Introduction:
The Zanflare F1 LED Flashlight is a brand new entry into the high performance flashlight market. Throwing in excess of 1200 lumens the Zanflare’s narrow beam penetrates the night like a hot knife through butter – just like a flashlight should. Its ability to charge via common mini-USB without opening the battery compartment is a welcome feature. The F1 is turned on by a tail cap button and then modes are selected via a barrel button.
Running in the mid-price($40) range it is affordable for most but not all.
Specifications:
Brand: zanflare
Model: F1
Emitters: Cree XP-L V6
Emitters Quantity: 1
Lumens Range: >1000Lumens
Luminous Flux: 1240LM
Mode: 7 (Turbo; High; Mid; Low; Moonlight; Strobe; SOS)
Battery Type: 18650, CR123
Battery Quantity: 1 x 18650 or 2 x CR123 batteries (not included)
Mode Memory: Yes
Rechargeable: Yes
Waterproof Standard: IP-68 Standard Water-resistant
LED Lifespan: 5000h or more
Power, Modes and Output:
The Zanflare F1’s beam is created via a CREE XP-L LED and an incredibly smooth reflector.
Modes: The are 7 in total
Turbo(1240 lumens)
High(590 lumens)
Mid(290 lumens)
Low(50 lumens)
Moonlight(1 lumen)
Strobe
SOS
I had no way of verifying the levels listed above other than comparing to other lights of known lumen levels. I have no reason to doubt the accuracy of the stated lumens.
Power: The Zanflare is powered by two CR123 batteries or a single 18650 rechargeable Li-Ion battery.
Operation:
Two switches – The tail cap switch turns the unit on and off while the button mounted on the side of the case allows mode manipulation. Selecting the desired mode is not difficult. Basically pressing the side button moves from one mode to the other.
The brightest mode – or Turbo – is accessed with a quick double-click. This throws the maximum 1240 lumens for approx 30 seconds then automatically diverts to High. Single taps goes through the standard brightness modes. A long press bring up the Strobe mode – and while in Strobe a single click will access the SOS mode. These two modes – for me – are a waste but they are there if needed.
Charging:
Beneath the side switch there is a metal ring which conceals the charging port. Unscrewing the ring reveals a micro USB port used for charging. Any standard USB charging cable will work to charge the internal battery. A small light turns red when charging and green when charging is complete.
Obviously make certain a rechargeable battery is being used prior to trying to recharge.
Notice red charging light above.
Performance:
I like a bright penetrating beam versus a flood light. The Zanflare F1 is right up my alley.
Here are a few pictures of the F1 in action:
ABOVE: Using the Zanflare F1 heading into the woods while hunting.
ABOVE: Headlights from my Jeep Wrangler after arriving to hunting area.
BELOW: Same headlights on the right-side with the addition of the Zanflare F1 on the left.
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A picture is worth a thousand words……
Final Words
The Zanflare F1 is one of my favorite flashlights. The combination of simple operation, fairly narrow barrel size, recharging capability, and 1240 lumens is an excellent combination.
High recommendation.
For more information visit the Zanflare F1 product page.
Rourke
