u/esskue

Firefly L50 Sol
I have a soft spot for tech that nods to older, more nostalgic gear. Restomods, cassette-tech throwbacks, all of it. The L50 Sol hits that sweet spot. In Astral aluminum, it reminds me of the shiny aluminum flashlight that lived in my grandfather’s wood shop. To keep the nostalgia going, I picked a warm tint emitter to mimic the incandescent bulbs of yore. A right angle light with a retro look that doubles as a headlamp? I had to have one.

Full disclosure here at the top. FFL sent me this in exchange for my honest opinion. And that’s what this is. Let’s get into it.

What’s in the box?
Firefly L50 Sol
Lanyard
Spare O-rings
Pocket clip
Lanyard ring
User manual
Headband
It all arrives in a neat little hard plastic box. That’s a big step up from the paper boxes, and I’d bet it helps these lights survive shipping.
Note: the 18650 cell is not included unless you add it at purchase.

Build quality
This is my third Firefly, and the quality still blows me away. You really have to hold one to appreciate it. The head threads on and off smoothly, and so does the tail cap when you swap between the lanyard ring and the pocket clip ring. The tail magnet is strong, the knurling is exquisite, and the switch has a satisfying audible click with great tactile feedback. The pocket clip is sturdy and lets the light sit low in the pocket. Nothing about the build feels like a compromise.

Design
This is where the L50 Sol takes the cake. The Astral aluminum recalls the old aluminum lights of the 70s, and I love it. The knurling and cutouts catch the eye from every angle, and the light looks amazing in direct sun. The RGB aux LEDs glow beautifully behind the beaded TIR, and the lit switch is a nice touch. The angled switch behind the lens puts your thumb right where it wants to rest.
The one downside is that there’s no onboard charging. You have to pull the cell and charge it in an external charger, or in a light that supports onboard charging. It doesn’t bother me, but you should know going in.

UI
The L50 Sol runs the open source Anduril 2. If you’re new to it, it can look intimidating. Give it a little practice and you’ll be navigating the flow chart with ease. It’s worth the effort, because it unlocks a huge amount of customization.

Usability
As an EDC, this light excels. The right angle, warm emitter, and strong tail magnet make it a great companion for work and around the house. It’s bright enough to scan my yard at night, and it’s my go-to “checking under the sink” light. The headband adds a whole new layer. It’s comfortable, easy to adjust, and the rubber rings hold the light steady at whatever angle you set. It’s like getting two lights in one.

Performance
I chose the FFL5009R emitter (2700K, CRI 95, 1800 lumens, 120 meters). It’s warm, easy on the eyes, and plenty bright. With the beaded TIR lens, it easily fills my entire backyard or whatever room I’m in. Smooth or stepped ramping makes it simple to dial in the right brightness for the job.

Summary
I love this thing. The nostalgia and build quality are top notch, the UI is a proven favorite with tons of capability, and it works great as both a headlamp and a pocket EDC. The styling and aux LEDs also get a “wow” from non-enthusiast family and friends when I hand it over. It quickly became one of my favorites in the collection.
If you’re interested, I’d appreciate it if you used my affiliate link below.

https://www.firefly-outdoor.com/products/l50-sol-edc-right-angle-flashlight-%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC?sca_ref=11735365.0Dsx1GgLNR

I recently waded into FFL with the Z1. Though I had some initial issues, once I had a working unit I was simply in love. So I had to try another. The Firefly X4 Stellar seemed like the next logical choice. A quad emitter powerhouse with aux RGB LEDs running Anduril 2‽ Is this the perfect EDC?

*Full disclosure: FFL sent me this one in exchange for my review. If you’re interested, there’s an affiliate link below and I’d appreciate it if you used it. Despite that, this is my honest opinion.*

What’s in the box?

- The Firefly X4 Stellar

- Pocket clip

- Lanyard loop 

- Lanyard

- O-rings

- A second 15° beaded TIR optic

This is the first time I’ve had a light come with a second optic, and I love it. The ability to swap optics adds a lot of value. It’s almost like getting a second light, since changing the optic changes the character of the beam. I also appreciate that it came with both a pocket clip and a lanyard loop, so you can set it up however you prefer to carry it. Swapping the lanyard loop or pocket clip is a synch and it doesn’t even open the battery compartment. Customization quickly emerged as a theme with the X4.

Build Quality

I now completely understand why this brand is so popular here. It’s phenomenal. It feels high end and genuinely well made. The threads on the head and tail feel great, and the switch is satisfying to press. The pocket clip is strong and holds perfectly, as well as he tail magnet. The studded body and the heat channels on the head both add real grip and the anodizing feels and looks very high quality. 

The charging port is an interesting mix of the usual rubber stopper and a metal port cover. The cover itself is metal, held on with a small rubber hinge, and it’s secured with two little magnets. It snaps shut with a satisfying click. What I really like about it is that it is very easy to open and when you let go it snaps shut, meaning you can’t accidentally leave the charging port exposed.

Design

I love the design of this thing. It looks and feels amazing. The black switch and bezel against the navy blue body is a great combo, and the white badging pops against that navy. The switch sits nicely in a raised bezel, easy to find along with the center charge indicator. It isn’t too mushy or long and ambiguous, which is a must when navigating Anduril.  The heat sink cutouts on the head are deep and give it an almost gill-like flare that’s both functional and interesting. The bezel is  has interesting grooves which are actually threads to a fix a lantern attachment should you choose to get one. The studded center of the body, combined with the finish of the anodizing, catches light in a fascinating way and adds real texture and dimension. I’ve been catching myself just admiring it.

UI

The X4 runs the open source Anduril 2 UI. I love how customizable this makes things. For a lot of us here, it’s a familiar and favorite UI, but for beginners it can be a bit intimidating at first. It’s worth taking the time to learn if you want to unlock everything the X4 has to offer.

Usability

This is a fantastic EDC light. The form, function, and build quality make it my new favorite to carry. It’s been incredibly useful for daytime projects and for night hikes with my son on the beach. A great all around pocket EDC. 

Performance

The emitters in my unit are FFL351A 5000K, and the beam is really comfortable, even up close. Claimed max output is 2800 lumens, with a nice high CRI of 95. It also has enough punch for larger scale illumination. The beam from the 15° TIR is a bit throwier while still holding a ton of flood, which I prefer. 

I’ve been using a 5000mAh 21700 Molicel, and battery life has been fantastic. The only issue I’ve run into is that it gets pretty hot after extended turbo use, though backing the output down a bit takes care of that.

Summary

Overall, the X4 is a masterpiece of an EDC light. It’s high quality, and exactly my taste. The beam is genuinely useful, and the Anduril UI along with the swappable optics make it highly customizable and versatile. 

If you’re interested, check it out through the affiliate link below.

https://www.firefly-outdoor.com?sca_ref=11735365.0Dsx1GgLNR

I’ve wanted to get a Firefly light for a while now, and this seemed like an obvious place to start. I’ve heard all types of things about FFL in this community. I wanted to see what all the hype was about, and boy were you guys right. I love this thing. This may very well be my perfect EDC light.

Full disclosure at the top. FFL sent me this to review. The first one they sent arrived in a box that looked like it had been run over. That light was dead as a doornail and getting a replacement took a frustrating amount of back and forth with FFL. That being said now that I have a working one I am beaming for this thing. (Yes, pun intended).

What’s in the box?
The Z1 Artemis
Lanyard
User manual
Pocket clip

Build quality
The Z1 feels genuinely premium. The aluminum body is rock solid, and the anodizing has a comfortable matte texture. The knurling on the tube adds great grip, and the slots cut into the head give it some added texture too though I know they are for heat distribution. The switch has a satisfying, responsive click and sits deep in the switch bezel. The tail magnet is strong, more than capable of holding the light up on its own. The pocket clip allows the light to sit deep in my pocket and works well, especially after I took it off and gave it a slight bend so it sits closer to the body (a tip I learned here while waiting for mine).

Design
The design is about as close to perfect as EDC lights get. It’s compact and light for an 18650 light, but not so small that it disappears in my hand. It does, however, vanish into my pocket as I go about my day. The TIR lens produces a smooth, even beam pattern. There’s no onboard charging, so this leans toward enthusiast territory, you’ll need to pull the cell and use an external charger. I especially like the hole in the center of the switch, lit up by the RGB aux LEDs. Between the RGB aux and Anduril 2, there’s a ton of personality packed into this light.

UI
The Z1 runs Anduril 2. Most of us here know it well, but if you don’t, it’s a phenomenal UI with a flow chart that looks intimidating to newcomers. The customization options run deep, and that’s a serious point in its favor.

Usability
As mentioned, the obvious use case here is as an EDC pocket light. The size, weight, and versatility all lend themselves to daily carry. Cycling through brightness levels on the fly makes it handy for projects around the house, while still packing enough output for a walk outside at night.

Performance
This thing is bright. I went with the FFL5009R 5000K emitter, and it floods an entire room or my backyard without hesitation. The TIR lens paired with the slightly throwier emitter produces a tight, well-defined hotspot that fades gently into spill. There’s some noticeable step-down after extended use as heat builds up. For its size, it punches well above its weight class.

Summary
The Z1 is an outstanding all-around EDC light. It’s comfortable to carry while putting out a serious amount of light. A strong tail magnet adds extra versatility, and the premium materials paired with Anduril’s feature set make for a well-rounded package. This has quickly become one of my favorites, and I can already see it earning a permanent spot in my EDC rotation.

Flextail Zero Lantern: A Two-in-One Camping Light

As my kids get older, I’ve been gearing up to start some family camping trips. We even picked up a new tent after squirrels claimed our old one as a winter home (don’t ask). No trip is complete without the right gear. Flashlights, obviously, but don’t sleep on a good lantern. We need something to sit on the picnic table while I make s’mores and dodge flaming marshmallows. While researching camping gear, I stumbled on Flextail and had to try their pocketable, dual-purpose Zero Lantern. The two-in-one form factor made it an easy choice, and so far, I’m digging it.

What’s in the box?

•	The lantern, with an internal battery

•	USB-C cord

•	User manual

Build Quality

Overall build quality is solid. The body feels sturdy, and the button and rotary brightness wheel operate smoothly. The charging port cover seals nicely. My only real complaint is the pop-up clip. The two struts holding it, along with the clip itself, are thin plastic that bends easily. This could be a weak point for anyone taking it on a serious hike. Aluminum, or some other durable metal, would go a long way here.

Design

I love the look. It’s got a retro meets modern vibe. The lower half is a clear cylinder that emits light in a full 360°, while also throwing a bit of a hotspot downward as light travels through the plastic. Housing the battery inside that cylinder is a clever way to keep the size down. Combined with a weight of just 56g, that makes it a strong contender for hikers looking to conserve weight. That said, some will dislike not being able to swap the battery. A real consideration for camping trips where you might be far from a charging source. On the plus side, the clip folds flat against the side and works in either direction. I also appreciate the choice to make the lantern’s ambient glow warm-toned while the top emitter runs cooler. If Flextail upgrades the clip’s material and adds a magnet to the apex, I don’t think anything at this size and price point would touch it.

UI

Controls are refreshingly simple with one button and one rotary switch controlling the brightness for either lighting mode. The switch has grippy cutouts that make it easy to adjust even with cold or wet hands. A double-click powers it on, and turning the dial adjusts brightness. A single click toggles between lantern mode and the top emitter and another click turns it off. There’s a lockout feature, which is a must-have for me (kids), and beacon modes which I tend to not use.

Usability

The use case is straightforward: quick, comfortable light for your immediate surroundings, whether camping, hiking, or navigating a power outage at home. Cycling through brightness levels is fast enough to go from softly lighting a tent corner to illuminating an entire campsite. Since it is so compact I’ve even clipped it to my small dog’s harness on a night hike.

Performance

This thing punches above its size. The warm 3000K ambient glow, at 90 CRI, is bright enough to fill an entire room. The cooler 9000K beam up top is a nice bonus, though it’s not especially powerful on its own. So far, the 1100mAh battery has held up well. Flextail claims 3 hours on high and 10 on low, plus IPX5 water resistance for unexpected rain. It’s the kind of light I’d happily use for a card game by the fire, and it runs cool without ever getting dangerously bright. I’d have no problem handing it to my 7-year-old to go find that marshmallow stick in the woods.

Summary

For its size, this is an excellent lantern. The dual-function front light adds real versatility, and the simple rotary UI makes brightness adjustments quick and intuitive. The lockout feature keeps it from turning on by accident in a bag or pocket. At $35, it’s a great deal and has already earned a permanent spot in my camping gear.

PS

While building out my camping kit, I’ve also been shopping for air mattress pumps. Now you might be thinking, “Esskue, this isn’t the place for that!” But what if I told you these double as mini camping lanterns‽ I really like the idea of using them to inflate our air mattress and then hanging it up in the tent as our dedicated tent light. They also can work in reverse to deflate the mattress when it’s time to pack up. The double functionality just makes sense and I’d love to see more camping gear that also function as a lantern. 

AceBeam UC3A

I’ve had my eye on some AceBeam lights for a while now, and what better way to sample their products than starting small? The UC3A is just that, an extremely pocketable EDC light. With dual front SST-36F emitters pushing out 900 lumens and a side light providing 270 degrees of white or RGB light, it offers a lot of versatility. Add a strong tail magnet, dual-fuel capability (it takes an off-the-shelf AAA battery), and a straightforward UI, and it punches above its weight class. It packs a large amount of functionality into a fun-sized candy bar package.

I like that it’s a useful tool I’m not afraid will light my pocket on fire (whomnst among us‽). It fills a niche in my collection of safer, smaller lights. I’ve been using this one as a secondary pocket light, or as one I’ll gladly hand to one of my kids or my wife without worrying. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got a soft spot for my retina fryers, but this smaller useful little light earns its place too.

What’s in the box?

• •The AceBeam UC3A
• •400 mAh 10440 battery cell with built-in USB-C port (already inside the light)
• •USB-C charging cord
• •Keychain ring/clip
• •Spare O-rings
• •Warranty card
• •User manual
• •Certification card

Build quality and design

This is my first AceBeam, so I’m coming in fresh. It feels solidly made, complete with screws holding the head and tail onto the body. The finish has a nice satin texture that feels uniform and tough. The two buttons compress with a haptic click for feedback. The battery compartment tail threads on and off smoothly and feels secure.

The design doesn’t overthink itself. The dual emitters up front are a smart call for doubling the brightness. The two button interface keeps things straightforward and removes ambiguity. The side light is unique, I’m not sure I’ve seen a rectangular EDC light boasting 270 degrees of from a side light before. An interesting quirk. The RGB lights are a welcome extra, though I find the available options and how you cycle through them leave something to be desired (more on that below). The strong tail magnet on the battery compartment, plus the ability to take any AAA, is a standout feature. The pocket clip isn’t in my preferred orientation, but it functions well and lets the light sit low in my pocket. The versatility here would make this a great gift for a non-enthusiast, or a solid backup light, which is how I’ve been carrying it lately as I mentioned above.

UI and usability

The UI is straightforward and controlled by two buttons. The one closest to the front emitters controls those front emitters, of course, the other controls the side light. The buttons are even marked with a little diagram of a front light and “RGB” respectively. I’ve linked a diagram pulled from AceBeam’s website below. It has many of the key features I look for in an EDC light. It can be locked, moonlight from off, turbo from off, quick brightness control, and it automatically starts on medium from off.

https://www.acebeam.com/Images/uploaded/UC3A-1/08.jpg

I have a few small gripes, and they are as follows. Locking takes a decent amount of time, I’d prefer 4 clicks (4C) over the long press it currently requires. Cycling modes on the side light could also be easier if 2C changed colors and 3C cycled flashing modes, rather than stepping through all of them in sequence. My biggest complaint of all is the lack of battery level indication. Given that the RGB lights are already there, incorporating a battery-level color indicator seems like an easy win.

The usability here sits in the space between the small clip lights I own and the larger EDC ones. This isn’t what you’re reaching for if you’re trying to spot deer across a field, and that’s fine. But for illuminating your tent at the end of the night, or checking under the sink for a leak, the UC3A earns its spot in my collection.

Performance

The 900 lumen front emitters work great. The side light is useful, though not as bright as I expected. The RGB side light is dimmer still, and there’s only one option for any kind of dynamic color effect. I’m left wanting more here, something like a simplified version of the RGB effects on my SK05s. That said, it’s still useful. Packing all of this into a genuinely small package is where the UC3A makes its mark.

TLDR

This isn’t a powerhouse retina destroyer, but for the tasks it was built for, it excels. Solid performance in a compact and well-built EDC light. With an interesting side light design, a strong tail magnet, and a no-frills UI, it’s a worthwhile addition to my collection. The kicker is the ability to take any AAA battery, which adds real versatility.

Please check it out via my affiliate link below if you’re interested!

https://www.acebeam.com/uc3a-compact-multi-color-edc-light/avg/esskue

The LOOPGEAR SK07! An EDC light or military surplus equipment?

I love this hobby, but let’s be honest, most flashlights are often drab tubes. And there’s nothing wrong with that, but the LOOPGEAR SK07 Steel Brodie is something else entirely. From the moment you pick it up, it looks like you pulled it out of an old ammo crate. The combination of cutouts reminiscent of a WWII machine gun heat shroud, boxy stenciled military lettering, and hand-painted distress marks add up to something that belongs in a Fallout or Borderlands game or maybe a prop room for a post-apocalyptic film. It already looks like it’s been through some stuff. It looks like it already has a story, and I’m interested.

What’s in the box

•       The LOOPGEAR SK07 (with 18650 battery installed)

•       Pocket clip

•       Replacement O-rings

•       USB to USB-C charging cable

•       User manual

Build Quality and Design

The build quality is exactly what I’ve come to expect from LOOPGEAR, solid and well made throughout. The finish feels smooth and satin, comfortable in hand yet rugged. The pocket clip is sturdy and seats the light low and comfortably in the pocket. One nice touch is the flange the clip rests against has a flat surface and can actually be repositioned, letting you dial in exactly where the clip sits on the body. Thats a nice little feature and to me that signals attention to detail.

The rotating lock mechanism clicks solidly and smoothly into place. The hidden USB-C charging port cover is a satisfying mechanical piece and much better than a rubber stopper. My one complaint here is that it opens a little too easily. I occasionally find myself popping it open with my pinky when trying to press the tail switch. A few extra threads requiring more rotation to open would solve this. The charging indicator LED is a nice addition, though you have to have the port cover open to see it. So unless you are chasing it down, the battery level indicated by that little LED is hidden.

The button itself is firm. Firmer than I’m used to. It took some adjustment to reliably distinguish a short press from a long press, but once I got the feel of it, it became second nature.

As for the design, this is where the SK07 truly stands out. The name printed on the body, STEEL BRODIE, is a nod to the iconic WWI British army helmet, another small detail that reinforces the military surplus feeling. Everything about this light has a story baked into it before you even carry it. Among my collection of roughly 40-something lights, most of which are straightforward black anodized tubes, this one is genuinely unlike anything else on my shelf. The hand painted wear/tear marks give it character.

UI and Usability

The UI is simple but a little unconventional. A single press from off goes straight to turbo, which might raise eyebrows, but for a light designed with a tactical purpose in mind it makes sense. A half press gives you moonlight, great for quick close-up tasks. From on, half presses cycle through low, medium, and high. A long press from off activates momentary turbo. Early on, the firm button had me accidentally triggering momentary turbo when I just wanted to turn the light on, but that faded with small amount of practice.

The rotating lock is a physical mechanism that prevents the button from being pressed a satisfying and confidence inspiring feature. Interestingly, you can engage the lock while the light is on, which I haven’t seen before and probably won’t use often, but it’s a quirky detail. There’s also a secondary tactical mode focused on strobe effects, which isn’t my thing but might appeal to the right user.

Performance

I wasn’t able to confirm the specific emitter, but the beam character reminds me strongly of the Sofirn SK1. Tight, focused, and purpose built for distance. The claimed 2800 lumens and 515 meter throw track with my brief real world use. The hotspot is concentrated and well defined with a modest of spill around it. It gets warm on turbo, but not uncomfortably so. This is not a “check under the sink” kind of light, it’s a “scan the far tree-line” kind of light. Night walks, checking on a sound outside, working security, this is what I could see this being the tool for the job.

Summary

The SK07 Steel Brodie is a capable tactical thrower wrapped in one of the most distinctive designs I’ve seen in this hobby. It carries well, performs well, and looks unlike anything else in my collection. The charging port cover could use a small design tweak, and the firm button has a learning curve, but neither is a dealbreaker. If you’re looking for a light that actually has personality something that turns heads and starts conversations the SK07 delivers that in a way few lights do.

What I like

•       Exceptional military surplus styling, genuinely unique

•       Strong throw performance

•       Clean and intuitive UI

•       Satisfying mechanical lock

What I could do without

•       Charging port cover opens too easily

•       Turbo from off and no memory mode won’t suit everyone

•       Button feel takes some getting used to

Use code Esskue10 for 10% off any purchase and be sure to please use my affiliate link below

https://loopgear.com?sca_ref=11393273.g2DFOGkJtz (Affiliate Link)

Wuben X5. A three in one EDC flat flashlight with replaceable batteries and a very unique lanyard!

What’s in the box?

The Wuben X5 light

The internal battery (replaceable!)

An Allen key wrench

A user manual

A lanyard (and charging cord! Put a pin in that)

Build quality and design

The build quality feels really good. The body is very angular and futuristic, yet comfortable to hold. I would even call it stylish. The pocket clip is really sturdy and feels secure. The hinge and lock on the battery compartment seem very solid. The black finish is smooth and satin-like, but not too sleek. Even for a thin flashlight, it virtually disappears in my pocket. It is easily one of the most comfortable lights to carry that I have ever owned. The pocket clip can be moved to either side, so you have options. The buttons are a bit mushy, and I find myself cycling the white light mode rather than turning it off sometimes. The rotary dial to select modes takes some force to move, but it does click into place nicely. I quite enjoy the sliding charging port cover. It’s a nice touch and I find myself fidgeting with it.

As for design, I have some qualms. The size and shape of the light make me want to hold it in what I can best describe as TV remote style. As if it were an Arkfeld. But the placement of the mode selector dial and rubber switches won't allow for that. What I’ve found best is holding it with my thumb on the tail switches. This allows my thumb and pointer finger to cycle the mode dial as well. That is personal preference, and not exactly a design flaw. This light posesses two major improvements over other flat flashlights I've tried. Many enthusiasts dislike flat lights with no replacement batteries and we all know why. But this is different. You can take out the proprietary battery it comes with and swap in 4 AAA batteries, which is a very handy feature. And last but certainly not least. The lanyard AND USB-C charging cable. Yes you read that correctly. The lanyard doubles as the charging cord. Simply compress the little tabs on the metal hub on the lanyard and the loop of cord turns into a USB-C charging cord. Genius. I’m not normally a lanyard type guy but this is too cool. I love the fact that it will have a charging cord with it at all times. I’d love to see more companies try something similar, or other surprising features in the future.

UI and usability

The UI is like many other rotary dial flat flashlights. Rotate the little wheel to the desired mode and the cycle brightnesses using the tail switch. The modes are lock, white light, and UV. UV has one brightness level and it’s sufficient. White light can be one of five brightness levels and they are useful. While unlocked the green laser can be turned on or off.

This light is great as an EDC flat flashlight. It’s really pleasant to hold. The charging cable being attached to the light and the ability to swap in AAA batteries makes it very usable long-term. UV and a green laser are great features that seem to be very handy once you start carrying it around. The versatility of the white light would make it comfortable for chores around the house and venturing out at night. ADD CORRECT WORDS HERE sleek design and comfort and the added green laser would make this a great companion for a work presentation.

Performance

The 1300 claimed lumens feels accurate. The tint is a nice, warmer white. It is clear and bright with good throw and spill. The 365 nm 2W UV emitter works great. The green laser is powerful. It is noticeably brighter than the Arkfeld Ultra I have and love. The dual tail switch means turning the green laser on while already using the UV or white light is simple to do.

Summary

The X5 is a sleek and futuristic looking EDC flat 3 in 1 flashlight. It’s a great addition to my collection and I can see it easy falling into my regular rotation of EDC flat lights.

The things I like

* The replaceable battery

* Sleek, comfortable, and cool design

* charging lanyard

* Strong movable pocket clip

* Intuitive UI

* Strong green laser

* Comfortable tint white light with a lot of power

* Very comfortable to pocket

What I don’t like

* The tail switches are a bit mushy

* The rotary dial is a bit difficult to rotate

* It lends to a holding style that isn’t my preference

Check it out here (affiliate link)

https://www.wubenlight.com/?ref=proayjjc

What’s in the box?

The SK05 Pro II UV

Two 4000mAh replaceable batteries 

USBC charging cable

A pocket clip

A user manual

4 hex screws

A hex screw driver 

A small branded plate to cover the pocket clip mounting area should you decide you don’t want the pocket clip attached. This is a nice touch. O appreciate attention to detail like that. It makes it look nice and clean when a pocket clip is not attached. 

Build quality and design

As you all have likely heard, or experienced firsthand, LOOPGEAR is peak quality. Down to the charging port, every aspect of this light feels well made and thoughtfully crafted. The shape of the body and the finger grooves lend well to holding it firmly. The finish on the body is comfortable and there aren’t really any sharp edges. It fits great in my hand and it is really intuitive to index. It naturally finds its way in your hand with your thumb resting on the mode selector switch and E switch. The hinged battery compartment has the really great locking system. There are tritium cutouts in the body which I also appreciate. The charging port cover is a huge upgrade from the first SK05 Pro. The sleek hinged metal cover held in place with a little magnet works perfectly and is so much easier than the little rubber stoppers so many companies use. It’s easier to open and I’m less afraid I’m going to rip it off (yes I’ve done that accidentally before….).  The pocket clip is heavy but nice. It sits comfortably and low in your pocket, despite its large size. The tail magnet is strong and easily supports its own weight. The copper switch looks really cool, contrasted against the black body. The glow gasket in the lens of the flood TIR lens looks awesome. All around it is a really sleek looking gadget. 

UI and usability 

The UI is very recognizable for anyone who has used a similar style rotary selector switch on a flashlight before. Think of your Arkfelds and the older SK05s. Move the dial to the desired mode and press the switch. A 1H switches from low medium to high on both emitters. 1H from off on either throw or flood gives you both on turbo. And it is bright! 3C gives you strobe. Once on side light mode it’s also very easy. 1C for on. 2C to cycle through the various modes. 1H to change color for RGB modes or brightness for white light mode. 4C changes brightness in RGB modes. The side UV can have its brightness increase momentarily with 1H. 

The usability to me seems obvious. It’s a handy EDC light. The side white light is a comfortable tint. Combined with the tail magnet, it works well as an improvised project light. The combo spot and throw add a lot of versatility. I find myself having it be a regular in my EDC rotation. It just works. 

Performance 

The white emitters put out a bright 5000lm. The amount of light it makes is impressive. The side lights can also be very bright and it is a good neutral tint. Whether looking for my dog in the yard or checking the locks one last time, its adaptable and great. Using the magnet base or tail stand makes its a handy work light as well.

The UV emitter is surprisingly strong. It has a ZWB filter but lacks a reflector. Despite the reflector, it works very well. It even can do a “turbo” mode with 1H. It is great for making GITD stuff glow or minerals fluoresce. It’s a nice addition. 

Summary

The Loop Gear SK05 Pro II UV is a great quadruple light. With the mix of flood, spot, side white/RBG, and now UV. What more could you want? Duel cell, replaceable large batteries that lend to long battery life and a large amount of lumens, a mix of features. It’s an all around EDC dream. 

All in all the Loop Gear SK05 Pro II UV is a solid addition to my collection. I appreciate UV on a solid EDC light. I already love the other SK05s I have, the added feature just makes it even more useful. 

if you are interested, please use this link. (Affiliate link)

Sofirn ST2

What’s in the box?

The Sofirn ST2 light

Charging cable

Lanyard

User manual

Build quality and design

The ST2 feels very solid and of high quality. I've been a big fan of Sofirn for this exact reason. So far, every one of their products features high-quality, well made lights at a great price point. The rotating mode-selection dial is tight and easy with very little play or wiggle in any wrong direction. It settles into one of the three modes with a satisfying click. The button is firm, yet easy to press, and due to its location at the center of the dial, very simple to locate. The battery compartment is sealed with two hex screws. So technically the cells can be swapped, though not very quickly. The rotating head moves smoothly and holds its position very well. It feels very finely made. The pocket clip is mounted in a way that makes the head of the light stick up out of your pocket. This is not my preferred way and at first I thought that I could simply reverse it using the two hex screws holding it in place. However, the tab on the clip that sits nescled in the well in the body is uneven and therefore won’t fit if reversed. This is a slight flaw in my opinion. Making it uniform and allowing for the clip to be rotated would be a great feature to have. That being said, the clip is sturdy and holds itself in place firmly.  It has onboard charging which is convenient. 

Here is where the ST2 stands out. The 90° rotating head. This adds a lot of versatility as a work light. Combined with the strong tail magnet or stable tail standing it can mount anywhere and provide illumination to your current project. 

UI and usability

The UI is very simple and it reminds me very much of the OLIGHT Arkfeld. The rotary dial swings around to select your desired mode. There is white light, red light, and UV. Once in the desired mode you press the switch. A 1H brightens or dims the light with smooth ramping between the two. 2C for quick turbo and 3C for strobe. 4C to lock with 1H for moonlight while locked (a key feature I always hope for). 

As for usability, it is an obvious work light in my opinion. Standing it on its tail and rotating the head lets you light up your area brightly. The strong tail magnet also adds to that ability should you be near an applicable surface. It’s a bit on the big side for an EDC, but not impossible. The pocket clip makes the head of it stick out above my pocket as mentioned, which isn’t ideal. That being said - it is a three in one package. The white emitter is very bright at 3000lm with good spill and a very clear hotspot. The red light can be very bright and the UV is useful for finding stains or just for fun glowing things. 

Performance 

This Luminus SFT-42R puts out a great amount of light. It has a good amount of throw and flood despite having such a tiny lens. The red is also nice and strong. The UV with its two brightness level is very useful. Those features on the rotating head are great for looking around the house, the yard, or for working in a dark place. 

Summary  

A solid versatile light with the added 90° rotating head feature. The built in cells can technically be swapped, though not easily. It’s bulky, but handy. The pocket clip should have the ability to be reversed. But all around, it’s a solid light. I can see myself taking this on trips or around the house to do a project. 

Check it out here at this affiliate link

If you use the coupon code ESSKUE you’ll get 10% off!

What’s in the box?

The light

Lanyard

Charging cable

User manual

Note: the battery is internal and non replaceable. More on that later. 

Build quality and design

As I’ve come to expect from Wurkkos the build quality is great. Especially given the price point.  The hinge on the “head” of the light is solid and holds whatever angle you set it to well. The body is comfortable to hold. Even though it is plastic it feels solid and durable. The textured surface and flared ends lend well to holding onto it. The over all shape is also very comfortable. The clear plastic is very nostalgic for me. It reminds me of the clear plastic housed electronics of the 90s. The plastic body also glows! Which I love. The clip is strong and so is the tail magnet. The charging port is uncovered and even though it is still waterproof I worry about dust and lint. Time will tell with that. The incorporation of the integrated battery may be an issue for some enthusiasts and we all know why. But for this size and shape light it just make sense. 

As for design this is an interesting one. It really leans into the cute robot aspect. I’ve shown it to multiple people and almost all of them have said how cute it was and called it Wall-E almost immediately. Which is fair. It is hard not to anthropomorphize this thing. I even had someone ask me what I’m going to name it, which is a first for me. Tilting the head of it down a little makes it look sad even. It’s funny. 

I can’t shake the feeling that as I look at it, it is looking back at me. 

UI and usability 

The UI is simple. Though I keep having to remind myself which button does what. Once you get that it is easy to navigate modes. Once complaint I have is that I find it difficult to get the RGB LED to be red for memory mode. It changes to purple very quickly and takes a few tries. The spot mode is a nice thrower for its size and flood is a nice warm 4000k. Switching between the modes is easy. I also appreciate the lock mode. I do however wish it had a temporary moonlight mode from lock.

The usability here is high. The incorporation of the strong clip and rotating head lend itself to a great work light. It clips well to a backpack strap, hat brim, shirt pocket etc. All around it’s a useful EDC light. 

Performance 

The emitters are as follows. 

Floodlight: 1× SST20, 4000K, CRI ≥90

Spotlight: 1× SST20, 6000K

RGB: 1×  RGB LED

The floodlight emitted is behind a TIR lens with a textured reflector. It’s a really pleasant warm tint that’s great for lighting up a whole area. The spot emitter is a bright white behind a smooth TIR and it throws a nice beam with a defined hotspot, especially given its size. The RGB emitter is behind a textured lens that diffuses the light. Given its size it over performs what I anticipated from it. 

Summary 

A great EDC light with great output and excellent utility. As a project companion or EDC light it just makes sense. The combo of the added clip, strong tail magnet, and rotating head make this a great companion on any project and it just has a lot of utility. Also, it’s cute. It looks like it’s at any moment about to walk or talk to me. And that’s cool. It’s a bargain at $25 and would make a great gift for a novice with its simple UI and large adaptability to any usage. 

It can be checked out here. Not affiliate link, just for ease.

https://wurkkos.com/products/hd04-edc-clip-flashlight-rotating-head?VariantsId=12429

Wuben X4

What’s in the box?

The light itself

A charging cable

A lanyard

The 18650 battery cell

User manual

Build quality and design

This is my very first Wuben brand light and I am

pleasantly surprised. The build quality is really good. The selector switch, on/off button, tail switch, and brightness wheel all feel very solid and intuitive. I really like how the charging port is covered by the mode switch and revealed when moved to moonlight mode. Over all it’s a solidly made light aesthetically I really like the way it feels and looks.

The design is very cool. I like the rectangular form factor and the various cutouts. The different lens on the main emitters look very interesting. I appreciate that the placement of the aux LEDs is in a spot where I don’t accidentally blind myself with them. I particularly love the battery compartment latch. It’s simple and it just makes sense. The pocket clip is really sturdy, and while it lends to a pocket carry that has the light facing upwards and that isn’t my preference, it works great. Maybe future models can have a reversible pocket clip.

UI and usability

The UI is really simple and intuitive. The combination of the mode selector switch and the addition of the wheel to adjust brightness levels makes it really interesting and functional. Changing the color of the RGB side light using the wheel is something I haven’t seen before and it’s great. I really appreciate the dedicated moonlight mode which lends itself well to a dedicated night stand light. On top of that the tactical tail switch for instant turbo really adds some functionality as well as the strong tail magnet.

All of these features and an intuitive UI really lend to this being a great EDC or work light. As well as working great for looking around a backyard or house.

Performance

The light that comes from the main emitters with the three different types of TIR lenses is impressive. The website states 1500LM and that feels right. The combo of the smooth lens for throw and a textured lens for flood works great for a solid mix of throw and flood in the beam. Though there is no switching between flood and throw. It’s all or nothing. I will say the CRI can’t be that great. The white light is a very bright white. But if you aren’t a stickler for that, like me, you can look past it.

The side emitters are great. With much better CRI white emitters and smooth ramping brightness. It’s a very useful work light. The addition of the RGB lights adds a cool factor if nothing else. I can see red being useful but not much else. And I’m usually not much of a fan of the built in “police” flashing mode.

All in all it packs a punch. Especially for its size.

Summary

To sum it all up this is a great EDC light. It’s a powerhouse given its size. It’s packed with useful features and has really good build quality. It has some wow factors I’ll show off even to non-enthusiasts and it’s very comfortable to carry. For its current price $50 it’s an easy choice to upgrade your EDC or round out your collection.

Below is a link if you’d like to check it out.

(Full disclosure, affiliate link)

https://www.wubenlight.com/?ref=proayjjc

Loopgear SK03 Pro

What’s in the box

The light itself

14500 branded battery with built in charging port

Spare O-ring

Type C charging cable

User manual

A multi function bracket comes installed on it if you choose and is not removable

Everything comes in a little plastic box that seems like a useful future storage container you can reuse easily.

Build quality and design

As I’ve come to expect from LoopGear the lights is well made and has a really interesting design. The cutouts in the main body lend it good grip. The hidden blade in the clip is a super interesting touch, though with some trade-offs. More on that later. I appreciate that the blade has a lock function. Which prevents it from deploying accidentally or retreating back into the clip when you don’t want it to yet. It fits perfect in my hand and is almost exactly the width of my palm. The addition of the side lights with their many modes really make this standout. I especially like the option of the super dim always on white side lights. It’s like a tritium replacement. The position of a strong magnet on the end of the clip is a plus. Over all a well made light.

UI and usability

The UI is really simple. Controlling the main emitter and side emitter is really simple as well as the side emitters. A single click from off turns the main emitter on, 2C turbo, 3C strobe, 7C does a momentary/lock out mode. I’m used to 4C being that but this is fine. To activate the side lights press and hold from off. 1H cycles the side light modes and 2C in a mode cycles color, brightness, etc. I also really like the digital tritium available with 4C from off.

As far as usability as a light it works great. It is plenty bright for most purposes and is comfortable to carry. The only thing to mention is the tradeoff with the pocket clip.knife attachment. This part does not lend well to pocket carrying since it is hinged. Its a cool idea, and I like it, but as a pocket clip it doesn’t work as well. The magnet in the attachment and the way the hinge works so well lends it to more of a stand or mount. The blade in the attachment is not very sharp, while it did fine in dispatching the amazon box it came in, this is not replacing my pocket knife. What I find most compelling about the attachment is when hinged out functions quite well as almost a handle. It lends itself well to almost giving the light a pistol style grip. And I like that.

Performance

The main Nichia 519A makes a very nice 5000k beam. It’s very useful and has enough flood and throw for most needs. The side lights are nice and bright and the lowest setting for those is comparable to tritium. Overall it performs well and works great.

Summary

To sum it all up all around it’s a great light. Maybe not the perfect EDC light due to the clip but I have a sense I’ll be carrying it around in some form often. The hinged attachment is interesting. It works great as a stand or handle and the added magnet is great. The little blade is good for cutting boxes or something similar to that. The side lights are really interesting. With a lot of useful color modes. The overall design is really cool and useful. I think that this light is a valuable addition to my collection and I’ll enjoy it often.