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The MXDL pocket light is similar in form factor to some 5mm LED lights being produced, however the 5mm LEDs have been replaced with a single high intensity 3 Watt Luxeon-type LED. This results in very bright output and generally good beam.
The body of the MXDL light is made of aluminum with
what appears to be either a powder coat finish or textured
anodize. Machining work is good, but a little rough
here and there. The head has a flared bezel and a pair
of heatsink-like rings for possible heat dissipation.
Around the middle of the body is a knurled band for
grip. The tailcap has large chunky raised rectangles
for grip. The tailcap serves as a "tactical style"switch
with a rubber textured button for momentary operation
of the light.
The bezel consists of a plastic lens, reflector and 3 Watt LED. There does not appear to be any circuitry to drive or regulate the LED and the LED itself appears to be a generic, non-Lumileds LED.
Output is in the form of a rather good spot of light.
Color temperature is good with no noticeable tinting.
The LED is off center in the bezel and as a result the
beam is a bit skewed to one side.
Beam at one meter at target center
Runtime Plot: There appears to be no circuitry in the
light, so the runtime plot to shows a pretty standard
alkaline battery discharge curve.1 hr 44 min to 50%
output.
Runtime
completed with "Energizer" batteries. More
information on runtime plots is available HERE.
The switch is a tactical style switch. Twist for constant on, press on the rubber textured tailcap button for momentary use.
There are O-rings at the connection points between
the body and both the tailcap and head. However I do
not know if the front of the bezel is sealed against
water entry. I'd give them a "splashable"
rating.
Ergonomics: The body is so short and stubby it is a bit awkward to hold. Operating the switch in twist-on mode with one hand is also a bit awkward due to its diminutive length.
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
For batteries, the light takes 3 AAA alkaline cells in a carrier. Simply insert 3 cells with the negative side of the battery against the coil springs in the carriers. The result will be 2 batteries pointing in one direction, and one pointing in the other in the carrier. Remove the tailcap to change the batteries, drop out the carrier, put new cells in the carrier and replace. Batteries were included.
What I Liked: Water resistant,
Tough/impact resistant,
Bright, Lightweight
What I Didn't Like: Short battery life/no regulation, Uses a battery carrier.
Other Things I Noticed: Beam a bit off center, but for a smooth reflector the beam is surprisingly smooth.
Conclusions: Good little general purpose pocket light!
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