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#Post#: 1378--------------------------------------------------
XTAR H1 Commander Headlight (1x 14500 or 1x AA) Review
By: Spasmod Date: June 23, 2013, 12:05 pm
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[html]<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span
style="font-size: 18px;">XTAR H1 Commander 1x 14500 3.7v Li-ion
cell or 1x AA cell </span></strong></p><p style="text-align:
center;">(Light provided by XTAR for review)</p><p
style="text-align: center;"><strong><span><img
src="
(HTM) http://www.xtarlight.com/05-chanpin/uploadpic/201361112245569.jpg"<br
/>alt="" style="width: 750px; height: 502px;"
/></span></strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span
style="font-size: 11px;">XTAR image hotlinked with
permission</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>At a
glance summary</strong></p><p style="text-align:
center;"><span><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1080413/ca32918.png"
alt=""
style="width: 498px; height: 246px;" /></span></p><p
style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align:
center;"><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>Good
points</strong></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span
style="color: #008000;">• Very nice build quality</span></p><p
style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #008000;">•
Rugged construction</span></p><p style="text-align:
center;"><span style="color: #008000;">• Well driven XP-G2
Emitter</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span
style="color: #008000;">• Versatile Cell
adaptability</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span
style="color: #008000;">• Outstanding Heatsinking</span></p><p
style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #008000;">•
Excellent overall design characteristics</span></p><p
style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #008000;">• Dual
light source</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span
style="color: #008000;">• Cell protection circuitry
Built-In</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span
style="color: #008000;">• Cell can be locked out at
tailcap</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span
style="color: #008000;">• Intuitive & easy to use
interface</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span
style="color: #008000;">• Low mode is a genuine Low</span></p><p
style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #008000;">• No
PWM</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p
style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:
#b22222;"><strong>Bad points</strong></span></p><p
style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b22222;">• No
bad points really with this light except for a few observations
for XTAR to consider</span></p><p style="text-align: center;">
</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:
#800080;"><strong>My recommendations for future
editions</strong></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span
style="color: #800080;">• Improved hotspot edge
definition</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span
style="color: #800080;">• Heat treated pocket clip rather than
paint</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span
style="color: #800080;">• Magnetic base tail-cap</span></p><p
style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800080;">•
Wider rubber slot backs on headband for improved comfort
longevity</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span
style="color: #800080;">• Wider switch toggle under rubber
boot</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span
style="color: #800080;">• Option for 1 second Press & Hold Full
output</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p
style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">XTAR's brand new H series of multifunctional headlamps is
available in two versions:</p><p style="text-align: left;">The
<strong>H1 Commander</strong> which utilises either a
<strong>14500</strong> Li-ion cell or a <strong>AA</strong>
Alkaline or rechargable cell.</p><p style="text-align:
left;">The <strong>H2 Commader CR</strong> which utilises either
a <strong>16340</strong> Li-ion cell or a
<strong>CR123A</strong> Lithium cell.</p><p style="text-align:
left;">This in-depth review will cover the <strong>H1</strong>
<strong>version</strong>.</p><p style="text-align: left;">
</p><p style="text-align: left;">XTAR is a well respected
company and their lights are certainly no exception to the rule.
This H1 Commander Dual Light Source headlight is another clear
example of the quality and design we've come to expect.</p><p
style="text-align: left;">From a price standpoint the H1, while
not the cheapest light in it's class, does fair very well indeed
- especially when considering the advances in technology that
this H1 clearly takes advantage of.</p><p style="text-align:
left;">It's good to see that this particular light is
deliberately designed to utilise both the 3.7v Li-ion 14500
cells alongside the all too common trusty AA 1.2-1.5v
cell.</p><p style="text-align: left;">So many times have I seen
14500 cells used in a light when it's clearly not designed for
the higher voltage and the all too familiar smell of component
smoke shortly thereafter. Some have been lucky, but usually it's
only a matter of time.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p
style="text-align: left;">The driver in this H1 light uses a
voltage sensing circuit that cleverly controls the output of the
light so as not to overstress the cell. It also controls the
cutoff (shutdown) voltage, so the worry of over discharging a
cell is completely diminished.</p><p style="text-align:
left;">XTAR have utilised the already legendary XP-G2 R5 Bin
emitter driven at a respectable level, so the sheer amount of
output for a light in this class is a sight to behold.</p><p
style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">If
using the 14500 Li-ion rechargable cell, the H1 will allow a
higher output 4th mode (Turbo) and this is where this light
really excels.</p><p style="text-align: left;">If using a
standard AA cell, the driver circuitry detects the lower cell
voltage and boosts the voltage to the emitter. The modes with an
AA type cell are limited to the default 3 modes; Low - Med -
High.</p><p style="text-align: left;">With a manufacturers claim
of 120 Lumens on the highest setting with the AA cell, this
brings the H1 more in line for the most part with it's main
competitors.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p
style="text-align: left;">The light comes supplied in it's own
dedicated see through packaging, and is well packed inside with
little chance of courier damage unless crushed.</p><p
style="text-align: left;">The basic specifications are clearly
visible prior to opening the packaging.</p><p style="text-align:
left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">Here is the light as it
arrived. First, a look at the front</p><p style="text-align:
left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1078452/35a7347.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">And a look at the packaging from the rear. XTAR were kind
enough to send a 14500 Li-ion cell for testing purposes </p><p
style="text-align: left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1078453/fc3569e.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">The packaging contents includes the following:</p><p
style="text-align: left;">• The flashlight</p><p
style="text-align: left;">• The headband strap</p><p
style="text-align: left;">• One spare Tailcap O-ring</p><p
style="text-align: left;">• A lanyard</p><p style="text-align:
left;">• A very detailed English instruction manual</p><p
style="text-align: left;">• An XTAR warranty card</p><p
style="text-align: left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1078454/068af4f.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">A visual representation of the dimensions can be seen
below.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1082681/b0ffadb.jpg"
alt=""
style="width: 800px; height: 250px;" /></p><p style="text-align:
left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">Looking at the H1 from
the front shows the elegant styling, XTAR haven't gone overboard
trying to make this light look like something from the space
age.</p><p style="text-align: left;">They chose to stick with a
clean, simplistic and ergonomic design.</p><p style="text-align:
left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">Something we don't
usually see is the second 'Red' LED right under the main LED,
this 'Red' LED has some very beneficial uses (more about that
later) but it was never going to be easy to design this light in
such a way that it doesn't look like a fish out of water in the
flashlight world, or an ugly duckling so to speak.</p><p
style="text-align: left;">I personally think Xtar have done a
remarkable job at making this light very appealing to the eye.
It has a real quality look without being pretentious in any way
whatsoever.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1078480/992c844.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">With the H1 on it's side we're able to get a little
closer for some shots in finer detail.</p><p style="text-align:
left;"><strong><span style="font-size: 18px;">External
Observations</span></strong></p><p style="text-align:
left;">First off are a couple of images to highlight the profile
of the H1 and the nice matt finish </p><p style="text-align:
left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1078481/7bf69e2.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1078482/3d07d17.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">Here we can see the well machines grooves around the back
of the head and on the battery tube.</p><p style="text-align:
left;">Despite the lack of any texturing on the grooves around
the battery tube, they do offer a nice feel of grip when using
the light in hand.</p><p style="text-align: left;">They also
help to provide additional heatsinking for the body of the
light.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1078484/818b7b5.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">The switchless tailcap is completely flat and perfect for
tailstanding.</p><p style="text-align: left;">No magnetic base
on the H1, but it would be a perfect additional feature for XTAR
to consider on later editions</p><p style="text-align:
left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1078485/e6f3ee0.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">Looking directly at the business end of the H1 shows the
Cree XP-G2 emitter with it's plastic centering disc, although
strangely the emitter isn't quite perfectly centered despite the
disc.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Another noticable factor
is the base of the reflector does seem to have an excessively
large opening around the emitter, and the emitter itself is
fairly deeply set below the base of the reflector.</p><p
style="text-align: left;">I can't help wondering if this
contributes to the fuzzy hotspot edges, more so than I would
expect from the Orange Peel reflector alone.</p><p
style="text-align: left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1078526/48873f6.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">The bezel around both LED's are Stainless Steel and very
well machined.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The lens for the
main LED is glass with a very good anti-reflective coating. The
lens for the Red LED is either Acrylic or Polycarbonate.</p><p
style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">A
closer look at the bezel of the main emitter shows the machining
quality. Also visible in slightly more detail in this closeup
are the indents for a dedicated tool needed to remove the
bezel.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The green lens seal is
compressed very well and glows when the light is powered
off.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1078639/5f1e278.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">The purple hue of the Anti-Reflective coating on the
glass lens can be seen when catching the light at just the right
angle.</p><p style="text-align: left;">In fact, this lens is so
crytal clear that it really does look like the rubber seal is
sat above the lens, but the reality is.. it's underneath the
glass</p><p style="text-align: left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1078679/d2fbc56.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">The following image shows a close up of the Aspheric dome
and surround for the Red emitter</p><p style="text-align:
left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1078694/79392f5.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">I'm very impressed with the overall fit and finish on
this light. The machining is the best I've seen to date and even
with a very fine toothed comb, there is quite literally not a
single flaw to be found.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The
anodizing is type 3 and is very evenly applied with a nice matt
finish and no shiny patches or missing areas between grooves.
It's not without it's faults though..</p><p style="text-align:
left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">There are a few chips
in the anodizing around the areas where the pocket clip attaches
to the light.</p><p style="text-align: left;">This was apparent
upon opening the package for the first time and looks to be due
to the fitting of the pocket clip when manufactured.</p><p
style="text-align: left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1079034/809c0c5.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">Also on the other side</p><p style="text-align:
left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1079035/ae56986.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">The anodizing elsewhere on the light is flawless though.
A general idea of the anodizing quality can be seen in this next
image.</p><p style="text-align: left;">This also gives us a
chance to take a closer look at the laser etching. The edges are
a little fuzzy under closer scrutiny which is quite noticable on
the main logo.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1079036/a6327cb.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1079038/fb59b0f.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">Under normal circumstances you would see me completely
strip a light of it's internal components in my reviews, but
XTAR do indeed glue their lights closed.</p><p
style="text-align: left;">Despite my valiant efforts I was
unable to get a look inside at the heatsinking arrangement,
although XTAR do claim that the heatsinking is very
substantial.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p
style="text-align: left;">So I spoke with XTAR and their design
engineer kindly sent me their final internal design
drawing.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The emitter inside the
H1 is mounted direct to the main body of the light. What this
achieves is the best possible thermal transfer of heat away from
the emitter.</p><p style="text-align: left;">This arrangement
can be clearly seen in the design drawing below</p><p
style="text-align: left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1080350/2424ee8.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">With the design drawing superimposed over the actual
light, it gives a much better visual representation of exactly
how the emitter is mounted.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1080355/4673dca.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">This next image (a zoomed portion of an earlier image)
shows in more detail the machined grooves which help airflow
across the surface of the head section in order to dissipate
heat.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The grooves themselves are
well machined and relatively deep.</p><p style="text-align:
left;">With the light running on Turbo until stepdown at 5 mins
(more about that further on) the head of the light does get very
warm without any noticable drop in output.</p><p
style="text-align: left;">This is a clear indication that the
heat generated by the emitter is being comfortably transfered to
the outer body of the light.</p><p style="text-align: left;">
</p><p style="text-align: left;">After seeing the internal
design, coupled with the heatsinking potential of the flashlight
body, I feel 100% comfortable running this light on maximum
output for prolonged periods</p><p style="text-align:
left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1079966/ef53ad8.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">The switch has a good positive feel with a clear audible
'Click' when depressed and the rubber boot cover has the XTAR
logo moulded in which is a nice aesthetic feature.</p><p
style="text-align: left;">I wouldn't go as far as to say the
boot rubber is too thin, but more so the top of the switch
button feels kind of pointy underneath which makes the rubber
move and squidge around.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p
style="text-align: left;">This isn't too much of a problem if
not a little disconcerting as the H1 has a narrow body, but I
should imagine it would feel noticeably more pronounced on the
H2 version of this light.</p><p style="text-align: left;">There
is a H2 review coming up so I will await to see if this is
mentioned at all.</p><p style="text-align: left;">A wider switch
button would definitely be a welcomed tweak.</p><p
style="text-align: left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1082066/046828d.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">The lanyard supplied
with this light is made to a higher standard than most similar
sized lanyards I've seen.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I must
admit though, my hands are pretty chunky and I do struggle to
fit a hand in the loop.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p
style="text-align: left;">With the supplied lanyard fitted
through the hole in the top of the light, it looks like
this..</p><p style="text-align: left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1080765/fd17230.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;">Another shot of the lanyard
fitted, this time a full view</p><p style="text-align:
left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1080768/f077b72.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">The beauty of having the lanyard hole at the top of the
light means that when fitted it doesn't interfere with the
light's tailstanding capabilities. A definite plus from me
there!</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p
style="text-align: left;">The pocket clip is made from spring
steel and it's very strong.. dare I say it maybe a little too
strong! because it's very difficult to clip and unclip the light
from a pocket without using two hands.</p><p style="text-align:
left;">The clip push fits onto the light which takes
considerable force, especially when removing. The benefit of
this though is that the light does feel very secure and I really
don't ever find myself worrying if it will detatch itself.</p><p
style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">I do
not believe the black colour is any kind of metal treatment or
infused finish due to the shiny gloss appearance and several
chips to be found. I'm fairly certain the clip is paint
finished.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> <img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1080800/490ede6.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">If we take a look at the tailcap, we can see that the
machining and finish is very good indeed with a criss-cross
chequered knurling for extra grip.</p><p style="text-align:
left;">This does actually work very well to make the surface
slightly abrasive and easy to grip when removing the cap to
replace cells.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p
style="text-align: left;">Here is a close up image of the
machined chequered knurling on the tailcap</p><p
style="text-align: left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1080496/958631c.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;"><strong><span style="font-size: 18px;">Internal
Observations</span></strong></p><p style="text-align:
left;">Since I was unable to strip the light there isn't a whole
lot of internals to observate except for the following..</p><p
style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">With
the tailcap removed we can take a look at the threads here. They
are very good quality threads and are also fully anodized, this
helps tremendously to reduce wear when replacing cells.</p><p
style="text-align: left;">I really couldn't tell if the threads
were square cut or not by eye, from certain angles it looks like
they are then catching the light from a different angle says
they're not.</p><p style="text-align: left;">It was with more
luck than judgement that I managed to grab a fairly decent macro
shot and it appears that they are almost square but not
quite.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p
style="text-align: left;">Nevertheless, they do feel ultra
smooth and were nicely lubricated from the factory.</p><p
style="text-align: left;">The rubber O-ring was also lubricated
correctly and provides what feels like a very good watertight
seal with excellent resistance when tightening the
tailcap.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1082070/6548b7d.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">Besides the wear resistance of anodized threads, the
other very useful feature they offer is the ability to lock out
the light from it's voltage source.</p><p style="text-align:
left;">This can be especially effective and also important with
lights of this type that use Electronic switching as they
usually draw some standby current when the light is off.</p><p
style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">The
base of the battery tube can be seem here which makes contact
with the inner tailcap connection plate when the tailcap is
fully tightened.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Also worth
mentioning here is the noticably thick tube walls for extra
strength and rigidity. The extra mass of metal also really helps
to wick away the heat from the head of the light.</p><p
style="text-align: left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1082072/bfa8163.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">Here is the tailcap itself removed from the light, the
threads are fully anodized here too as expected.</p><p
style="text-align: left;">The tailcap spring is very strong and
is Gold plated to prevent oxidation and improve electrical
contact.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The spring sits inside
a well, which it fully retracts into when compressed by the base
of the cell as the tailcap is tightend.</p><p style="text-align:
left;">Despite the lack of top spring there is no cell rattle
whatsoever even when shaking the light vigorously.</p><p
style="text-align: left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1082073/150d786.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">This leads me on to the cell fitment and configuration
with some points I would like to mention.</p><p
style="text-align: left;">If we take a look at this next image,
it shows the base of the cell fully inserted into the
tube.</p><p style="text-align: left;">What this emphasises is
that with the XTAR 14500 'Unprotected' cell, it's pretty close
to the end of the tube so there's absolutely no way a protected
cell can be used here.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p
style="text-align: left;">XTAR states that when using a
rechargable 14500 Li-ion cell, the voltage sensing circuit in
their driver will automatically switch the light to low mode at
3.0 Volts and shut it off completely at 2.75 Volts.</p><p
style="text-align: left;">I quite literally haven't had the time
to test this yet but I do fully intend to and I will update this
review with the results.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p
style="text-align: left;">If this is the case though (and I
strongly suspect it will be) it means that the need for
protected cells in this light is unnecessary due to the
overdischarge protection built into the driver circuitry.</p><p
style="text-align: left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1082094/0a74d6e.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">XTAR's reverse polarity protection is a cleverly designed
mechanical feature.</p><p style="text-align: left;">This next
image (pictures courtesy of XTAR) will highlight how this works
by physically preventing contact with the driver's center
positive connection point if the cell is inadvertently inserted
backwards.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p
style="text-align: left;">What this does mean though is that
Flat Top cells cannot be used.</p><p style="text-align:
left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1082112/ba5aabe.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;"><strong><span style="font-size: 18px;">The Driver &
Interface</span></strong></p><p style="text-align: left;">At the
heart of any good light is a good driver with a good interface
and I must say I do like what XTAR have done here.</p><p
style="text-align: left;">The interface on the H1 is very
intuitive and easy to use so I'll try to explain how it
works.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p
style="text-align: left;"><strong>AA Cell</strong></p><p
style="text-align: left;">• First press - Low mode</p><p
style="text-align: left;">• Second press - Med Mode</p><p
style="text-align: left;">• Third press - High Mode</p><p
style="text-align: left;">• Then back to - Low mode</p><p
style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;"><strong>14500 Li-ion Cell</strong></p><p
style="text-align: left;">• First press- Low mode</p><p
style="text-align: left;">• Second press - Med mode</p><p
style="text-align: left;">• Third press - High mode</p><p
style="text-align: left;">• Fourth press - Turbo mode</p><p
style="text-align: left;">• Then back to - Low mode</p><p
style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;"><strong>Either Cell Type - Red LED</strong></p><p
style="text-align: left;">• First Double click - Constant
on</p><p style="text-align: left;">• Second Double click -
SOS</p><p style="text-align: left;">• Single click - Back to Low
mode (main LED)</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p
style="text-align: left;"><strong>Turn light off</strong></p><p
style="text-align: left;">• Press & Hold 1.5 seconds (from any
mode)</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">*note* When the light is turned on it will 'Always' come
on in Low mode</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p
style="text-align: left;">I'm almost certain that the driver in
this light uses full linear regulation as there is <strong>no
visible PWM</strong> (Pulse Width Modulation) in Any mode.</p><p
style="text-align: left;">When using Turbo mode, the light will
step-down to high due to a built in 5 minute timer. The light
can always be forced back to turbo for a further 5 mins.</p><p
style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">My
verdict is that it's a great interface. I do like it a lot but
there is one thing I would like to see in the next revision of
this light.</p><p style="text-align: left;">It would be great if
XTAR gave the option of turning on the light to Maximum output
by pressing and holding the switch for 1 second.</p><p
style="text-align: left;">Due to the compact nature and angled
design, it's a perfect light for a Lady to carry in her purse or
handbag.</p><p style="text-align: left;">With the added ability
to turn on the light to it's highest level, the H1 could serve
as a great deterent device for a lone female to carry at
night.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p
style="text-align: left;"><strong>Drive current</strong>.. All
measurments taken at the tailcap.</p><p style="text-align:
left;">These charts (drawn to scale) will hopefully give a
fairly good visual representation of the drive current and
spacing between modes.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p
style="text-align: left;">The modes are very well spaced with a
very nice lowest mode which is perfect for enclosed spaces or
for camping at night.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The XP-G2
driven at almost a full 1 Amp in Turbo mode (using a 14500
Li-ion cell) is going to be right in the ballpark of the claimed
330 Lumens Output after losses.</p><p style="text-align:
left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1082145/92bd8cc.png"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1082146/f73ea8f.png"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">You're probably
wondering why I haven't mentioned the Red LED. Well I could
write a ten page essay about this but I'll try to give a general
explanation of it's benefits and some applicable
scenarios.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p
style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-size:
18px;">The Red LED, it's benefits & Applicable
uses</span></strong></p><p style="text-align: left;">Is the red
LED just a gimmicky feature with no real use ? it's all too easy
to dismiss it as just that so let me try to explain why I think
it's a very useful feature to have.</p><p style="text-align:
left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">It's a huge can of
worms that I'm not willing to open due to various ongoing
debates, but the generally most accepted consensus is that Red
Light Preserves Night Vision.</p><p style="text-align:
left;">The human eye can take from 20 minutes, up to an hour or
more to adapt to very low ambient light conditions and the part
of our eye responsible for 'night vision' are the Rods.</p><p
style="text-align: left;">Rods are incredibly sensitive to
light, particularly light intensity and the slightest amount of
light intensity (when compared with the adapted light level)
will reset the Rods (night vision is lost)</p><p
style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">Some
will say the Rods cannot see red light so they are not affected,
while this isn't completely true.. Rods do actually see red
light, what is true is that red light affects the rods to a much
lesser extent.</p><p style="text-align: left;">What this means
is that when using a red light, night vision is restored at a
considerably faster rate when compared to using other
wavelengths of light (Blue, Green, White etc)</p><p
style="text-align: left;">Red light used at lower intensities
will give us a sense of almost immediate night vision
restoration.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p
style="text-align: left;">I've tested this myself quite
thoroughly using the H1 and for me, the night vision restoration
times are dramatically improved when comparing the Red LED with
the Main LED on it's lowest setting.</p><p style="text-align:
left;">There are many useful applications and scenarios where
the Red LED is a valuable asset to have in a flashlight.</p><p
style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">Star
gazers and Astronomers often use a red light for setting up
their equipment to preserve night vision</p><p
style="text-align: left;">Military organisations worldwide use
red lights to preserve night vision</p><p style="text-align:
left;">Hunters often use a red light when hunting and stalking
at night to preserve night vision</p><p style="text-align:
left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">The applications are
almost endless. I will try to give an indication of the level of
intensity of the Red LED in my beamshots a little further
on.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;"><strong><span style="font-size: 18px;">The Headband
Holder</span></strong></p><p style="text-align: left;">The
headband supplied with the H1 is made of a well padded soft and
flexible material, it doesn't scratch the skin at all and is
entirely non abrasive.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Here is a
picture of the soft material with XTAR's own logo embroidered
in</p><p style="text-align: left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1082693/5a5c19d.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">Looking at the adjustment straps at the rear shows that
the plastic adjusters do not push against the skin, this is a
plus for long term wear comfortability.</p><p style="text-align:
left;">The adjusters themselves are a very snug fit around the
strap and grip very well. This means that once adjusted, they do
not move unexpectedly.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1082815/1f59663.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">As with any head strap
that doesn't employ a center top strap, it translates to having
to have this style of strap slightly tighter than perhaps one
normally would.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Because of this,
I found that after a few minutes of wear, the strap began to
feel uncomfortable on my forehead.</p><p style="text-align:
left;">This is because the back of the rubber slots (of the
light holder) are fairly narrow at the point where they press
againt the skin.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I fully realise
that any headstrap direct to head is going to cause long term
comfort issues, but if XTAR made these portions wider, it would
be bearable for substantially longer.</p><p style="text-align:
left;">This next image shows these two rubber portions that make
contact directly with the wearer's forehead.</p><p
style="text-align: left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1082817/8c73286.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">The light quite literally just pushes through the rubber
retaining rings as seen in the image below. Once there, it's a
very tight fit and most definitly will not move or twist unless
considerable force is used.</p><p style="text-align: left;">To
adjust the the angle of the beam up and down, you just grab the
light and 'very slowly' twist. If you try to twist it too fast,
the rubber rings will grip tight and it will not move.</p><p
style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">I
personally do like the tight fit in this area because you know
that once it's set, it's going to stay put.</p><p
style="text-align: left;">Also, please note the pocket clip,
with the clip removed, the light will push much further into the
rings making it more central on the wearers head.</p><p
style="text-align: left;">This isn't a burden for me so I just
leave the clip in place.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1082906/ab512b2.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">Here is a slightly wider viewpoint of the light fitted
inside the rings ready for head wear use.</p><p
style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">*word of caution*</p><p style="text-align: left;">If like
me you decide it would be cool if the rubber rings were sat
directly either side of the emitters then please do try it like
I did.</p><p style="text-align: left;">However, due to the shape
of the light in that area, it will not allow up/down
adjustment.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p
style="text-align: left;">When you 'Struggle' to remove the
light after realising it wasn't such a good idea after
all..</p><p style="text-align: left;">Please be sure to lock out
the light with the tailcap in order to avoid several blinding
Arc-Eye incidents coupled with swear words.</p><p
style="text-align: left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1082913/1bd38c6.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">Before moving on to the beamshots, let me leave you with
an image of the H1 Commander in two modes of illumination.</p><p
style="text-align: left;">On the left is low mode with the main
LED and with the Red LED on the right</p><p style="text-align:
left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1082827/5f36292.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;"><strong>Beamshots</strong></p><p style="text-align:
left;">The beam profile of the H1 is very clean with no
artifacts at all, this is down to what looks like a very good
quality reflector with an Orange Peel texture.</p><p
style="text-align: left;">The spill is very wide and very
even.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">Earlier in the review I mentioned the slightly fuzzy
hotspot.</p><p style="text-align: left;">This isn't really a
criticism but more of an observation because for a light this
small and with the relatively narrow reflector, the H1 does
throw remarkably well despite the additional wide spill
beam.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I can only imagine that
with cleaner, crisp edges to the hotspot that this light would
be even more astounding if that's possible.</p><p
style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">Hopefully this next image will highlight my observations
of the hotspot.</p><p style="text-align: left;">This image is
taken @ 1 meter from the wall. I've also darkened down the image
slightly on the right in order to highlight just the hotspot
itself without the spill beam.</p><p style="text-align:
left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1085227/34f8821.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">Since the highest BIN XP-G2 emitter is utilised in this
light, I expected somewhat more of a cool tint.</p><p
style="text-align: left;">I guess due to being driven at a lower
level (when compared with the XP-G2's full capabilites) it gives
a much more pleasing natural tint.</p><p style="text-align:
left;">This next image shows the comparison of some shrubs
between natural daylight and illumination from the H1 on max
output.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p
style="text-align: left;">The reds and yellows seem very bright
and the green is definitely not the washed out grey I would
expect from a cool tint emitter.</p><p style="text-align:
left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://just.razzi.me/photos/1085523/77c490f.jpg"
alt=""
/></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align:
left;">Normally I would offer a mouse-over comparison for the
outdoor beamshots, but in this case since I'm comparing three
output levels I've chosen a .gif format.</p><p
style="text-align: left;">The image quality does suffer slightly
and in real life it's somewhat brighter than portrayed here but
it still gives a good indication of the different output
levels.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p
style="text-align: left;">I've chosen Med, High and Turbo for
this comparison. The low mode is actually so low that it didn't
register without overexposing the ISO settings.</p><p
style="text-align: left;">You'll notice the big jump in output
from high to turbo mode and also the clean spill beam with no
artifacts whatseover.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The Apple
tree is 35 meters from the H1 in this comparison</p><p
style="text-align: left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://www.createaforum.com/gallery/ukflashaholics/1-230613021624.gif"<br
/>alt="" /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p
style="text-align: left;">Lastly for the beamshots I've tried to
show the beam intensity difference when comparing the lowest
mode of the main LED vs the red LED</p><p style="text-align:
left;">I decided our junk shed was a likely candidate, and the
type of place where you may consider using both of these modes..
so please excuse the junk!</p><p style="text-align: left;">
</p><p style="text-align: left;">XTAR H1 Commander Low mode (3
lumen) vs Red LED (identical camera settings here)</p><p
style="text-align: left;"><img
src="
(HTM) http://www.createaforum.com/gallery/ukflashaholics/1-230613160728.gif"<br
/>alt="" /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p
style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:
18px;"><strong>Final Conclusion</strong></span></p><p
style="text-align: left;">The XTAR H1 Commander is a very nice
light indeed. It is very well constructed and is extremely
solid.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The size is perfect for
EDC use and the output is staggering, especially when taking
into account that the H1 is not all that much larger than a
single 18650 cell that most of us use in our 'small'
lights.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p
style="text-align: left;">One thing which always concerns me
with small lights is the heatsinking arrangement and more often
than not you'll see small lights like these driven at pitiful
levels to accommodate the poor thermal capabilities.</p><p
style="text-align: left;">What XTAR have done here is really
thought about the design in this area and given every possible
chance for heat transfer away from the emitter by mounting it
directly to the body of the light and designing the light in
such a way that the entire light itself becomes the
heatsink.</p><p style="text-align: left;">It's a rare thing for
me to say about a production light, but I'm more than
comfortable with running this light for as long as the cell can
take it in it's highest output mode.</p><p style="text-align:
left;">If I hadn't seen the design drawing, I would have been
very wary about using turbo mode for any more than 30 seconds at
a time.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p
style="text-align: left;">This light does have stacks of strong
points in many areas and those of you who are already familiar
with my reviews will know I make no bones about pointing out any
flaws.</p><p style="text-align: left;">There genuinely is
nothing 'Bad' per se about this light other than a few minor
alterations and a possible few upgrades that I would like XTAR
to consider in later editions.</p><p style="text-align: left;">
</p><p style="text-align: left;">Remember though guys, this
isn't what you should consider a budget light and rightly so.
Once you hold it on your hand and begin to use it you will
clearly see why.</p><p style="text-align: left;">If you are
looking for a light in this class and price range then you
really should seriously consider H1 Commander because I
guarantee that you will not be disappointed.</p><p
style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">I
categorize this light as <strong>Highly
Recommended</strong></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p
style="text-align: left;">Thanks for reading guys, and if you
made it this far.. you truly are a Flashaholic!</p><p
style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">Spas
out</p>[/html]
#Post#: 1379--------------------------------------------------
Re: XTAR H1 Commander Headlight (1x 14500 or 1x AA) Review
By: JohnnyMac Date: June 23, 2013, 1:41 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Great job with the review, brother! I really like the H2 I have
and the H1 seems every bit as well made.
#Post#: 1381--------------------------------------------------
Re: XTAR H1 Commander Headlight (1x 14500 or 1x AA) Review
By: Spasmod Date: June 23, 2013, 3:52 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Cheers Johnny, I'm eagerly anticipating your H2 review. If it's
a good as this version then it's going to be a cracker!
#Post#: 1382--------------------------------------------------
Re: XTAR H1 Commander Headlight (1x 14500 or 1x AA) Review
By: MRsDNF Date: June 23, 2013, 4:04 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Wow Spas. What a review. I'll have to read it in more depth
tonight as I'll need half an hour to digest it all. Your sending
me to work all spassed out. Lucky I'm going to the quacks on the
way.
#Post#: 1383--------------------------------------------------
Re: XTAR H1 Commander Headlight (1x 14500 or 1x AA) Review
By: jmpaul320 Date: June 23, 2013, 4:12 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
a very interesting light
and a very great review - thanks!!!
#Post#: 1384--------------------------------------------------
Re: XTAR H1 Commander Headlight (1x 14500 or 1x AA) Review
By: Spasmod Date: June 23, 2013, 5:17 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Thanks guys, I really appreciate your kind words. It's what
makes all the effort worthwhile.
I posted this one over on CPF, I'm hoping they don't crucify me
since I am a relatively new reviewer and nobody knows me there
:-\ :)
#Post#: 1414--------------------------------------------------
Re: XTAR H1 Commander Headlight (1x 14500 or 1x AA) Review
By: Chicago X Date: June 25, 2013, 10:10 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Very nice and thorough review !!!
Do you happen to have a Zebralight by chance? I would love to
know if this is a legit competitor to the ZL.
#Post#: 1419--------------------------------------------------
Re: XTAR H1 Commander Headlight (1x 14500 or 1x AA) Review
By: Spasmod Date: June 25, 2013, 11:01 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Thanks Chi X
I don't own a Zebralight but I would say it's a good competitor
for sure.
The H1 can use 14500 which is a plus but the downside is the
lack of a moonlight mode (3 lumens is still a bit high for some
peoples standard) the red LED could be a good alternative but
not for really close proximity work. It does lose it's glare
fairly rapidly in an outdoor open environment though.
The Zebralight does turn out more lumens with the AA cell than
the H1 does but AFAIK doesn't support the 14500. When factoring
in the price difference I would say that despite their pros and
cons against each other, it should balance out fairly evenly
depending on application.
#Post#: 1434--------------------------------------------------
Re: XTAR H1 Commander Headlight (1x 14500 or 1x AA) Review
By: blacklight Date: June 27, 2013, 3:03 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Very nice review with great photos and lots of detail. I was a
little surprised that using a 14500 actually results in an extra
low mode instead of of an extra high mode - and the other modes
are slightly reduced. If you want the highest output you need to
use alkaline/Nimh instead of Li-Ion. What does it cost?
#Post#: 1436--------------------------------------------------
Re: XTAR H1 Commander Headlight (1x 14500 or 1x AA) Review
By: MRsDNF Date: June 27, 2013, 3:51 am
---------------------------------------------------------
So how did the review go down at CPF. I dont visit that website
at all.
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