Summary

With the Pro version, Wurkkos has responded to user feedback and addressed some of the criticisms of its predecessor. The fold-out wings on the Wurkkos HD02 Pro can now also be rotated, allowing the light to be directed in almost any desired direction. Another new feature is a 660 nm red light that helps preserve the eyes’ dark adaptation. The powerful spotlight, UV light and green laser remain largely unchanged.

However, there are problems with the charging function, which has been unreliable for both me and other users. It is currently impossible to determine conclusively whether these are isolated cases or a fundamental issue. The manufacturer was informed of the problems but was unable to provide any concrete information even after several weeks. Another issue is that the plastic diffusers in the wings can come loose when the light is used at high brightness.

I had specifically criticized the non-rotatable floodlight wings on the previous model. Wurkkos has done an excellent job of addressing this issue in the new Pro version. The red light is also a useful addition. The charging problems are all the more disappointing. Otherwise, the Wurkkos HD02 Pro would be nearly perfect.

The full review is available here:

English review at BudgetLightForum
German review on my website

Summary

For those who find the Wurkkos HD02 too large and heavy as an EDC flashlight, the Wurkkos HD02 Mini is a suitable alternative. Despite its significantly more compact dimensions, it doesn’t skimp on features: in addition to the powerful spotlight, there is a warm-white floodlight and a red light. The foldable wing for use as a small lantern is also included. Details such as the rotary switch, the long two-way clip and the magnetic tailcap with tripod thread complete the package.

With so many features, minor firmware bugs aren’t entirely surprising. However, I do consider it problematic that the adhesive holding the diffuser on the wing can come loose at high brightness. A 660 nm red light would also have been nice.

Overall, I still consider the Wurkkos HD02 Mini a successful EDC flashlight. With its wide range of features, it proves to be a practical companion for everyday use.

The full review is available here:

English review at BudgetLightForum
German review on my website

Summary

The Sofirn HS23 has a lot to offer: The headlamp features three channels with spotlight, floodlight and 660 nm red light, which can be conveniently switched between using a rotary switch. It also has an integrated USB-C charging function.

Despite its simple operation and practical features, I have one major criticism of the HS23: It is simply too heavy for a headlamp. Even an 18650 battery feels borderline to me in a headlamp, so a large 21700 battery is all the more unsuitable for this application. Personally, I would prefer a shorter runtime and more frequent battery changes rather than having to wear a relatively heavy flashlight on my forehead for extended periods.

However, the HS23 can make sense when high brightness is required for extended periods. If a helmet is already being worn for work, the additional weight is less of an issue. The good regulation is also an advantage in this case, as it keeps the brightness constant for a long time.

The full review is available here:

English review at BudgetLightForum
German review on my website

Summary

Great hardware, poor software – that’s the Sofirn SK31 in a nutshell. The combination of a powerful LMP LHP73B with a well-regulated driver, a two-stage tail switch, a separate switch for the lockout and a screwed cover for the USB-C charging port provide the perfect hardware foundation for a great flashlight.

The operation is all the more disappointing. The two-stage switch leaves much of its potential unused. For example, there is no direct access to the lowest or highest brightness level and in Tactical Mode, the switch must be held halfway down for a full five seconds to keep the flashlight on. Minor firmware bugs make the overall experience even less enjoyable.

The full review is available here:

English review at BudgetLightForum
German review on my website

Summary

The Imalent BTL50 is not a zoom flashlight in the traditional sense, yet the width of its beam can still be adjusted – without any moving parts. This is made possible by an integrated diffuser whose strength can be controlled electronically. This technology is extremely rare in flashlights, but highly practical.

Although the flashlight feels compact and comfortable to handle, the capacity of the built-in battery is somewhat limited for its size. The flashlight stands out with its slightly futuristic design and stylish leather-like covering. The width of the beam is adjusted with a rotary control, which allows for smooth, intuitive operation. A pocket clip or holster, however, would have been a welcome addition.

The full review is available here:

English review at BudgetLightForum
German review on my website

Summary

The Nitecore P27iX is a tactical flashlight that impresses with a well-designed user interface and four special "M515S" LEDs. The multi-stage tail buttons provide direct access to four brightness levels, while a sliding switch reliably protects the flashlight against accidental activation. Only the SET button on the head requires some getting used to. Also worth mentioning are the battery level indicators and the USB charging port with its metal flip cover.

The width of the beam can be adjusted in three steps – a useful, though not strictly essential feature. In addition to the four regular brightness levels, there are two particularly bright modes called "Search" and "Lumin Shield". Some of the button assignments can be customized to suit personal preferences.

A major drawback, in my view, is the proprietary battery. A design that works with standard 21700 cells would have been clearly the better option. The NL2155HPi is not only relatively expensive at over $30, but its long-term availability is also not guaranteed.

The full review is available here:

English review at BudgetLightForum
German review on my website

Summary

The Armytek Predator Pro Max lives up to its name: compared to its predecessor, it is brighter, has a longer runtime and more throw – all while maintaining nearly the same size. It comes with a new side button, which eliminates the need to loosen or tighten the head to adjust the brightness. Other features like the electronic tail switch and the convenient magnetic charging system are still included.

However, if you don’t want to use the flashlight at full power all the time, it can quickly become a challenge to use: in the dark, the side button for adjusting the brightness is hard to find, as it neither stands out in color nor in shape.

The full review is available here:

English review at BudgetLightForum
German review on my website

Summary

I have not seen more light from a flashlight of this size. Thanks to its flat form factor, the Wuben X1 Pro fits easily into your pocket. With spotlight, floodlight or a combination of both, the light can be adapted to any situation. Active fan cooling allows for longer operation at high brightness. The batteries can either be charged directly in the light via USB-C or quickly replaced if needed.

However, the specified 12300 lm output is not fully achieved and also drops quickly within the first few seconds. After that, 3000 lumens are maintained consistently for about 1.5 hours. With heavy use, the fan could be affected by water and dirt, but it can be replaced relatively easy if needed.

The full review is available here:

English review at BudgetLightForum
German review on my website

Summary

With the HD02, Wurkkos has once again released a well-designed flashlight. It offers a powerful spotlight, UV light and a green laser. The real highlight, however, are the two fold-out wings, which provide even floodlight illumination with adjustable color temperature.

The user interface is straightforward: unfolding the wings automatically turns on the floodlight. A rotary switch allows easy selection between spotlight, UV light and laser. With the magnet and tripod thread, the flashlight can be mounted in many ways. In an emergency, it can even be used as a power bank via the USB port.

The full review is available here:

English review at BudgetLightForum
German review on my website

Summary

Apart from the similarity in name, the Vastlite Minima Bow LED has little in common with the earlier Minima Bow featuring a laser light source. In fact, it is a completely new model with conventional LED technology.

The cool-white light shows a pronounced corona around the spot with a yellow-green tint. Operation via the mechanical tail switch is mostly intuitive – if it weren’t for the rather unnecessary blinking modes, which can be easily activated unintentionally.

With a different LED, the Vastlite Minima Bow LED could have been an attractive EDC flashlight: slightly warmer, without the ugly corona, with better color rendering and perhaps a small TIR optic instead of the reflector.

The full review is available here:

English review at BudgetLightForum
German review on my website

Summary

The Nitecore EDC07 offers a few interesting surprises: two MCT LEDs with adjustable color temperature produce a pleasant, slightly floody beam. The classic tail-switch operation is easy to understand. Thanks to the plastic body, the flashlight is remarkably light at just 70 g. However, with the plastic feel, it takes some time before you will appreciate the build quality. The strobe mode is well hidden, severely limiting its practical use.

The full review is available here:

English review at BudgetLightForum
German review on my website

Summary

Clips are a common feature on flashlights. They make it easy to attach the flashlight to a pocket or a belt. In some cases, the clip can also be useful during operation, allowing you to keep your hands free. And on some models, the clip is even an integral part of the design.

The Wurkkos HD03 is such a clip flashlight. It features three channels for a spot light, flood light and colorful RGB lighting. With its clip and the integrated magnet, it can be mounted in many ways.

The full review is available here:

English review at BudgetLightForum
German review on my website

Summary

The Vastlite Versa Bow is a compact LEP flashlight with a convenient zoom mechanism. This extends its use beyond a narrow "pencil beam" and also allows for close-range operation. As typical for LEP flashlights, the beam exhibits a slight color fringe, which is particularly noticeable in the flood setting.

The full review is available here:

English review at BudgetLightForum
German review on my website

The flashlight was kindly provided by flashlightgo for this review.

Summary

The Nitecore EDC09 does not impress with gimmicks, but with practical and well-thought-out features. The two "MCT UHE" LEDs allow the color temperature to be adjusted in three steps, from a warm 3000 K to cool 6500 K, making it adaptable to different situations. The smoothly adjustable head, along with the built-in magnet and a two-way clip, makes the flashlight versatile and suitable for a wide range of uses.

It features a very intuitive control system with a sliding switch, allowing for comfortable and easy brightness adjustments. The separate diffuser transforms the flashlight into a small lantern with 360° illumination.

All in all, the Nitecore EDC09 is not only a perfect EDC flashlight, but also a great work light for spontaneous tasks, thanks to its rotating head.

The full review is available here:

English review at BudgetLightForum
German review on my website

Summary

The highlights of the Skilhunt H300 are the boost driver providing constant brightness and the new SL-F50S LED, which was specifically developed for Skilhunt and impresses with exceptionally high color rendering and a neutral tint around 5000 K. In addition it has a convenient magnetic charging system and a comfortable head mount.

You can choose between the H300 with a TIR optic and the H300R with a reflector. Both versions have similar throw and mainly differ in beam pattern. However, the brightness on the highest level drops more quickly in the TIR version for some reason.

On the two lowest levels, the driver may emit a faint whine. If you are sensitive to such noises and often use the light in quiet environments, it could become annoying.

The full review is available here:

English review at BudgetLightForum
German review on my website

If you are interested in more details about the SL-F50S, you should check out Koef3's detailed review of the SL-F50S!

Sometimes, wearing a headlamp on your head can be a challenge, for example during rain or fog or when using a hat. An alternative is to wear the headlamp around your neck. But this can be uncomfortable and wobbly with most original holders.

This simple plate was designed to use the clamping part of the Skilhunt HB3 headlamp mount. Not only is it a great mount by itself, it is also easy to take apart and to design a compatible bracket for your headlamp yourself.

You can find the 3D model here:

https://www.printables.com/model/1483308-skilhunt-hb3-chestplate

(Before anyone gets worried: there's a weak link in the paracord.)

Summary

Not just an ordinary flashlight: with its remarkable design inspired by an OTF pocketknife, the Nitecore EDC17 presents itself as a stylish EDC accessory. In addition to white light, it also features a green laser and a powerful 365 nm UV light. The best feature, however, is its intuitive control system with a sliding switch that makes adjusting the brightness very easy. Overall, the EDC17 is a fantastic combination of great design, solid ergonomics, intuitive controls and a variety of light sources.

When purchasing, it’s important to check whether you’re getting a Class 1 or Class 3R laser, depending on the retailer and your preference. Due to the lower risk to the eyes, I would recommend the weaker version, which is more than sufficient for most presentation purposes.

The full review is available here:

English review at BudgetLightForum
German review on my website

Here is an updated version of my LoopDot UI flowchart, after receiving the release model of the flashlight.

Major changes:

• There's now a single flashlight mode to quickly turn the light on and off. Press 4C to return back to the menu.
• Shake the light to switch throw/flood channels. This feature can be turned off in the settings. You can still switch between the channels by holding the button.
• A new lockout mode protects the flashlight from accidental activation. Turn the wheel to unlock.
• New scrolling text mode that allows you to enter an arbitrary text. Scroll through the characters and press the button to add it to the text. When you're finished, 3C starts scrolling the text.
• New random direction mode. Just like the dice or coin flip, just for directions.
• There's also a new stopwatch mode with lap times. 1C start the time and takes a lap. Rotating the wheel or 3C stops the stopwatch. 5C resets everything to zero.
• If you have too many flashlights, you can use the new counter mode to count them! A press of the button or turning the wheel increments the counter. You can switch between multiple counters with 3C. Press 5C to reset the counter.
• Bored? Try out the new bucket game ("catch the gems") with three levels of hardness.
• Timer mode was fixed and now properly counts 60 seconds each minute (instead of 52 seconds). For this, the bottom row counts three seconds for each pixel, with different colors. Press 3C to quickly set it to 10s, 30s, 60s, 1min, 10minm, 30min or 60min.

Other changes:

• Vibration and brightness settings are now from 1 to 10 instead of 1 to 20.
• You can adjust the auto-off timeout.
• Vibration when using the scroll wheel was turned off to prolong the lifetime of the vibration motor.

In the next weeks I will update my review of the LoopDot accordingly.

Summary

Plenty of light with up to 6,000 lumens and an adjustable beam reaching up to 500 meters – the Nitecore EX7 has a lot to offer! Its four M515S LEDs, a proprietary design by Nitecore, each consist of five closely grouped light-emitting surfaces that can be controlled separately in two groups. This allows the effective LES – and thus the beam – to be adjusted as needed. Additionally, the flashlight is powered by a standard 21700 battery and features a USB-C charging port.

But you'll only enjoy this flashlight if you can get used to its UI. In my view, it's confusing and not very practical: during the first three seconds after turning it on, you can't switch it off, and after that, the brightness can no longer be changed. There's no mode memory at all and when trying to adjust the brightness, it's easy to accidentally activate Turbo or even Strobe mode.

With a better UI, I would definitely recommend the Nitecore EX7, as it combines plenty of power with a compact design and offers an adjustable beam. But before buying, it's important to take a look at the UI and decide whether it works well for you.

The full review is available here:

English review at BudgetLightForum
German review on my website