I'm in my mid-60's now and my appreciation for todays flashlights is something you can probably not fathom. The flashlights from when I was a young boy growing were pitiful if you wanted a "thrower" back then you had to actually throw the light. Batteries didn't last long, they were not bright, and typically you had to hit the flashlight to get it to come on, they were a joke compared to todays lights but it all we had. The first big breakthrough was when Maglights first came out. They weren't much brighter but they were much more rugged and you no longer had to hit the light on something to get it to work, but they were heavy. Just about any of todays lights are incredibly bright compared to back then. I have one of the Wuben X1's and agree with your assessment of the light. I'm a flashlight junkie now.
The screws on mine didn't have Loctite. I used a Wera 1.5 hex driver. There's a lot of outward pressure due to the springs and seals. I bought a Wera driver kit after I ended up stripping some cheap hex bits when trying to unscrew a stubborn screw in a Cyansky HS6R. The lack of balance charging is a concern. The two cells are connected in series. Replacement cells will need to be matched or the voltage could drift over time. I'm not too worried about the battery situation. I'll replace them in 3+ years if/when the performance of the cells deteriorates.
I got two units and both also had no loctite. Maybe Luxwad just needs to head down to the gym a little more often 😂 No balance charging would be a big reason that not just anyone should be chucking their own cells inside. The fact that you can down the line is great though, you just have to perfect balance them beforehand.
Thanks for the info! The only thing I had that fit was a tiny allen key, I didn't have any bits this size, so it's really good to know they aren' sealed.
It seems to be the case that it is not too difficult to replace the batteries. How to is shown in Cheule's review on UA-cam. You do need a very fine Allen key; I think. The reason Wuben says not to disassemble is that it invalidates the warranty. I hope this is helpful.
Using quality hex keys and pushing down on the rear cover (its under quite a bit of spring tension) makes battery replacement a breeze. While quickly being able to swap the batteries would be nice I wouldn't say they are non-swappable.
You definitely just need some high quality hex drivers. The battery cover isn't too hard to remove. Just press down on the cover while you unscrew the hexes. The battery springs are under a lot of pressure so you don't want it to push against the cover while you're unscrewing it. Totally serviceable. I'm sure they did this because they didn't want just anyone messing with it.
Just a tip- if the light is hot and the fan is running and you want to keep the fan running, just turn it on moonlight mode. Even tho it’s only like 5 or 10 lumens, the fan runs off temperature not mode, so if the light is still hot the fans will run on moonlight as well until it’s cooled.
I've been doing a lot of research for my next light. I've looked at everything from Sofirn, Acebeam, Firefly to Weltool, to name a few. The fan on this unit makes the difference for me. The fan improves the sustain time at high lumens. If you're out searching for someone, you need a light that will stay usable. If there is a clip that I can use, that would be a huge plus.
Great review of a cool flashlight! So nice to see more "Luxwad" videos on this channel. I really like the rectangular form also. Very efficient use of space, and, with the excellent regulation of the output, this looks like a winner.
Okay I'm was sold on this one (despite the batteries - they are serviceable and can be replaced, though not really out in the field), so I ordered one. I noticed they had a new color variant, and it also had changed model name from X1 Falcon to X1 Lightok. I ordered the newer one, and it's a great light for sure. But, the emitters are flat, not domed. I supposed they now are XHP 70.3 HI, giving a bit more throw/focus to the beam? I have searched around the net but noone seem to have reviewed this newer variant, odd!
Any idea of how the included lanyard is supposed to be used with this light? I hate when they don't document it in the manual. They show an optional accessory attachment but not the lanyard.
I would have been much happier with a lower output and a higher CRI and warmer tint. I understand the appeal of having a short burst with crazy lumens but over the years I've found that I would prefer a better beam profile tint and CRI. I understand that you can probably run this little lower level but if it had something like Anduril 2 where you could ramp it up and down to your desired output then that would be fine but I don't know flashlights are awesome
Wuben X2 might be a better ft. It has high CRI LH351D 4600K'ish CCT and the duv is almost 0. The programmable UI gives you some control where you can go to a particular level and smoothly ramp and lock the level in. One downside with the X2 is that it has a battery pack soldered to the driver (two 14500 cells in parallel).
Well, you could change batteries but definitely not replace them on the go. In my opinion this is more of a deal breaker than emitters because in this light Led's are pretty easy to swap out.
I think they are worried more about the muggles messing up with their choices of batteries than the enthusiasts, though fitting SHCS is just inviting this possibility. Nitecore don’t even offer any type of fasteners in their sealed lights. Beautiful flashlight nonetheless. Great review, I like your enthusiasm during the presentation. 👍
Great review. Unfortunately I stopped purchasing flashlights years ago that don't allow you to replace the batteries. Amazing that company's still put the consumer through this.
Everyone, stop saying the batteries are not replaceable you are all wrong. I have this light and you can easily unscrew the cover and replace the batteries. All you need is a quality screwdriver or hex key, And there is no locktite on the screws. The batteries are 21700 cells, and Wuben even sells replacements. Please stop being dramatic about the batteries.
Dual 21700. Hey, I have two 21700s. Good ones, not rewraps. And then we find out they're not swappable tool-free in the field. *The times when you need a flashlight are not the times to be performing surgery on it.* Way to screw up a good thing.
that's still over 6 lumens per gram sustained for over 2 hours. the acebeam x75 does almost 10 lumens per gram for over 2 hours on it's mid1 setting, but this is still very impressive. these two are kinda in a league of their own if you're looking for high sustained output per unit weight, every other flashlight is just over 2 lumens per gram sustained for over 2 hours
I love the form factor and the pattern of light. The fan and the non-user serviceability of the flashlight is off-putting. A product is only as good as it longevity and longevity is based on maintenance and serviceability. As soon as it breaks it becomes an expensive paperweight.
Sadly there are cost-cutting measures in this flashlight that drives it into a class of lights designed to impress but not to perform. First, there is the lack of a thermal switch for the fan. It is very easy to drive such flashlight with a defined pattern of ON-OFF cycles. Therefore the light is at risk of involuntary, user-induced thermal fatigue or failure. Second. The cost of Li-Ion batteries in China has fallen to an unforeseeable low level. The cost of the components and the processes required for a reliable low-Ω connection from the replaceable Li-Ion cells - namely copper-coated, high current steel springs, phosphorus-bronze rotatable electrical connections, anti-corrosion palladium and gold plating of all contacts have become much higher than the cost of the battery cells themselves. Therefore, as a consequence, we are seeing an increasing number of flashlights with built-in, non-replaceable batteries, where all connections are spot-welded with an incredible money saving for the manufacturers, and a dysfunctional - and somewhat cheaper - flashlight in the hands of the user. Regards Anthony
Paying $200 for a flashlight with loktite in the screws makes me feel stupid. See, I have some flashlights - namely, the Nitecore EDC33, the EDC29, and the T4K - which are sold as sealed models; they basically are throwaway devices. But Nitecore doesn't fill the screws' threads with loktite, because they provide a warranty service, and don't prevent the owner from replacing the battery, just like any non-Apple phone brand does. From your report, the screws are unmovable; this flashlight is sabotaged at the factory? Remember the first SF U2, the one with the 18 mm tube, which had red Loktite in the bezel, which we all tried desperately to remove? If I recall it correctly, the seizing compound got disabled at 180 °C, so we could get rid of the Lux V. Could be the same here? Do I really want to pay $200 so I can satisfy the curiosity about replacing the cells in the Wuben? Or I save a couple dozens dollars more, and buy the much more deserving - and better designed - Rovyvon S2 Elite, which makes the same 10,000 lumens, with two *replaceable* 21700, where I can use the best Samsung 30T? Or be happy with my EDC - a TM09K Pro? Thank you for the outstanding video! Anthony
Sadly wuben killed a potential great light with the non replaceable battery. An absolute no go. Also the reason why i didnt bought a acebeam x75. There exits no reason for this. Batterys age and in a few years you can throw the light away. Also a light has to work everytime I need it. Every other light on the market can swap the battery in 20 s and can therefore run as long as needed. When the battery runs out on the wuben you need a charger and charge it, sorry that thing is a toy and not an enthusiast light.
While I agree with your points, there are people who have been able to replace the X1's batteries, such as Cheule from Cheules Flashlight Reviews. No it isn't an elegant setup, but it is possible to replace them
It would be nice if the Wuben X1 had balance charging. It has two standard flat top 21700 cells connected in series. They could be replaced but the new cells would need to be matched and you'd need to unscrew the tailcap.
I have the X75. The core technology is in the bezel, not the battery. The X75 battery, for that half minute or so, feeds more than 35 Amp - 500 Watt - to the LED driver. If the batteries are not perfectly matched, and the BMS is not well dimensioned, the entire flashlight would set itself on fire. The spot welding must be state of the art. You may be more than capable to execute a cell replacement in the X75, but the 99.9% of the users - are not. So, in the case of the AceBeam X75 is compulsory for the battery to be built and balanced at the factory. The battery is very well made. If you know your trade, you can replace the cells; but the price of four new Samsung 21700 cells capable of 40 Amp continuous is almost the same of the already assembled battery from AceBeam. In the case of the X75, they can't provide a flashlight utilising loose cells. Regards Anthony
Why would anybody spend $200 on a flashlight? Plenty cheaper alternatives just as good. Nobody needs 12000 lumens for only 1 minute and it probably doesnt go to 12000 anyway.
![Wuben X1 - BEAMSHOTS [4K] - Easy Carry Light with active cooling and 12 000lm](/img/n.gif)
I'm in my mid-60's now and my appreciation for todays flashlights is something you can probably not fathom. The flashlights from when I was a young boy growing were pitiful if you wanted a "thrower" back then you had to actually throw the light. Batteries didn't last long, they were not bright, and typically you had to hit the flashlight to get it to come on, they were a joke compared to todays lights but it all we had. The first big breakthrough was when Maglights first came out. They weren't much brighter but they were much more rugged and you no longer had to hit the light on something to get it to work, but they were heavy. Just about any of todays lights are incredibly bright compared to back then. I have one of the Wuben X1's and agree with your assessment of the light. I'm a flashlight junkie now.
The screws on mine didn't have Loctite. I used a Wera 1.5 hex driver. There's a lot of outward pressure due to the springs and seals. I bought a Wera driver kit after I ended up stripping some cheap hex bits when trying to unscrew a stubborn screw in a Cyansky HS6R.
The lack of balance charging is a concern. The two cells are connected in series. Replacement cells will need to be matched or the voltage could drift over time.
I'm not too worried about the battery situation. I'll replace them in 3+ years if/when the performance of the cells deteriorates.
I got two units and both also had no loctite. Maybe Luxwad just needs to head down to the gym a little more often 😂
No balance charging would be a big reason that not just anyone should be chucking their own cells inside. The fact that you can down the line is great though, you just have to perfect balance them beforehand.
Thanks for the info! The only thing I had that fit was a tiny allen key, I didn't have any bits this size, so it's really good to know they aren' sealed.
It seems to be the case that it is not too difficult to replace the batteries. How to is shown in Cheule's review on UA-cam. You do need a very fine Allen key; I think. The reason Wuben says not to disassemble is that it invalidates the warranty. I hope this is helpful.
I’m enjoying seeing more content on the channel. Thanks for another solid review.
Using quality hex keys and pushing down on the rear cover (its under quite a bit of spring tension) makes battery replacement a breeze. While quickly being able to swap the batteries would be nice I wouldn't say they are non-swappable.
You definitely just need some high quality hex drivers. The battery cover isn't too hard to remove. Just press down on the cover while you unscrew the hexes. The battery springs are under a lot of pressure so you don't want it to push against the cover while you're unscrewing it. Totally serviceable. I'm sure they did this because they didn't want just anyone messing with it.
Can't wait for you guys review the x3😊😊
Just a tip- if the light is hot and the fan is running and you want to keep the fan running, just turn it on moonlight mode. Even tho it’s only like 5 or 10 lumens, the fan runs off temperature not mode, so if the light is still hot the fans will run on moonlight as well until it’s cooled.
Cool but how do I turn it on?
I've been doing a lot of research for my next light. I've looked at everything from Sofirn, Acebeam, Firefly to Weltool, to name a few. The fan on this unit makes the difference for me. The fan improves the sustain time at high lumens. If you're out searching for someone, you need a light that will stay usable. If there is a clip that I can use, that would be a huge plus.
Unfortunately there is not a clip for this light. It does come with a very nice holster though
Great review of a cool flashlight! So nice to see more "Luxwad" videos on this channel.
I really like the rectangular form also. Very efficient use of space, and, with the excellent regulation of the output, this looks like a winner.
Best pure flooder I have out of 50+ flashlights! Batteries can be replaced with standard 21700's when stock batteries wear out, by removing 4 screws.
Still waiting on a warmer tint hate cool tint's.
Me too
Okay I'm was sold on this one (despite the batteries - they are serviceable and can be replaced, though not really out in the field), so I ordered one. I noticed they had a new color variant, and it also had changed model name from X1 Falcon to X1 Lightok. I ordered the newer one, and it's a great light for sure. But, the emitters are flat, not domed. I supposed they now are XHP 70.3 HI, giving a bit more throw/focus to the beam? I have searched around the net but noone seem to have reviewed this newer variant, odd!
Can you do a video from the Maglite 800 lumen kit that you sell ?
A newer video just from that light?
It looks like it’s built well
Any idea of how the included lanyard is supposed to be used with this light? I hate when they don't document it in the manual. They show an optional accessory attachment but not the lanyard.
Xhp70.3? Are you sure? It looks like a 70.2. With all that yellow phosphorous around the dies.
I would have been much happier with a lower output and a higher CRI and warmer tint. I understand the appeal of having a short burst with crazy lumens but over the years I've found that I would prefer a better beam profile tint and CRI. I understand that you can probably run this little lower level but if it had something like Anduril 2 where you could ramp it up and down to your desired output then that would be fine but I don't know flashlights are awesome
Wuben X2 might be a better ft. It has high CRI LH351D 4600K'ish CCT and the duv is almost 0. The programmable UI gives you some control where you can go to a particular level and smoothly ramp and lock the level in. One downside with the X2 is that it has a battery pack soldered to the driver (two 14500 cells in parallel).
5000k emitters and replaceable batteries and I would pick one up in an instant.
Well, you could change batteries but definitely not replace them on the go. In my opinion this is more of a deal breaker than emitters because in this light Led's are pretty easy to swap out.
Dose it reverse charge? So you can use as a power bank?
Cool….reminds me of the Nitecore TM12K
I’d like to think I could buy a replacement fan from company
They should do what Olight does. Lifetime warranty on all parts of lights...including non-replaceable batteries, like the Arkfeld Pro 😮
I think they are worried more about the muggles messing up with their choices of batteries than the enthusiasts, though fitting SHCS is just inviting this possibility.
Nitecore don’t even offer any type of fasteners in their sealed lights.
Beautiful flashlight nonetheless.
Great review, I like your enthusiasm during the presentation.
👍
Great review. Unfortunately I stopped purchasing flashlights years ago that don't allow you to replace the batteries. Amazing that company's still put the consumer through this.
Everyone, stop saying the batteries are not replaceable you are all wrong. I have this light and you can easily unscrew the cover and replace the batteries. All you need is a quality screwdriver or hex key, And there is no locktite on the screws. The batteries are 21700 cells, and Wuben even sells replacements. Please stop being dramatic about the batteries.
Yes, that has already been addressed in the comments, the batteries can be replaced. For that reason it's become one of my favorite lights
A bunch of the links in the description are dead, going to unavailable product pages.
We're working on revamping the recommendations list and he description links, we haven't finalized all that yet though, sorry
@@ethan-lumencraft- All good. Just figured I'd give you a heads up.
@@othername1000 The list has been updated, there is only one link that is still down (we have to find a replacement option for that light)
Dual 21700. Hey, I have two 21700s. Good ones, not rewraps.
And then we find out they're not swappable tool-free in the field.
*The times when you need a flashlight are not the times to be performing surgery on it.* Way to screw up a good thing.
“Drifting on the Aube” x
yea I don't like the non replaceable batteries (no way to carry backup batteries) or that charging port and that flap.
that's still over 6 lumens per gram sustained for over 2 hours. the acebeam x75 does almost 10 lumens per gram for over 2 hours on it's mid1 setting, but this is still very impressive. these two are kinda in a league of their own if you're looking for high sustained output per unit weight, every other flashlight is just over 2 lumens per gram sustained for over 2 hours
I love the form factor and the pattern of light. The fan and the non-user serviceability of the flashlight is off-putting. A product is only as good as it longevity and longevity is based on maintenance and serviceability. As soon as it breaks it becomes an expensive paperweight.
You’d like the X3.
I've actually got an X3, it's a very interesting light with an awesome design, not a fan of the weird charging though
Guess it can handle rain?😮
It's awesome but I'm not interested due to planned obsolescence with the batteries.😕
Sadly there are cost-cutting measures in this flashlight that drives it into a class of lights designed to impress but not to perform.
First, there is the lack of a thermal switch for the fan. It is very easy to drive such flashlight with a defined pattern of ON-OFF cycles. Therefore the light is at risk of involuntary, user-induced thermal fatigue or failure.
Second. The cost of Li-Ion batteries in China has fallen to an unforeseeable low level.
The cost of the components and the processes required for a reliable low-Ω connection from the replaceable Li-Ion cells - namely copper-coated, high current steel springs, phosphorus-bronze rotatable electrical connections, anti-corrosion palladium and gold plating of all contacts have become much higher than the cost of the battery cells themselves.
Therefore, as a consequence, we are seeing an increasing number of flashlights with built-in, non-replaceable batteries, where all connections are spot-welded with an incredible money saving for the manufacturers, and a dysfunctional - and somewhat cheaper - flashlight in the hands of the user.
Regards
Anthony
1 minute, they are replaced. I have this light.
Paying $200 for a flashlight with loktite in the screws makes me feel stupid.
See, I have some flashlights - namely, the Nitecore EDC33, the EDC29, and the T4K - which are sold as sealed models; they basically are throwaway devices. But Nitecore doesn't fill the screws' threads with loktite, because they provide a warranty service, and don't prevent the owner from replacing the battery, just like any non-Apple phone brand does.
From your report, the screws are unmovable; this flashlight is sabotaged at the factory? Remember the first SF U2, the one with the 18 mm tube, which had red Loktite in the bezel, which we all tried desperately to remove? If I recall it correctly, the seizing compound got disabled at 180 °C, so we could get rid of the Lux V.
Could be the same here? Do I really want to pay $200 so I can satisfy the curiosity about replacing the cells in the Wuben?
Or I save a couple dozens dollars more, and buy the much more deserving - and better designed - Rovyvon S2 Elite, which makes the same 10,000 lumens, with two *replaceable* 21700, where I can use the best Samsung 30T? Or be happy with my EDC - a TM09K Pro?
Thank you for the outstanding video!
Anthony
They actually aren't loctited, the batteries aren't difficult to replace
Hit it with your purse to get out the 4 hex screws. 😃JK
Yikes, pricey but would be awesome for my electric skateboard.
I was sold on this light until the batteries... these can last a lifetime if it weren't for that. Just too bad.
Sadly wuben killed a potential great light with the non replaceable battery. An absolute no go. Also the reason why i didnt bought a acebeam x75. There exits no reason for this. Batterys age and in a few years you can throw the light away. Also a light has to work everytime I need it. Every other light on the market can swap the battery in 20 s and can therefore run as long as needed. When the battery runs out on the wuben you need a charger and charge it, sorry that thing is a toy and not an enthusiast light.
While I agree with your points, there are people who have been able to replace the X1's batteries, such as Cheule from Cheules Flashlight Reviews.
No it isn't an elegant setup, but it is possible to replace them
It would be nice if the Wuben X1 had balance charging. It has two standard flat top 21700 cells connected in series. They could be replaced but the new cells would need to be matched and you'd need to unscrew the tailcap.
Yeah, you can absolutely change the batteries in this light, I’ve seen it with my own eyes.
I have the X75. The core technology is in the bezel, not the battery.
The X75 battery, for that half minute or so, feeds more than 35 Amp - 500 Watt - to the LED driver. If the batteries are not perfectly matched, and the BMS is not well dimensioned, the entire flashlight would set itself on fire. The spot welding must be state of the art. You may be more than capable to execute a cell replacement in the X75, but the 99.9% of the users - are not. So, in the case of the AceBeam X75 is compulsory for the battery to be built and balanced at the factory.
The battery is very well made. If you know your trade, you can replace the cells; but the price of four new Samsung 21700 cells capable of 40 Amp continuous is almost the same of the already assembled battery from AceBeam.
In the case of the X75, they can't provide a flashlight utilising loose cells.
Regards
Anthony
You are wrong the batteries are replaceable. You just unscrew the bottom cover. I don't know what you mean by the batteries aren't replaceable?
Mantap bang.
Locked in battery. No tx.
178 bucks lol.
Is this developed & produced by Chinese people?
Why would anybody spend $200 on a flashlight? Plenty cheaper alternatives just as good. Nobody needs 12000 lumens for only 1 minute and it probably doesnt go to 12000 anyway.
The video explains exactly how bright it gets and why it costs so much.