kj75
Enlightened
A few months ago, I tried out the Acebeam L16: a powerful, tactical pocket thrower with micro-usb charging. Actually, I regularly pick this light thanks to the good interface and good performance. Now, a big version of this light came in: the L30. A larger version, powered by the second generation of the "quad-led" XHP70. This means less throw, but double output! So, again an interesting light to have a closer look at. Another interesting feature: the light runs on a 20700-cell, that gives better runtimes and power to the light, despite is it only slightly larger than a 18650. In this review, I will show you the light and the details, tell you how it works and give my personal feeling of this Acebeam-member. After that, we'll see the L30 next to some others in this popular class. I captured also a couple of beamshots that will give you an idea about how the Acebeam L30 performs in the dark. Enjoy reading and watching pictures!
the new tactical allrounder made by Acebeam, the L30
powered by the second generation of the XHP70 led
rechargeable via micro-USB
both side and tail switch, easy to control
compact, but up to 4000 lumens output!
Here are the features and the specifications of the L30, given by Acebeam:
here's a chart of the output and runtime specs:
Unboxing:
The L30 is delivered in a neat carton that is similar to the box of the L16. On the outside the some specifications and applications, the features can be found on the back. The L30 can be ordered in two colors and The box has a magnetic flap, so it can be opened and closed without the risk of tearing the carton. Inside we see a lot of parts, mostly packed in Acebeam-branded bags. We see here how Acebeam takes care of their products; I really love it. A 20700-cell is included, but we see also a spacer to feed the L30 with 18650 or two CR123A's. Acebeam has included a "battery-manual" that warns you to use the right cells at the right way. So, this is a good package, the manufacturer has taken care of it. See below for some pictures!
the L30 comes in a neat box with magnetic flap
I got the black version with cool white tint
lot of applications
really a lot of stuff inside
unboxed: except a power-source all we need is in here
Impressions:
Earlier in this story, I referred to the L16 made by this manufacturer. First impression about the L30: A big version of this light. But when we have a closer look at both, we see some clear differences, I will show you this later in this review by some pictures. The L30 is a bit heavy, but robust flashlight; my first overall impression about it is very good. The one that I got came in matte black and cool white led; the job on anodizing, laser-engraving and finishing is done well by Acebeam. The L30 has a rather big head and deep sleeves, which is needed to dissipate the heat, the "quad-emitter" XHP70.2 will get hot at higher output-modes. Lights like these, that are made for tactical application, have excellent grip; thanks to the big head, the tactical ring and the fine knurling at the body the L30 won't slip out of your hand accidentally. Anti-rolling prevention is good, the light can only be put on its head, so it can't be used as a candle. The extreme strong clip can be added at only one way. Nice detail on the body is the metal power and mode button, that is "sunk" in the head to avoid unintentional activation. At the opposite we see the micro-usb charging port, covered by a cover. This rubber closes well, but I'd like to see a inner-waterproofing port in future, which is more safe I think. Next to the port there's a tiny indicator that gives info about the charging status. The impressive head has a grey bezel upon which you'll see user tracks after some use. Looking into the head we see a smooth and clean reflector; no dust or flaws. This shows that Acebeam takes care on their products. The second version of the XHP70 led is perfectly centered. On the rear of the L30 we see that the cap has its own knurling and anti-rolling design. The big button on tail has stiff structure and make the light easy to control. The is made of three parts, the threads run smooth; when we check the inner of the flashlight we see again that Acebeam did a good job here: Double and gold-plated springs, a thick an robust tube and no shortcomings on the parts and finishing. Summarizing the paragraph I can tell you that the L30 looks and feels like another great product made by Acebeam: The machining and finishing are done excellent. Above that, I love the look and the style of this flashlight. To give you an idea of the light, I took a couple of photos that zoom-in to the L30. Please scroll down to watch!
the Acebeam L30: a larger tactical torch
nice styling
big lumens to its size!
not palm-sized, therefore easy to handle
the secondary switch is "sunk" in the lights' head
smooth reflector and the second generation of the XHP70-led
same idea, but a lot of differences in styling between the L16 and the L30
anodizing and laser-engraving is well done
a strong clip and a tactical ring for good grip
smooth reflector, no flaws
disassembled: mind the thick body layer
well-machined threads and a big power-button
a close-up to the inner of the cap
a strong spring in the head to prevent against shocks
the led is perfectly centered
nice design on the cap
with included adaptor you can use a 18650-cell too
the tiny indicator informs you during charging
some more details of the light now: the engraving
the cover of the charging-port
the quad XHP70.2 emitter
the rear switch
good to have a firefly-option!
the lanyard has to be added to the tactical ring
the rather big head is needed for heat-dissipation
the L30 has nice styling and details
suitable for a lot of applications
User interface:
As I told you earlier, the L30 is a some larger version of the L16. Can be carried without problems in a coat-pocket; in most pants pockets too, but I'd recommend to use the strong clip when you like to wear it on your trousers. Thanks to the tactical design the light has excellent grip, and is good to control by one hand.
Charging works simple and can be finished in about three to four hours if you use a quality-charger. Plug the jack into the port, and the tiny indicator next to the port informs about the progress. If it turns from red into green, you're ready to go.
The L30 has two buttons that both can be used to turn the light on or off, but there's a big difference between the two: The tail-switch is only for (momentary) turbo, for the other levels you need to use the side button. A single click on the side-button turns on the light in last used (not direct) mode, firefly and turbo are the "hidden" levels. Press and hold the button to cycle trough low - mid - high. Firefly can only be chosen when the light is in standby: Press and hold the side-button for more than a second to activate the (very good) lowest mode. A quick double click turn on the maximum turbo-level, this can be done both from off and on. A triple-click turns on the blinding-strobe, activating this feature is also possible from on and off. Like I told you, the tactical tail-switch is only to activate the maximum output. Works well for a quick check and it's the fastest way to get into the maximum output when the light is already on. In case of self-defense, strobe mode is too far away on this light; but the direct turbo option by the rear switch is a good alternative. The L30 has an electronic lock-out, that works like this: Keep the side-button pressed until the light turns from firefly into two flashes after three seconds. To activate the button, use the same step: the light will turn in firefly. Keep in mind that the rear-clicky still works when you lock-out the light at this way. If you need a full lock-out, you have to release the cap or the head a little. The L30 has low-voltage warning too: If the light flashes three time every five seconds, you need to charge or change the battery.
Summarizing, I can say that the L30 has a good but "tactical" interface. Ideal when you use it for applications like police, defending or searching. Technical it works perfectly, I had no issues during the time I tried out the L30.
Modes:
The L30 has in total five constant output levels, in order of: FIREFLY > LOW > MID > HIGH > TURBO. Although there's a big jump between the lowest levels, the spacing is very good and I like the FIREFLY-option. Two direct modes here: instant-FIREFLY and direct-TURBO. The L30 has one special mode: STROBE. This is a direct mode. You can LOCK-OUT the light at two ways. No info on this light about the current voltage, but there's a LOW-VOLTAGE warning if the battery is close to depletion. These modes are sufficient for a flashlight that is designed for the earlier mentioned applications.
Size comparison:
I want to show the L30 now side-by-side to some other lights that have an equal emitter. The Nitecore TM03 has about the same size, the Fenix TK65R is the very big one compared to the others. I will pick this couple also for my beamshots; interesting to see the difference in profile between the three!
21700-battery, Acebeam L30, Nitecore TM03 and Fenix TK65
Acebeam L30, Nitecore TM03 and Fenix TK65
Acebeam L30, Nitecore TM03 and Fenix TK65
the heads: XHP70.2 at left and two XHP70 leds
the backs: Acebeam L30, Nitecore TM03 and Fenix TK65
Tint:
As I told you earlier, this is the CW-version of the L30. The tint is good, and shows only slight green at firefly. When we project it on a white wall, you can see that the L30 show some more blue in the spill compared to its competitors in this review that show a more greenish spill. Through a human eye, this is barely visible; the tint is ok for me. See also the photo below.
Beamprofile:
The "quad" XHP70.2 emitter gives the L30 a large hotspot and even a big corona. This will create a wide beam up to medium distance. Most equal lights in this class have an orange-peel reflector, but the L30 has a smooth one. So, this light is not a thrower, but it will show an impressive beam. I'll show you this one the outdoor shots later. No defects anywhere found in the beam, this is also thanks to the fact that the led was positioned well. No PWM at any mode either, good point here.
Beamshots:
Time to see the L30 in action now! I'll show you the beamshots that I took; as usual, we'll start indoors by projecting the beam on a white wall. The five output modes shows from low to high, and after that a GIF. Distance to the wall about 1 meter.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 1/125 sec, 35mm
GIF:
Highest time to leave home and show how the L30 performs outside! I found a nice location in a forest to show the output levels of the light. To start with, I'll show you the five levels and after that a GIF. The first picture shows the good firefly-option of the L30, it's hard to detect anything on the photo.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 4 sec, 35mm
GIF:
Here's a picture with the light in hand on maximum output of 4000 lumens. I really love the power of the XHP70.2!
the Acebeam L30 on turbo-mode
Let's see now how the L30 performs against the other lights that I showed you earlier. Firstly, a shoot-out against the Nitecore TM03. The L30 has the better output and even much better throw. The better output is not a surprise to me, according to the specs it should have 1200 lumens more. But I was surprised about the difference in throw.
the Acebeam L30 against the Nitecore TM03, both lights on highest level
Now, a shoot-out against the big Fenix TK65R. Better throw here for the TK65R, the L30 is some brighter at shorter distance.
the Acebeam L30 against the Fenix TK65R both lights on highest level
Here's another pic with the light in hand on a field. I shows the wall of light that comes out of the L30!
the Acebeam L30 on turbo-mode
Conclusion:
The L30 is another nice product made by Acebeam. Well fitted and finished, and with very good power to its size. Like we often see at compact and powerful lights of these generation, turbo mode only can be used for short time. If you cool the light, turbo can be used longer because it's not time-regulated. I mostly used it as momentary for a quick check. High mode will stand for longer time without problems. I saw that Acebeam has updated the 20700 tot a 21700 in the L30 Gen II, this battery can handle higher temperatures so the Gen II will have extended runtime on turbo-mode. I'm still a fan of the XHP70-emitters, also this torch puts out a wall of light with good throw. Above that, the L30 has a very good and economical firefly-mode. I would like to see this light with a programmable interface in future which makes it possible to use the (momentary) tailswitch for all modes.
But overall, a well-built and powerful tactical searchlight!
Special thanks to Acetorch.com for the opportunity to test the Acebeam L30!
the new tactical allrounder made by Acebeam, the L30
powered by the second generation of the XHP70 led
rechargeable via micro-USB
both side and tail switch, easy to control
compact, but up to 4000 lumens output!
Here are the features and the specifications of the L30, given by Acebeam:
- LED: 1*Cree XHP70.2 LED with a lifespan of 50,000 hours
- Max. output 4000 lumens by using 1*20700 battery (included)
- Firefly: 1 lm, 59 days
- Low: 200 lms, 12 hours
- Mid: 1000 lms, 2.5 hours
- High: 2000 lms, 1.1 hours
- Turbo: 4000 lms, 2 mins + 1 hour
- Strobe: 2000 lms, 2 hours
- Working voltage: 3V - 8.4V
- Max. runtime: 45 days
- Max. beam distance: 373 meters
- Peak beam intensity: 34800cd
- Impact resistant under water: 1.2 meters
- Waterproof to IPX8 standard, 5m
- Size: 162mm (length) x 48mm (head dia.) x 25.4mm (body dia.)
- Weight: 168g without battery
- Aircraft grade aluminum body structure
- Premium Type III Hard Anodized Anti-abrasive finish
- Ultra-clear tempered glass lens with anti-reflective coating
- Strobe mode for tactical emergency use
- Smooth reflector for max. light output
- Tactical knurling for firm grip
- Streamlined body design
- Intelligent highly efficient circuit board design for max. performance and long time time
- Specially designed for Military, Law Enforcement, Self-defence, Hunting, Search & Rescue and outdoor activities
here's a chart of the output and runtime specs:
Unboxing:
The L30 is delivered in a neat carton that is similar to the box of the L16. On the outside the some specifications and applications, the features can be found on the back. The L30 can be ordered in two colors and The box has a magnetic flap, so it can be opened and closed without the risk of tearing the carton. Inside we see a lot of parts, mostly packed in Acebeam-branded bags. We see here how Acebeam takes care of their products; I really love it. A 20700-cell is included, but we see also a spacer to feed the L30 with 18650 or two CR123A's. Acebeam has included a "battery-manual" that warns you to use the right cells at the right way. So, this is a good package, the manufacturer has taken care of it. See below for some pictures!
the L30 comes in a neat box with magnetic flap
I got the black version with cool white tint
lot of applications
really a lot of stuff inside
unboxed: except a power-source all we need is in here
Impressions:
Earlier in this story, I referred to the L16 made by this manufacturer. First impression about the L30: A big version of this light. But when we have a closer look at both, we see some clear differences, I will show you this later in this review by some pictures. The L30 is a bit heavy, but robust flashlight; my first overall impression about it is very good. The one that I got came in matte black and cool white led; the job on anodizing, laser-engraving and finishing is done well by Acebeam. The L30 has a rather big head and deep sleeves, which is needed to dissipate the heat, the "quad-emitter" XHP70.2 will get hot at higher output-modes. Lights like these, that are made for tactical application, have excellent grip; thanks to the big head, the tactical ring and the fine knurling at the body the L30 won't slip out of your hand accidentally. Anti-rolling prevention is good, the light can only be put on its head, so it can't be used as a candle. The extreme strong clip can be added at only one way. Nice detail on the body is the metal power and mode button, that is "sunk" in the head to avoid unintentional activation. At the opposite we see the micro-usb charging port, covered by a cover. This rubber closes well, but I'd like to see a inner-waterproofing port in future, which is more safe I think. Next to the port there's a tiny indicator that gives info about the charging status. The impressive head has a grey bezel upon which you'll see user tracks after some use. Looking into the head we see a smooth and clean reflector; no dust or flaws. This shows that Acebeam takes care on their products. The second version of the XHP70 led is perfectly centered. On the rear of the L30 we see that the cap has its own knurling and anti-rolling design. The big button on tail has stiff structure and make the light easy to control. The is made of three parts, the threads run smooth; when we check the inner of the flashlight we see again that Acebeam did a good job here: Double and gold-plated springs, a thick an robust tube and no shortcomings on the parts and finishing. Summarizing the paragraph I can tell you that the L30 looks and feels like another great product made by Acebeam: The machining and finishing are done excellent. Above that, I love the look and the style of this flashlight. To give you an idea of the light, I took a couple of photos that zoom-in to the L30. Please scroll down to watch!
the Acebeam L30: a larger tactical torch
nice styling
big lumens to its size!
not palm-sized, therefore easy to handle
the secondary switch is "sunk" in the lights' head
smooth reflector and the second generation of the XHP70-led
same idea, but a lot of differences in styling between the L16 and the L30
anodizing and laser-engraving is well done
a strong clip and a tactical ring for good grip
smooth reflector, no flaws
disassembled: mind the thick body layer
well-machined threads and a big power-button
a close-up to the inner of the cap
a strong spring in the head to prevent against shocks
the led is perfectly centered
nice design on the cap
with included adaptor you can use a 18650-cell too
the tiny indicator informs you during charging
some more details of the light now: the engraving
the cover of the charging-port
the quad XHP70.2 emitter
the rear switch
good to have a firefly-option!
the lanyard has to be added to the tactical ring
the rather big head is needed for heat-dissipation
the L30 has nice styling and details
suitable for a lot of applications
User interface:
As I told you earlier, the L30 is a some larger version of the L16. Can be carried without problems in a coat-pocket; in most pants pockets too, but I'd recommend to use the strong clip when you like to wear it on your trousers. Thanks to the tactical design the light has excellent grip, and is good to control by one hand.
Charging works simple and can be finished in about three to four hours if you use a quality-charger. Plug the jack into the port, and the tiny indicator next to the port informs about the progress. If it turns from red into green, you're ready to go.
The L30 has two buttons that both can be used to turn the light on or off, but there's a big difference between the two: The tail-switch is only for (momentary) turbo, for the other levels you need to use the side button. A single click on the side-button turns on the light in last used (not direct) mode, firefly and turbo are the "hidden" levels. Press and hold the button to cycle trough low - mid - high. Firefly can only be chosen when the light is in standby: Press and hold the side-button for more than a second to activate the (very good) lowest mode. A quick double click turn on the maximum turbo-level, this can be done both from off and on. A triple-click turns on the blinding-strobe, activating this feature is also possible from on and off. Like I told you, the tactical tail-switch is only to activate the maximum output. Works well for a quick check and it's the fastest way to get into the maximum output when the light is already on. In case of self-defense, strobe mode is too far away on this light; but the direct turbo option by the rear switch is a good alternative. The L30 has an electronic lock-out, that works like this: Keep the side-button pressed until the light turns from firefly into two flashes after three seconds. To activate the button, use the same step: the light will turn in firefly. Keep in mind that the rear-clicky still works when you lock-out the light at this way. If you need a full lock-out, you have to release the cap or the head a little. The L30 has low-voltage warning too: If the light flashes three time every five seconds, you need to charge or change the battery.
Summarizing, I can say that the L30 has a good but "tactical" interface. Ideal when you use it for applications like police, defending or searching. Technical it works perfectly, I had no issues during the time I tried out the L30.
Modes:
The L30 has in total five constant output levels, in order of: FIREFLY > LOW > MID > HIGH > TURBO. Although there's a big jump between the lowest levels, the spacing is very good and I like the FIREFLY-option. Two direct modes here: instant-FIREFLY and direct-TURBO. The L30 has one special mode: STROBE. This is a direct mode. You can LOCK-OUT the light at two ways. No info on this light about the current voltage, but there's a LOW-VOLTAGE warning if the battery is close to depletion. These modes are sufficient for a flashlight that is designed for the earlier mentioned applications.
Size comparison:
I want to show the L30 now side-by-side to some other lights that have an equal emitter. The Nitecore TM03 has about the same size, the Fenix TK65R is the very big one compared to the others. I will pick this couple also for my beamshots; interesting to see the difference in profile between the three!
21700-battery, Acebeam L30, Nitecore TM03 and Fenix TK65
Acebeam L30, Nitecore TM03 and Fenix TK65
Acebeam L30, Nitecore TM03 and Fenix TK65
the heads: XHP70.2 at left and two XHP70 leds
the backs: Acebeam L30, Nitecore TM03 and Fenix TK65
Tint:
As I told you earlier, this is the CW-version of the L30. The tint is good, and shows only slight green at firefly. When we project it on a white wall, you can see that the L30 show some more blue in the spill compared to its competitors in this review that show a more greenish spill. Through a human eye, this is barely visible; the tint is ok for me. See also the photo below.
Beamprofile:
The "quad" XHP70.2 emitter gives the L30 a large hotspot and even a big corona. This will create a wide beam up to medium distance. Most equal lights in this class have an orange-peel reflector, but the L30 has a smooth one. So, this light is not a thrower, but it will show an impressive beam. I'll show you this one the outdoor shots later. No defects anywhere found in the beam, this is also thanks to the fact that the led was positioned well. No PWM at any mode either, good point here.
Beamshots:
Time to see the L30 in action now! I'll show you the beamshots that I took; as usual, we'll start indoors by projecting the beam on a white wall. The five output modes shows from low to high, and after that a GIF. Distance to the wall about 1 meter.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 1/125 sec, 35mm
GIF:
Highest time to leave home and show how the L30 performs outside! I found a nice location in a forest to show the output levels of the light. To start with, I'll show you the five levels and after that a GIF. The first picture shows the good firefly-option of the L30, it's hard to detect anything on the photo.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 4 sec, 35mm
GIF:
Here's a picture with the light in hand on maximum output of 4000 lumens. I really love the power of the XHP70.2!
the Acebeam L30 on turbo-mode
Let's see now how the L30 performs against the other lights that I showed you earlier. Firstly, a shoot-out against the Nitecore TM03. The L30 has the better output and even much better throw. The better output is not a surprise to me, according to the specs it should have 1200 lumens more. But I was surprised about the difference in throw.
the Acebeam L30 against the Nitecore TM03, both lights on highest level
Now, a shoot-out against the big Fenix TK65R. Better throw here for the TK65R, the L30 is some brighter at shorter distance.
the Acebeam L30 against the Fenix TK65R both lights on highest level
Here's another pic with the light in hand on a field. I shows the wall of light that comes out of the L30!
the Acebeam L30 on turbo-mode
Conclusion:
The L30 is another nice product made by Acebeam. Well fitted and finished, and with very good power to its size. Like we often see at compact and powerful lights of these generation, turbo mode only can be used for short time. If you cool the light, turbo can be used longer because it's not time-regulated. I mostly used it as momentary for a quick check. High mode will stand for longer time without problems. I saw that Acebeam has updated the 20700 tot a 21700 in the L30 Gen II, this battery can handle higher temperatures so the Gen II will have extended runtime on turbo-mode. I'm still a fan of the XHP70-emitters, also this torch puts out a wall of light with good throw. Above that, the L30 has a very good and economical firefly-mode. I would like to see this light with a programmable interface in future which makes it possible to use the (momentary) tailswitch for all modes.
But overall, a well-built and powerful tactical searchlight!
Special thanks to Acetorch.com for the opportunity to test the Acebeam L30!
Last edited: