Deadwood Huck Mid-Tech Titanium Review (Grade 5 Titanium)

Posted on by TLR

Preface

The Huck Mid-Tech is as its name suggests – a Mid-Tech variant of the custom-made Huck (short for Huckleberry) model.

This Mid-Tech model was released by Deadwood Custom Works in 2020 to cope with the demand of the custom-made Huck. In addition, it provides a more affordable alternative of a full-on custom Huckleberry model and its associated pricing level.

Notes:

  1. This review Mid-Tech model Ti sample has a one-off Bronze anodizing with lasered Dead Man’s Hand image and based on the triple LED option.
  2. Prices stated in this review are correct at time of posting. It is recommended to check with Grant (Owner/Custom Maker of Deadwood Custom Works) for the latest changes in pricing, if any.

Background

Deadwood Custom Works is a one-man show by Grant Spitz. Understandably as his works became more popular, he had to spread his time up into production, R&D, shipping logistics and after-sales support. At times he may get overwhelmed by the emails/Private Messages (PMs) received and may require a subsequent email/PM if they go unanswered after a few days.

The Huck Mid-Tech Ti is made from Grade 5 Titanium (Ti 6Al-4V) material as is the case for both of his Custom models (Huckleberry and Tombstone).

As titanium is not the best heat dissipating material for a heat generating light, the Huck Mid-Tech Ti comes with an aluminum pill that screws into the Mid-Tech head. The Triple LEDs & Light Engine are mounted on the aluminum pill which helps to mitigate the heat dissipating issue.

Packaging & First Impressions

When it comes to the “Mid-Tech” level of flashlights, the product has to draw a fairly thin line between “Custom” level and the common “Mass Production” level of flashlights whilst maintaining a reasonable price level. Custom Makers have to draw the line carefully as setting the standard (and price) too high would eat into their own “Custom” level sales or the vice versa may lead to buyers looking elsewhere for more affordable options from other Custom Makers.

For this Huck Mid-Tech, Grant took a wise decision to cut on the fancy packaging for his Mid-Tech range, whilst still providing the added protection during shipment. The Huck Mid-Tech comes with a 18350 battery (KeepPower), Deadwood Custom Works magnet and Grant’s name card.

There is even an option to purchase the Huck Mid-Tech as a “Host” only, with 2 different kit options – Partial Kit or Complete Kit.

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

  • The threads and o-rings were lightly lubricated.
  • Rather smooth threads for Titanium material but some slight breaking-in period is required. Cleaning the threads and re-lubing with Christo-Lube MCG 111 helps to make the threads almost butter smooth.
  • Excellent fit and finish – no rough/sharp edges and “tumbled” finish.
  • The light will definitely stay clipped to any material with almost no chance from falling out due to the tension provided by the Ti clip.
  • The Ti clip is held down firmly by 2 x T8 Torx Titanium screws. This Ti clip is swappable with Steel Flame (SF) clips, McGizmo clips and the likes.
  • The tail switch (McClicky) requires a slightly firm press to activate and is almost impossible to accidental activate in pocket due to the flush tailcap.
  • Utilises the McClicky switch which is by far, the best forward clicky mechanical switch made to date.
  • Battery compartment holds unprotected IMR 18350 battery without issue. CR123A batteries are not recommended for this light due to the 3A driver used.

Packaging inside USPS Box:

Contents:

Deadwood Custom Works Magnet

Deadwood Custom Works Name Card

Complimentary IMR 18350 Battery (KeepPower)

Quick Overview (Manufacturer Specifications)

  • Body Material Options:
    • Titanium (Grade 5 Titanium / Ti 6Al-4V)
    • Brass (360 Brass)
  • Body Finish Options:
    • Machined
    • Stonewash
    • Custom Anodised (subject to additional charges)
    • Custom Lasered work (subject to additional charges)
  • LED Specification: Nichia 219B (4000K), 90+ Cri
  • LED Configuration Option:
    1. On Aluminum Pill
      1. Single LED with Reflector
      2. Triple LED with Carclo Optic
    2. On Copper Pill (+$25 premium)
      1. Single LED with Reflector
      2. Triple LED with Carclo Optic
  • LED Driver Option:
    1. Led4power LD-A4 (3A)
    2. CWF Dragon Triple with Secondary LEDs (+$100 premium)
    3. Dr Jones H17Fx (this option has been removed)
  • Mid-Tech Options:
    1. Huck Mid-Tech (specs options as above) — All Mid-Tech will come with a serial number inside the body, next to the switch [see below photo, courtesy of Deadwood Custom Works]
    2. Host — All Host will be labelled “HOST” in the body, next to the switch [see below photo, courtesy of Deadwood Custom Works]
      1. Partial Kit (Head, Body, aluminum pill(single/triple) and McClicky switch with rubber boot) — Ti is $150 or Brass is $100
      2. Complete Kit (Everything from the Partial Kit and Ti clip, 2 * Ti T8 screws, 2 Orings, and optic/reflector) — Ti is $200 or Brass is $150
      3. Note: The Huck Mid-Tech can be considered as a Complete Kit Host with LED board & driver included and full assembly.
  • Titanium Clip & T8 Screws
  • Battery Format: (Voltage Range: 2.8V to 4.35V)
    • 1 x 18350 / 1 x RCR123A ONLY
    • Note: If emergency usage, limit usage of CR123A batteries to LOW mode only.
  • Stock Modes (LD-A4 driver):
    • Low
    • Mid
    • High
    • No PWM
    • Notes:
      1. There is no PWM used for this driver.
      2. HIGH mode is estimated to be about 1000 lumens for the Triple LED setup and about 600 lumens for the Single LED setup.
  • Waterproofness: Rating not available
  • Dimension: 24.99mm (diameter) / 88.90mm (body length)
  • Weight: 73.71g (excluding batteries)
  • Battery reverse polarity protection
  • No PWM
  • Made in USA
  • No-Question-Asked Lifetime Warranty (excludes Cosmetic Damages) and fully applicable for Huck Mid-Tech only. HOSTs are guaranteed against manufacture defects only.
  • MSRP: $275 (Huck Mid-Tech Titanium – Aluminum Pill for Single/Triple LED option)

UI (User Interface)

UI for this light is perfect for Every Day Carry (EDC) as it is fairly straightforward to use.

Due to the Led4power LD-A4 (3A) driver used, the Mid-Tech can be a normal 3 modes flashlight in the stock setting or can be fully programmed to one’s preference.

As the driver’s name suggests, the model selected by Grant is limited to 3A.

Switching ON and OFF is done by the tail mechanical switch on the light so momentary activation is possible.

Normal Operation (Stock Modes)

From OFF:

  • 1/2 Press –  Light will switch ON to MOMENTARY last used mode (last mode memory) – any of the brightness levels.
  • 1 Click –  Light will switch ON to last used mode (last mode memory) – any of the brightness levels.
  • Repeated 1/2 Press – Mode change (light cycles through LOW, MID & HIGH → LOW, MID & HIGH).

From ON:

  • 1 Click – Light will switch OFF.
  • Repeated 2 Click (fast) – Mode change (light cycles through LOW, MID & HIGH → LOW, MID & HIGH).

Programming/Configuration Diagram of Led4power LD-A4 Driver

For those that prefer reading from a Diagram instead of Step-by-Step wording, the below photo is courtesy of Led4power.

The key to reading the diagram below is that there are a total of 9 menus (excluding the “EXIT” and “FACTORY RESET” options) and all items highlighted in Green are the default values for the corresponding menu’s sub-menu. (i.e. For menu 3 “MOONLIGHT”, the default is sub-menu 2 — “DISABLE”). Hence, there are 3 modes (LOW, MID & HIGH) in the stock setting only.

Programming/Configuration Mode of Led4power LD-A4 Driver

To enter the Configuration Mode, follow the steps below.

For illustration purpose, the below steps are for the Activation of MOONLIGHT mode of 5,0mA. To avoid any confusion, in the Led4power diagram, all “,” are actually “.”, so the MOONLIGHT mode is actually 5.0mA.

From OFF:

  1. 1/2 Press at least 10 times. Pressing more than 10 times will work the same.
  2. The light will flash 5 times to acknowledge that it is in Configuration Mode and return to ~LOW mode. If it does not, repeat Step 1 again.
  3. The light is currently in the Main Menu and select the Menu required based on below diagram. For example, 1/2 Press – 3 times for “MOONLIGHT” Menu.
  4. The light will flash the same number of times as selected in Step 3 (3 times) and will return to an LOW LOW mode to show that it is in the Sub-Menu.
  5. To select the 5,0mA MOONLIGHT mode option, 1/2 Press – 4 times.
  6. The light will flash the same number of times as selected in Step 5 (4 times) and will return to ~LOW mode to show that the configuration has been activated and it is back in Main Menu to select the next configuration.
  7. Repeat Steps 3 to 6 to continue configuring/programming the driver as required.
  8. To EXIT Configuration Mode, return to the Main Menu and 1/2 Press – 10 to 12 times. Take special care to ensure that the 1/2 Press does not exceed to 14 or 15 times as that will cause a FACTORY RESET instead.

Notes:

  • In order to get into the various Configuration/Program settings, the speed of the 1/2 Presses may require some getting used to at first. After a few initial misses, it will become as second nature.
  • The above steps are color coded – BLUE for entering Configuration Mode, GREEN for Main Menu and Purple for Sub-Menu.
  • Although the driver will time out after 30 seconds of inactivity and exit Configuration Mode automatically, there were some instances that it did not occur even after 10 minutes of inactivity. We strongly recommend that Step 8 is carried out, to ensure that Configuration Mode has been exited.
Configuration Mode – Main Menu 1 (CURRENT SET)

There are a total of 10 Sub-Menus for this Main Menu.

This option is to reduce the total maximum output of the driver. Reducing the maximum output will reduce all the other modes correspondingly.

As the Led4power’s diagram above is shown for the 6A driver option, the 3A driver that Grant had selected will have different values.

The following are the 10 Sub-Menus:

  1. CANCEL
  2. 3A (DEFAULT)
  3. 2,875A
  4. 2,75A
  5. 2,625A
  6. 2,50A
  7. 2,375A
  8. 2,25A
  9. 2,125A
  10. 2,00A

To avoid any confusion, in the Led4power diagram, all “,” are actually “.”, so for Sub-Menu 10 it is actually 2.00A.

Configuration Mode – Main Menu 2 (MODE GROUPS)

There are a total of 7 Sub-Menus for this Main Menu.

This option is to select the maximum number of modes (excluding MOONLIGHT mode) for the driver.

The following are the 7 Sub-Menus:

  1. CANCEL
  2. 1 MODE – 100%
  3. 2 MODES – 9% & 100%
  4. 2 MODES – 16% & 100%
  5. 3 MODES – 2,5%, 20% & 100% (DEFAULT)
  6. 4 MODES – 2%, 10%, 30% & 100%
  7. 5 MODES – 1,5%, 7%, 18%, 35% & 100%
Configuration Mode – Main Menu 3 (MOONLIGHT)

There are a total of 5 Sub-Menus for this Main Menu.

This option is to enable or disable the MOONLIGHT option, of which there are 3 MOONLIGHT options available.

The following are the 5 Sub-Menus:

  1. CANCEL
  2. DISABLE (DEFAULT)
  3. 2,5mA
  4. 5,0mA
  5. 7,5mA

All of the beamshots taken below are done so with the following camera settings (2,5mA: 4sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB, 5,0mA: 2.5sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB and 7,5mA: 2sec, 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:

2,5mA:

5,0mA:

7,5mA:

Configuration Mode – Main Menu 4 (MODE MEMORY)

There are a total of 3 Sub-Menus for this Main Menu.

This option is to enable or disable the MODE MEMORY for the driver.

The following are the 3 Sub-Menus:

  1. CANCEL
  2. DISABLE
  3. ENABLE (DEFAULT)
Configuration Mode – Main Menu 5 (CC/DD)

There are a total of 3 Sub-Menus for this Main Menu.

CC stands for Constant Current & DD stands for Direct Drive.

Essentially for this 3A driver, CC option equates to the maximum ampere of 3A.

For DD option, the LEDs will draw the maximum ampere that can be drawn from the 18350 battery. Hence, the maximum ampere is usually much more than 3A (depending on battery type and battery charge level) and maximum lumen output should increase slightly.

For the stock Nichia 219B, it is not recommended to use the DD option as the maximum lumen output gain over the CC option will be minimal.

This option is to select between CC or DD for the driver.

The following are the 3 Sub-Menus:

  1. CANCEL
  2. CC (DEFAULT)
  3. DD
Configuration Mode – Main Menu 6 (MODE ORDER)

There are a total of 3 Sub-Menus for this Main Menu.

This option is to select between FORWARD or REVERSE of modes order for the driver.

  • FORWARD order for the stock 3 Modes will be LOW, MID & HIGH → LOW, MID & HIGH.
  • REVERSE order for the stock 3 Modes will be HIGH, MID & LOW → HIGH, MID & LOW.

The following are the 3 Sub-Menus:

  1. CANCEL
  2. FORWARD (DEFAULT)
  3. REVERSE
Configuration Mode – Main Menu 7 (2 or 3 x FAST CLICKS)

There are a total of 6 Sub-Menus for this Main Menu.

This option is to select which modes will be activated with 2 or 3 Fast Clicks respectively, for the driver.

The following are the 6 Sub-Menus:

  1. CANCEL
  2. DISABLE (DEFAULT)
  3. STROBE — 2 x CLICK
  4. STROBE — 3 x CLICK
  5. HIGH — 2 x CLICK
  6. HIGH — 3 x CLICK

Note: The “2 x CLICK” options are fairly easy to accidentally activate if switching modes quickly. To prevent such accidental activation, we recommend using the “3 x CLICK” options instead.

Configuration Mode – Main Menu 8 (EXTERNAL OTP)

There are a total of 4 Sub-Menus for this Main Menu.

OTP stands for Over Temperature Protection. External OTP for FACTORY option is ~65°C.

This option is to activate, deactivate or to customize the preferred OTP temperature for the driver.

As the Huck Mid-Tech is using an aluminum pill as stock, we do not recommend disabling or customizing the OTP temperature.

The following are the 4 Sub-Menus:

  1. CANCEL
  2. DISABLE
  3. FACTORY (DEFAULT)
  4. CUSTOM
Configuration Mode – Main Menu 9 (CONFIGURATION MENU PASSWORD)

There are a total of 3 Sub-Menus for this Main Menu.

This option is to enable or disable the password for the Configuration Menu (makes it harder to accidentally access through the 1/2 Press of 10 times or more).

If the password is ENABLED, the password to unlock is “1865“. The following steps below will DISABLE the Configuration Menu Password.

From OFF:

    1. 1/2 Press at least 10 times. Pressing more than 10 times will work the same.
    2. The light will flash 2 times and return to ~LOW mode (it is NOT in Configuration Mode yet). If it does not, repeat Step 1 again.
    3. Enter the abovementioned password of “1865“.
      1. 1/2 Press – 1 time & light will flash 1 time
      2. 1/2 Press – 8 times & light will flash 8 times
      3. 1/2 Press – 6 times & light will flash 6 times
      4. 1/2 Press – 5 times & light will flash 5 times
    4. The light will flash 5 times to acknowledge that it is in Configuration Mode and return to ~LOW mode. If it does not, repeat Step 1 to 3 again.

The following are the 3 Sub-Menus:

  1. CANCEL
  2. DISABLE (DEFAULT)
  3. ENABLE

Fit & Finish

We are unable to comment on the Fit and Finish of the default Stonewashed Finish for the Huck Mid-Tech Ti models but the custom bronze anodized with prototype custom lasered Dead Man’s Hand image are excellent.

Subsequent lasered Huck has been inverted and look much better (added/improved contrasts). Despite extended rough usage, the anodization and lasered customization did not fade/wear off.

Even though it is a Mid-Tech flashlight, attention to detail still can be seen almost precise (perfect) amount of tension the Titanium Pocket Clip clips to one’s pocket to the mostly smooth Ti threads.

If we had to nitpick, the only thing we can fault for this Mid-Tech is the finishing on the Titanium Pocket Clip. The edges of the clip are a little on the sharper side of what we are accustomed for Custom level flashlights and may scratch up things such as vehicle’s paintwork if carried on the pants pocket. A quick touch up with a file and the edges are much smoother.

Needless to say, at this price point for a Mid-Tech, it is quite a bargain in terms of Fit & Finish.

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 Mid-Tech feels well balanced in a medium sized hand (not head/tail-heavy), with the Mid-Tech being able to almost disappear entirely in a clenched medium sized hand. Switching between overhand and underhand holding method is easy with its form factor.

The 4 twists engraving on the Huck Mid-Tech on the body helps to provide good “grip” even with wet hands/thin gloves.

It can tail-stand perfectly without the slightest wobble due to the recessed switch. Owing to the fairly wide chamfer on the tail, activating the tail switch is also easy without increasing the chances of accidental activation.

Beam Style/Beamshots

For this 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 somewhat circular hotspot with some slight corona and a triangle spill. There are no rings in the beam when whitewall hunting/in real world usage.

All of the beamshots taken below are done so with the following camera settings (LOW: 1.3sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB, MID: 0.25sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB and HIGH: 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:

LOW:

MID:

HIGH:

Mode (Output) Spacing

The stock mode spacing of the LD-A4 driver appears progressively brighter to the eye and the modes are well spaced enough to be able to select just about any level one would need. With that in mind, TLR tend to view mode spacing as battery life indicators (amount of runtime left) rather than the specific output (lumens).

In most cases, we usually harp upon the MOONLIGHT capability of a flashlight and the Mid-Tech Huck certainly did not disappoint here with the 3 different level of MOONLIGHT options. The MOONLIGHT modes are perfect for night-adjusted eyes and midnight snack runs.

With up to 5 modes (excluding MOONLIGHT mode), there is sufficient options available for this Mid-Tech model, without overcomplicating the customization process.

Tint & CRI

The default LEDs used is the 219B with the color temperature of 4000K with a 90+ high CRI (Color Rendering Index) Rating, enabling colors pop rather vividly – especially red.

There are some slight tint shifts throughout the beam profile. The hotspot has a slightly pinkish tint with the corona and the spill possessing a slight yellowish tint.
This tint shift is not noticeable in real life usage.

Overall, the tint is a pleasant one and that is one of the common traits for the 219B LED at 4000K. It is probably one of the reasons why it is still one of the more popular option among flashlight Custom Makers.

Waterproofness

Despite the light not being officially rated, 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 HIGH.

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

Lockout Capability

There is neither electronic nor mechanical lockout available when needed, like during transportation in a bag.

While the recessed switch is shielded by the tail and need quite a deliberate press to activate, there is always the possibility of it coming ON (especially if stored in a bag). Hence, it is highly recommended to leave the light in MOONLIGHT mode before switching OFF if the Mode Memory is switched ON.

There should not be an issue if Mode Memory is switched OFF and Mode Order is left in default FORWARD option.

It isn’t the best workaround for having no lockout capability but it is better than not having a solution at all.

Quick Comparison (Custom Huckleberry vs Mid-Tech Huck)

There are several items to easily differentiate a Custom Huckleberry from a Mid-Tech Huck, followed by some photos of them side by side. The Custom Huckleberry as shown in the photos below is made of an exotic material called MokuTi.

Fun Fact: The threads for the Custom Huckleberry and Mid-Tech Huck are both compatible with each other.

Note: All copper pills (Single LED with Reflector & Triple LEDs) shown in below photos are from the Custom Huckleberry.

DescriptionMid-Tech HuckCustom Huckleberry
PriceStarts from $250Starts from $500 (Ti)
Option for HOST onlyYes (Partial Kit or Complete Kit)No
Default DriverLed4power LD-A4CWF Dragon Driver
CWF Dragon Driver$100 Premium Add-onIncluded
Protective Case IncludedNoYes
Certificate of Authenticity IncludedNoYes
Serialized Yes, comes with Serial Number No
Twists on Body4 Twists3 Twists
Pill Material (Default)AluminumCopper

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 Mid-Tech light, it is a definite YES – no question about it, at its current price point.

The programmable User Interface means that the flashlight can be customized to fit the preferred UI, with a slight initial learning curve to master for the customization process.

The fit and most of the finishing just screams unbelievable quality and attention to detail for a Mid-Tech. Even though the Mid-Tech is CNC machined to Grant’s spec by a machine shop in the USA, it is not far off from a Custom flashlight. This is easily a bargain of a flashlight for those who are looking for a step up from the normal “Mass Production” level of flashlights but cannot accept the price point for “Custom” level of flashlights.

For those who are more familiar with cars, getting this Mid-Tech is like buying an entry level Lexus car at a Toyota car price. Yes, it is that good, especially with the No-Question-Asked Lifetime Warranty (excludes Cosmetic Damages).

As mentioned previously, there is still one tiny niggle that we could not help noticing. For most, this would not even matter but it would be nice if the edges of the Titanium Clip are further filed down.

Here is a bonus size comparison picture next to other Titanium/MokuTi Custom flashlights.

From Left to Right: Oveready TorchLAB Ti BOSS 35, Mac’s Customs Tri-EDC, Laulima Metal Craft Malihini Titanium, Hanko Machine Works Trident Ti Twist, Okluma Ti DC1, Deadwood Custom Works Mid-Tech Huck Ti, Deadwood Custom Works MokuTi Huckleberry Custom and McGizmo Haiku.

Stay safe,

The Lite Review

Disclaimer: The Mid-Tech Huck Ti was provided for by Deadwood Custom Works (Grant) for this review. No other compensation was provided.

Where to Buy Links

Disclaimer: The links to the Huck Mid-Tech Ti 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.

Deadwood Custom Works Mid-Tech Huck

The Mid-Tech Huck are sold on pre-order basis. There are a few ways to get notified before each pre-order starts.

  1. Join the Deadwood Custom Works’s Facebook Group HERE
  2. Check to the Deadwood Custom Works’s website regularly HERE

Christo-Lube MCG111

Amazon: Click Here to see best prices on Amazon.

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