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Wurkkos TS10 SG – mini thrower with SFT-25R
The full review is available here
English review at BudgetLightForum German review on my website
With this little review I wish you a merry Christmas! Have fun, but don’t overdo it with the lights. The tree should not start to burn at any time! 😉
Summary
When the Wurkkos TS10 was released in mid-2022, only few might have imagined what a great success this flashlight would become. Compact, playful, great light and also affordable. Over time, different colors and materials such as titanium, brass and copper were added.
The Wurkkos TS10 SG is a successful update of the classic TS10. With the new optics and the Luminus SFT-25R, the throw has been significantly increased. Otherwise everything has remained the same. There’s a reason the TS10 has enjoyed great popularity for years.
Sofirn IF23 Pro – next generation of the multifunctional flashlight from Sofirn
The full review is available here
English review at BLF German review at my website
Summary
The Sofirn IF23 Pro has a lot to offer: a bright spotlight, a floody side light with adjustable color temperature and various RGB effects. It is controlled quite intuitively via a button and a rotating ring. The battery can be swapped easily and the flashlight can also be used as a power bank in an emergency.
On the other hand, some details are not fully thought through to the end: finding the right position of the rotating ring in the dark is a matter of luck, the magnet is too weak to hold the flashlight reliably in horizontal orientation. The spotlight needs more throw to better stand out from the floodlight. Whether you like the flashlight depends very much on your individual requirements.
Wurkkos HD01 UV – the budget-friendly flat EDC flashlight
The full review is available here
English review at BLF German review at my website
Summary
Earlier this year, Wurkkos released their first “flat” flashlight with a floody sidelight and a green laser. Now they added a variant with UV instead of the laser: the Wurkkos HD01 UV.
White spotlight and UV light, plus white and colored floodlight, combined with an elegant, flat design – the Wurkkos HD01 UV has a lot to offer. It is rare to find such a variety of light sources in a single flashlight.
Although the driver is simple, this should be acceptable considering the low price. With the HD01, you get a versatile companion for EDC use.
Nitecore EDC23 – finally a proper tactical EDC flashlight
The full review is available here
English review at BLF German review at my website
Summary
The Nitecore EDC23 EDC flashlight has been my everyday companion for a few weeks now. Thanks to its flat design and compact dimensions, it disappears nicely into the pockets of my pants. Nevertheless, it offers unexpectedly high performance for its size and a long runtime. I particularly like the operation with a separate button for turbo and a slide switch for the lockout.
The beam was optimized for high efficacy and throw. Therefore you have to accept some compromises, particularly with the light color: a slightly green tint and low CRI are the result. It would be nice to have a clip that allows the flashlight to be carried deeper in the pocket.
Skilhunt MiX-7 Gen 2: Nichia 519A, red, green, blue and UV – now with color mixing
The full review is available here
English review at BLF German review at my website
Summary
The Skilhunt MiX-7 Gen 2 is a successful update of the little multi-color flashlight. Finally it delivers what its name suggests and you have the option of mixing the colored LEDs with each other. With the long Plus version you can now use 18650 batteries for a longer runtime.
The UI is still not perfect, but it is an improvement on its predecessor. For example, the UV light is a little hidden to activate. On the other hand, it is not an easy task to design a UI for so many functions with just one button. It would be nice to be able to adjust the brightness of the mixed colors.
JETBeam E26: flat EDC flashlight with SFT-40, UV and green laser
The full review is available here
English review at BLF German review at my website
Summary
You don’t hear much about JETBeam. That’s a shame, because the long-established company has some interesting flashlights in its portfolio. The new JETBeam E26 (“Kunai”) has just been released.
The E26 was announced a few months ago via a Kickstarter campaign and was successfully funded after just one day. I had the opportunity to test the flashlight before it was officially shipped.
JETBeam made a successful start with the E26 “Kunai” into the world of flat flashlights: white light, UV light and a green laser, combined with intuitive UI using a rotating ring and two buttons, fast charging via USB-C and an ergonomic, practical design.
For the perfect experience I miss direct access to the lowest level, which could also be a little lower. That, and if the flashlight was a little shorter, it would be the perfect EDC flashlight for me. But even as it is, it makes a very good impression.
This review was sponsored by flashlightgo.com, a Chinese shop with a large selection of flashlights.
Mateminco MT70 MINI-S
The full review is available here
English review at BLF German review at my website
Summary
The Mateminco MT70 MINI-S is a nice thrower if you can live with a few limitations. Minimal UI, simple FET driver, only IP65. In addition, the manufacturer does not see a reason in advertising their product with any kind of runtime or documenting it in detail.
In some ways, the LED is also a disappointment. Bad color rendering, slight green tint. The round light emitting surface – which has recently become increasingly popular with flashlights, doesn’t help either.
This review was sponsored by flashlightgo.com, a Chinese shop with a large selection of flashlights.
Cyansky Carbon – Searchlight with LiFePO4 battery
The full review is available here
English review at BLF German review at my website
Summary
The description of the Cyansky Carbon sounds tempting! Constant brightness of 2000 lm for four hours and a modern LiFePO₄ battery, which you hardly ever find in flashlights. Plus practical functions such as the integrated fast-charging via USB-C, a charge level indicator with five separate LEDs and a powerbank function.
All of this joy is somewhat diminished when you look at the rather simple direct-drive driver or the slightly greenish SST-20 LEDs, for which there would have been better alternatives.
And yet the Cyansky Carbon is a good choice in some situations: Even if it is not able to maintain the brightness perfectly, it achieves roughly 2000 lm for around four hours without excessive heat. It is quite suitable as a searchlight for longer missions at distances of around 50 m. It is also currently available for pre-order via Kickstarter at a very attractive price.
Got curious? The Cyansky Carbon is now available for pre-order on Kickstarter!
Wurkkos WK03 Gold with Nichia 519A (TLF 2024 special edition)
The full review is available here
English review at BLF German review at my website
Summary
The Wurkkos WK03 is a great entry-level flashlight if you don’t have too high expectations. Costs were saved in some places, but overall it is by no means a “cheap” flashlight. The special “Gold” edition offers some improvements, such as the significantly better Nichia 519A LED or the extra tailcap with magnet.
In the review you can find a code that saves you 20% when ordering from Amazon.
Wurkkos FC11C – now with 519A and buck driver!
The full review is available here
English review at BLF German review at my website
Summary
The Wurkkos FC11C is a nice upgrade of the FC11: The light quality has been further improved by using a Nichia 519A and the buck driver keeps the brightness constant for most of the runtime. Combined with the easy UI and the integrated charging function, the FC11C is a really great flashlight for everyday use.
I can’t really think of any negative aspects. Perhaps it could be a bit shorter. Basically, Wurkkos has done everything right. While I have often recommended the FC11 as an entry-level flashlight, the FC11C will take its place in the future.
Skilhunt EC200 – look at this fantastic EDC light!
The full review is available here
English review at BLF German review at my website
Summary
Three powerful LEDs with a buttery smooth, floody beam and amazing color rendition, a USB-C charging port, magnetic tailcap and an easy UI. Skilhunt added several new models with USB charging port to their EC series. The single color EC200 shown in this review is a fantastic EDC flashlight at high standard.
Actually I can’t really find any major disadvantages. It would be nice if the head was less symmetrical to make it easier to find the switch. But otherwise it is close to being perfect and definitely a great recommendation for an EDC flashlight.
Wurkkos TS26S – 4x Nichia 519A and boost driver!
The full review is available here
English review at BLF German review at my website
Summary
A novel design, four Nichia 519A with outstanding color rendition, a boost driver for constant brightness and a simple user interface. The Wurkkos TS26S is an excellent flashlight in its category – good job, Wurkkos!
There are just some minor details that need to be improved, like the sharp cooling fins. Also it would be nice to have a symmetrical battery tube with a single direction clip that you can turn around.
Armytek Partner C2
The full review is available here
English review at BLF German review at my website
Summary
I’ve been waiting for this flashlight for a long time: At first glance the Armytek Partner C2 seems unspectacular, but in practice it turns out to be a reliable and easy to use partner in demanding situations. The electronic, two-stage tail switch gives you momentary light, silent operation and also serves as a magnetic charging port. The intense spot achieves a surprising amount of throw.
Instead of the strobe I would have preferred direct access to the lowest level. The flashlight can only be switched on in the last used brightness. Overall, an even lower brightness level would have been nice.
Got curious? Then check out the full review linked above! It also includes a 15% discount code.
Enova Gyrfalcon S8000 – new professional Li-ion/NiMH charger
The full review is available here
Summary
The Gyrfalcon S8000 is a powerful charger that targets professional users. It allows you to set many detailed options to adjust the charging and discharging process. And it performs really good in charging and discharging batteries!
On the other hand it doesn’t feel quite finished. The firmware got improved a lot over my testing period, but there’s still room for improvement and extension. There are a few mechanical usability problems with the terminals as well.
It is quite obvious that Enova took more than a single look at the SkyRC MC3000 when designing the S8000. It has a similar appearance, similar menu and the manual is almost identical. However it still lacks some features to be a real competitor. So far it is more like an “MC3000 light” – but with the potential for improvement!
Sofirn SC13 – small EDC flashlight with Fresnel optic
The full review is available here
English review at BLF German review at my website
Summary
The Sofirn SC13 is a small and lightweight EDC flashlight with a creative design. The waist and texture feel very nice in the hand and allow for a reliable grip. Sofirn did everything right with the UI: It is simple, has shortcuts to lowest, highest and last used brightness and no unnecessary features.
Not sure if there is any benefit from the fancy Fresnel optic. The beam has a smooth spot with some small rings in the spill. Unfortunately the tint is not the best: slightly green with a noticeable tint shift between spot and spill. But for most users it should be acceptable.
Got curious? Then check out the full review linked above. There you can also find a link to Amazon US with a 10% discount code.
Armytek Prime C2 (non pro) – an entry-level Armytek flashlight
The full review is available here
English review at BLF German review at my website
Summary
The Prime C2 – Armytek’s new entry-level model of the Prime flashlight series. Compact size and with a simple user interface. But also tough, great switch and with the proven magnetic charging system.
But in my opinion there are too many compromises with the driver, the firmware and especially the light quality. Why was the battery level indicator omitted? The LED is probably still hidden behind the switch. Why is the current so low? The LED could handle more. And who approved this horrendous beam?
I would have been happy to recommend this flashlight. I was really looking forward to it myself. Unfortunately I got disappointed. But just try it out and decide for yourself whether you like it or not. Alternatively, I can recommend the Prime C2 Pro, which is a bit larger but otherwise better in many respects.
Manker E05 II – nice 14500/AA EDC flashlight with mechanical tailswitch
The full review is available here
English review at BLF German review at my website
Summary
The Manker E05 II is a compact EDC flashlight, supporting Li-ion and NiMH batteries. It has three levels of brightness with constant output for most of the runtime. The mechanical tail switch makes it easy to use.
Waterproofing of the switch is a little questionable, though. Better don’t try to press it under water.
You can get the flashlight in various colors and materials. You even have the choice between different LEDs (get the Nichia 519A version).
XTAR VC8S – Li-ion/NiMH charger with eight slots and many features
The full review is available here
English review at BLF German review at my website
Summary
If you often have to charge a lot of Li-ion batteries, the XTAR VC8S might be a good choice for you with its eight slots and powered by a USB-C port with 45 W USB PD. It also comes with helpful extra features like internal resistance measurement and a capacity test mode to check the performance of your batteries. To prepare them for storage, it has an storage mode that automatically charges/discharges them to 3.6 V.
NiMH batteries can be charged as well with the VC8S, but it only charges them with a fixed current of 500 mA and might terminate a bit early. That’s enough for casual charging, but if you want more control over the charging process, you might prefer a different charger.
Unfortunately the charging current cannot be manually set for each slot independently, only for four slots at once. If you rely on the automatic current selection, some batteries might be charged with a little too much current. This limits the flexibility of the charger when you want to charge different sizes of batteries at once.
Wurkkos WK40 RGB multi-color flashlight – get it NOW as long as you can!
Full review here
Sorry, I haven't got the time yet to translate it into English. But as it seems to be discontinued, I wanted to share this PSA with you!
Summary
If you like it colorful, the Wurkkos WK40 is the right flashlight for you, a little rainbow in your pocket! The four LEDs (white, deep red, green and blue) are controlled with a ring and a tail switch. It also has a buck driver for mostly constant brightness, USB-C charging and a short battery tube. You can choose from seven fixed colors or an infinite color gradient. Various blinking modes for your next party are included as well.
As this light seems to be discontinued, you might want to get one now as long as you can!
Armytek Prime C2 Pro Max – the new Prime flagship
The full review is available here
English review at BLF German review at my website
Summary
With the Prime C2 Pro Max, Armytek managed to make a robust and powerful flashlight that fits perfectly into the Prime series. Its slightly floody beam and up to 4000 lm in turbo – even without a fully charged battery – makes it a perfect partner for your adventures and gives you a great overview of your environment.
There are just a few things I would have liked to see: a better lanyard hole, a clip and maybe a domeless LED. Just minor details, overall the Armytek Prime C2 Pro Max is a great flashlight.
