kj75
Enlightened
A review on a AA-light this time: the Manker E11 arrived. This compact torch, that is suited for everyday-carry, can bring up to 800 lumens, that is really impressive of a light of this proportions. In this review I'll show you the details of this tiny Manker; and we will see too how the E11 performs in the dark, also compared to an equal light. Let's kick off!
the Manker E11
a compact EDC-light
powered by a XP-L LED
tiny but powerful!
To start with, the features and specifications here, given by Mankerlight:
• Emitter: Cree XP-L(CW and NW for your choices)
• Max output: 400lumens (Eneloop Pro Ni-Mh battery)
• 800lumens (with 14500 Lithium battery)
• Circuit: Most efficiency constant current circuit,
• Maximum runtime up to 266 hours
• Material: Aircraft-grade aluminum body
• Surface treatment: Premium Type III
• Hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish
• Clip: Titanium coated stainless steel clip.
• Lens: Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating
• Tail stand
• Water proof: IPX-8 (2 meters under water)
• Impact resistance: 2 meters
The dimensions:
• Length: 82mm
• Diameter: 20mm
• Weight: 39grams (without battery)
And the output specs:
Unboxing:
The E11 is delivered in a compact, light brown carton. Around the simple carton is a wrap with a print that shows the brand, the number and the light. That's all, no specifications mentioned at the box. But it is enough to (re)store the light. Inside protecting-foam with some cut-outs that protect the E11. Only (besides the light) a lanyard, a manual and two spare 0-rings found in this carton. So, not a very special or complete package here, but it feel sturdy and looks neatly. Some pictures below show the little box and the contents!
a compact box for the E11
the wrap shows little information
a look inside the box
inside: Manker E11, lanyard, manual, clip and spare o-rings
Impressions:
First impression here: this is a lightweight!! It is known that Manker produces compact lights, but this is one of the most compact AA-powered torch I've had my hands on. The E11 has its own looks and style: a nice detail is for example the power button. Although the E11 is a lightweight, the overall build-quality is good. The color is matte black, the anodizing and the laser engraving is well done. The light stands stable so can be used as a candle. The E11 comes with a long clip that has about two-thirds the length of the light: so it's a hard job to lose it! The lanyard-hole is placed at the right way: if added, the E11 can even tail-stand without problems. Looking through the clean glass-lens we see an orange-peel reflector and the typical XP-L LED with its smooth roundings. The LED at my sample wasn't perfectly centered. When we take off the head or the cap the threads run smooth and without scratching, but they need grease to ensure a long life. You have to do it yourself. Inside the tube and the cap it looks all ok. So, except some details at the finishing, we can say the E11 feels like a well-machined and good-quality light. Please scroll down for a bunch of impression and detail pictures of the E11!
the Manker E11
one the most compact lights in its class
a lightweight torch…
that has its own style and looks
the lanyard-hole is placed the right way
an orange-peel reflector to give the E11 a nice beam
easy to find button with stiff structure
the long clip can be added at two ways
a close-up to the texture
anodizing and laser-engraving is well-done
the XP-L LED is off-center
a look inside the head
the E11 in three parts and a look into the cap
a rather big lanyard, or a tiny light??
you can't lose it this way
the XP-L LED has smooth roundings
a lot of battery options, but protected 14500's don't fit
a powerful light for its size
that has a good anti-rolling design
and nice details
the XP-L LED
the E11 clipped-on
User interface:
As seen earlier in this review, the E11 is really a tiny light, so it can be hidden in the palm of your hand. The light has good grip, thanks to the texture, but personally, the light fits best in your hand with the clip added-on. The button is easy to find (thanks to the raised edges around) and the button has stiff structure. Still I wish all lights would come with illuminated or glow-in-the-dark buttons that would help you to locate the power-buttons better.
The E11 can run on different cells: A(rechargeable) AA-battery or an unprotected 14500; to get the highest output Manker recommended me to use an IMR-cell. Mind that protected 14500's won't fit because of the length. I wish Manker had made the E11 little longer, so protected 14500's would fit.
Turning-on the E11 can be done at three ways: A short click, a longer press and a quick double-click. By a short click the light will always start at lowest (moonlight) mode; a long press will start the light at last used mode and two quick clicks will bring direct strobe. Personally, I like this interface! For me, it's a good point that you can start always at moonlight, but also, if needed, at last used mode. If turned on, a short click/press will guide you through the modes. A quick double-click at any normal mode will enter direct strobe. Press long to shut the light off. The interface works without defects and problems; so we can conclude that Manker has done a good job on the interface of the E11!
Modes:
The E11 has in total four normal modes, in order off: MOONLIGHT > LOW > MEDIUM > HIGH. You can only cycle up. For an EDC-light like this is, I miss an extra mode between MOONLIGHT and LOW. Would like to see an extra step that has about 15-25 lumens here. No direct normal modes found on the E11, except that the light (by using a short click) always starts at MOONLIGHT. In total three special modes at the E11: STROBE > SOS > BEACON. No memory for the special, the E11 will always start at STROBE. This is also the only direct special mode. Mind that the E11 has no special LOCK-OUT mode, but you can LOCK-OUT the light by releasing the tailcap or the lights' head a little.
Size comparison:
To show the compact size of the E11, a side-by-side here to another light that is powered by the same battery and that has equal output: the Nitecore EA11. Both lights can run on IMR 14500.
IMR14500, Eneloop AA, Manker E11 and Nitecore EA11
Manker E11 and Nitecore EA11
Manker E11 and Nitecore EA11
the heads: XP-L and XM-L2 (U2)
the tails: Manker E11 and Nitecore EA11
Tint:
Although this is the CW-version of the E11 (Manker will produce a NW-version too) this E11 has a good tint. At earlier lights I saw often bluish tint, the E11 hasn't. The picture shows the E11 compared to the XM-L2 U2 emitter of the Nitecore EA11.
Beamprofile:
The combination of the rather shallow reflector that has a textured profile offers the E11 a "mixed" beamprofile. A big hotspot and corona and medium spill. We can't name the E11 a real flooder, but because of the wide angle and this profile the E11 can be used at best at shorter distance. The beam is free of defects and rings, and I didn't detect PWM. Good job of Manker here!
Beamshots:
As usual, we'll have a look at the lights' beam projected at a white wall. The pictures show the four output modes of the light, followed by a GIF. I used an IMR14500 cell here, so the E11 has more output at all modes; outdoors I'll show you the difference in output between an AA-battery and an IMR-cell. Distance to the wall about 1 meter.
Camera-settings: ISO100, F/2.7, WB daylight, 1/125 sec, 35mm
GIF-picture:
And now, some outdoor shots! I start here by showing the four normal output modes using an IMR14500, so this is the maximum output that E11 can give.
Camera-settings: ISO100, F/2.7, WB daylight, 4 sec, 35mm
And now, the difference between the output when using an AA or an IMR cell; only GIF-pictures here:
A shoot out against another EDC that can run at the same cells. Mind that the Nitecore EA11 has a larger head and deeper reflector. But light run at the same IMR14500-cell.
Manker E11 versus the Nitecore EA11
Conclusion:
The Manker E11 is one the most powerful EDC-lights I've seen before. The (build) quality is good, the finishing too, but a pity that the LED is off-center. Also the user interface is one of the things I like about the E11, but Manker should add a lock-out mode. The E11 is a light that is suited for shorter distance, because of the wide beam. The tint is good. I would like to see a voltage indicator at this light: An EDC-light that hasn't a lock-out (via the button) gives the risk of accidentally-on in your pocket. In combination with an unprotected IMR-cell not ideal in my opinion. An extra mode between moonlight and low is necessary. About the good output: To be honest, a light of these proportions isn't suited for long use at highest mode, so I'll recommend strongly to use this (nice) mode for short time. So use this for a quick-check or to impress your friends..
My overall impression of this tiny Manker is a good one: the E11 is worth its money!
Thanks to Mankerlight for the proper shipping!
the Manker E11
a compact EDC-light
powered by a XP-L LED
tiny but powerful!
To start with, the features and specifications here, given by Mankerlight:
• Emitter: Cree XP-L(CW and NW for your choices)
• Max output: 400lumens (Eneloop Pro Ni-Mh battery)
• 800lumens (with 14500 Lithium battery)
• Circuit: Most efficiency constant current circuit,
• Maximum runtime up to 266 hours
• Material: Aircraft-grade aluminum body
• Surface treatment: Premium Type III
• Hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish
• Clip: Titanium coated stainless steel clip.
• Lens: Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating
• Tail stand
• Water proof: IPX-8 (2 meters under water)
• Impact resistance: 2 meters
The dimensions:
• Length: 82mm
• Diameter: 20mm
• Weight: 39grams (without battery)
And the output specs:
Unboxing:
The E11 is delivered in a compact, light brown carton. Around the simple carton is a wrap with a print that shows the brand, the number and the light. That's all, no specifications mentioned at the box. But it is enough to (re)store the light. Inside protecting-foam with some cut-outs that protect the E11. Only (besides the light) a lanyard, a manual and two spare 0-rings found in this carton. So, not a very special or complete package here, but it feel sturdy and looks neatly. Some pictures below show the little box and the contents!
a compact box for the E11
the wrap shows little information
a look inside the box
inside: Manker E11, lanyard, manual, clip and spare o-rings
Impressions:
First impression here: this is a lightweight!! It is known that Manker produces compact lights, but this is one of the most compact AA-powered torch I've had my hands on. The E11 has its own looks and style: a nice detail is for example the power button. Although the E11 is a lightweight, the overall build-quality is good. The color is matte black, the anodizing and the laser engraving is well done. The light stands stable so can be used as a candle. The E11 comes with a long clip that has about two-thirds the length of the light: so it's a hard job to lose it! The lanyard-hole is placed at the right way: if added, the E11 can even tail-stand without problems. Looking through the clean glass-lens we see an orange-peel reflector and the typical XP-L LED with its smooth roundings. The LED at my sample wasn't perfectly centered. When we take off the head or the cap the threads run smooth and without scratching, but they need grease to ensure a long life. You have to do it yourself. Inside the tube and the cap it looks all ok. So, except some details at the finishing, we can say the E11 feels like a well-machined and good-quality light. Please scroll down for a bunch of impression and detail pictures of the E11!
the Manker E11
one the most compact lights in its class
a lightweight torch…
that has its own style and looks
the lanyard-hole is placed the right way
an orange-peel reflector to give the E11 a nice beam
easy to find button with stiff structure
the long clip can be added at two ways
a close-up to the texture
anodizing and laser-engraving is well-done
the XP-L LED is off-center
a look inside the head
the E11 in three parts and a look into the cap
a rather big lanyard, or a tiny light??
you can't lose it this way
the XP-L LED has smooth roundings
a lot of battery options, but protected 14500's don't fit
a powerful light for its size
that has a good anti-rolling design
and nice details
the XP-L LED
the E11 clipped-on
User interface:
As seen earlier in this review, the E11 is really a tiny light, so it can be hidden in the palm of your hand. The light has good grip, thanks to the texture, but personally, the light fits best in your hand with the clip added-on. The button is easy to find (thanks to the raised edges around) and the button has stiff structure. Still I wish all lights would come with illuminated or glow-in-the-dark buttons that would help you to locate the power-buttons better.
The E11 can run on different cells: A(rechargeable) AA-battery or an unprotected 14500; to get the highest output Manker recommended me to use an IMR-cell. Mind that protected 14500's won't fit because of the length. I wish Manker had made the E11 little longer, so protected 14500's would fit.
Turning-on the E11 can be done at three ways: A short click, a longer press and a quick double-click. By a short click the light will always start at lowest (moonlight) mode; a long press will start the light at last used mode and two quick clicks will bring direct strobe. Personally, I like this interface! For me, it's a good point that you can start always at moonlight, but also, if needed, at last used mode. If turned on, a short click/press will guide you through the modes. A quick double-click at any normal mode will enter direct strobe. Press long to shut the light off. The interface works without defects and problems; so we can conclude that Manker has done a good job on the interface of the E11!
Modes:
The E11 has in total four normal modes, in order off: MOONLIGHT > LOW > MEDIUM > HIGH. You can only cycle up. For an EDC-light like this is, I miss an extra mode between MOONLIGHT and LOW. Would like to see an extra step that has about 15-25 lumens here. No direct normal modes found on the E11, except that the light (by using a short click) always starts at MOONLIGHT. In total three special modes at the E11: STROBE > SOS > BEACON. No memory for the special, the E11 will always start at STROBE. This is also the only direct special mode. Mind that the E11 has no special LOCK-OUT mode, but you can LOCK-OUT the light by releasing the tailcap or the lights' head a little.
Size comparison:
To show the compact size of the E11, a side-by-side here to another light that is powered by the same battery and that has equal output: the Nitecore EA11. Both lights can run on IMR 14500.
IMR14500, Eneloop AA, Manker E11 and Nitecore EA11
Manker E11 and Nitecore EA11
Manker E11 and Nitecore EA11
the heads: XP-L and XM-L2 (U2)
the tails: Manker E11 and Nitecore EA11
Tint:
Although this is the CW-version of the E11 (Manker will produce a NW-version too) this E11 has a good tint. At earlier lights I saw often bluish tint, the E11 hasn't. The picture shows the E11 compared to the XM-L2 U2 emitter of the Nitecore EA11.
Beamprofile:
The combination of the rather shallow reflector that has a textured profile offers the E11 a "mixed" beamprofile. A big hotspot and corona and medium spill. We can't name the E11 a real flooder, but because of the wide angle and this profile the E11 can be used at best at shorter distance. The beam is free of defects and rings, and I didn't detect PWM. Good job of Manker here!
Beamshots:
As usual, we'll have a look at the lights' beam projected at a white wall. The pictures show the four output modes of the light, followed by a GIF. I used an IMR14500 cell here, so the E11 has more output at all modes; outdoors I'll show you the difference in output between an AA-battery and an IMR-cell. Distance to the wall about 1 meter.
Camera-settings: ISO100, F/2.7, WB daylight, 1/125 sec, 35mm
GIF-picture:
And now, some outdoor shots! I start here by showing the four normal output modes using an IMR14500, so this is the maximum output that E11 can give.
Camera-settings: ISO100, F/2.7, WB daylight, 4 sec, 35mm
And now, the difference between the output when using an AA or an IMR cell; only GIF-pictures here:
A shoot out against another EDC that can run at the same cells. Mind that the Nitecore EA11 has a larger head and deeper reflector. But light run at the same IMR14500-cell.
Manker E11 versus the Nitecore EA11
Conclusion:
The Manker E11 is one the most powerful EDC-lights I've seen before. The (build) quality is good, the finishing too, but a pity that the LED is off-center. Also the user interface is one of the things I like about the E11, but Manker should add a lock-out mode. The E11 is a light that is suited for shorter distance, because of the wide beam. The tint is good. I would like to see a voltage indicator at this light: An EDC-light that hasn't a lock-out (via the button) gives the risk of accidentally-on in your pocket. In combination with an unprotected IMR-cell not ideal in my opinion. An extra mode between moonlight and low is necessary. About the good output: To be honest, a light of these proportions isn't suited for long use at highest mode, so I'll recommend strongly to use this (nice) mode for short time. So use this for a quick-check or to impress your friends..
My overall impression of this tiny Manker is a good one: the E11 is worth its money!
Thanks to Mankerlight for the proper shipping!
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