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#Post#: 715--------------------------------------------------
Review: XM-L T6 Bikelight/Headlight from LightsCastle (Pic Heavy
)
By: Spasmod Date: April 22, 2013, 3:09 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[html]</head> <body> <p><strong style="color: red;
font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet
ms';"><img src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1023277/8848a46.png"<br
/>style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;
width: 161px; height: 33px;"
/></span></strong></p> <p style="text-align:
center;"><span style="color: #008000; font-size:
x-large;"><strong><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">4.6
out of 5.0</span></strong></span></p> <p>
</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span
style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><strong><span
style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">XM-L T6 Bikelight/Headlight
from
LightsCastle</span></strong></span></p> <p><img
alt="img_2328.jpg"
src="
HTML https://www.lightscastle.com/phpThumb1711/phpThumb.php?src=/prd_imgs/310032/310032_004.jpg&w=600&q=95"<br
/>style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;
width: 600px; height: 600px;" /></p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">I would like to extend a big Thank you
to LightsCastle for sending this light for review. Check out
their Website here</span></span> <span style="font-family:
trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size: 12ptpx;"><a
href="
HTML https://www.lightscastle.com/">https://www.lightscastle.com/</a></span></span></p> <p><br
/></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:
12ptpx;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Mfr
Specifications</span></span></strong></p> <p><span
style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:
14px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;"><span style="color:
blue;"><strong>Brand:</strong></span></span></span>
<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;">OEM/Generic</span></span></strong>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:
blue;"><strong>Model:</strong></span></span></span>
<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;">XM-L
T6</span></span></strong>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:
blue;"><strong>Emitter Brand:</strong></span></span></span>
<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;">Cree</span></span></strong>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:
blue;"><strong>LED Type: </strong></span></span></span>
<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;">XM-L</span></span></strong>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:
blue;"><strong>BIN:</strong></span></span></span> <strong><span
style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet
ms', helvetica, sans-serif;">T6</span></span></strong>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:
blue;"><strong>Color:</strong></span></span></span>
<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;">Red/Black</span></span></strong>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:
blue;"><strong>Number of Emitter:</strong></span></span></span>
<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;">1</span></span></strong>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:
blue;"><strong>Voltage Input:</strong></span></span></span>
<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;">8.4V</span></span></strong>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:
blue;"><strong>Battery
Configuration:</strong></span></span></span> <strong><span
style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet
ms', helvetica, sans-serif;">4 x 18650 Battery Pack (included)
Unknown mAh</span></span></strong>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:
blue;"><strong>Circuitry:</strong></span></span></span>
<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;">2800mA (Manufacturer
rating)</span></span></strong>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:
blue;"><strong>Brightness:</strong></span></span></span>
<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;">900 Lumens (On Box
Packaging)</span></span></strong>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:
blue;"><strong>Runtime:</strong></span></span></span>
<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;">3-4 hours (manufacturer
rated)</span></span></strong>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:
blue;"><strong>Number of Modes:</strong></span></span></span>
<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;">3</span></span></strong>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:
blue;"><strong>Mode Arrangement:</strong></span></span></span>
<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;">High > Low > Fast
Strobe</span></span></strong>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:
blue;"><strong>Mode Memory:</strong></span></span></span>
<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;">No</span></span></strong>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:
blue;"><strong>Switch Type:</strong></span></span></span>
<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;">Reverse
clicky</span></span></strong>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:
blue;"><strong>Switch Location:</strong></span></span></span>
</span><font face="trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><span
style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Rear of Light</b></span></font>
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size:
14px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;"><span style="color:
blue;"><strong>Lens:</strong></span></span></span> <strong
style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span style="font-size:
14px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;">Glass Lens</span></span></strong>
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size:
14px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;"><span style="color:
blue;"><strong>Reflector:</strong></span></span></span> <strong
style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span style="font-size:
14px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;">Aluminum Smooth/SMO</span></span></strong>
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size:
14px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Beam
Range:</strong></span></span></span> <strong style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms';"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span
style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;">200m
approx</span></span></strong>
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size:
14px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Strap
Included:</strong></span></span></span> <strong
style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span style="font-size:
14px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;">Headband + Bike mounting
rings</span></span></strong>
</p> <p><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet
ms', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color:
blue;"><strong>Dimensions:</strong></span><span
style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;
font-size: 14px;"> </span><strong><span style="font-size:
14px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;">2.13 in x 1.65 in x 1.65 in (5.4 cm x 4.2 cm x 4.2
cm)​</span></span></strong></p> <p><span
style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet
ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:
blue;"><strong>Weight:</strong></span></span></span>
<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;">650
g</span></span></strong></p> <p><span><span
style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet
ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:
blue;"><strong>Price:</strong></span></span></span> </span><a
href="
HTML https://www.lightscastle.com/product/t6-xml-t6-3-mode-1200-lumen-white-led-bike-light-with-battery-pack-set-310032"><strong><span<br
/>style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">USD
$47.92</span></span></strong></a></p> <p><span><st
rong><span
style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet
ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,
Verdana,
sans-serif;"><!--break--></span></span></span></strong></span></
p> <p><span
style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet
ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>Crystal from LightsCastle
sent out this light on April 11th. I received the light in
perfect condition only 8 calendar days later on April 19th.
That's very impressive indeed from
China!</span></span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet
ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>The light arrived very well
packaged in it's own box. Securely wrapped in a dedicated
Bubble-Wrap plastic
envelope.</span></span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet
ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>This parcel was sent to the
UK via HongKong Post.</span></span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><img alt="1493413.jpg"
src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1023278/8e64209.jpg"<br
/>/></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet
ms', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Upon opening the
packaging, this was what I found
inside.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The
Box</span></p> <p><img alt="d999fde.jpg"
src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1023279/f4293ed.jpg"<br
/>/></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">The
Contents, neatly packaged
inside.</span></span></p> <p><img
alt="c3d2cfa.jpg"
src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1023282/068af4f.jpg"<br
/>/></p> <p> </p> <p><span
style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet
ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>My son took a keen interest
in the light so we decided to take it out for a few inspection
shots. Here it sits in Headlamp
mode.</span></span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet
ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>As you can see, the light
mounts to the headband in much the same way it mounts to Bike
handlebars using the flexible rubber
ring.</span></span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span
style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;"><span>The headband has a supporting center strap
which sits over the wearer's Bike helmet, or
head.</span></span></span></p> <p><img
alt="211d3b1.jpg"
src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1023283/3a6f18a.jpg"<br
/>/></p> <p> </p> <p><span
style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet
ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>A shot of the battery pack
showing the strong securing Velco strap for securing to a Bike
frame.</span></span></span></p> <p><img
alt="72e06da.jpg"
src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1023285/dc91671.jpg"<br
/>/></p> <p> </p> <p><span
style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet
ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>Another shot of the battery
pack, this time showing the strong securing battery strap and
the belt loop (If using light as a
headlamp)</span></span></span></p> <p><img
alt="91e5d80.jpg"
src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1023286/6968537.jpg"<br
/>/></p> <p> </p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">let's take a closer look at the
light itself.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size:20px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet
ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-decoration:
underline;"><strong>The
Exterior</strong></span></span></span></p> <p><spa
n
style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet
ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>As you can see, the light is
a self contained unit with the switch at the back and a
removable bezel at the
front.</span></span></span></p> <p><img
alt="e63de92.jpg"
src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1023288/716aed4.jpg"<br
/>/></p> <p> </p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">The Anodizing is absolutely flawless,
both on the main body of the light and also on the bezel. I
would be willing to go out on a limb and say it's almost
certainly HAIII Hard
Anodizing.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">This next
image shows a closer look at the anodizing. You can also see the
excellent machining, especially around the heatsinking
vanes.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">Perhaps
they could be a little deeper to help with heat dissipation over
longer runtimes but they do seem to cope well.</span></span>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">With the
added help of continued airflow when riding, all of the tests I
have ran so far have not highlighted any excessive heat
issues.</span></span></p> <p><img alt=""
src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1023289/ed2d519.jpg"<br
/>/></p> <p> </p> <p><span
style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;
font-size: 16px;">The reflector is of a very high quality finish
with no imperfections to be seen, even upon close scrutiny.
</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The
glass lens, although uncoated is tempered and also of a high
quality with zero marks or
imperfections.</span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms',
helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The reflector in this
light is 38mm Wide and 25mm Deep</span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms',
helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The LED was a little
off from perfect centering when I received the light, as can be
seen in all of these shots. </span></p> <p><span
style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;
font-size: 16px;">With a bit of fiddling around later-on,
loosening and retightening the bezel, had it perfectly centered
in less than a minute.</span></p> <p><span
style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;
font-size: 16px;"><img alt=""
src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1023337/4de2591.jpg"<br
/>/></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The
mode switch has a very positive feel, it clicks with a clear
audible tone even with a light press.
</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The
rubber switch boot is soft and flexible, offering good grip
while not feeling spongy in any
way.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">If we look at the waterproofing aspect
of this light.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">LightsCastle themselves do not make
any claims about it being waterproof but the manufacturers state
in the instruction manual that the light can be used in
'Driving Rain'.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">I would
say that this is probably an accurate description due to the
watertight seal arrangement on the front lens (More on this
later).</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">It must be noted though that this
light is certainly Not capable of being submerged into water of
'Any' depth due to the arrangement of where the wiring
enters the light underneath the mounting
bracket.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">With that
said, the chances of water entering the light from normal
(rainy) use are very slim.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">Below is
the mounting bracket arrangement along with an image of the
bracket removed, revealing the unsealed hole for the wire entry
point.</span></span></p> <p><img alt=""
src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1023349/ef20b7f.jpg"<br
/>/></p> <p> </p> <p>Now <span
style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;
font-size: 16px;">here is my first complaint and really it's
just nitpicking. </span></p> <p><span
style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;
font-size: 16px;">I'm not really sure why the manufacturers
didn't introduce a surface with more grip under the mounting
bracket as highlighted above. </span></p> <p><span
style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;
font-size: 16px;">Either gluing or impregnating some rubber to
the surface would have helped immensely to avoid drooping of the
light when hitting bumps.</span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms',
helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The problem is easily
solved though with some insulation tape around the handlebar
prior to fitting the light.</span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms',
helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Let's take a look
inside the light.</span></p> <p><span
style="font-size:20px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><u><strong style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The
Interior</strong></u></span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;
font-size: 16px;">Removal of the bezel reveals the lens and
reflector, along with a visual clue to how well the front of the
light is sealed to prevent water
entry.</span></p> <p><img alt=""
src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1023416/fc0f863.jpg"<br
/>/></p> <p> </p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">The front glass lens is pressed very
tight against the top of the reflector which compresses the
sealing ring behind the
bezel.</span></span></p> <p><img alt=""
src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1023417/884bc6b.jpg"<br
/>/></p> <p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span
style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;"><span>The other end of the reflector (The LED end)
presses very firmly against a plastic isolating ring.
</span></span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet
ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>This in turn forces the MCPCB
(LED Star) against it's backing plate (The Pill Heatsink
plate) - More about the isolating ring and pill heatskink
below.</span></span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span
style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;"><span>The threads for the front bezel, while not
quite square, are fully anodized thick and course.
</span></span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet
ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>When removing and replacing
the bezel, the threads feel very smooth and precise.
</span></span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span
style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;"><span>The rear sealing ring for the bezel is
exactly the correct thickness and offers a good amount of
resistance for a watertight
seal.</span></span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet
ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span><img alt=""
src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1023427/2ab9933.jpg"
/>
</span></span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">Strangely, both bezel sealing rings
glow in the dark !</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span
style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;"><span>If we take a closer look at the back of the
reflector, you'll see that it has a soft and pliable, non
conductive ring (it looks like Mylar)
</span></span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet
ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>This appears to be intended
to help with centering of the LED upon
re-assembly.</span></span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet
ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span><img alt=""
src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1023418/759300a.jpg"<br
/>/></span></span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet
ms', helvetica, sans-serif;">With the lens and reflector
removed, we can take a look inside the light housing to reveal
the LED itself.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet
ms', helvetica, sans-serif;">It is surrounded with the plastic
isolating ring which serves a dual
purpose.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet
ms', helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:
16px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;">The isolating ring prevents electrical shorting on
the back of the reflector, while simultaneously keeping the LED
Star pressed firmly against it's heatsink
plate.</span></span></p> <p><img alt=""
src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1023429/d335e62.jpg"<br
/>/></p> <p> </p> <p><span
style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet
ms', helvetica, sans-serif;">By removing the Pill retaining ring
(as pictured above) with needle-nose pliers.
</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:
16px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;">The entire pill can be removed from the
housing.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet
ms', helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt=""
src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1023443/050b3a5.jpg"<br
/>/></span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms',
helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">With the plastic
isolating ring removed, we're able to see the MCPCB (LED
Star) mounted to the pill heatsink pad with thermal compound.
</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><img
alt="" src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1023512/9aabe92.jpg"<br
/>/></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">If you happened to notice that the
heatsink plate tapers away at a 45 degree angle - this is
intentionally so.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">It allows
the plastic isolating ring to sit lower into the pill so that
full pressure can be applied to the LED star with the back of
the reflector.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">At least two thirds of the LED Star is
still in contact with the pill heatsink plate, and where it
matters most, directly under the
LED.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">This
doesn't seem to cause a noticable loss of thermal transfer
effect as the body of the light heats up quickly without an
observable reduction in output over a ten minute
run.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">One
initial concern was that due to the wiring, the pill itself
cannot be threaded into the body of the
light.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">Instead, the pill sits on an inner lip
of the body housing. (Highlighted
below)</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">Apologies
about the focus, my auto focus camera flat out refused to focus
on the lip despite numerous efforts, but you'll get the
idea.</span></span></p> <p><img alt=""
src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1024031/74cfa3a.jpg"<br
/>/></p> <p> </p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">While this arrangement arguably offers
less thermal heat transfer between the pill and the body of the
light. </span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">I think what the manufacturers have
done in this instance is a good
compromise.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">In order
to maximise the thermal transfer, the manufacturers have
deliberatly made a considerably thick retaining ring with strong
course threads.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">I have
found that this allows the pill to be pressed onto the lip with
a very considerable amount of
force.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">You really can crank the pressure down
on the retaining ring without fear of the threads slipping, and
it really does seem to work
well.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">The outer
body of the light begins to warm noticeably within 30 seconds of
turning the light on.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">The image below highlights the
thickness, and the threads of the pill retaining
ring.</span></span></p> <p><img alt=""
src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1024032/d3add77.jpg"<br
/>/></p> <p> </p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">A quick look at the back of the pill
shows the driver PCB and switch
assembly.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">I like
the brass insert which allows the driver's outer contact to
be directly soldered.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">You may consider adding further solder
bridges to this driver (as I will be
doing)</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">I've
highlighted in the image below some locations where it's
possible to make new solder
bridges.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">Also highlighted are the two LED's
on the driver PCB.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">The green
LED lights when the battery charge is good. The red LED lights
when the battery needs to be
charged.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">I like this idea a
lot.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">Since the
rear LED is clearly visible when riding, it gives plenty of
warning without being caught in the dark
(literally)</span></span></p> <p><img alt=""
src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1024042/093fea8.jpg"<br
/>/></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">With some
fiddling around I did manage to take some (Simulated tailcap)
amperage readings.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">(please note that readings are
approximate and not taken from the LED, but inline with the
power connector)</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">​</span></span></p> 
3;<p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">High:</span></span></p>
<p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">970mA (2S2P cell config) 970mA x2 =
1940mA - driver efficiency losses = LED current <strong><span
style="color:#008000;">Approx 1600mA - 1800mA
</span></strong><span style="color:#FF0000;">Mfg claims
2800mA</span></span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">Low:</span></span></p> <
p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">265mA (2S2P cell config) 265mA x2 =
530mA - driver efficiency losses = LED current <strong><span
style="color:#008000;">Approx 420mA - 620mA</span></strong>
<span style="color:#FF0000;">Mfg claims
1500mA</span></span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">Despite
the much lower than claimed driven emitter, the light does put
out a lot of useable light. (More about this explained with the
beamshots)</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">Try as I
might, I cannot reproduce any visible signs of PWM on this
light. In both high and low modes it is entirely PWM
free.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">I will try to remember to update this
review after I have resoldered the driver outer ring and taken a
closer look at the driver
components.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">It would
seem that the driver regulates output in a linear
manner.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">The
switch is a forward clicky type which feels crisp and positive
when clicked.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">There is no mode memory on this light.
Each press of the switch will always activate the next
mode.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">This means cycling modes to return to
the 'Off' position.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><u><span style="font-size:20px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong
style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;
font-size: 20px;">The Battery
Pack</strong></span></span></u><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span
style="font-size:16px;">The battery pack is utilizing 4x 18650
cells in a 2S2P configuration. There are no markings on the pack
itself to indicate mAh.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span
style="font-size:16px;">There are no mAh claims on LightsCastle
website for this light either, so it really is an unknown at
this time.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:16px;">I was
happy to see good quality cable used between the battery pack
and the light. The images below will highlight
this.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:16px;">Upon
receiving the light, the measured voltage of the pack was 7.57
Volts.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span
style="font-size:16px;">Fully charged the pack measures 8.42
Volts.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span
style="font-size:16px;"><img alt=""
src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1024057/d880895.jpg"
/><img
alt="" src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1024058/afb6a7a.jpg"<br
/>/></span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:16px;">The
charger for the battery is a generic 'mains chopper'
type charger.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span
style="font-size:16px;">The battery lead plugs into the charger.
When the battery is charging the light on the charger is
red.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span
style="font-size:16px;">When the battery is fully charged the
light will turn green. </span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:16px;">The
charger will cease charging the battery pack when it senses that
the pack is fully
charged.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span
style="font-size:16px;">*you will need a mains adaptor suitable
for your location as it's not
supplied*</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span
style="font-size:16px;">
</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span
style="font-size:16px;"><img alt=""
src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1024061/f3c8adb.jpg"<br
/>/></span></span></p> <p><img alt=""
src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1024062/2fd083a.jpg"<br
/>/></p> <p> </p> <p><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span
style="font-size:16px;">Before I upload the beamshots and talk
about my final conclusions. Here are a few size comparison
shots.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:16px;">Here is
the light alongside my old Zippo
lighter</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span
style="font-size:16px;"><img alt=""
src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1024065/c235c35.jpg"<br
/>/></span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:16px;">Here is
a front lens/reflector comparison shot next to a Jacob
A60</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span
style="font-size:16px;"><img alt=""
src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1024066/d70f0e3.jpg"<br
/>/></span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:16px;">Here are
a couple of pics of the light and battery fixed to my son's
bike. (please excuse the rust)
</span></span></p> <p><img alt=""
src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1024073/6a9bf26.jpg"<br
/>/></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"> <img
alt="" src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1024076/b2f07fd.jpg"<br
/>/></span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:16px;">I'm
absolutely certain there's a whole load of things I've
forgot to mention so please feel free to ask any
questions.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:16px;">Thanks
for reading guys.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span
style="font-size:16px;">Beamshots, thoughts and conclusions to
follow.</span></span></p> </body></html>[/html]
#Post#: 716--------------------------------------------------
Re: Review: XM-L T6 Bikelight/Headlight from LightsCastle (Pic H
eavy)
By: Spasmod Date: April 22, 2013, 3:10 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[html]<html> <head>
dy> <p><u><strong><span
style="font-size:20px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">Beamshots</span></span></strong></u></
p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">Despite the lower than claimed current
drive levels, this light is an excellent
performer.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">I have to admit that I was genuinely
surprised to find the LED driven under 2 amps.
</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">After studying the beam
characteristics a little further, it starts to becomes clearer
why this light appears to put out many more lumens than it
actually does.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">It's all down to a good quality
and very well designed reflector.
</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">The manufacturers of this light have
managed to find the perfect balance of a well defined hotspot,
coupled with an almost perfect transition to a very bright, very
wide angled spill. </span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">It's very clear that whomever
'actually designed' this light, knew exactly what was
required for bike riding, and how to achieve
it.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">The
important reflector characteristics are all there, precise
machining, genuine Aluminium, the right reflector depth, and
equally important is the high quality reflector coating which
produces 'almost' zero
artefacts.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">In these
next series of images, I've tried to capture a few key
points.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="color:#0000CD;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">A very
well focused center
hotpot</span></span></span></p> <p><span
style="color:#0000CD;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">Very few
artefacts in the beam
profile</span></span></span></p> <p><span
style="color:#0000CD;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">A very
wide angled, useable spill which translates into excellent,
comfortable peripheral vision when
riding</span></span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:16px;">I will
compare this XM-L T6 Bikelight with two other well known, single
emmiter flashlights.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span
style="font-size:16px;">The Jacob A60 and the Thrunite
TN31</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:16px;">The
intention isn't to highlight brightness, but rather to
highlight beam
characteristics.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:16px;">This
first image is taken exactly 1 meter from a white wall. Exposure
settings are equal on all three lights. The beam artefacts are
clear to see here.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span
style="font-size:16px;"><img alt=""
src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1026452/18ecc5d.jpg"<br
/>/></span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span
style="font-size:16px;">Even when comparing with the highly
respected TN31 reflector, this XM-L T6 bikelight doesn't
fall far short.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:16px;">With the
image darkened down a little, the tight focus of the beam hotpot
can now be seen.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span
style="font-size:16px;">Surprisingly yet again it compares well
with the TN31</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span
style="font-size:16px;"><img alt=""
src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1026461/0a1a925.jpg"<br
/>/></span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:16px;">Moving
out to 2 meters from the wall begins to show the relative wide
angle of the Bikelight beam, yet still retaining a good central
hotspot.</span></span></p> <p><img alt=""
src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1026479/18ecc5d.jpg"<br
/>/></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet
ms', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">In the flash
animation below, the very good combination of throw and even
spill is clearly visible.</span></p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">You'll notice that both the A60
and the TN31 have a very defined edge cutoff point that is some
way in front of the rider's
viewpoint.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">With the
XM-L T6 Bikelight, the area directly in front of the rider is
very well illuminated, transitioning smoothly into a nicely
focused beam center.</span></span></p> <p><font
face="trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">Over this longer range the hotspot
diffuses well, avoiding the blinding Arc-Eye effect when eyes
have adjusted to the ambient lighting
conditions.</span></span></font></p> <p>
</p> <p><font face="trebuchet ms, helvetica,
sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">After
finally figuring out how to set my camera correctly - The images
in the flash animation below are a very close representation of
real life brightness.</span></span></font></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">First is
the control shot.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">Distance to metal fence and trees at
the back = <strong>50
meters</strong></span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong><img alt=""
src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1026729/0cbc272.jpg"<br
/>/></strong></span></span></p> <p><object
data="
HTML https://googledrive.com/host/0B9Zp5kIlC_btdUFTMzlsOElMQlU/bummybumbum.swf"<br
/>height="576" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"
width="768"><param name="src"
value="
HTML https://googledrive.com/host/0B9Zp5kIlC_btdUFTMzlsOElMQlU/bummybumbum.swf"<br
/>/></object></p> <p> </p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">Moving out into a more realistic usage
environment (a cycle path) highlights an effective scenario
where the light really
excels.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">Distance
to the farthest visible trees = <strong>250
meters</strong></span></span></p> <p><object
data="
HTML https://googledrive.com/host/0B9Zp5kIlC_btdUFTMzlsOElMQlU/pathshots.swf"<br
/>height="576" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"
width="768"><param name="src"
value="
HTML https://googledrive.com/host/0B9Zp5kIlC_btdUFTMzlsOElMQlU/pathshots.swf"<br
/>/></object></p> <p> </p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">For the final shot I wanted to
visualise the colour rendition capabilities of this
light.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">If riding over a longer distance, I
would personally prefer a more natural colour rendition of my
surroundings.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">This
light does fall down in this department. Greens tend to be a
washed out grey, while yellows are largely
missing.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">In this
next shot I had to stand some way back from the target hedge to
allow the camera to see the colours rather than
whiteout.</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">The bushy
hedge below, first in natural
daylight.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet
ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong>Mouse-Over</strong> for XM-L
T6 Bikelight at night.</span></span></p> <p><img
alt="" height="576"
onmouseout="this.src='
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1026878/3aad15b.jpg';"<br
/>onmouseover="this.src='
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1026997/762e42c.jpg';"<br
/>src="
HTML http://just.razzi.me/photos/1026878/3aad15b.jpg"<br
/>width="768" /></p> <p> </p> <p><sp
an
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span
style="font-size:20px;"><u><strong>Conclusions</strong></u></spa
n></span></p> <p><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span
style="font-size:16px;">Overall, despite the few issues
mentioned in this review, I would say that this is a fantastic
bike light.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span
style="font-size:16px;">I have come to expect OEM lights to fall
far short on design and build quality, but this light far
exceeded my
expectations.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span
style="font-size:16px;">It is very well built and performs
flawlessly. It's also surprisingly bright considering the
less than 2000mA
current.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-size: 16px; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;">The good thing about that though is longer runtimes
and less internal heat buildup. </span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size: 16px; font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;">My honest opinion is
that this light would struggle to cope with a genuine 2800mA
where transferring heat away from the emitter is concerned.
Purely due to the physical small size of the light.
</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 16px;
font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;">It does get
pretty warm, and fast too. Another reason I was expecting a
higher current draw.</span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size: 16px; font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;">Obviously it would be
silly to try to compare this light with the far more expensive
multi-emmiter, well known
lights.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:
16px; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;">For
the money though,(especially with the $10 discount) I would not
hesitate to recommend this light to my friends. Or anyone for
that matter.</span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="color:#008000;"><strong><span
style="font-size: 16px; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;">Pros:</span></strong></span></p> <p><
strong><span
style="font-size: 16px; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;">Excellent output despite a relatively under driven
emitter</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span
style="font-size: 16px; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;">Excellent reflector and beam
characteristics</span></strong></p> <p><strong><sp
an
style="font-size: 16px; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;">Clear indication of a low battery
level</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span
style="font-size: 16px; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;">No visible PWM on high or
low</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span
style="font-size: 16px; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;">Excellent overall build
quality</span></strong></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong><span
style="font-size: 16px; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;">Cons:</span></strong></span></p> <p><
strong><span
style="font-size: 16px; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;">No rubber on underside of bracket to reduce
movement over
bumps</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span
style="font-size: 16px; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;">No rubber gromet where wires enter the light on the
underside to help prevent water
ingress</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span
style="font-size: 16px; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;">Poor colour rendition (personal
preference)</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span
style="font-size: 16px; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;">Un-balanced charging
system</span></strong></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size: 16px; font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;">The Pros far outweigh
the cons on this light so I congratulate it by
awarding:</span></p> <p><span
style="color:#008000;"><strong><span style="font-size: 16px;
font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;">4.6 out of
5 stars</span></strong></span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="font-size: 16px; font-family:
'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, my reviews
wouldn't be quite right without a small bit of humour, so I
offer you this below.</span></p> <p><span
style="font-size: 16px; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;">Before you watch the video, please bear in mind a
few things....</span></p> <p>
</p> <p><span style="color:#0000CD;"><span
style="font-size: 16px; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica,
sans-serif;">I was riding my son's bike and my knees were
literally under my chin</span></span></p> <p><span
style="color:#0000CD;"><span style="font-size: 16px;
font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm
trying to hold a camera and see what I'm filming while also
trying to see where I'm
heading</span></span></p> <p><span
style="color:#0000CD;"><span style="font-size: 16px;
font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, sans-serif;">I almost
fell off at least twice, it was too stressful to remember
exactly.. my life flashed before my eyes in a
blur</span></span></p> <p>
</p> <p>The quality of the video is next to
horrendous and the light was much brighter in real life than it
appears on the video.</p> <p>But.. to take your
mind off of all that, I threw some of my own poorly made music
to cheer you up!</p> <p>Hopefully it will help you
wade you through the misery of watching it
LOL</p> <p> </p> <p><iframe
frameborder="0" height="315"
src="
HTML http://www.youtube.com/embed/aXxg3iIGZ-k"<br
/>width="383"></iframe></p> <p><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span
style="font-size:16px;">Thanks for reading guys. I hope you
enjoyed the review, and please feel free to ask any questions
you may have.</span></span></p> <p><span
style="font-family:trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span
style="font-size:16px;">Spas
out..</span></span></p> </body></html>[/html]
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