So for a while, flashlight manufacturers have ignored people who like strobe
modes. OK just kidding, nearly every flashlight has a strobe mode. They can be
used from everything to: dance parties, to I don't know...tactical things? To soce... sauce... Oh Sorry-
S.O.S.- oh I think I read that wrong. Sunwayman continues the grand tradition
of offering strobe modes on flashlights by giving the strobe mode its own button.
With the new G25C. So you're probably like- "Strobes are useful and all and it's normally
all I use when walking around at night, because of it's calming effect. But what
about those odd times when I just need regular light? Well Sunwayman hasn't
forgotten about the minority of people who use flashlights for just solid
constant output. They designed a two-button compact flashlight with three
regular modes too. Like most flashlights now this one is covered in Type III anodization,
has a smooth reflector, tempered glass lens, and uses a cool tinted XML2
emitter. It runs off a single
18650 battery or two
cr123a size batteries, if you like throwing batteries away. It has four main
modes I've included Sunwayman's claims and my estimated levels for each mode. My
ratings should be taken with a grain of salt because it's a DIY lumen measuring
device. First is low which is a manufacturer rated 16 lumens for 80 hours.
Mid, which is a 150 lumen output for six hours. And high which starts at 1000 lumens
and steps down to 400 lumens after three minutes- although I did not find
that to be the case in my testing.
Oh and that 4th mode is strobe. So let's test some of those run times.
Again I said high mode did not behave like Sunwayman claims it does. It starts out bright
and slowly creeps down before dimming dramatically and ending at about one
hour and 14 minutes. It kind of
gradually dimmed the whole time. Mid runs constantly for about 3 hours and 15
minutes. I used a Sanyo UR18650F 2600 mah battery for the tests.
Sunwayman gave the G25C three operating modes just because they could.
Tactical, outdoor, and daily. All modes are operated off of two buttons, one big and raised
the other is flush and small. So it's super easy to tell the difference in the
dark.
Provided you have a sense of touch. The main thing to remember is that the big
button is the power button and the small button changes modes and activates strobe. SSSSTTTOOOOBBBEE...
The little button from off is always momentary strobe. When the light is on the little button
cycles modes or you can hold it to activate constant strobe. I guess, so you
don't have to keep your finger on it? To
change these groups you will need to hold both buttons down, loosen the
head and tighten it quickly. It's as awkward as it sounds.
It'll give you one blink for Tactical, two for Outdoor, and three for Daily. Group one
is tactical, has only two modes- strobe and high with no mode memory.
"Grup t- group du"- Group 2 is outdoor- has three modes: strobe of course, low and
high. There is no mode memory it always turns on in high. And finally group 3 is Daily
Group. It is the one I like, and the one the G25C is set to from the factory. The little button
from off gives you a momentary strobe- big button turns it on and off, then the
little button cycles between low, mid, and high, then low, mid, high, etc. A long
press of the little button- the strobe stays on- just like I said earlier. STTTRRRROBE, NICE!
A quick press of the little button gets you back to whatever mode you were in before
you went "full strobe." And everyday mode has mode memory. So when you turn it on
and off it remembers the last mode you were in. And while it technically isn't momentary it
can be turned on and off very quickly without changing modes, just by pressing
the big button. I feel like one operating group would have been sufficient. Sorry that
was boring I probably should have added a cat meme or Donald Trump reference
because I guess the internet likes those things right now.
Ok so how about some beam shot comparisons. Otherwise known as flashlight porn.
The Sunwayman is a small light, the reflector is a bit smaller in diameter so it isn't
considered a thrower. But here's a few other lights in the same size category
that show you the difference. In each shot you'll see my estimated maximum output
figures, so you have a relative number at least to go with a picture.
First we'll do it tests on the creepy shed at 75 feet then some
trees at a distance of about 250 feet. My measurements here are done with a
cheap Lux meter and are modeled after the FL1 standard. The figures I'm
estimating are: the Candela, lumen output on the highest mode of each light, and the
throw distance in meters.
The FL1 standard I found is pretty generous on how far the beam is rated to go but I'm
doing it just like the manufacturers do- sort of. By the way on my lumens figures are
calibrated using a Fenix light. My number should be used as an estimate
only but the figures, do provide an insight into how each they performed in
relation to one
another. You'll notice the G25C does the worst in a basic throw
test. Which is because it has the smallest reflector.
Hey. HEY, wake up! Alright so how about a few other things. The light is tiny and it
comes with the clip, a spare o-ring, and a lanyard- SUPRISE! It's easy to operate-
which is a plus.
It tail stands, even with the switches on the tail cap. Because of a few bevels. Make
sure it's on a flat surface because it's not super duper stable. It has a bit of
uninteresting knurling on the center, so it gives you some added grip. Cool, now I can
check off the "talk about knurling box" on the flashlight review chart. It isn't a whole lot bigger
in diameter than my EDC convoy s5 and it's actually shorter because of a smaller
reflector. And the electronic switches save a little bit of length. Since it is an
electronic switch, loosen the tail when not in use to prevent accidental activation. Ok
what about one or two final opinions before I cut this shit short. Things that I don't like:
I wish it came in a neutral wire or warm white option I wish all flashlights did. Also
there's no moonlight mode. Armytek is awesome because they usually feature these as
options or features on most lights that they release. Listen up, Sunwayman.
So how about things I like. Well it's EDC sized for a larger pockets and it's
simple to operate. It seemed cool even though it's not that interesting. I guess
it could have acted like a dick- but it didn't. Alright, so thanks for watching and
subscribe to my channel if you like reviews and videos about EDC stuff like:
knives, flashlights, headlamps, all with bizarre jokes. Even if you don't like any
of those things subscribe anyway because I have a really good personality.
Sunwayman G25C Review. Opinions, Editing, Narration, Camera, Writing,
and Color by M.Hanlen. Shot on the Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera.
Edited in Final Cut Pro 7 & Graded in Apple Color.
visit: www.sunwayman.com for more information.