kj75
Enlightened
An interesting light came in: I never had my hands on a 3-led light of these dimensions! This latest MecArmy-member should give stunning output of 1000 lumens out of a 6,5 centimeters torch! Let's have a look at this mini-searchlight, that is rechargeable by the micro-usb port, and powered by a 16340 cell.
the tiniest searchlight I've even seen before
the PT16 of MecArmy
powered by three XP-G2 leds
a real "pocket-rocket"
At first, we'll have a look at the features and specifications, given by MecArmy:
the features (mentioned on the box):
and the specifications:
- LED: CREE 3x CREE XP-G2
- Reflector: SMO
- Turbo: 1,000 Lumens / approx 35 Minutes
- High: 420 Lumens /approx. 1 Hour
- Medium: 100 Lumens / approx 4 Hours
- Low: 5 Lumens / approx 20 hours
- Max Beam Intensity: 4915 ccd
- Battery: 16340 Li-ion (included)
- Length: 67mm (2.6")
- Head Size: 28.8mm (1.1")
- Body Size: 22.5mm (.9")
- Weight: 40g (1.4oz) Exluding Battery
- Waterproof IPX-8 Standard
Unboxing:
The PT16 comes in a kind of gift-case. This good looking, carton box has a flap with a magnetic lock that covers the "window" that's behind. Personally, I like the looks of this neat box. At the box we find some features and specifications. Inside we see except the PT16 also a little carton, that's MecArmy branded too. The manual, spare o-rings, and lanyard are hidden in that carton. Good point that the light comes including a 16340-cell, that is protected against drain by a little plastic shell. A charging cable is missing, but I don't mind: I think most households own several micro-usb chargers. Overall, a neat and nicely finished box. The pictures below show more details!
a neat box that has nice styling
most features printed on it
the flap covers the showcase
inside: PT16, 16340 cell, lanyard, spare o-rings and manual
Impressions:
I really looked forward to this light and I cell tell you that it has pleasantly surprised me! Allthough the PT16 is tiny, it has rather "heavy", good quality feeling. The build quality and finishing is very good. Also the machining is well done and I can't remark anything about the engraving. The threads run smooth, but could be lubed some better. The PT16 has a clean glass lens and well centered leds. The little reflectors in my sample were not fully free of motes, but sharp eyes are needed to discover that. The PT16 has a nice, military grey color. The light has very good tailstand, and also good grip, thanks to the special "pineapple-texture" at the body. A nice polished bezel and power button give the PT16 a posh appearance. Inside the body, head and tailcap it looks also very well done: No solder or glue rests, gold-plated, sturdy springs and contacts and a built-in and good finished micro-usb port. I can tell you again that I'm really impressed by the quality and finishing of the PT16! Please scroll down to the pictures that show more details and impressions…
MecArmy PT16, the tiniest 1000-lumen torch
in nice military grey color
stable standing
can really be hidden in your hands' palm
big output thanks to 3 XP-G2's
very good tailstanding
needed: the rather deep cooling' fins
nice looks and feels
unscrewed: the light in three parts
excellent finished and machined
the lanyard added on
all micro-usb chargers can be connected
the head must be unscrewed before charging
a bright indicator keeps you updated about the progress
the PT16 is real tiny
nice polished bezel and button
clear glass lens
well centered leds
a close up to the "pineapple" texture
engraving is perfectly done
excellent finishing inside the head
gold plated contacts
the micro-usb port is hidden and protected agains water and dust
a look into the tube and the tailcap
User interface:
The PT16 is very easy to handle, not surprising for a light of this proportions I think. It has good grip, stable standing and a good anti-rolling design. Mind to remove the shell on the battery before first use. To charge the PT16, you have to unscrew the lights' head. MecArmy did this to ensure this rechargeable is still IPX-8 rated. Good point, and personally I don't mind about unscrewing. Charging of an empty cell should take maximum 90 minutes, but often, in my case, it's fully charged within an hour. A clear indicator keeps you updated, you can't miss it..
The PT16 has a one-for-all button. In the manual MecArmy talks of a slight press, but we should better speak about a short press. A short press will give momentary, this is always TURBO and only meant for signaling. A press longer that one second will activate constant on. Strange fact is that the light always starts at TURBO (for a short time) and that turn into the memorized mode. The memorized mode is the mode you used for at least 3 minutes. So for example, when your memorized mode is HIGH, and will like that the light will start at LOW next time, you have to use the light 3 minutes at LOW before shutting off. That's the mode I used the PT16: always starting at LOW. This (for me) a bit strange interface is what I really had to get used of. When on, cycle through the mode by short presses. Shut the light off (in normal) mode by a long press. A quick double press (both from off and on, good point!) will give STROBE mode in, variably quick and slow strobe. Press and hold in strobe mode to enter SOS. In special mode a short press will shut the light off, a quick double press will bring you back to last used normal mode. Summarizing: technical this interface works without problems, personally I would like some changes. In my opinion a two-stage switch works better, will give the opportunity for more instant modes, and I would like to see a tiny light like this always starting on low.
Modes:
The PT16 has total four normal modes: starting at memorized mode, and after that in order of: LOW > MID > HIGH > TURBO. The spacing is rather good, but in the range of 5 until 100 lumens a fifth mode should be a good addition, and needed for a lot of users. The PT has MOMENTARY, but for me it isn't a real one because it's only suited for signaling. For me, momentary means silent on until release. Two special modes: STROBE and SOS. STROBE mode is instant. LOCKOUT the PT16 by slightly losing the light's head or tailcap.
Size comparison:
The PT16 side-by-side to another little light in about the same lumen class an running on an equal battery, the Nitecore EC11.
16340-cell, MecArmy PT16 and Nitecore EC11
MecArmy PT16 and Nitecore EC11
MecArmy PT16 and Nitecore EC11
three XP-G2's against one XM-L2(U2)
the tails: MecArmy PT16 and Nitecore EC11
Tint:
The PT16 has a nice, neutral white tint. Clear to see at the picture below when compared to the cooler tint of the XM-L2(U2) led that the Nitecore EC11 is powered on.
Beamprofile:
When we look at the PT16's head with shallow reflectors, I think it's not surprising that the light has a floody beamprofile. The PT16 has a big hotspot without defects or spots and also a big corona. This gives the light a floody beam that can light up a big area until around 50 meters. Please scroll down for (outdoor) beamshots that show the impressive flood of this tiny light!
Beamshots:
Let's start with projecting the four modes of the PT16 on a white wall. Distance to the wall about 1 meter.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 1/125 sec, 35mm
GIF-picture
Taking the PT16 with us and going outdoors now. At first the four levels, followed by a GIF and after that a shoot-out against the Nitecore EC11.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 4 sec, 35mm
GIF-picture
the PT16 against the Nitecore EC11
Location 2:
the four brightness levels of the MecArmy PT16
a comparison of the MecArmy PT16, the Klarus RS11 and the Nitecore EC11, all at highest mode
Conclusion:
The PT16 is (for me) a sweet light. It has nice and unique looks, is excellent finished and machined, has a nice charging function and is a real EDC. The PT16 offers a nice, rather floody beam, has good color rendering, but personally, I expected some more of a 1000-lumen light powered three leds. But it's not easy to feed three XP-G2's by one 16340 cell. I hope MecArmy will improve the interface in future, and maybe add a two-stage switch. Should be nice to see an illuminated button with power indicator too… But overall, this "collectors-item" is one of my nicest 2015-lights and is a real must-have for a flashaholic!
MecArmy PT16 provided for review
the tiniest searchlight I've even seen before
the PT16 of MecArmy
powered by three XP-G2 leds
a real "pocket-rocket"
At first, we'll have a look at the features and specifications, given by MecArmy:
the features (mentioned on the box):
and the specifications:
- LED: CREE 3x CREE XP-G2
- Reflector: SMO
- Turbo: 1,000 Lumens / approx 35 Minutes
- High: 420 Lumens /approx. 1 Hour
- Medium: 100 Lumens / approx 4 Hours
- Low: 5 Lumens / approx 20 hours
- Max Beam Intensity: 4915 ccd
- Battery: 16340 Li-ion (included)
- Length: 67mm (2.6")
- Head Size: 28.8mm (1.1")
- Body Size: 22.5mm (.9")
- Weight: 40g (1.4oz) Exluding Battery
- Waterproof IPX-8 Standard
Unboxing:
The PT16 comes in a kind of gift-case. This good looking, carton box has a flap with a magnetic lock that covers the "window" that's behind. Personally, I like the looks of this neat box. At the box we find some features and specifications. Inside we see except the PT16 also a little carton, that's MecArmy branded too. The manual, spare o-rings, and lanyard are hidden in that carton. Good point that the light comes including a 16340-cell, that is protected against drain by a little plastic shell. A charging cable is missing, but I don't mind: I think most households own several micro-usb chargers. Overall, a neat and nicely finished box. The pictures below show more details!
a neat box that has nice styling
most features printed on it
the flap covers the showcase
inside: PT16, 16340 cell, lanyard, spare o-rings and manual
Impressions:
I really looked forward to this light and I cell tell you that it has pleasantly surprised me! Allthough the PT16 is tiny, it has rather "heavy", good quality feeling. The build quality and finishing is very good. Also the machining is well done and I can't remark anything about the engraving. The threads run smooth, but could be lubed some better. The PT16 has a clean glass lens and well centered leds. The little reflectors in my sample were not fully free of motes, but sharp eyes are needed to discover that. The PT16 has a nice, military grey color. The light has very good tailstand, and also good grip, thanks to the special "pineapple-texture" at the body. A nice polished bezel and power button give the PT16 a posh appearance. Inside the body, head and tailcap it looks also very well done: No solder or glue rests, gold-plated, sturdy springs and contacts and a built-in and good finished micro-usb port. I can tell you again that I'm really impressed by the quality and finishing of the PT16! Please scroll down to the pictures that show more details and impressions…
MecArmy PT16, the tiniest 1000-lumen torch
in nice military grey color
stable standing
can really be hidden in your hands' palm
big output thanks to 3 XP-G2's
very good tailstanding
needed: the rather deep cooling' fins
nice looks and feels
unscrewed: the light in three parts
excellent finished and machined
the lanyard added on
all micro-usb chargers can be connected
the head must be unscrewed before charging
a bright indicator keeps you updated about the progress
the PT16 is real tiny
nice polished bezel and button
clear glass lens
well centered leds
a close up to the "pineapple" texture
engraving is perfectly done
excellent finishing inside the head
gold plated contacts
the micro-usb port is hidden and protected agains water and dust
a look into the tube and the tailcap
User interface:
The PT16 is very easy to handle, not surprising for a light of this proportions I think. It has good grip, stable standing and a good anti-rolling design. Mind to remove the shell on the battery before first use. To charge the PT16, you have to unscrew the lights' head. MecArmy did this to ensure this rechargeable is still IPX-8 rated. Good point, and personally I don't mind about unscrewing. Charging of an empty cell should take maximum 90 minutes, but often, in my case, it's fully charged within an hour. A clear indicator keeps you updated, you can't miss it..
The PT16 has a one-for-all button. In the manual MecArmy talks of a slight press, but we should better speak about a short press. A short press will give momentary, this is always TURBO and only meant for signaling. A press longer that one second will activate constant on. Strange fact is that the light always starts at TURBO (for a short time) and that turn into the memorized mode. The memorized mode is the mode you used for at least 3 minutes. So for example, when your memorized mode is HIGH, and will like that the light will start at LOW next time, you have to use the light 3 minutes at LOW before shutting off. That's the mode I used the PT16: always starting at LOW. This (for me) a bit strange interface is what I really had to get used of. When on, cycle through the mode by short presses. Shut the light off (in normal) mode by a long press. A quick double press (both from off and on, good point!) will give STROBE mode in, variably quick and slow strobe. Press and hold in strobe mode to enter SOS. In special mode a short press will shut the light off, a quick double press will bring you back to last used normal mode. Summarizing: technical this interface works without problems, personally I would like some changes. In my opinion a two-stage switch works better, will give the opportunity for more instant modes, and I would like to see a tiny light like this always starting on low.
Modes:
The PT16 has total four normal modes: starting at memorized mode, and after that in order of: LOW > MID > HIGH > TURBO. The spacing is rather good, but in the range of 5 until 100 lumens a fifth mode should be a good addition, and needed for a lot of users. The PT has MOMENTARY, but for me it isn't a real one because it's only suited for signaling. For me, momentary means silent on until release. Two special modes: STROBE and SOS. STROBE mode is instant. LOCKOUT the PT16 by slightly losing the light's head or tailcap.
Size comparison:
The PT16 side-by-side to another little light in about the same lumen class an running on an equal battery, the Nitecore EC11.
16340-cell, MecArmy PT16 and Nitecore EC11
MecArmy PT16 and Nitecore EC11
MecArmy PT16 and Nitecore EC11
three XP-G2's against one XM-L2(U2)
the tails: MecArmy PT16 and Nitecore EC11
Tint:
The PT16 has a nice, neutral white tint. Clear to see at the picture below when compared to the cooler tint of the XM-L2(U2) led that the Nitecore EC11 is powered on.
Beamprofile:
When we look at the PT16's head with shallow reflectors, I think it's not surprising that the light has a floody beamprofile. The PT16 has a big hotspot without defects or spots and also a big corona. This gives the light a floody beam that can light up a big area until around 50 meters. Please scroll down for (outdoor) beamshots that show the impressive flood of this tiny light!
Beamshots:
Let's start with projecting the four modes of the PT16 on a white wall. Distance to the wall about 1 meter.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 1/125 sec, 35mm
GIF-picture
Taking the PT16 with us and going outdoors now. At first the four levels, followed by a GIF and after that a shoot-out against the Nitecore EC11.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 4 sec, 35mm
GIF-picture
the PT16 against the Nitecore EC11
Location 2:
the four brightness levels of the MecArmy PT16
a comparison of the MecArmy PT16, the Klarus RS11 and the Nitecore EC11, all at highest mode
Conclusion:
The PT16 is (for me) a sweet light. It has nice and unique looks, is excellent finished and machined, has a nice charging function and is a real EDC. The PT16 offers a nice, rather floody beam, has good color rendering, but personally, I expected some more of a 1000-lumen light powered three leds. But it's not easy to feed three XP-G2's by one 16340 cell. I hope MecArmy will improve the interface in future, and maybe add a two-stage switch. Should be nice to see an illuminated button with power indicator too… But overall, this "collectors-item" is one of my nicest 2015-lights and is a real must-have for a flashaholic!
MecArmy PT16 provided for review
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