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Packaging

Contents
1x EagleTac T20C2 Mark II
1x Cigar grip attachment
1x Diffuser filter attachment
1x CR123 battery magazine
1x Lanyard with clip
1x Lanyard attachment ring
1x Spare GITD rubber switch cap
2x Spare rubber o-rings
1x Warranty card
1x Instruction sheet

Construction

Most of this review is based on the T20C2 since they are practically identical in terms of physical construction. Specific differences pertaining to the Mark II can be found in the following Output section.

The T20C2 Mark II's main difference as compared to the earlier T20C2 is that the LED module is now a removable drop-in. Other aspects are effectively identical to the T20C2 as will be described below. 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 textured reflector which sits well-aligned with the LED at its base. I did notice that the texture on the reflector seemed a bit uneven with regards to the granularity of the texture (view the image of the module's front view in the gallery below). The T20C2 Mark II is also available with smooth reflector. 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 detachable 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 accommodate 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

As mentioned above, the main difference brought about my the Mark II pertains to it's user interface, and the use of Cree's new XP-G LED instead of the former's XR-E. There is also a neutral white version available which uses an XP-E LED instead for a warmer color tint but providing slightly lower overall output intensity.

The basic operation allows for Turbo mode with the head tightened, and General mode when loosened. Low, Strobe, Beacon and S.O.S. modes are now categorized as "Hidden Settings" which is activated by performing a quick tighten-loosen motion of the head (from an initial loosened position, i.e. General mode). Beam profile produced by the T20C2 Mark II has a narrow hot spot with a soft corona surrounding it, quite similar to the earlier T20C2 in fact. With regards to the texture grain irregularities mentioned above, there are practically no noticeable beam artifacts were detected within the profile, with this review sample having an almost pure white tint. The output gets a slight boost from the premium R5-binned LED used, and runtime performance are pretty much the same as the T20C2 as well.


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 on all battery configurations.

The Bad - Below average runtime on Turbo mode.

The Relative - Smooth beam profile with an almost pure white tint. Uses a forward push button allowing for momentary activation. Removable pocket clip. Can tail stand with the included cigar-grip attachment.


Gallery (In overlay, use the left/right arrow keys on your keyboard to browse through images.)

Comments

EagleTac T20C2 Mark II
February 23, 2010
Overall
7.6

Construction
    8.0
Output
    8.0
Value
    7.0

Availability
EagleTac.com
Beam Profile
Narrow Spot
Coating
Type 3 Anodizing
Cost
$84.90
Dimensions
150mm long
35mm at widest Ø
Lens
Multi-Coated Glass
Light Source
Cree XP-G
Output
High 294 Lumens
Medium 88 Lumens
Low 12 Lumens
High Spot 8180 Lux
High Spill 174 Lux
Medium Spot 2438 Lux
Medium Spill 52 Lux
Low Spot 336 Lux
Low Spill 7 Lux
Power
1x 18650
2x CR123
Reflector
Textured Aluminum
Runtime
1x 18650 2400mAh EagleTac
High 02:05 to 50%
Medium 09:31 to 50%
Low ~100 hours
2x CR123 1500mAh e²
High 01:37 to 50%
Medium 09:13 to 50%
Low ~100 hours
Switch
Forward Push Button
Weight
114.8g
147.8g with 2x e² CR123
161.3g with 1x EagleTac 18650