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Lighten7's Max X3A marks two firsts for the budding flashlight manufacturer; it is their first foray into multi-emitter territory and it's also their first light to utilize CREE's XM-L2 emitter, three of them as a matter of fact:

Short of some design differences, the emitters, black HAIII anodization and a different UI, it is just about identical to Shadow's SL3. If anything, it's like a v2 of the SL3 so let’s see how it stacks up...



MFG FEATURES & SPECS
• CREE XM-L2 T6 1A cool white LED *3
• Maximum output at 1550 lumens with max. runtime over 17 hours
• Powered by 1x26650 Li-ion battery (Kit set bundles battery and charger)
• Easy access side switch for on/off control, output modes changes and strobe
• Advanced driver provdes constant current discharge, reverse polarity protection, low voltage warning
• All-in-one circuit room structure enhances heat conduction and dissipation
• Aerospace class aluminum alloy with military class type III hard anodized body
• Stainless steel strike bezel to provide protection to flashlight head and lens
• Smooth reflector to deliver central focus beam with extended throw distance
• Compact design with powerful output for demanding application and outdoor activities


PACKAGING / CONTENTS
The X3A arrived in a sturdy cardboard box with decent foam cushioning:


I received the stripped down version of their kits that normally includes:
- 1 x 26650 battery & charger
- 1 x 18650 sleeve
- o-ring
- lanyard


but since this is a review sample I only got the last two items:



VIDEO SUMMARY
Here is a complete video summary of the X3A while while I work on fleshing out this review:

Прямая ссылка на видео YouTube

SIZE / HANDLING
vs. other 26650-sized lights:

L to R: King Kong 26650 | Shadow SL3 | Lighten7 Max X3A | Shadow JM26 | Shadow JM07-Pro | Shadow JM07 | Elektro Lumens Big Bruiser


UI
The UI on the X3A is very straightforward. To turn it on, depress on the side-switch once and it'll immediately turn on in Low. Once on, each depress of the side-switch will cycle through the three output levels: L > M > H. Strobe can be activated at any time with the light on or off by depressing the switch twice. To shut off the light, hold the side-switch for at least two seconds or just quickly lock-out the light and twist the tube back on.

It is fairly easy to accidentally activate the strobe while cycling through the output levels since the spacing isn't tight enough. There is no memory so it'll always come on in L, to expound; if you last used the light in L and then either shut-off the light or change the batteries, the light will always come on in L. There is no electronic lock-out but the light can be physically locked-out since the threads are anodized.


RUNTIME & OUTPUT
The relevant battery stats are provided above each runtime graph along with:
- Voltage of the battery at the start and end of the test
- Current draw
- Actual runtime using ANSI FL1 (first in HR and then in M so for the KK on High, read this as 1.9hrs or 113min)
- NEW (as of May 2012): Lumens measured on my PVC LMD @ 30 seconds
- Also for High, captured the temperature: ambient, the head/fins at start and the max it reached (fan was used for all bats)

Max output measured @ 30 seconds was 1630lms w/an AW IMR 18650 (1600mAh).

The X3A runs semi-regulated at turn-on until step down which is timed for approx. 3 minutes. It'll then continue to run in semi-regulated mode until the cell can no longer sustain the current and begin a gradual decline in output. This should give one ample warning as to when change the cells. With an optional spacer, the X3A is capable of running on a single 18650 cell (must be able to handle at least 3.6A draw sustained) so I included the RL3400 in the runtime test. There is no LVW during either of these runs and given the relatively aggressive step down, the X3A doesn't get hot at all, provided High is not reactivated again.


X3A GALLERY


MORE TO COME...

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X3A provided by Lighten7 for review.