News | Reviews | Compare | Info | Forum
Packaging

Contents
1x Skilhunt Defier XT
1x Extension tube
1x Plain clip retaining ring
1x Anti-roll clip retaining ring
1x Nylon holster
1x Container of lubricant
1x Instruction booklet
2x Spare o-rings
1x Spare rubber tail cap
1x 550 paracord lanyard
1x Foam padded carrying case

Construction

The Skilhunt Defier XT 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. A relatively deep, finely textured reflector focus the beam from the LED which sits nicely centered at the bottom of the reflector cup. Texture consistency and polished coating on the reflector cup are especially well done. Externally the head has a generous number of cooling fins machined on as well.

The battery 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 XT 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 XT is able to tail stand without problems. The included extension tube allows the X1 to be used in a 3x CR123 configuration for extended runtime.

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


Output

The Defier XT has 3 modes of constant output operation and a 4th beacon mode. The XT 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 > Low > Strobe

The XT produces a hot spot with a narrow hotspot with a soft corona tapering of gradually towards the spill beam, all of which are clean of any artifacts thanks to the well-made reflector. 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.


Conclusion

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.


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

Comments

Skilhunt Defier XT
July 28, 2011
Overall
8.0

Construction
    7.5
Output
    8.5
Value
    8.0

Availability
Skilhunt.com
Beam Profile
Narrow Spot
Coating
Type 3 Anodizing
Cost
$95
Dimensions
150mm long
185mm with extension tube
37mm at widest Ø
Lens
AR-coated Glass
Light Source
Cree XM-L
Output
High 490 Lumens
Low 100 Lumens
High Spot 10240 Lux
High Spill 267 Lux
Low Spot 2092 Lux
Low Spot 55 Lux
Power
1x 18650
2x CR123
3x CR123
Reflector
Textured Aluminum
Runtime
1x 18650 2400mAh SolarForce
High 01:21 to 50%
Low 07:28 to 50%
Switch
Forward Push Button
Weight
121g
154g with 2x CR123
167.5g with 1x 18650
170.5g with 3x CR123