The Skilhunt Defier X3 is a flashlight with notable aesthetic design and comes in a generous package complete with carrying case including a number of useful accessories. The head has a removable stainless steel crenellated bezel up the front with a toughened AR-coated glass lens. Unlike the other X series, the X3 has a smooth aluminum reflector. The review sample had some noticeable defects though, with what seemed like air bubbles below the polished coating. Externally the head has a fancy looking design which actually serves a practical purpose as well. Cutouts are machines around the external wall of the head exposing the gold-plated copper cooling fins. While this design has its benefits, it would be a chore to clean out mud/sand if the flashlight gets dirty from rugged use. There's also a secondary toggle button which controls the mode changes for the X3.

The batter tube has a cylindrical design with flat faces machined on where branding is printed. There is also a detachable pocket clip which is securely held in place by either the plain or anti-roll retaining ring. It's worth mentioning that this ring has to be screwed on really tight, otherwise there won't be electrical contact between the battery tube and tail cap. The clip on the X3 is not reversible, it only works for head-down carry. Threads on the front end are cleanly cut and smooth, as with those on the tail end which are anodized thus allowing the flashlight to be locked out by slightly loosening the tail cap. A forward push button switch is housed within the tail cap which allows the for momentary activation by half-presses. The switch cap sits slightly recessed within the tail cap which mean the X3 is able to tail stand without problems. A stainless steep lip on the tail cap to helps protect it from bumps. The included extension tube allows the X3 to be used in a 3x CR123 configuration for extended runtime.

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The Defier X3 has 3 modes of constant output operation and a 4th beacon mode. The X3 achieves these output levels by means of PWM, this inherently results is some noticeable pulsing at the medium and low output levels. This is mostly noticeable when the light is waved around or panned across subjects, in most practical circumstances though it doesn't effect usage. Output selection is done by quickly performing a sequence of loosening then tightening the head. Output modes are cycled in the following order.

Off > High > Medium > Low > Beacon

The X3 produces a hot spot with a narrow hotspot with a soft corona tapering of gradually towards the spill beam, all of which are relatively smooth despite the flawed reflector on this review sample. Beam tint on this review sample has a nice neutral white tint, not leaning to either cool/warm. Output and runtime are pretty good, providing steady regulation while providing well over 400 lumens out the front at its maximum output level.

The Good - Nicely put together package with useful accessories. Maintains regulation well even at high output levels.

The Bad - Nothing significant.

The Relative - Beam had a neutral white tint. Is able to tail stand. Forward push button allows for momentary activation.