Wuben X2 Pro Links
I review the Wuben X2 Pro (pre-production model).
https://wuben-1.kckb.me/darrenyeo-ieg (this is my affiliate link and I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks)
Wuben X2 Pro Review
General thoughts after a week of usage/size comparison/practicality/interesting things:
• So I’ve been looking forward to reviewing the X2 Pro for some time now – I really like the X3 with its multiple LED configuration and modes. The X2 Pro takes things a step further and has the smallest electronic flood to throw beam I’ve seen out there, and also a variety of coloured light auxillary modes. While it looks gimmicky, when you look closer, you really start to appreciate the complexity and level of thought put into maximising functionality. Wuben have provided me a sample of the X2 Pro for this review. I haven’t been paid to make this video, nor have I held back on any negative opinions.
• What’s included: X2 Pro, 2×14500 cells, USB C charging cable. This is a pre-production mode. In the production model, Wuben also includes a tactical tail switch that expands on the existing functionality.
• Comparison with other lights: X3, Acebeam Terminator M2, Loop SK05, Rovyvon E8.
Overall Construction, LED, lens, bezel and reflector
• On first glance, you might not even think this is a flashlight! The flat style design was something that manufacturers have only been using recently, and I think it’s a gamechanger. You get twice the battery capacity, but still have a light that will fit nicely in your pocket. The light has a futuristic/cyberpunk look, and has a number of interesting cutouts on the body. There’s also slots for 8 tritium vials. Anodising is grippy, it looks like MAO, but on closer inspection think it’s just another type of coating/anodising.
• Two switches – there is a rotating dial and a sliding switch with three pivot points. There is a latch on the side of the light that allows you to remove the tailcap and hot-swap batteries. This is very useful if you’re dealing with primary cells. The X2 Pro accepts Alkaline, NiMH and 14500 cells. 14500 cells can be charged within in the light. Side light serves as charging indicator. The tailcap has a powerful magnet allowing hands free use. Lanyard hole directly under the tailcap. I noticed two gold pins on the tailcap – on doing some research, this is the connector for the tactical tail switch, which is included in the production model of the X2 Pro. Firm stainless steel clip on the rear. USB-C charging under port cover.
• Wuben haven’t released any official information about the LEDs in the X2 Pro. Looking under the bezel there are four LEDs under a custom 4x TIR lens rated at 1500 lumens. Presumably this is with all LEDs on turbo, as the spot and flood beam are rated at 400 lumens each. The largest lens is reserved for the spot light, while the 2x centre LEDs serve as an intermediary between the flood and spot modes. The main flood mode uses a frosted TIR lens. The side light uses a unique RGB LED I’ve never seen before. It’s composed on 6 smaller die surfaces separated out on the same LED board. There is also a second 400 lumen LED. Both are housed in small TIR lenses. The side light also rotates up to 20 degrees in either direction. Wuben also have a UV side light version of the X2 pro.
UI – modes
• 3 states: front light, side light and lock mode.
○ Lock mode – no functions available
○ Front light – 1 click to turn on/off. Memory mode. Once on, press and hold the dial to cycle LMH. You can also rotate the rotate the dial to transition between flood and throw. Double press to enable turbo mode. Repeat to return to previous mode.
○ Side light – 1 click to turn on/off. Memory mode. Press and hold the dial to cycle RGB/white light modes. In white light mode, you can rotate the dial to adjust brightness. In RGB mode, you change colour by rotating the dial. Double press from on for flashing of that colour. Double press from off for multi-colour flashing modes (red-blue, red-green, red-yellow)
Performance – total output, beam profile, longevity, practicality
• Ceiling bounce test, CRI, CCT
• Perfectly circular hostpot on the spot mode, and a nice wide, smooth beam on the flood mode. The transition from flood to throw is fairly smooth, but you can still detect the steps.
Considerations
• No moonlight mode and no shortcut to turbo from off. Hopefully the tactical tail switch will add that function on the production model.
• No battery indicator. Charging indicator = aux lights
Verdict
• The Wuben X2 Pro has to be one of my favourite EDC flashlights. It’s light, takes primary AA cells, has a wide range of functions – it’s like carrying around multiple flashlights at a fraction of the size! There are other multi-purpose flat style flashlights that are more powerful like the Loop SK05, but the X2 Pro basically accomplishes the same thing in a smaller profile and more affordable price tag.
