LRI. X-light Micro, the future Photon... Review.

[Fattsgalore]

I'm no flashlight aficionado nor an expert on lumens, throw, beams, or what have you.
Just a regular guy in need of some light. I had gotten suggestions from this very site and ended up with a X-light Micro. Why? Simple...cause it came in red. (white LED) Yeah, I know. Weird requirement.

I'm not going to get into the specs and will just link to the official site for those interested in the numbers and technical mumbo jumbo.
http://www.photonlight.com/led-flashlights/photon-x-light-micro-led-keychain-flashlight/
For those in a hurry here's the skinny.
4.5 lumens (seems brighter), fully adjustable brightness/dimness, strobe and press/SOS mode, and a burn time of 18+ hours. (testing the burn time isn't happening, batteries ain't cheap)



Topic put on hold... Imageshack will no longer allow free picture uploads so I need a new photo hosting site. Will finish up tomorrow.

[enki_ck]

Just a tip. CR2016 are cheap if you buy bulk from China. 20 for $3.50.

[Gareth]

I've not used a flat cell light for a long time, but they definitely have their place.

[Fattsgalore]

Thank you gentleman.
Seems uploading photos from my phone to Photobucket is problematic.
Oh well, on with the show.



     I'll start with the only negatives which aren't even that bad TBH. The injection molded plastic housing is a little rough in a few areas, but it in no way effects the light or it's longevity. The beam is more flood then I'd like and has a halo around the edges. It's what you get from an exposed LED I guess. (they do make a model with sleeved LED) Also wish it was a little smaller like the original Micro light...and that's about it.

The positives are in the specs. The 4.5 lumens is more than bright enough for most task a tiny light will be asked to tackle. Find the key hole, glove box excursions, navigating around a dark interior, etc. It's no woods or duty light, so don't expect to blind an assailant or help search the woods for any lost children. But it'll navigate you through a dark parking lot or home with ease.

It complements a keychain rather nicely. Just like 58mm SAKS, I might add.
The XLM I carry is attached to my SAK mod and they both dangle from a removable sticky hanger/hook from my head board.

If I wake up in the middle of the night it's the first thing I grab. My SAK mod is also a watch which is another reason for it's location.

[Fattsgalore]

The lights full adjustable feature is a god sent. Seriosuly. I didn't think I would like the feature as much as I do, but as of now I'm looking for more flashlights with fully adjustable brightness/dimness. (Inova STS in next)
 
4.5 lumens moments after you wake up in the middle of the night can be blinding. If you press the button while off it'll automatically go to full brightness, but if you hold the button while off it'll turn on in the dimmest setting (sub one lumen) So no tears or waiting for your eyes to adjust.




Plus it gives you just the right amount of light you need. Try reading a book with most bright LEDs. The light will literally bounce off the page and back into your eyes.
 

[Fattsgalore]

It's adjustablilty lends it's self to a long battery life. Guess that's why they measured the battery life at 18+ hours.

I instantly ditched the supplied split ring and lobster claw clasp for a NiteIze S-biner. It wasn't a perfect it and removing the splitring wasn't the easiest. Worth the trouble IMO. Lucky the plastic bends and is accommodating.

Sorry about the large pics, have to use trickery to post these photos.

I haven't done any torture test, and wont. I'm not abusive on my things. Learned long ago take care of your things and they'll take care of you. No exception.

I don't use the strobe or SOS mode but they work of course. I'm quite happy with the light and hope it gives me years of service.

I've dragged this on long enough.
Final recommendation is buy one. This or any of the Photon line. They are simple and solid and have yet to hear any complaints.
Will be buying more as gifts, and as back ups...


Forgot to mention, the button is glow in the dark which can help in locating it.
 

[Gareth]

The fact it is shaped very like the Vic shield doesn't hurt either.