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Packaging
Light comes packed in a cardboard display box. Light itself is held in a plastic clamshell.

Contents
1x EagleTac T20C2
1x Nylon holster with velcro closure
1x CR123 battery magazine
4x Filters, red, green, blue and diffuser
2x Spare rubber o-rings
1x Spare GITD tail cap
1x Mini tub of lubricant
1x Instruction sheet
1x Warranty card
Optional: Tail stand cap, textured reflector

Construction

Up the front, the T20C2 has a removable stainless steel bezel with five-point crenellations allowing light to shine through when left placed head down. Removing this bezel allows the attachment of the colored or diffuser filter. These filters are made of plastic and seem to mate better than those of the P20 series, with less cross-threading issues. The AR-coated glass lens is held in place by a raised lip, and does not drop out when the bezel is removed. Behind the lens is a smooth textured reflector which is well finished with no noticeable flaws upon visual inspection. The LED is well aligned with the reflector as well. New to the 20-series of EagleTac lights is the ability to interchange reflectors, and optional textured reflectors are now available for the this series. As such, the head comprises of two main section. The front half holds the glass lens and reflector with can be easily unscrewed with a needle-nose pliers or tweezers. The rear half of the head houses the main light engine which comprises of the LED and electronics. Its exterior is covered in knurling which provides good grip for mode changes. The "+" battery contact has a raised lip which works as a reverse polarity protection. Threads between the head and battery tube mate well with no issues.

The battery tube of the T20C2 is mostly covered in a bold, checkered texture with two flat faces where branding is printed on. It provides good grip, although not as rough as common diamond-textured knurling. There's a raised lip towards the front end which ensure that you hand doesn't slip over the head when using the light in self defense. A 4-point scalloped ring screws on to the rear end which serves two purposes. Firstly, it acts as an anti-roll feature so the light doesn't accidentally roll off surfaces such as the hood of a car. Secondly, it helps when holding the T20C2 in a cigar-style grip. This ring might be uncomfortable to some who prefer to hold flashlights in an overhand grip, so it's a good thing that it's easily removable. In addition, there's also a removable clip which allows the light to be carried head down. The clip is detacheable but not reversible. A battery magazine is also included for use with 2x 16340 cells to prevent them from rattling inside the main battery tube which can accomodate a 18650 cell. Threads on either end of the battery tube are smooth and well-cut, no problems here. There are also two rubber o-rings placed on each end providing better seal over the usual one. The tail cap has a clean design which is mostly covered in knurling for grip during battery changes. By default, the included tail cap has a protruding switch cap which allows for easier activation but doesn't allow the light to tail stand. An optional tail stand cap is also available. The switching mechanism has a good amount of tension and average travel, it also provides a firm and audible click when fully engaged. It is a forward push button switch which allows for momentary activation. The entire light is finished in a lightly matte, Type 3 anodizing with no visible flaws.

If you're unfamiliar with any of the terms used in this review, click here for explanations on common flashlight related vocabulary.


Output

The T20C2 has three output modes labeled as Turbo, General, Low and Strobe. Activation of Turbo and General modes is identical to earlier EagleTac models, tighten the head puts the light in Turbo mode while loosened activates General mode. The new third Low mode is activated by tightening then loosening the head within 1 second. Though do note that this Low mode is not memorized after the light is switched off, and will revert to General mode the next time the light is switched on. Strobe can be activated in either Turbo or General mode by cycling the switch off/on within 1 second. As such, this means that momentary activation is possible, but not rapid signaling and such due to the nature of its Strobe activation. Filters are included in the retail package which allows red, green and blue light, and also a diffuser which transforms the beam profile to a complete flood profile.

Beam profile produced by the T20C2 has a very narrow hot spot with a soft corona surrounding it. As mentioned before, there's now an option for either a smooth or textured reflector. The beam profiles with either are rather similar. The textured reflector does soften the beam a little, but probably unnoticeable during practical use. Some ring-shaped artifacts are noticeable around the hotspot, as is common with most XR-E based flashlights. This review sample has a cool tint. Runtime seems to be practically identical to that of the P20C2's which is average at best. Regulation is maintained well with 2x CR123 cells but declines gradually with 1x 18650.


Conclusion

The Good - Fit and finish of main body parts is excellent. Very bright on Hi level for a pocket-sized light. Simple user interface with nice variation of Turbo, General and Low brightness levels. Well regulated in 2x CR123 configuration.

The Bad - Below average runtime on Turbo mode.

The Relative - Beam profile has some artifacts and has a cool tint when compared to sunlight white. Uses a forward push button. Removable pocket clip. Can tail stand with optional tail cap.


Gallery (in order of assembly)

Head with filter attached.

Head with smooth reflector.

Head with textured reflector.

Head (side view).

Head (rear view).

Light engine (front view).

Light engine (side view).

Light engine (rear view).

Battery tube (front view).

Battery tube (side view).

Battery tube (rear view).

Tail cap (front view).

Tail cap (side view).

Tail cap (rear view).

Tail stand cap (front view).

Tail stand cap (side view).

Tail stand cap (rear view).


EagleTac T20C2
September 06, 2009
Overall
7.6

Construction
    8.0
Output
    8.0
Value
    7.0

Availability
EagleTac.com
Beam Profile
Narrow Spot
Coating
Type 3 Anodizing
Cost
$79.99
Dimensions
143mm long
32mm at widest Ø
Lens
Multi-Coated Glass
Light Source
Cree XR-E
Output
Turbo 249 Lumens
General 84 Lumens
Low 10 Lumens
Smooth Reflector
Turbo Spot 15360 Lux
Turbo Spill 193 Lux
General Spot 5220 Lux
General Spill 65 Lux
Low Spot 614 Lux
Low Spill 7 Lux
Textured Reflector
Turbo Spot 14530 Lux
Turbo Spill 187 Lux
General Spot 4940 Lux
General Spill 65 Lux
Low Spot 581 Lux
Low Spill 7 Lux
Diffuser
Turbo 473 Lux
General 161 Lux
Low 19 Lux
Power
1x 18650
2x CR123
Reflector
Smooth/Textured Aluminum
Runtime
1x 18650 2400mAh EagleTac
Turbo 02:44 to 50%
General 09:55 to 50%
Low ~80 hours
2x CR123 1500mAh e²
Turbo 01:33 to 50%
General 09:05 to 50%
Low ~75 hours
Switch
Forward Push Button
Weight
122.6g
155.6g with 2x e² CR123
169.1g with 1x EagleTac 18650