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#Post#: 523--------------------------------------------------
UniqueFire F12-A
By: JohnnyMac Date: April 12, 2013, 1:05 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[html]<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>UniqueFire
F12-A</strong></p><p><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151357-1.jpg"<br
/>width="35%" style="display: block; margin-left: auto;
margin-right: auto;"><!--break--></p><p style="margin: 0px;
padding: 0.5em 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; color: #444444;
font-family: arial, verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:
12px; line-height: 20px; -webkit-text-size-adjust:
none;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;
outline: 0px; font-size: 14px;">Specifications from
Website</strong></p><table style="color: #444444; font-family:
arial, verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;
line-height: 20px; text-align: start; -webkit-text-size-adjust:
none; width: 100%;" border="0" cellspacing="0"
cellpadding="0"><tbody style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border:
0px; outline: 0px;"><tr><td width="131">Brand</td><td
width="365">UniqueFire</td></tr><tr><td
width="131">Model</td><td width="365">F12A</td></tr><tr><td
width="131">Emitter Type</td><td width="365">CREE
U2</td></tr><tr><td width="131">Brightness / Lumens</td><td
width="365">1400 Lumens</td></tr><tr><td
width="131">Power</td><td width="365">12W</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">5</td></tr><tr><td
width="131">Mode Arrangement</td><td width="365">Hi > Mid > Lo >
Strobe > SOS</td></tr><tr><td width="131">Lighting
Distance</td><td width="365">150m</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 - 2
hours</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">Black (Silver clip)</td></tr><tr><td
width="131">Dimensions</td><td width="365">4.45" x 1.06" x 0.87"
/ (11.3x 2.7 x 2.2) cm (L x Head Dia.x Body
Dia.)</td></tr><tr><td width="131">Weight</td><td
width="365">117g / 4.13oz</td></tr><tr><td
width="131">Clip</td><td width="365">Yes</td></tr><tr><td
width="131">Waterproof</td><td width="365">Yes</td></tr><tr><td
width="131">Lanyard</td><td
width="365">No</td></tr></tbody></table><p>My
Specs:</p><p>Flashlight type: Flood-to-Throw
(twisty)<br>Materials: Aluminum body.
Stainless Steel bezel & tail<br>Cell type:
14500 only<br>Modes: 5
(H-M-L-S-SOS)<br>Tail draw: High:
1.37A<br> Medium: .68A<br>
Low: .42A<br>Lens:
Aspheric (plastic)<br>Lens
OD/ID/Thickness: 22.83mm/20.91mm/8mm<br>Driver:
TF 1110<br>Driver diameter: 16mm<br>Emitter:
Cree XM-L U2<br>MCPCB diameter:
16mm<br>Pill (DxH): Brass (22.26mm x
12.43mm) <br>Head width: 28.28mm<br>Body width:
20.86mm<br>Tail width:
23.48mm<br>Length (flood): 108.23mm<br>Length
(zoom): 118.22mm<br>Switch Boot diameter:
14mm<br>Waterproof: Yes (shallow
depth)<br>Tailstand: Yes, but wobbly due to
boot<br>Pocket Clip: Yes
(Stainless)<br>Lanyard:
No<br><br>Disclaimer: Light was provided for review by <a
href="
HTML http://www.tmart.com/UniqueFire-F12A-12W-CREE-U2-1400LM-1-LED-5-Modes-Focus-Waterproof-Flashlight-Black_p152069.html"<br
/>target="_blank">Tmart</a>.</p><p> </p><p>The UniqueFire F12-A
is
the newest FTT light from UniqueFire and shares basic design
elements with the TrustFire Z8 that I reviewed a couple months
ago. I asked Tmart if they would consider sending me the F12-A
to review since it has so much in common with the Z8 that I had
purchased. To my surprise they were more than willing and have
been very patient with my delays in getting this review done.
Before anyone asks, nothing from the Z8 host is interchangeable
with the F12.</p><p>PROS:</p><ul><li>Solid construction. Very
heavy and well machined.</li><li>Attractive design.</li><li>Even
anodization.</li><li>Good thermal management.</li><li>XM-L U2
emitter.</li><li>Pocket
clip</li></ul><div>CONS:</div><div><ul><li>Butt-ugly (literally)
switch boot!</li><li>14500 only.</li><li>Clip is difficult to
use one-handed.</li><li>Not much difference between medium and
low modes.</li><li>Usual FTT lens rings &
artifacts.</li></ul></div><p>Let's start off with some photos of
the light itself. As we go I will comment on the photo material
as I usually do.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_150813.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_150813.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="450"><br></a>The light arrived with a coup
le
of scratches in the ano at the base of the head. looks like the
outer head was dropped during assembly and scuffed the aluminum.
Very minor and if I had paid full price for it it would annoy
me but be livable.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_150848.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_150848.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="450"></a> <br>Knurling on head is not supe
r
grippy but provides enough grip to allow for one-handed zooming.
Machining is overall clean. Body is very thick and should
provide much better thermal management than the stainless body
of the Z8.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_150738.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_150738.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="450"></a> <br>The lens diameter is larger
than the lens on the Z8. It is also a traditional FTT lens,
unlike the Z8 and, as such, has the usual artifacts and rings of
most other FTT lights (except the Z8).</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151118.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151118.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="538"></a> <br>Etching on the head reminds
you that the emitter inside is a Cree U2. As you will see in
the later photos, the U2 doesn't make much difference in output
at 1.4A but if you are into that stuff then here ya'
go.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_150951.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_150951.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="450"></a> <br>The F12-A comes with a sturd
y
tail clip. It holds well but is not easy to clip on with one
hand. The downward bend on the tip aligns closely with one of
the body ribs making it difficult to clip into a jeans pocket,
or especially a belt, without using two hands. I'm not a big
fan of clips on my lights but at least this one can be easily
removed by unscrewing two small bolts.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_150929.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_150929.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="450"></a> <br>Here you can see the 2 small
screws holding the clip onto the light. Unfortunately, the
screw closest to the head sticks out on the inside of the light.
If you remove the clip you would need to put the screw in it or
risk water entry at the rear of the light from the empty hole.
</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151024.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151024.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="450"></a> <br>Well, if there is an elephan
t
in this light's room, it's this damned tail cap boot. The only
other line of lights I've seen use this boot are the Fierre
torches that DX sells. Looks like a cat's raw asshole. When
clicking it I can't help but feel like I'm fingering a starfish
on a blown out pink sock. Eww! Fortunately it's replaceable
and aside from its horrific looks, it sticks out past the tail
crown and makes tail-standing impossible on all but the
smoothest, level surfaces. Even then it's wobbly and unstable.
You'll want to swap out the boot anyway. If you plan on getting
this light, be sure to order a pack of 14mm switch boots if you
don't already have them.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151422.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151422.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="577"></a> <br>Threading on the entire ligh
t
is clean and well done. The Stainless bezel is heavy and
sturdy.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151506.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151506.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="416"></a> <br>Between the lens and the
bezel, the o-ring provides ample water resistance to keep the
light dry inside at least in shallow depths. Like the Z8, this
is one of the few FTT torches that you can use in the rain or on
a boat and not worry about water shorting it out.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151517.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151517.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="450"></a> <br>The lens is a standard FTT
lens and is unlike the lens in the Z8. While larger in diameter
than the one in the Z8, this light doesn't have a larger flood
or smaller throw. In fact if anything the Z8 has a slightly
smaller die image in throw mode in spite of its smaller
lens.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151557.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151557.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="450"></a> <br>The emitter is well centered
and protected by the plastic insulator.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151828.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151828.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="450"></a> <br>Threaded aluminum retaining
ring holds the lens at a set distance from the emitter.
Removing the retaining ring allows the outer head to be removed
from the rear of the light. </p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151915.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151915.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="450"></a></p><p> </p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151924.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151924.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="441"></a> <br>Head retaining ring removed.
Again, very clean threads. </p><p> </p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151955.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151955.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="450"></a> <br>Hear you see the outer head
removed. At the base here you can see the o-ring that sits
inside the head and provides a watertight seal as well as the
resistance to keep the head in the focus you choose without
being too tight to work one-handed.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_152020.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_152020.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="632"></a> <br>Here you see the anodized
threading that controls focus function. The pill threads into
the body.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_152133.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_152133.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="410"> </a><br>The pill is threaded only
halfway down, unlike the Z8 pill which is fully threaded for
maximum thermal contact. In spite of this, the F12-A more than
makes up for thermal management with the better heat conduction
of its thick aluminum body.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_152545.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_152545.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="454"></a> <br>The emitter is attached with
thermal epoxy for good heat management. </p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_152141.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_152141.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="450"></a> <br>The driver is held in place
with a threaded retaining ring made of brass. </p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_152331.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_152331.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="450"></a> <br>All soldering joints appear
to
be well done. </p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_152352.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_152352.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="450"></a> <br>The driver's only marking ar
e
"TF 1110" and I've not seen it before. It looks to me that
UniqueFire is using a TrustFire driver in the F12-A/B.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_152425.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_152425.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="505"></a> <br>Here is the inner face of th
e
driver. While not a boost driver, it is regulated as the light
only draws 1.37A on high from either an IMR or a TF Flame cell.
Regular AA/NiMH need not apply.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_152210.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_152210.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="450"></a> <br>Here is a peek at the body
where the pill threads in. Not the very heavy walled tube.
</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_152229.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_152229.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="457"></a></p><p> </p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151654.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151654.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="450"></a> <br>Moving down to the tail you
will see the brass spring cap. The cap, spring and switch are
held in place with a threaded nylon retaining ring. </p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151807.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151807.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="644"></a> <br>Threading in the stainless
steel tail is clean and well machined. </p><p><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_153021.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="267"> <br>Here are the switch internals.
The switch itself in incredibly tiny. </p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_153058.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_153058.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="469"></a> <br>Here you can see just how
small the switch is. Not sure it would hold up if the light was
driven at 3A. </p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_153205.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_153205.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="436"></a> <br>With the internals removed y
ou
should be able to get to the boot but nope...still another piece
in there to unscrew. Unfortunately you can't get to it without
removing everything else in the switch first. Not a problem
when disassembling it but when putting it all back together it
can be tough.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_153432.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_153432.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="450"></a> <br>Here is the outer shell of t
he
switch insert. The only way to remove it is via the holes in
its base after removing the other switch components.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_153446.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_153446.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="450"></a></p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_153508.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_153508.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="450"></a> <br>Ugh! Now that you can acces
s
the boot you can toss it and replace it with something a little
more tasteful and a little less disturbing. </p><p> <a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_153540.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_153540.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="800"></a> <br>Here is what the tail looks
like without the switch components. Note the clip screw
protruding into the switch cavity. </p><p> <a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_150529.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_150529.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="800"></a> <br>Here you can see the
difference in size between the UniqueFire F12-A and the
TrustFire Z8. Holding them both, the Z8 feels tiny and far more
pocketable in comparison.</p><p> <a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151324.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151324.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="800"></a></p><p> </p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151225.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151225.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="393"></a> <br>The F12-A has a much larger
head and lens diameter than the Z8 </p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_144001.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_144001.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="450"></a> <br>In spite of its smaller lens
diameter, the unique design of its lens allows the Z8 to cast a
smaller die image than the F12-A</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_143926.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_143926.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="450"></a> <br>In flood mode the Z8 is just
a
hair brighter to my eyes in the spill while still having a far
brighter center spot. The F12 has a more even flood but still
has the rings and artifacts of the other FTT lights out
there.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151357.jpg"<br
/>target="_blank"><img
src="
HTML http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/CigarJohnny/UniqueFire%20F12-A/IMG_20120906_151357.jpg"<br
/>width="600" height="450"></a>
</p><p><strong>Conclusion</strong>:</p><p>The UniqueFire F12-A
(and it's 16340 sized twin, the F12-B) are great lights on their
own merit. Far more solid and durable in build and of better
quality than other FTT lights I've used. Being underdriven XM-L
lights, they won't have as small a hotspot as an SK-68 and may
not throw as far but still provide more overall light. Build
quality is not as good as the TrustFire Z8 and aside from it's
superior thermal management, I'd still take the Z8 over it.
</p><p>It's a close call but if you plan on running it on high
for decent stretches you would want the F12. If small pocket
size is a priority then the Z8 is the better choice. If you
just like FTT zoomers then you can't go wrong with either of
them. Get both - they're cheap enough. Sure they are 2 to 3
times the price of an SK68 but they are built much better.
Compared to the F12-A & the Z8, anything else just feels like a
cheap toy.</p><p><strong>Final
recommendation</strong>:</p><p>It's a compact XM-L zoomer. If
you aren't going to whine about it not throwing as far as a
Sipik SK68 then maybe you are man enough for it. It's solid,
handles heat well, and is well made. While not as refined as
the exquisite TrustFire Z8, it's still a great light on it's own
merits. I still give it my stamp of
approval.</p><p><strong>Mac-Approved!</strong></p><p>
</p>[/html]
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