The Wolf-Eyes flashlights are extremely modular tactical flashlights. This is the Explorer 6M. There are actually two versions of this light. The 6M uses rechargeable Li-Ion cells while the 6MX uses standard 123A cells. The M6 incandescent model is reviewed here (top photo), along with the 3.7V Luxeon LED lamp module w/bezel (bottom photo) and LED tailcaps for use with the 3.7 or a 6V incandescent head.

Out of the box, this light package includes the following:

• 1 - LRB-168A Li-ion rechargeable
• 1 - AC Charger
• 1 - 3.7V D36 Lamp
• 1 - Explorer body
• 1 - 6M Bezel
• 1 - 6A - tactical button switch tailcap

Additional accessories shown and tested in this review include:

• 1 - 6T 4-LED Tail Cap [6T -TC] (white)
• 1 - 6T 4-LED Tail Cap [6T -TC] (red)
• 1 - LRB-168B Li-ion rechargeable
• 1 - 3.7V D26 Rechargeable 3W Luxeon LED Wolf Eyes flashlight [3.7V D26 LED]
• 1 - 6A replacement bezel for use of D26 LED lamp

The first thing I can think of that would go through the mind of someone who is new to the 3.7V rechargeable systems is, "well, it's not as bright as the 6V 2x123A systems, right?" Wrong. Since the bulb designed to match to the power supply, the 3.7V lamp is actually BRIGHTER than common 6V lamp assemblies. Much brighter... ...as in "almost double".

Body: The body of the 6M is hard anodized aircraft aluminum. The head has a notches for grip and is wider than the body tube to accommodate the "turbo head" reflector which provides better throw than common P60 type lamps. Below the head are some rings on the body tube followed by a band of knurling around the center of the body. The tailcap has 6 grooves for grip. The rubber covered tailcap has a slight texture as well.

Bezel/Head: At the front of the light is the recessed glass lens. Behind that rests the lamp assembly which includes the reflector, bulb, and contacts. The reflector is metal with a bumpy texture to smooth out imperfections in the beam. The xenon bulb is attached to the reflector assembly.

Main 3.7V xenon bulb lamp assembly

The 6T 4-LED Tail Caps can be used with the xenon lamp assembly (but not with the LED lamp assembly). These serve as a secondary light source with 4 LEDs which are activated by twisting the tailcap until they illuminate. These tailcaps are available with red, white or blue LEDs. Red and White were tested for this review.

Optional 3.7-6V LED tailcaps (use with xenon bulb only)

Another possible option is the 3.7V Luxeon Lamp Assembly. This lamp will NOT run on 6V, so don't put 123A cells in the light using this assembly by accident! A different bezel is needed for the LED lamp since it does not have the "turbohead"-type larger reflector. You can use this lamp in Surefire lights provided you use an 17670 Li-Ion rechargeable cell.

3.7V LED lamp assembly installed

3.7V LED lamp assembly and bezel separate

Output: The main lamp is very bright. It's significantly brighter than a normal P60 type 6V lamp, which is surprising since it is only operating on 3.7V. Great output and a very smooth beam.

The white light produced by the xenon bulb is a typical incandescent white which is a relatively low color temperature and appears slightly yellowish when compared to a daylight white light source, which is normal. In practical use it appears as a pure white light. The beam has a bright central spot which blends into the corona , followed by a wide dimmer spillbeam.

    
Main beam at one meter at target center, at target edge to show spillbeam.

The four LED white tailcap produces a bluish wide spot of light which is sufficient for illuminating your way in the dark. The red LED tailcap produces a wash of dim red light. Unfortunately red light does not photograph well with my camera, so no photo is shown.

White tailcap LED beam

The LED main lamp assembly produces a very nice white beam with a concentrated spot and dim spillbeam.

 
LED Lamp beam at one meter at target center, at target edge to show spillbeam.

Runtime Plot: The incandescent and LED runtimes were completed with the included 2000mAh Li Ion rechargeable cell. The incandescent bulb ran about 1 hour, which would be normal for a 123A powered tactical light. The LED lamp demonstrated fantastic regulation for 3 hours before dropping to a low level.

Runtime completed with included rechargeable Li-Ion batteries. More information on runtime plots is available HERE.

Runtime completed with included rechargeable Li-Ion batteries. More information on runtime plots is available HERE.

Switch: Two types of switches came with the light for testing. The normal tactical switch which is included with the light normally is a rubber capped clickie. Press gently for momentary use, press until it clicks for constant on. Unscrew the tailcap to lock out the switch and prevent accidental activation. The switch produces a slight auditory feedback, but almost no tactile feedback when clicked. The difference in stroke between momentary and constant activation is significant, requiring moderate additional pressure to click the switch. The rubber cap does protrude above the level of the tailcap, so the light cannot stand on end.

The LED tailcap is a bit different. As you start to twist it down, the LEDs come on. Pressing in on the central clear plastic piston will now cause the LEDs to turn off and the main lamp to turn on in the "momentary" use position. Releasing again turns on the LEDs. Continuing to twist the tailcap will cause the LEDs to turn off and the main lamp to turn on.

If you back off from the LEDs "on" point just a little, you can use the central pressure switch to go directly from "off" to the main lamp "on". However, you'll get a flash from the LEDs as the switch crosses the LED "on" point, which can be a little startling if you are an idiot, like me, and have the tailcap pointed toward your face when you press it.

If you aren't going to be using the light as a strictly "tactical" light I can really see the LEDs as being very useful for most folks. If you use the light with the LEDs on and pointed outward from your hand, you can quickly snap the light up to a tactical position and press the LED switch with your thumb to turn on the main lamp.

Seals / Water Resistance: The light is advertised as splashable. It has O-rings and rubber seals in all the right places.

If it gets wet inside, just disassemble as much a possible without tools and let it dry before using again.

Ergonomics:

 
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
Left: Incandescent head; right: LED head

Batteries: One rechargeable Li-Ion 168A (18650) or 168B (17670) cell powers the light. Please note that only 1 battery is included with the light and charger. The larger battery (18650) is used for Wolf-Eyes lights, while the smaller battery (17670) is suitable for Surefire flashlights when using the 3.7V LED lamp assembly.

To change out the batteries: unscrew the tailcap, drop out the old cell, place in new cell observing proper polarity. Reattach the tailcap and you're ready to go. Note that batteries go in NEGATIVE first with the xenon lamp, but POSITIVE first with the LED assembly.

Accessories: The LED tailcap and LED lamp module are accessories that needs to be purchased separately. There are also a bunch of other little add-ons you can get as well.

What I Liked: Water resistant, Very bright, LED tailcap is very handy for general lighting, Smooth beam, Compact size relative to it's output, Seems to be quite well made, Super regulation on the LED module.

What I Didn't Like: Nothing significant

Picky Little Things: LED tailcap flashes when pressing the switch to go from off to main lamp on.

Conclusions: Wolf-Eyes lights are exceptionally modular and are very good flashlights in general. This new offering with the turbo-head type concentrated incandescent beam, running on rechargeables makes for a very bright and economical-to-run companion.

The LED lamp module provides excellent light for a long period and has great regulation - some of the best I've ever seen. The smaller head needed by the LED lamp makes the entire light very compact and easy to carry.

The LED tailcaps provide excellent utility lighting while putting only minimal wear on your batteries. The red LEDs are good for night vision preservation while the white LEDs are for general use.

Overall, I am becoming more and more impressed by the offerings by Wolf-Eyes and find that they are surprisingly good lights which can be had at a reasonable price relative to other "tactical light systems".

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