Preface
The Xtar RC2-200 is the 2nd generation lantern of the original Xtar RC2 model.
As its name suggests, the highest output is now up to 200 lumens.
Let’s check out the merits and demerits of this new Xtar RC2-200 model.
Note: Xtar will be updating this model in the coming days, stay tuned for the updates!
Packaging & First Impressions
This is what the lantern will come with as shown below.
- The lantern is made of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Polycarbonate (PC) diffuser with the exception of the metal clip. There is no body flex and should withstand day-to-day normal usage without issue.
- The top electronic switch requires a slightly firm press to activate and unwanted activation of the lantern might occur.
- Clip comes installed at factory and can attach the lantern fairly securely to most material (do avoid attaching it to belts with thicker width).
- Magnet is situated at the clip and can be removed (if required). It is able to bear the lantern’s weight when attached horizontally and vertically (upside down) to a flat ferrous metallic surface.
- No lanyard or pouch is provided.
- The included 18650 battery is sealed and is not user-replaceable.
- Scanning the Facebook QR code with your phone/tablet on the box’s side would bring up the Xtar’s Facebook page.
- Scanning the WeChat QR code with your phone/tablet using the WeChat application on the box’s side would bring up the Xtar’s WeChat page.
Front:
Back:
Sides:
Top:
Contents:
Quick Overview (Manufacturer Specifications)
- Body Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Polycarbonate (PC)
- LEDs:
- TX-3535W3FC120
- TX-3535RGBW4FC120
- Output & Runtime (with included sealed Xtar 18650 2000mAh batteries):
- White – Low (6 lumens / 9h)
- White – High (65 lumens / 4h)
- Red (60 lumens / 5h)
- Blue (30 lumens / 5h)
- Green (90 lumens / 5h)
- Red & Blue Strobe
- White Strobe
- Max Beam Distance: No Information
- Beam intensity: No Information
- Waterproofness: IPX6
- Impact Resistance: 1.5m
- Dimension: 82.5mm (length) x 45mm (height) x 55mm (width)
- Weight: 87g (including battery)
- Accessories Included:
- 1*Micro-USB Cable
- 1*Pocket Clip
- 1*Magnet
- MSRP: TBA
UI (User Interface)
UI for this lantern is extremely straightforward to use.
Switching ON and OFF is done by the top electronic switch. Hence, there is no momentary activation.
Normal Operation
From OFF:
- HOLD (~0.5 sec) – Lantern will switch ON to White LOW mode.
From ON:
- HOLD (~2 secs) – Lantern will switch OFF.
- 1 Click – Mode change (light cycles through White LOW, White HIGH, RED, BLUE, GREEN, RED&BLUE STROBE, White STROBE -> White LOW, White HIGH, RED, BLUE, GREEN, RED&BLUE STROBE, White STROBE).
Power Indicator
There is 1 type of Power Indicator for this lantern, the switch LED will switch ON once the lantern is switched ON.
- From ON: Battery Capacity Indicator is activated (GREEN or RED LED will be lit).
- Solid GREEN – Power is >35%.
- Solid RED – Power is <35%.
- Flashing RED – Power is <10%, do recharge the lantern immediately.
Form Factor
For lanterns that are intended to be carried around and used for possibly an extended period of time, form factor is extremely important. This lantern is rather compact and its weight is fairly light.
The pebble-like or computer mouse-like shape helps to provide a decent grip on it, even with wet hands/gloves.
The lantern is unable to tail-stand so the best way to use it is by attaching it to a backpack, pocket (using the pocket clip) or attaching it to a flat ferrous metallic surface using the magnet.
Removing/Reinstalling the Pocket Clip and Magnet
Removing the Pocket Clip and Magnet can easily be done with the aid of a ruler, card or any flat tool.
Charging Process
With the provided Xtar-branded Micro-USB Cable, the battery was charging at ~0.71A.
The lantern is capable of operating on all modes (at a reduced output on all of the modes except the strobe modes) even when charging (at the expense of a slower charging rate). However, it is recommended to limit the usage to “White LOW” mode only, to ensure that the battery does get charged.
The solid RED indicator depicts charging in progress and solid GREEN indicator depicts charging has completed.
Note: The flap that covers the Micro-USB port tends to slightly open occasionally. Do ensure that the flap is properly seated to ensure best water-resistance capability.
Beam Style/Beamshots
For this lantern, the beam pattern (spill, corona and hotspot) for the Lantern is fairly predictable due to the translucent diffuser used. The LEDs are covered under the translucent cover, producing a soft flood beam for recognizing items in the up-close and near distance only.
The above beam profiles are a rough interpretation of what is seen when white wall hunting.
The beam has a wide “wall of light” diffused spill with no visible hotspot or corona. There are no beam artifacts in the beam when whitewall hunting and in real world usage.
All of the beamshots taken below are done so with the following camera settings (WHITE LOW: 1/3 sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB, WHITE HIGH: 1/4 sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB and RED, BLUE & GREEN: 1/3 sec, 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 lantern from the door is 4.6m.
Control shot:
LOW WHITE (90 lumens):
HIGH WHITE (200 lumens):
RED (60 lumens):
BLUE (30 lumens):
GREEN (90 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).
There is no moonlight mode available and since the first mode is WHITE LOW, it is way too bright for night-adjusted eyes and midnight snack runs. However, when charging the lantern, switching it ON to WHITE LOW mode provides for a more acceptable LOW mode with night-adjusted eyes (might need to squint the eyes a little at first).
It would be nice if Xtar has retained a true LOW or even a MOONLIGHT mode for this lantern.
Note: It seems that Xtar will be updating this model to include a Moonlight mode, standby for the full update!
Tint & CRI
White LED
Xtar did not disclose the tint (color temperature) and/or the CRI (Color Rendering Index) for the LED used in their light. For this light, a guesstimate would be in the 5500K and 85CRI ballpark.
There is no tint shift throughout the beam profile.
RED LED
RED LED has generally poor CRI as almost everything appears in different shades of red. They are generally used when retaining night vision is required and are excellent in that respect. A guesstimate wavelength would be 640nm.
There is no tint shift throughout the beam profile.
BLUE LED
BLUE LED has generally poor CRI as almost everything appears in different shades of blue. They can be used for searching of blood and body fluids or even reading maps. No guesstimate wavelength here.
There is no tint shift throughout the beam profile.
GREEN LED
GREEN LED has generally poor CRI as almost everything appears in different shades of green. They are generally used for hunting purposes (green light is said to be invisible to most animals). No guesstimate wavelength here.
There is no tint shift throughout the beam profile.
Waterproofness
As the lantern is IPX6 rated only, it was subjected to being left under room temperature running water at full blast whilst running on HIGH.
No signs of water intrusion in the body, switch or Micro-USB port was seen.
Lockout Capability
No mechanical lockout or electronic lockout is possible when needed, like during transportation in a bag.
This is probably why Xtar had the User Interface (UI) configured to always switch ON with WHITE LOW mode.
Quick Comparison to Previous Generation
| Description | Xtar RC2-200 | Xtar RC2 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Output | 200 Lumens | 120 Lumens |
| Mode Options | White - LOW, HIGH and Strobe Red, Blue, Green and Red&Blue Strobe | Moonlight, Low, Mid, High and Strobe |
| User Interface (UI) | Switch OFF: HOLD switch (~ 2 seconds). | Switch OFF: Cycle through all of the modes. |
| Battery Capacity | 2000mAh | 2200mAh |
| Color Options | Grey only | Grey and Blue |
| Clip Material | Steel | Plastic |
| Magnet | Yes | No |
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 lantern for our own usage or to gift to our loved ones out from one’s pocket (wallet), would we still do it?
For this lantern, it is a definite YES, if the lack of a moonlight mode is not an issue for your usage.
The direct access to “White LOW” mode from OFF, improved UI (compared to the 1st Generation RC2 model), High CRI (Color Rendering Index) White LED, 3 secondary colors (Red, Blue and Green), Strobe options, fairly compact form factor, strong magnet that can be removed and inclusion of the improved steel clip are all plus points for this lantern.
That said, it would be nice if Xtar has included either a larger capacity 18650 (3500mAh) or provide the option of a user replaceable 18650, rather than a sealed 18650 2000mAh battery.
Here are 2 bonus size comparison pictures with other lanterns and Xtar products.
From Left to Right: Xtar RC2-200, Nitecore LR50 and Streamlight Siege X USB.
From Left to Right: Xtar RC2-200, Xtar AF1 and Xtar BC4.
As with all gears, two is one and one is none.
Stay safe,
The Lite Review
Disclaimer: Lantern was provided for by Xtar (manufacturer) for this review. No other compensation was provided.
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Xtar RC2-200
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