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This is a preview of the Lumapower DX1 Standard, which
is a Luxeon K2 LED torch utilizing three 123A cells
for power, or two 18650 Lithium Ion rechargeable cells
when using the optional body tube. Modifications were
being made to this design as of this review, so it will
remain a preview only for now.
There will be an enhanced version available with a
5W LED which will produce a wider spot and more light
than the K2 version. The LED modules can be purchased
separately and are interchangeable.
Body: The body is aluminum with type 3 hard
anodize. The rearward section of the body tube with
three bands of knurling can be removed and replaced
with an extended tube for the use of two 18650 Li-Ion
rechargeable cells.
Bezel/Head: The head contains a very large reflector
and the K2 Luxeon LED. The bezel is scalloped to allow
the user to see that the light is on when placed face
down.
Output: The white light produced by the LED
has a slight bluish hue in the sample received. The
hue is detectable when compared against a near sunlight-white
source, but is not really noticeable during normal use.
Only one level of output is available - full brightness.
Due to the use of the large reflector, the beam is very
tight for an LED flashlight. There is really no significant
corona around the main hotspot, which is essentially
directly surrounded by the dim spillbeam.
Beam at one meter at target center and at target edge
to show spillbeam.
Runtime Plot: Due to a problem with the longer
battery tube which caused my 18650 cells to be crushed,
and therefore ruined, I was only able to complete a
runtime with standard 123A cells. The battery tube is
undergoing revision by the maker.
Runtime with the 123A cells is regulated, increasing
slightly in output until it drops after about 3 hours.
Runtime
completed with "Titanium"
brand batteries. More information on runtime plots is
available HERE.
Switch: Simple reverse clickie on the back.
Note the oval dimple for the switch - that's not an
illusion created by the camera angle. The raised feet
around the switch allow it to stand on end.
Seals / Water Resistance: It has O-rings in
all the right places and should be dunkable. The sample
received had very little lubrication on the threads
and O-rings, so you may
want to add some.
If it gets wet inside, just disassemble as much a possible
without tools and let it dry before using again.
Ergonomics: It is fairly large, but not uncomfortable
to use. The balance point is just behind the head, so
it feels a little off balance when using a tactical-style
grip with the thumb on the switch
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
Batteries: Three 123A cells power the light.
I would recommend Titanium
brand cells for $1.00 each (here's
a review). I would not recommend purchasing these
cells at retail stores since they cost $10 a pair or
more in most retail stores! Be aware that there are
some inherent risks
in using lights powered by multiple 123A cells, so take
appropriate precautions.
To change out the batteries: unscrew the tailcap, drop
out the old cells, place in new cells observing proper
polarity. Reattach the tailcap and you're ready to go.
The light has battery polarity protection inside the
head in the form of a raised ring around the positive
contact. Unfortunately this prevents 18650 Li-Ion cells
(for use with the longer battery tube) from touching
the contact without the help of a tiny magnet attached
to the + end of the battery. The maker is reworking
this part of the light to fix this issue.
Conclusions: This is a preview review of the
light, and as such, I'm skipping the usual likes and
dislikes portion of the review page. I will say that
it does produce a good amount of light and, when it's
finally ready for production sale, the use of 18650
rechargeable cells will be a great addition. The beam
is narrow for an LED light, which I think many people
will be pleased with.
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Hong Kong