Over the last few weeks I have been testing the Manker U11 LED flashlight. I was sent this flashlight free of charge from GearBest.com for my honest review.
The Manker is advertised as being a reliable and high quality flashlight throwing upwards of 1050 lumens of bright light. A light with this level of illumination is perfect for searching around properties as well as inside a building(any night vision will be lost). The Manker would also do well on a mountain bike for lighting up dark trails or streets.
Initial impressions had this light as being well made. Caps threaded with no issues and anodizing was excellent. No machine marks were visible and surfaces were smooth. Impressed.
I consider the Manker U11 small to medium size as it is a little over 4 inches long. Not really a weapons light but fits great in a pants pocket. An included belt clip works well but prefer it off. There is also an included lanyard.
I prefer my lights to come on with full brightness – and shut off. That’s it. The Manker U11 has 7 modes including turbo, low, medium, high, midnight, strobe, and SOS. Like I said I use High and OFF and when on high – this thing rocks. The lower levels are good for battery conservation.
The light is operated with a single push button pad located on the side of the case. All modes are operated via rapid clicks or slow and momentary presses. It is actually pretty easy once you get the hang of it. The switch looks and feels high quality and long lasting.
The U11 accepts the unique but powerful rechargeable 18650 battery or two CR123 batteries.
If a rechargeable battery is being used a mini-USB charging port is available allowing simple hookup. A rubber pull-away cover provides some water resistance and protection from dust. One thing I like about the mini-USB port is easy charging within a vehicle or using a solar panel. When charging there is a deep blue indicator glowing from the power button.
There is an illustration for assisting correct battery installation. Ridged channels are cut into the aluminum body for heat dispersion. Embossing on much of the body provides for secure grip.
Performance Pictures
ABOVE: At night on the side of my house
BELOW: FULL POWER
ABOVE: House across the streets approx 150 yards away
BELOW: FULL POWER
SUMMARY: I continue to be amazed at the technology that is available today. I still remember my first LED light that burned at 6 lumens. I was amazed at how long the battery lasted. Today these lights last just as long at tremendous levels of illumination.
The Manker U11 will not disappoint. It is lightweight, well made and incredibly powerful.
Right now through June 30th GearBest is offering 1776PatriotUSA readers a very special price. Visit their website – add the Manker to your shopping cart – and then use coupon code “PatriotU11” for the special discount.
Rourke
I thought better of you and the light looks pretty good. I’m sure it’s just a personal preference but I like to have my on off buttons in the tail end of the light. Now I can turn it on and off with my hand underneath a side-arm supporting it or on top of the rest if you prefer but I like the end button. The USB mini charger aspect is a pretty compelling argument though. As well as its overall performance
For a weapons light the tail cap switch is my preference. For hands-only a side switch is my choice. I have several lights now with the mini-USB charging and love ’em. I can keep them charged while driving or using a solar panel(if powerful enough). Of course if no rechargeable battery is available the Manker will accept CR123’s.
I also prefer a tail cap power button. Looking at the pictures, I suspect that one of my ‘retired’ lights might have a solution with a ‘doner’ cap. A little Sugaru should take care of wrong diameters. Its nice to see a light offered with a non-crenulated bezel. A definate sales point when one has to traverse ‘No Weapons Allowed’ checks.
Out of curiosity Rourke, just how many flashlights do you own?
Lord ralph k – I have no idea. Lots. Many. Multiple. One is none and a hundred is even better.
I kind of miss the days of flashlights that turn on and turn off. I can see having a low and a high, not all these other strobe, sos, low, med, high, moonlight, burn retinas, Jamaican suntan, etc but dang, does that throw some light.
I agree JH. Some of this stuff is overkill. With the Manker I use it with the High and Low settings only.
Now that’s a light! Rourke has only enabled my similar want of many flash lights. Just saying :o)