ReyLight Triple Ti Dawn Review (Grade 5 Titanium)

Posted on by TLR

Preface

The 2nd generation of the original ReyLight Triple Ti is finally here!

With several changes/updates from the predecessor, the ReyLight Triple Ti Dawn is introduced as Rey Ye’s latest creation; with its name inspired by the phrase “break of dawn“.

Note: the Ti Dawn reviewed here is the bare bones Stonewashed version (no tritium vials installed by Rey Ye) with Nichia 219C (4000K), Green GITD Gasket Optic Glow and 9 Tritium Vial slots on the head.

Packaging & First Impressions

This is what the light will come with as shown below.

  • Packaging comes in the form of a Pelican-style case which gives fairly decent protection during shipment.
  • The case is not waterproof and is susceptible to hard side impacts caused during rough shipment handling. Nonetheless, the flashlight and accessories were not damaged.
  • Total of 11 OR 17 Tritium Vials (1.5mm x 6mm) can be installed (9 OR 15 on Head & 2 on Tail Switch Button).
  • The threads and o-rings were mildly lubricated but the threads are a little rough still (slight galling). Cleaning the threads and re-lubing with Christo-Lube MCG 111 helps to make the threads much smoother.
  • Battery can only be replaced from the head portion of the battery tube.
  • Extension tube that allows for 18650 battery usage comes screwed on from Rey.
  • The extension tube for 18650 battery usage, almost lines up perfectly for our review sample.
  • The Ti clip is held down firmly by 2 x T9 Torx Titanium screws. This Ti clip is swappable with Steel Flame (SF) clips, McGizmo clips and the likes.
  • The provided Ti clip is not reversible.
  • The clip has sufficient tension to ensure that the light will stay clipped to any material to prevent the light from falling out.
  • The tail switch is a reverse clicky and requires slightly further “travel” to activate, which helps prevent any unwanted activation of the light.
  • The Titanium switch cover provides for a rather firmer & responsive switching mechanism, with little side-to-side play.
  • When activating the switch at an angle, there is almost no metal scraping sound that usually plagues most metal switches.
  • Custom-made rubber cap moulding for switch provides better water resistance.
  • Stonewashed finish is uniform throughout the light (with the slight exception of the clip).
  • All Ti Dawn will come with a Green or Aqua Blue Glow-In-The-Dark (GITD) gasket under the TIR optics.
  • No lanyard and/or holster is provided.
  • Battery compartment holds unprotected IMR 18350 and 18650 batteries without issue (lengthwise and width-wise). Most protected 18350/18650 batteries are too long to fit and are not recommended for this light as well, due to the driver used.
  • Both Button & Flat Top 18350/18650 IMR batteries can be used.

Note: As per Rey’s suggestion, avoid clipping the Ti Clip to any thick belts as it may cause the clip to snap.

Top:

Bottom:

Sides:

Case Contents:

Quick Overview (Manufacturer Specifications)

  • Body, Clip & Clip Screw Material: Grade 5 Titanium (TC4 / Ti 6Al-4V)
  • Titanium Body & Clip Finish Choices (Photo courtesy of Rey Ye):
    • Machined
    • Beadblasted
    • Stonewashed (as received for this Review Sample) – Stonewashing is carried out after bead-blasting process
  • Other Dawn Flashlight Materials (subject to availability):
    • Copper (12 Tritium Vial slots on Head and 2 Tritium Vial slots on Tail Switch Button)
    • Mokume (24 Tritium Vial slots on Head and 3 Tritium Vial slots on Tail Switch Button)
  • Lens Material: Sapphire
  • Pill and MCPCB Material: Copper
  • GITD Gasket Optic Glow (given in random):
    • Green (as received for this Review Sample)
    • Aqua Blue
  • LEDs with default Narrow Spot, Plain Optic (Carclo 10507):
    • 3 * Nichia 219C High CRI, 4000K (Default)
    • 3 * Cree XP-L HI, 5000K
  • Battery Format: 1 x 18350 or 1 x 18650 ONLY (Do NOT use 2 x 18350 batteries!)
  • Driver used: Texas_Ace (TA) Driver with ToyKeeper’s (TK) Bistro firmware – both TA and TK are on BLF.
  • Default Modes (Memory & Medium Press are disabled):
    • Level 1 (MOONLIGHT)
    • Level 2 (LOW)
    • Level 3 (MID)
    • Level 4 (HIGH)
    • Level 5 (TURBO) – 1,500 Lumens
    • Notes:
      1. TURBO mode is estimated to be 1,500 Lumens for Nichia 219C (4000K) and 3,000 Lumens for Cree XP-L HI (5000K).
      2. Other Driver such as the CWF Dragon can be purchased as option upgrade (subject to availability).
  • Waterproofness: Rating not available but see “Waterproofness” section for more information
  • Dimension: 25mm (diameter) x 83mm (length with 18350 body) / 112mm (length with Extension for 18650 battery usage)
  • Weight: 128g (excluding battery)
  • Accessories Included:
    • 1*Clip
    • 1*Spare Switch
    • 2*Spare O-rings
  • MSRP:
    • Titanium Dawn
      • $129 for Nichia 219C (4000K)
      • $139 for Cree XP-L HI (5000K)
    • Copper Dawn
      • $129 for Nichia 219C (4000K)
      • $139 for Cree XP-L HI (5000K)
    • Mokume Dawn
      • $450 for Nichia 219C (4000K) / Cree XP-L HI (5000K)
    • Tritium Vials Installation
      • Installation Fee per Flashlight: $5
      • Cost per Tritium Vial: $6 (Colors: Ice Blue, Green, Yellow, Red, Orange, Purple, White, Pink – subject to availability)

Optional Extras

Here are some of the optional extras available for the ReyLight Triple Ti Dawn.

Anodized Titanium Finishes

Here are some of the optional anodized Titanium finishes that Rey offers, subject to availability (Photos are courtesy of ReyLight).

The anodizing costs $50, at the time of writing.

Clip Attachments

ReyLight offers Clip Attachments, which seems to be an alternative to the rather pricey and hard-to-get Steel Flame (SF) clips. These Clip Attachments are subject to availability as well.

The Clip Attachments will screw into the hole found on the Ti Clip.

Here is a sample of the Clip Attachment attached, photo courtesy of ReyLight.

Alternative LE Driver

If the TA Driver with TK’s Bistro Firmware is not one’s cup of tea and would prefer an additional secondary LED (e.g. Amber, Red, Blue or Green) instead, the CWF Dragon Light Engine (LE) is a possibility; subject to availability.

This LE upgrade will cost $100 (price at time of writing) and will maintain the maximum output of the 219C 4000K (1,500 Lumens) and XP-L HI 5000K (3,000 Lumens) of the original LE.

UI (User Interface)

UI for this light is good for Every Day Carry (EDC) as it is rather simple to use, after the initial learning curve.

Switching ON and OFF is done by the tail switch of the light. It is a reverse clicky switch so no half press for momentary activation is possible.

Note: Lvl 1 stands for Level 1, Lvl 2 stands for Level 2 and etc.

Normal Operation

The Bistro Firmware is a fairly customizable driver but the following is the default setting that the Dawn will come with as standard (Memory & Medium Press are disabled).

From OFF:

  • 1 Click – Direct access to MOONLIGHT.

From ON:

  • 1 Click – Light will switch OFF.
  • 1/2 Press – Mode change per Press (light cycles through MOONLIGHT, LOW, MID, HIGH, TURBO -> MOONLIGHT, LOW, MID, HIGH, TURBO).

Steps to Enter Configuration Mode

Note: This Driver does not have the usual Bistro Firmware for the Mode Groups & Hidden Modes.

From ON:

  • 15 * 1/2 Press till Light stops Switching Modes & Release Switch – Light will enter Configuration Mode.
    • When doing the 1/2 Presses, do it as quickly as you can. Additional 1/2 Presses (more than 15) is not an issue.
    • Release Switch after the Light stops Switching Modes only, do not carry out 1 Click.
    • Once in configuration mode, the light will give a solid flash between 1 and 8 times to depict the 8 available configuration items.
    • The number of solid flashes indicates the option number to be changed and are followed by strobing flashes (I.e. 2 Solid Flash followed by strobe flashes means Configuration Mode 2)
  • Subsequent 1/2 Press Switch – Select current Configuration Mode item.

Configuration Mode Options

The following Configuration Mode numbers below are depicted by the number of Solid Flashes, followed by strobe flashes.

There is a total of 8 Configuration Modes as shown below, 1/2 Press Switch to select current Configuration Mode.
If none of the Configuration Modes is selected after 1 full cycle, the flashlight will revert back to lowest Mode.

  1. Simple/Muggle Mode Activation – 3 modes (LOW, MID & HIGH only, with HIGH at about half power)
    1. Mode cycles LOW, MID, HIGH -> LOW, MID, HIGH.
    2. MOONLIGHT, Memory, Medium-presses and Hidden Modes are all disabled in this Mode.
    3. When in this Simple/Muggle Mode, Configuration Mode will only show this option to exit Simple/Muggle Mode.
  2. Mode Memory – Enable OR Disable
    1. When Enabled, Last Mode Memory will be memorized – light will always switch ON in the last Mode used.
    2. When Disabled, there is no Mode Memory – light will always switch ON in the lowest or highest output available (depending on Mode Order Configuration selection).
  3. Moonlight Mode – Enable OR Disable
    1. When Enabled, MOONLIGHT mode will be added as the lowest mode in the Mode Levels.
    2. When Disabled, MOONLIGHT mode will be removed from the Mode Levels.
  4. Mode Order – Ascending OR Descending
    1. In Ascending Mode Order, Mode Levels will cycle from LOW to HIGH.
    2. In Descending Mode Order, Mode Levels will cycle from HIGH to LOW.
  5. Mode Group – Each Flash represent the corresponding Mode Group Options’ numbers below, light will flash 23 times and pause before repeating 23 flashes (MOONLIGHT mode is excluded) — 1/2 Press Switch again to select the Mode Group.
    1. 1 Mode (TURBO only) — TURBO means 100% FET
    2. 2 Modes (1*7135 Chip & TURBO)
    3. 3 Modes (1*7135 Chip, All 7135 Chips & TURBO)
    4. 4 Modes (~37mA, 1*7135 Chip, All 7135 Chips & TURBO)
    5. 5 Modes (~19mA, ~66mA, 1*7135 Chip, All 7135 Chips & TURBO)
    6. 6 Modes (~19mA, ~66mA, 1*7135 Chip, ~650mA, All 7135 Chips & TURBO)
    7. 7 Modes (~19mA, ~66mA, 1*7135 Chip, ~650mA, All 7135 Chips, All 7135 Chips + 25% FET & TURBO)
    8. 8 Modes (~19mA, ~66mA, 1*7135 Chip, ~650mA, All 7135 Chips, All 7135 Chips + 25% FET, All 7135s + 60% FET & TURBO)
    9. 1 Mode (1*7135 Chip) — for Regulated Output & Non-PWM
    10. 1 Mode (All 7135 Chip) — for Regulated Output & Non-PWM
    11. 2 Modes (1*7135 Chip & All 7135 Chips) — for Regulated Output & Non-PWM
    12. 3 Modes (~37mA, 1*7135 Chip & All 7135 Chips) — for Regulated Output
    13. 4 Modes (~19mA, ~66mA, 1*7135 Chip & All 7135 Chips) — for Regulated Output
    14. 5 Modes (~19mA, ~66mA, 1*7135 Chip, ~640mA & All 7135 Chips) — for Regulated Output
    15. 5 Modes (~37mA, 1*7135 Chip, All 7135 Chips, All 7135 Chips + 25% FET & TURBO)
    16. 8 Modes (Biking Strobe, Battery Check, ~37mA, 1*7135 Chip, All 7135 Chips, All 7135 Chips + 25% FET, All 7135s + 60% FET & TURBO) — Biking Group
    17. 8 Modes (1*7135 Chip, ~640mA, ~1A, All 7135 Chips, All 7135 Chips + 10% FET, All 7135 Chips + 25% FET, All 7135s + 60% FET & TURBO) — Non-blinking Biking Group
    18. 4 Modes (1*7135 Chip, All 7135 Chips, 10Hz Strobe & TURBO) — Tactical Group
    19. 4 Modes (~10mA, ~19mA, ~37mA & ~66mA) — Low Modes Group
    20. 2 Modes (~37mA & TURBO) — “Security Guard Special” Group
    21. 3 Modes (~37mA, All 7135 Chips & TURBO)
    22. 4 Modes (~37mA, All 7135 Chips, All 7135 Chips + 25% FET & TURBO)
    23. 5 Modes (~37mA, All 7135 Chips, All 7135 Chips + 10% FET, All 7135 Chips + 45% FET & TURBO)
  6. Medium Press – Enable OR Disable
    1. When Enabled, Mode Cycling can be reversed regardless of Mode Order selection (Configuration Mode No. 4) and Hidden Modes will be accessible.
    2. When Disabled, Mode Cycling will follow the Mode Order selection (Configuration Mode No. 4) and Hidden Modes will be inaccessible.
  7. Thermal Calibration – Customizing the step down temperature. Light will go to LOW mode first before stepping up to TURBO.
    1. 1 Click Switch when in LOW mode – Thermal Regulation will be switched OFF.
    2. 1 Click Switch when in TURBO mode – Thermal Regulation will memorize current temperature as the Thermal Regulation step down temperature.
  8. Factory Reset – Resets all customized settings back to Factory Settings (see “Normal Operation” for Factory Settings UI)

Operation Mode with Medium Press Configuration Enabled

After enabling Medium Press Configuration, the UI now becomes fully unlocked – giving access to numerous Hidden Modes and the ability to move backwards in the UI mode sequence as well.

The Operation Mode is now changed to the following with 1/2 Short Press (< 1 sec) & 1/2 Medium Press (~ 1 to 4 secs) options.

From OFF:

  • 1 Click – Light will switch ON to Lvl 1 mode (MOONLIGHT mode if Moonlight Mode Configuration is enabled) OR last used Mode (last mode memory if Mode Memory Configuration is activated).

From ON:

  • 1 Click – Light will switch OFF.
  • 1/2 Short Press – Mode change per Press (light cycles through Lvl 1, Lvl 2, etc. -> Lvl 1, Lvl 2, etc.), depending on the Mode Group Configuration selected.
  • 1/2 Medium Press (when in Lvl 1 mode) – Direct access to the 8 Hidden Modes. Each 1/2 Medium Press will access the following modes in order and at any point in time, a 1/2 Short Press will revert light back to Lvl 1 mode.
    1. TURBO
    2. Battery Check
      1. Each LEDs blink signifies 1V
      2. After a ~1 sec pause and 1 flash, the subsequent LEDs blink signifies 0.1V.
      3. Hence, 4 times LEDs blink, followed by a ~1 sec pause & 1 flash and another subsequent 1 time LEDs blink – signifies 4.1V.
    3. Biking Strobe
    4. 10Hz Strobe
    5. 16Hz Strobe
    6. Old Move Effect Strobe (Output is lower than Mode 4 and 5 Strobes’ options)
    7. Creepy Fun House Strobe (Output is lower than Mode 4 and 5 Strobes’ options)
    8. Lvl 1
  • 1/2 Medium Press (except when in Lvl 1 & Hidden Modes) – Mode change per Press are reversed (light cycles through Lvl 4, Lvl 3, Lvl 2, Lvl 1) depending on the Mode Group Configuration selected.

Form Factor

For flashlights that are intended to use on a daily basis (EDC) and for possibly a long period of time, form factor is extremely important.

This light feels rather well balanced in a medium sized hand (not head/tail-heavy) in both the 18350 and 18650 configuration. It does feel noticeably heftier, in the 18650 configuration with the 18650 battery inside. Switching between overhand and underhand holding method is easy with its form factor. The rather unique square-style knurling on the light enables it to feel “grippy”, even with wet hands/gloves.

The light is able to tail-stand stably without any issues.

Note: To swap out the reverse clicky switch for the spare one, the clip has to be removed first before unscrewing the Ti tail button.

Beam Style/Beamshots

For triple lights, the spill, corona and hotspot is somewhat predictable – often producing what is known as a “wall of light”. With the sheer output from the LEDs used, the beam is still sufficiently “throwy” for recognising items in the near to mid-range distance.

The above beam profiles are rough interpretations of what is seen when white wall hunting when up-close with the default optic (Carclo 10507). The beam will vary based on the different optics used. When up-close, the beam has a large circular hotspot with some slight corona and a somewhat circular spill. There are some beam artifacts in the beam when whitewall hunting but not visible in real world usage.

The below photos show the Ti Dawn in MOONLIGHT mode and the GITD Gasket Optic Glow in action.

All of the beamshots taken below are done so with the following camera settings  (MOONLIGHT: 3.2sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB, LOW: 1.3sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB, MID: 1/2sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB, HIGH: 1/6sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB and TURBO: 1/8sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB).
Some pictures have been adjusted slightly to depict as close as to what is seen in real life. The distance of the light from the door is 4.6m.

Control shot:

Level 1 (MOONLIGHT):

Level 2 (LOW):

Level 3 (MID):

Level 4 (HIGH):

Level 5 (TURBO) – 1,500 Lumens:

Mode (Output) Spacing

Mode spacing appears to be progressively brighter to the eye and the modes are well spaced enough to be able to know which mode one is currently in. With that in mind, TLR tend to view mode spacing as battery life indicators (amount of runtime left) rather than the specific output (lumens).

The default Level 1 mode which is what most can call a proper moonlight mode and is perfect for night-adjusted eyes and midnight snack runs.

With the customizable nature of the BISTRO firmware, mode spacing can be adjusted by selecting the corresponding Mode Group Customization options. Hence, with the 23 Mode Group options and other Configuration modes, users should have no issue selecting their preferred UI.

That said, those who prefer not to go into customizing their Dawn’s UI, the preset levels of this flashlight is sufficient for most uses.

Tint & CRI

ReyLight mentioned that the tint (color temperature) is 4000K but did not disclose the CRI (Color Rendering Index) for the LED used in their light. For this light, a guesstimate would be in the 90+CRI ballpark.

There is a slight tint shift throughout the beam profile. The hotspot has a slightly yellowish tint with the corona and the spill possessing a slight pinkish tint.
However, the tint shift is not as noticeable in real life.

Waterproofness

Even though there is no official rating for the light, we went ahead to test it like as though it was rated for IPX-8.

The light was subjected to warm water submersion, followed by cold water submersion and left under room temperature running water tap whilst running on TURBO.

No signs of water intrusion in the head, switch or body/body extension was seen.

Lockout Capability

No electronic lockout or mechanical lockout is possible when needed, like during transportation in a bag.

Hence, we do not recommend transporting this flashlight in an enclosed area (bag, purse, etc.) with the battery installed. If absolutely necessary to transport the flashlight with the battery in it, we recommend activating Moonlight Mode Configuration & Ascending Mode Order Configuration, to ensure that even if the reverse clicky switch does get activated; the flashlight will switch ON in MOONLIGHT mode only.

Note: If the UI is still in default configuration, the flashlight will always switch ON in MOONLIGHT mode only.

Tritium Vial Installation 

ReyLight (Rey Ye) provides Tritium Vials installation for all Dawns purchased directly from him at a cost of $6 per Tritium Vial and $5 Installation Fee per flashlight (price at time of writing).

However, if one prefers to install the Tritium Vials instead, the full installation steps can be found HERE.

After purchasing the required number of Tritium Vials (11 or 17 Tritium Vials – depending on Ti Dawn configuration selected), the following steps will be required.

  • Follow Step 4 of the Installation Steps for the Tail horizontal-style Tritium slots (2 Slots) installation.
  • Follow Step 5 of the Installation Steps for the Head vertical-style Tritium slots (9 OR 15 Slots) installation.

Quick Comparison to Previous Generation

DescriptionTriple Ti DawnTriple Ti
Flashlight MaterialGrade 5 TitaniumGrade 2 Titanium (?)
Lens MaterialSapphireGlass
ClipMade of Titanium and Inversely TaperedMade of Titanium and Tapered
Length (without / with Extension)8.2cm / 11.2cm8.3cm / 11.2cm
DriverTA Driver with TK’s Bistro Firmware17mm BLF DD with theStar's Firmware
LEDs Used3* Nichia 219C 4000K High CRI / Cree XP-L HI 5000K
3* Nichia 219B/219C 4500K only (NOT High CRI)
ProductionRegular Production (Fully Assembled)One Batch only (Offered as Host or Fully Assembled)
Tritium Slots on Tail Button2 Tritium Slots1 Tritium Slot
GITD Gasket Optic GlowGreen or BlueNot available

Scale Comparison (Ruler)

Summary

To sum up, we believe that the most important part of any review is if given the chance to purchase the same light for our own EDC or to gift to our loved ones out from one’s pocket (wallet), would we still do it?
For this light, it is a definite YES.

The flashlight’s straightforward default UI, programmable UI options (when required), Tritium Vial slots as a standard option, 18350 or 18650 battery capability with the removal/addition of extension tube, made of Grade 5 Titanium, sapphire lens, 3 types of Titanium finishing, GITD Gasket Optic Glow and easily-swappable clip compatibility are all plus points for it – especially at this price point.

However, the main issue with using a battery extension tube is the added complexity of making the “knurling” of the tail and extension tube line up perfectly; which unfortunately does occur very slightly in our sample.

Here is a bonus size comparison with some of other flashlights which are also made of Grade 5 Titanium.
(L to R: ReyLight Ti Lan V3, Oveready TorchLAB BOSS 35, Okluma Ti DC1, McGizmo Haiku, ReyLight Ti Dawn, Oveready TorchLAB BOSS 70, McGizmo AquaMule/AquaRam).

As with all gears, two is one and one is none.

Stay safe,
The Lite Review

Disclaimer: Light was provided for by ReyLight (Rey Ye) for this review. No other compensation was provided.

Where to Buy Links

Disclaimer: The links to the Ti Dawn do not contain any affiliate or tracking links.
However, purchasing using the Christo-Lube MCG111’s affiliate link below will enable TLR to receive compensation from corresponding affiliate companies (Amazon/ShareASale/etc.) directly.
It will NOT cost you anything and is a way to help support the website to keep pumping out reviews like this.

The Ti Dawn is offered directly from Rey and he mentioned this will be more of a regular production (unlike the one-off original ReyLight Triple Ti production).

Ti Dawn

Rey Ye’s Email: 395090663@qq.com
Reylight Facebook Group: Click Here

Christo-Lube MCG111

Amazon: Click Here to see best prices on Amazon.

Available Discount Coupon Codes

  • Click HERE to view our complete list of discount Coupon Codes.

Our Latest Reviews

  • Click HERE to view the latest Flashlight Reviews.
  • Click HERE to view the latest Reviews.
No comments yet
18350 18650 ReyLight

Leave a Reply