Armytek Predator Pro Review
General thoughts after a week of usage/size comparison/practicality/interesting things:
• So I’ve been really into long-distance tactical lights, but lately I’ve been into those warmer LEDs. I’ve reviewed a few Armytek lights before and have been impressed with the build quality, performance, and attention to detail with their lights. Armytek sent me a sample of the Predator Pro Kit for the purposes of this review. The Predator Pro is built like a tank and is in my top 5 tactical flashlights that I’d carry around.
• What’s in the kit
• Compared to other tactical lights.
Overall Construction, LED, lens, bezel and reflector
• Excellent quality construction, feels premium and not too heavy either. No imperfections. The anodising is Matt black and extremely grippy when compared to all of my other flashlights. This seems to be unique to Armytek. It’s also very durable as I’ve had it in my bag knocking around with other lights, and keys and not a scratch. Driver fitted inside reinforced capsule + potted + spring = excellent impact resistance. IP68- Has 25m impact resistance, submersion 25m for 5 h. 10-year warranty.
• Tailcap is an electronic switch but has increased durability compared to mechanical switches, and also doubles as a charging port. Protrudes, no tail-standing but you can operate with palm press. Armytek claims 20x more durable compared to mechanical switches. No delay on switch on or momentary. Noiseless switch.
• Accepts any 18650. Magnetic charging.
• Two LED selections – cool and warm. XHP35HI. Cool is brighter, warm has better visibility in rain/fog, and reduced eye fatigue. Paired with SMO reflector/AR lens. SS bezel coated with black oxide coating – nonreflective. Low battery indication – LED flashes twice 30 sec after switch on (means less than 25% remaining).
UI – modes
• Hunting/tactical mode. Switch by turning the light on and unscrewing and screwing the head 10x. The light blinks once. Remembers mode when switched off.
• Half-press for momentary, full press for constant on.
• Unscrew the head when on to change modes. The strobe can be programmed in or out.
Performance – total output, beam profile, longevity, practicality
• Ceiling bounce test, CRI, CCT
Considerations
• Price – the kit costs a fair bit, $170. But you get so much value, and peace of mind if something breaks. You’re also paying for attention to detail and quality control.
• Head is larger – won’t fit in jeans pocket comfortably.
• Unscrewing of head to access other modes is more hands on than a side switch. But it also has the advantage of preventing accidental mode switches and better ingress protection from water/dust.
• Limited spill
