O-ring seated in it's groove at the base of the head. Note the
missing anodization from the threads in the head. This is a
confirmation of the slight roughness that can be felt when
twisting the head to zoom in or out. I think I will put the
stainless threads of the body to a buffing wheel to see if
polishing them a little smoother makes the zooming smoother as
well.<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hm0jsnI0DCM/T_uHqjnvH3I/AAAAAAAAEYQ/dHKqi6hFb3Q/s640/SDC10168.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hm0jsnI0DCM/T_uHqjnvH3I/AAAAAAAAEYQ/dHKqi6hFb3Q/s640/SDC10168.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>Now we are down to the pil
l.
Pretty basic so far...nylon space/insulator keeping the emitter
well centered. Lets unthread it to see what is below the
surface...<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dZ1Ap6QG9So/T_uHx9X1yVI/AAAAAAAAEYc/DDlCmSEpNuU/s640/SDC10170.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dZ1Ap6QG9So/T_uHx9X1yVI/AAAAAAAAEYc/DDlCmSEpNuU/s640/SDC10170.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>Is it out yet? Nope, stil
l
a couple more threads to go. Speaking of threads, you guessed
it...square cut even here, too. I've never seen a light with
square threads <em>everywhere</em>.<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mkd9hL35q9s/T_uH1bmh21I/AAAAAAAAEYg/0MGuLuuiE4c/s640/SDC10171.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mkd9hL35q9s/T_uH1bmh21I/AAAAAAAAEYg/0MGuLuuiE4c/s640/SDC10171.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>Finally it's out. Over 1/
2"
deep (13.49mm) and nicely machined.<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-o2vSGPb-Dw4/T_uH7RwcdjI/AAAAAAAAEYk/rntLZ_YNfCc/s640/SDC10172.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-o2vSGPb-Dw4/T_uH7RwcdjI/AAAAAAAAEYk/rntLZ_YNfCc/s640/SDC10172.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="496"></a></p><p>No clue what driver is in
here. I haven't done any DMM testing on it yet but that is
coming in the next day or two. Lack of anode spring means that
button topped cells are a must. Speaking of cells, this takes
either protected or unprotected cells just fine.<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WJRuCvA2lDc/T_uH9GwuTOI/AAAAAAAAEYs/m9DDJBq-G3g/s640/SDC10173.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WJRuCvA2lDc/T_uH9GwuTOI/AAAAAAAAEYs/m9DDJBq-G3g/s640/SDC10173.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>A little prying with a pic
k
has the insulator removed. The emitter is held in place with
thermal epoxy and not too much or too little. Whomever
assembled this light knew what they were doing. You can see it
peeking out from just under the edges but not gooped on and
spilling out all over from under the star. Pill is solid under
the star and soldering is fine. The pill itself is very light.
The extra depth of the pill and the square threads certainly are
an appreciated addition when you see how well it transfers heat
to the rest of the light.<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KY3FGu_rAUQ/T_uIG3NnzHI/AAAAAAAAEY0/OuGvhhA9Evw/s640/SDC10175.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KY3FGu_rAUQ/T_uIG3NnzHI/AAAAAAAAEY0/OuGvhhA9Evw/s640/SDC10175.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>Only 6.3 grams. Pretty
light.<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gTA3ew2hF3w/T_uIIQsu8xI/AAAAAAAAEY4/G6mXQ9rOOR4/s640/SDC10176.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gTA3ew2hF3w/T_uIIQsu8xI/AAAAAAAAEY4/G6mXQ9rOOR4/s640/SDC10176.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>With this next shot you ca
n
see how nicely machined the inside body threads are. The pill
seats firmly on the inner lip at the base of the clean
threads.<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Xk4hqEAwEhw/T_uIK__pJ_I/AAAAAAAAEY8/MsV1rMyM8yA/s640/SDC10177.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Xk4hqEAwEhw/T_uIK__pJ_I/AAAAAAAAEY8/MsV1rMyM8yA/s640/SDC10177.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>The body alone weighs 51.8
grams, more than half of the Z8's 95.2 total grams of
weight.<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EuKYrOxNxY0/T_uISBBVa1I/AAAAAAAAEZA/oOuOwFBnsmE/s640/SDC10178.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EuKYrOxNxY0/T_uISBBVa1I/AAAAAAAAEZA/oOuOwFBnsmE/s640/SDC10178.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>The only thing we haven't
torn into yet is the switch assembly. Well, here you go. Would
you look at that? I'm not even going to say it this time.
Everything is pretty much self contained inside the switch pill
as just one component compared to most budget lights where it
comes apart in 5 or 6 pieces all held together by
pressure.<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VexQFrZVQaw/T_uIS2-qsuI/AAAAAAAAEZE/15ld5hc7vvI/s640/SDC10179.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VexQFrZVQaw/T_uIS2-qsuI/AAAAAAAAEZE/15ld5hc7vvI/s640/SDC10179.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>A look at the pretty red
button on the switch. The shiny, candy-like button...<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VvRtKmxXOEs/T_uIVkKsRZI/AAAAAAAAEZI/YFEBmYWVGSs/s640/SDC10180.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VvRtKmxXOEs/T_uIVkKsRZI/AAAAAAAAEZI/YFEBmYWVGSs/s640/SDC10180.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>Here I tried to see what w
as
going on inside the switch assembly. While trying to pop off
the nylon retaining cap, the spring worked it's way out from
under it's lip. Since it was out I figured I'd try to get under
the ring with a pick, a screw driver...no go. That sucker is
tight! After chewing up the edges of the nylon I gave up and,
with much difficulty, managed to get the spring back into it's
place.<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hMrSzd13u2E/T_uIdVDG6QI/AAAAAAAAEZM/c6Lk_Pukrhk/s640/SDC10181.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hMrSzd13u2E/T_uIdVDG6QI/AAAAAAAAEZM/c6Lk_Pukrhk/s640/SDC10181.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>Here is an exploded view o
f
all the individual components as far as I was willing to go in
the tear down.<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-adTPhW6ZpRs/T_uIr4mTq9I/AAAAAAAAEZo/gxq-wLV8Z9s/s640/SDC10186.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-adTPhW6ZpRs/T_uIr4mTq9I/AAAAAAAAEZo/gxq-wLV8Z9s/s640/SDC10186.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>Now for the measurements.
I'm not going to bother with descriptions for these shots. They
are pretty much self-explanatory.<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-liTA_XBzDeY/T_uIzJpRc7I/AAAAAAAAEZs/YA5uppnnH7Q/s640/SDC10187.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-liTA_XBzDeY/T_uIzJpRc7I/AAAAAAAAEZs/YA5uppnnH7Q/s640/SDC10187.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="567"></a></p><p><a
href="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Do5QNuFnxfQ/T_uI0MXNaqI/AAAAAAAAEZw/RGkQq-oQJj8/s640/SDC10188.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Do5QNuFnxfQ/T_uI0MXNaqI/AAAAAAAAEZw/RGkQq-oQJj8/s640/SDC10188.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="552"></a></p><p><a
href="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6Y0NiysCli0/T_uI3kWP5NI/AAAAAAAAEZ0/sR6h1j_7wJY/s640/SDC10189.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6Y0NiysCli0/T_uI3kWP5NI/AAAAAAAAEZ0/sR6h1j_7wJY/s640/SDC10189.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p><a
href="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-poTVwn6WYfc/T_uI-zHJ2DI/AAAAAAAAEaA/KjqiZCxlAMA/s640/SDC10191.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-poTVwn6WYfc/T_uI-zHJ2DI/AAAAAAAAEaA/KjqiZCxlAMA/s640/SDC10191.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p><a
href="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZwDiszRHrpk/T_uI-cf4ZsI/AAAAAAAAEZ4/aeKrsK8PpHE/s640/SDC10190.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZwDiszRHrpk/T_uI-cf4ZsI/AAAAAAAAEZ4/aeKrsK8PpHE/s640/SDC10190.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="504"></a></p><p><a
href="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LiSFe4DmUN4/T_uJTiTLtfI/AAAAAAAAEaY/05OX1OstIG0/s640/SDC10196.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LiSFe4DmUN4/T_uJTiTLtfI/AAAAAAAAEaY/05OX1OstIG0/s640/SDC10196.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="495"></a></p><p><a
href="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mJvv1UkLiME/T_uJJL2WVyI/AAAAAAAAEaI/D7sqTrE-Vyk/s640/SDC10193.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mJvv1UkLiME/T_uJJL2WVyI/AAAAAAAAEaI/D7sqTrE-Vyk/s640/SDC10193.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p><a
href="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8ohPGt1O0po/T_uJCmGetzI/AAAAAAAAEaE/p70s0yo5wgk/s640/SDC10192.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8ohPGt1O0po/T_uJCmGetzI/AAAAAAAAEaE/p70s0yo5wgk/s640/SDC10192.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p><a
href="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QF4AbczwUfE/T_uJJ_V3NKI/AAAAAAAAEaM/ez39WtIphPk/s640/SDC10194.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QF4AbczwUfE/T_uJJ_V3NKI/AAAAAAAAEaM/ez39WtIphPk/s640/SDC10194.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p><a
href="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wf1ng__5nIg/T_uJNc0GgbI/AAAAAAAAEaU/EmfbANChMBI/s640/SDC10195.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wf1ng__5nIg/T_uJNc0GgbI/AAAAAAAAEaU/EmfbANChMBI/s640/SDC10195.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p><a
href="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9mjRE8XbFSY/T_uJYFUgqII/AAAAAAAAEag/D5wEUSBsO7Y/s640/SDC10198.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9mjRE8XbFSY/T_uJYFUgqII/AAAAAAAAEag/D5wEUSBsO7Y/s640/SDC10198.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p><a
href="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vxepwD98YVc/T_uJeT8OVXI/AAAAAAAAEak/kLaMnRnro9M/s640/SDC10199.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vxepwD98YVc/T_uJeT8OVXI/AAAAAAAAEak/kLaMnRnro9M/s640/SDC10199.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p><a
href="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-n3l3mK3sPwk/T_uJUtQj9-I/AAAAAAAAEac/4plYHbtSXgY/s640/SDC10197.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-n3l3mK3sPwk/T_uJUtQj9-I/AAAAAAAAEac/4plYHbtSXgY/s640/SDC10197.JPG"<br
/>width="492" height="640"></a></p><p>Surprisingly enough, the
light is very free from annoying artifacts that plague most FTT
lights. The white nylon insert works very well. Beamshots are
forth-coming, so please be patient as I update this
review.<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZIwULQ_M-dg/T_uJfqhznbI/AAAAAAAAEas/l7pYZFC11VE/s640/SDC10253.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZIwULQ_M-dg/T_uJfqhznbI/AAAAAAAAEas/l7pYZFC11VE/s640/SDC10253.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>A shot to show the relativ
e
small size of the Z8<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6ttbrOCD9ww/T_uJm5jP_-I/AAAAAAAAEa4/23d8O4AV-rs/s640/SDC10257.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6ttbrOCD9ww/T_uJm5jP_-I/AAAAAAAAEa4/23d8O4AV-rs/s640/SDC10257.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>Because I simply can't
resist, here are a few glamour shots of the threaded components
of the Z8. A little flashlight porn, if you will. Click a pic
to see the full sized pic.</p><p><a
href="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mV1YcJ2hQ50/T_xPfmEfwiI/AAAAAAAAEVY/T2Bkfrqts1E/s640/SDC10151.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mV1YcJ2hQ50/T_xPfmEfwiI/AAAAAAAAEVY/T2Bkfrqts1E/s640/SDC10151.JPG"<br
/>width="163" height="200"></a> <a
href="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KnhtPChMlUk/T_xP0Njr1fI/AAAAAAAAEVg/cDeIuBxOf4I/s640/SDC10157.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KnhtPChMlUk/T_xP0Njr1fI/AAAAAAAAEVg/cDeIuBxOf4I/s640/SDC10157.JPG"<br
/>width="268" height="200"></a><a
href="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HUGD3fdPdgI/T_xQJnM6r2I/AAAAAAAAEVk/9E9W28Z_vp0/s640/SDC10172.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"></a><a
href="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xrKXJJvvIiE/T_xQhFp8jHI/AAAAAAAAEVo/bp7YBLK1Vmg/s640/SDC10179.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"> <img
src="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-t3HUZj6TLfQ/T_xQ4TfmcGI/AAAAAAAAEVs/oBAlZN8zjrQ/s640/SDC10166.JPG"<br
/>width="162" height="200"></a><a
href="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HUGD3fdPdgI/T_xQJnM6r2I/AAAAAAAAEVk/9E9W28Z_vp0/s640/SDC10172.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HUGD3fdPdgI/T_xQJnM6r2I/AAAAAAAAEVk/9E9W28Z_vp0/s640/SDC10172.JPG"<br
/>width="216" height="200"></a> <a
href="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xrKXJJvvIiE/T_xQhFp8jHI/AAAAAAAAEVo/bp7YBLK1Vmg/s640/SDC10179.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xrKXJJvvIiE/T_xQhFp8jHI/AAAAAAAAEVo/bp7YBLK1Vmg/s640/SDC10179.JPG"<br
/>width="233" height="200"></a> <a
href="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NnDgSTp7IeA/T_xRPVtyhXI/AAAAAAAAEVU/tXRhgt77afQ/s640/SDC10167.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"></a></p><p><a
href="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NnDgSTp7IeA/T_xRPVtyhXI/AAAAAAAAEVU/tXRhgt77afQ/s640/SDC10167.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NnDgSTp7IeA/T_xRPVtyhXI/AAAAAAAAEVU/tXRhgt77afQ/s640/SDC10167.JPG"<br
/>width="237" height="200"></a> <a
href="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SMiJkhzll2A/T_xYS0z6DUI/AAAAAAAAEWA/DODHlNiDLog/s640/SDC10139.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SMiJkhzll2A/T_xYS0z6DUI/AAAAAAAAEWA/DODHlNiDLog/s640/SDC10139.JPG"<br
/>width="264" height="200"></a></p><p><a
href="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_rBoz4STCXE/T_uGWJs0aXI/AAAAAAAAEWg/zn8K6Doixyw/s640/SDC10145.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_rBoz4STCXE/T_uGWJs0aXI/AAAAAAAAEWg/zn8K6Doixyw/s640/SDC10145.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>Waterproof? You betcha!
I
left it submerged for @ 20 minutes while running on high and it
stayed dry and unaffected. Try that with your Sipik SK68 or
other FTT light. There aren't many that can claim waterproofing
and back it up.<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RkN5ulOwh6A/UADwxTkvoqI/AAAAAAAAEgU/kUPGaA1WD8A/s640/SDC10262.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RkN5ulOwh6A/UADwxTkvoqI/AAAAAAAAEgU/kUPGaA1WD8A/s640/SDC10262.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a></p><p>BEAMSHOTS</p><p>Here are t
he
promised beamshots compared with the Sipik SK68 and Romisen
RC-29, all running on fresh 14500 cells. Distance to ceiling is
about 6ft.</p><p>First up is the Z8 and the SK68 on high flood.
Note that not only is the throw on the Z8 wider, but also the
complete lack of artifact rings or color tint shift at the
edges. The light is clean and pure white.<br><a
href="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5jItAFQaqsY/UAD3FEIhwaI/AAAAAAAAEhY/Yqr5SU-8e4A/s640/SDC10264.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5jItAFQaqsY/UAD3FEIhwaI/AAAAAAAAEhY/Yqr5SU-8e4A/s640/SDC10264.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a> </p><p>Next up is the Z8 against
the RC-29. This time the Romisen appears to cast a wider
flood...or does it? While the RC-29 has a defined edge where
the light abruptly stops, the Z8 fades nicely without the harsh
cutoff of light. Also note the color tint shift on the edges of
the RC-29's beam along with the artifact rings orbiting it's
flood. None of that on the Z8.<br><img
src="
HTML https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-E00djfrCMtU/UAD3FPGl1GI/AAAAAAAAEhc/fqdirfhbJwc/s640/SDC10265.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"> </p><p>Here I give you a shot of all
three lights together in throw mode. Take note of the complete
lack of artifact rings on the Z8 compared to the other lights.
Also note the smooth fading of spill. It means that there is
not the complete tunnel vision effect when using the Z8 in throw
mode. Combined with the larger die image it has, this makes,
IMO, the throw of the Z8 more useful and pleasant in real life
usage. <br><a
href="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ppIn3iX-mnE/UAD3Uodp6kI/AAAAAAAAEho/azaDq8cZ6Yk/s640/SDC10267.JPG"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ppIn3iX-mnE/UAD3Uodp6kI/AAAAAAAAEho/azaDq8cZ6Yk/s640/SDC10267.JPG"<br
/>width="640" height="480"></a>
</p><p><strong>SUMMARY</strong></p><p>As you can gather, I think
this light is fantastic and it gets a solid "<strong>Johnny Mac
Approved</strong>" label. For $17 you won't find a light with
this kind of machining and build quality. Could heat management
be better? Sure, but it's stainless steel so what would you
expect? Output is great, it's waterproof, it's solidly
constructed and well machined with every thread on it a square
thread. Not the sudo square threading you see on some lights,
folks, the real deal found only on lights costing a LOT more.
It's a great all around light I highly doubt you would regret
purchasing and, more likely than not, you will find yourself
just looking at it and admiring it more than you might actually
use it. When you do get around to using it you will appreciate
it even more.</p><p>Johnny</p>[/html]
*****************************************************