💡 Wuben X4-Redefined: A 1500-Lumen Powerhouse with Triple-Light Output and 3400mAh Capacity
The flashlight market continually evolves, striving to deliver ever-brighter, more versatile, and more rugged illumination tools for everyday carry (EDC), tactical operations, and outdoor adventures. The newly refined Wuben X4 emerges as a formidable contender, boasting a 1500-lumen main beam, a 400-lumen side white light plus seven RGB/UV modes, and a 3400 mAh rechargeable battery. This article provides an in-depth look at the X4’s specifications, real-world performance, and positioning within the competitive 18650/14500 tactical flashlight segment.
Technical Deep Dive
Official Specifications
- Model: Wuben X4-Redefined
- Main Beam Output: 1500 lumens; beam distance up to 205 m
- Side Light Module: 400 lumens white + 7 RGB/UV modes; 20° tilt for adjustable illumination
- Battery: Built-in rechargeable 3400 mAh lithium cell (compatible with two 14500 920 mAh batteries or AA NiMH/alkaline)
- Materials & Durability: High-strength aluminum alloy body; IP68 waterproof; 1 m drop-proof
- Weight: 136 g (body only)
These specifications translate into a versatile EDC tool capable of delivering both far-reaching main beams and versatile side lighting for close-up tasks.
Verification of Key Claims
Independent tests and media reviews confirm the manufacturer’s core claims:
- The 1500 lumen main beam was validated via third-party video reviews and technical write-ups (HiConsumption, YouTube prototype tests).
- The 3400 mAh battery capacity aligns with on-screen discharge graphs and runtime measurements reported in video analyses.
- Durability ratings (IP68, 1 m drop-proof) are consistent with similar Wuben models, though no explicit third-party certification documents were found.
User Experience
Performance Benchmarks
Forum and user-generated reviews highlight both strengths and areas for improvement:
- Brightness & Beam Quality: The X4’s main beam impresses with its throw and uniform hotspot, while the side white light provides a soft flood without harsh hotspots.
- Emitter Size Concerns: Some users note the side RGB/UV emitters are smaller than standard XP-class LEDs, limiting peak brightness in those modes (BudgetLightForum, May 2025).
- Ergonomics & Mounting: The clip sits slightly proud of the body, complicating bezel-down mounting. Users suggest a redesigned clip or lower-profile bezel for improved EDC carry.
Common Praise & Complaints
- Praise: Powerful main beam, versatile side lighting, solid build quality, user-friendly mode switching.
- Complaints: Dimmer RGB/UV output, clip mounting geometry, and lack of explicit safety certification details in marketing materials.
Market Analysis
Competitor Comparison
| Model | Max Output (lm) | @30 sec (lm) | Candela (cd) | Distance (m) |
|----------------------------|-----------------|--------------|--------------|--------------|
| **Wuben X4-Redefined** | 1500 | 1400* | 10,800* | 205* |
| Wuben E12R | 1426 | 1200 | 10,575 | 206 |
| Speras EST MAX | 2400 | 555 | 17,250 | 263 |
| Streamlight Stinger 2020 | 2183 | 2141 | 25,450 | 319 |
| Weltool T12 | 2000 | 1846 | 126,500 | 711 |
*Estimated values based on manufacturer data and third-party tests.
Positioning Insights
- The Wuben X4 positions itself as a balanced EDC/tactical light: not the absolute highest output, but offering a unique dual-module design with main and side beams.
- Competing models like the Speras EST MAX and Weltool T12 exceed its throw or candela metrics, but lack the X4’s integrated side-light versatility.
- Entry-level enthusiasts may opt for the Wuben E12R for cost savings, while professionals requiring extreme reach may prefer the Weltool T12.
Wuben’s new X4-Redefined 18650 flashlight packs three light sources (front, side, and RGB) into a pocketable aluminum body. The X4 is a rugged new camping and EDC light now raising funds on Kickstarter. It touts a 1500-lumen main beam (four LEDs) and “Versatile Triple-Light Output,” powered by a user-replaceable 18650 cellkicktraq.com. As HiConsumption reports, this output is a major jump from last year’s X3 model (1500 lm vs. 700 lm) and now includes USB-C charginghiconsumption.com. Early-bird backers can pledge as little as $45, with retail expected around $90hiconsumption.com. Together with IP68 waterproofing and a quick “instant activation” tail switch, the X4 is positioned as an all-weather outdoor flashlight for hikers, campers, and first responderskicktraq.comhiconsumption.com.
Technical Specifications
-
Main Beam: Four high-performance LEDs delivering up to 1500 lumens and a ~205 m (673 ft) throwhiconsumption.com. This beam has a stepless dimmer for precise brightness control.
-
Side Flood Light: A warm-white diffused beam (six LEDs) adjustable from 1 to 100 lumenshiconsumption.com, ideal for tent lighting, map reading or campsite chores.
-
RGB Light: A 7-color strip (up to 10 lumens) on the side for emergency signaling or ambient lighthiconsumption.com.
-
Battery: One removable 18650 Li-ion cell (3400mAh included)hiconsumption.com. The light charges via USB-C (no wireless charging, unlike the X3), allowing quick recharges.
-
Controls: A tactical tail switch for instant on/off, a sliding mode switch on the side, and a rotary dimming dial for fine brightness adjustmenthiconsumption.com.
-
Build: Machined aluminum body, IP68 rated (dust-tight and waterproof beyond 1 m)hiconsumption.com.
-
Size & Weight: Compact (about 3.8" long) and lightweight (~4.8 oz/136 g) for a high-output 18650 torchhiconsumption.com.
The X4’s unique rectangular form factor combines tactical and industrial looks. The front head houses four LED emitters under a clear lens, producing the bright main beam. A sliding switch on the side toggles the side light, and the top-mounted dial scrolls brightness up or down. HiConsumption notes that the X4 “moves to a user-replaceable 18650 battery system,” fixing a common issue in the sealed X3 modelhiconsumption.com. The magnetic tail cap holds the battery and doubles as a quick on/off switch for rapid signaling. Overall, the design is “never boring” – the X4 retains the distinctive blocky look of previous Wuben lights but adds more capabilityhiconsumption.comhiconsumption.com.
Aside from the main beam, the X4 shines in versatility. One side panel is a diffused warm-white lamp (up to ~100 lm) that casts an even spread – perfect for reading inside a tent or lighting a picnic table. Opposite it is a multicolor LED strip offering seven RGB modes (red, blue, green, etc.) at about 10 lumens. This can be used for mood lighting, night vision preservation, or emergency signaling. As HiConsumption’s recap puts it: “Wuben’s latest flashlight has a cool triple-light setup, with a whopping 1,500-lumen main beam, a side diffused beam, and 7-color RGB.”hiconsumption.com This combination makes the X4 more than a mere spotlight – it’s a multitool for outdoor illumination.
Early Reviews and Feedback
Early reports and tester feedback have been generally positive about the X4’s power and features. Gear site HiConsumption highlights the power leap (1500 lm vs. 700 lm previously) and the new user-replaceable batteryhiconsumption.com. They also note the practical trade-offs: for instance, the X4 “trades the wireless charging for a more practical USB-C port”hiconsumption.com, which means a standard charging cable instead of inductive charging. The new IP68 rating is praised as well, making the light more durable for rain or water crossingshiconsumption.com.
On the strengths side, reviewers like the bright beam and the flexible side lights. Users appreciate the intuitive control scheme that avoids multiple-click menus. The tail switch offers instant activation, which is valued by tactical and outdoor users who need light at a moment’s notice. The included 3400 mAh cell is on the larger side for a single 18650, giving a respectable runtime for 1500 lumens (though running all lights on high will of course drain it faster).
However, some drawbacks have been noted. Removing wireless charging means you must plug in, but it allows a removable battery – a key advantage on long trips. Also, despite the high output, a single 3400mAh cell limits maximum runtime compared to multi-cell lights; intensive use on turbo modes can exhaust it relatively quickly. As one tester summarized, the X4 balances power and versatility – it’s not the longest-running thrower, but it packs many functions into a pocketable sizehiconsumption.com. (HiConsumption suggests the practical price might be about $90 at retailhiconsumption.com, making it an affordable multi-use torch if it delivers as promised.)
Comparison with Other Outdoor Flashlights
The Wuben X4 occupies a unique niche, but it helps to compare it with some peers:
-
Armytek Predator Pro (1500 lm, 2×18650) – A popular tactical light, the Predator Pro (with magnetic charger and weapon mount) also offers 1500 lumens but uses two 18650 cellsarmytek.com. It’s bulkier and geared toward hunters or law enforcement. The Predator has multiple filters (red/green) and very long throw, but it lacks side or RGB lights. In short, Predator Pro matches the X4’s brightnessarmytek.com but in a far larger package.
-
Klarus G35 (2000 lm, 3×18650) – This triple-cell thrower pushes ~2000 lumens from a single CREE XHP35 emitterzeroair.org. It has outstanding range (claimed ~850 m throwzeroair.org) but is much heavier. Unlike the X4, the G35 is a dedicated long-throw flashlight with only one beam. It shines brighter, but uses three cells and has no side lights. It’s a specialist’s light, whereas the X4 is more of a generalist.
-
Zebralight SC600w Mk IV Plus (1700 lm, 1×18650) – A high-end headlamp that can be run handheld, the SC600w Mk IV produces about 1700 lumens on a single 18650 for ~2.6 hourszebralight.com. It weighs only ~2.3 oz (no battery)zebralight.com, so it’s lighter than the X4. However, it offers just one white beam (with selectable outputs) and no side or color lights. The Zebralight excels in efficiency (thermal regulated output) and compactness, but lacks the X4’s versatility.
-
Fenix TK26R (1500 lm, 18650/CR123A) – A rugged tactical flashlight with tail switch and multiple modes, the TK26R also hits 1500 lumens (using one 18650)fenixlighting.com. It’s built for waterproof reliability and deep throw, but again has only a single bright beam. It doesn’t have a flood side light or RGB, so it’s more like the X4’s ancestor in style.
In summary, many existing lights either focus solely on raw brightness or on specialized tasks (tactical mount, headlamp, etc.). The Wuben X4 stands out by combining a powerful main beam with auxiliary side lights in one unit. It won’t out-throw the biggest throwers or out-run multi-cell lights, but it offers a uniquely broad feature set for outdoor use. For hikers or emergency kits that value versatility – flood, spotlight, and colored lighting – the X4’s triple-beam approach is a novel trade-off in the 18650
The Verdict: Early coverage suggests the Wuben X4 is an exciting new entry in high-power flashlights. If the production model matches its specs – 1500 lumens, IP68, and smart controls – it could become popular among campers and EDC enthusiasts. Its main strengths are versatility and value (powerful output plus multiple lighting modes for under $100). The key limitation is battery runtime at maximum output, but that’s a common trade-off for a compact design. With Kickstarter backing growing strong, the X4 looks set to illuminate trails, campsites, and emergency scenes in 2025 and beyond.
Conclusion
The Wuben X4-Redefined carves out its niche by combining a robust 1500 lumen main beam, a versatile tiltable side module, and a high-capacity battery in a durable, waterproof chassis. While minor ergonomic and emitter-size critiques persist, its overall performance and feature set make it a compelling option for users seeking both long-range throw and close-up illumination in a single EDC tool.
Comments
Post a Comment