Today we bring the new XTAR D26 torch with 2500 lumens, a truly powerful diving torch that will cover most of your diving needs.
At first the torch looks a little bit big, note that I am reviewing the Long version, but as soon as you hold it for a few seconds in your hands, the XTAR D26 2500 feels really good.
Not too heavy. Easy to hold. Good grip experience due to the class III hard coat anodized finish that makes it very pleasant to the bear hand.
The torch comes with a lanyard out of the box for you to mount it and secure it to your wrist.
Let’s talk about what comes in the Box
Inside we will find the XTAR D26 2500 torch, with the double SC2 battery charger that will fit the 26650 Batteries as well as the 18650. We will talk about batteries later on.
A usb cable and an adapter Brock to plug in the charger. This is a very nice touch since we all know that usb cables are the best one to travel with, so we can use different adaptions depending on what part of the world we are on.
A lanyard to secure your Flashlight to your wrist.
Spare O-rings for your Flashlight.
And the user Manuals.
Now let’s talk about the Batteries.
So for the XTAR D26 2500 Long version, we have the choice to use the “normal” 18650 batteries or the rather more powerful 26650 Batteries.
You may ask yourself, how is that possible? Those batteries have different diameter!
Well XTAR has though about that so inside the Flashlight we will find a plastic tube, in which we can slide the 18650 batteries inside, so we will be able to use this torch with them without a problem.
Note that it looks like the D26 works best used with the 26650 batteries, but if you forget those and you happen to have a couple of the 18650 then you can still use your Flashlight!
Battery Life with the 26650 batteries is really good, I have used the Flashlight for 5 dives, and haven’t charged the batteries in between.
I have used it all the way throughout the dive, but I gave it a normal use. Checking into crevices, overhangs, down on the deeper parts of the dive… and only in the last dive it gave me the red led indicator that the batter was low.
Pretty Impressed with its performance!
Performance
The XTAR D26 2500 Flashlight is very easy to use, with just one Magnetic switch you can enter to any of the light modes.
Press once to start the Flashlight and to be on its Full power mode (Turbo 2500lm). Great for the deeper part of the dives, Night dives, and exploring overhead environments.
Press a second time and we move to the second power mode (High 1400lm). Great for day diving use, looking for creatures along crevices, overhangs and communication in low visibility.
Press a Third time and we move to the third power mode (Mid 700lm). Again great for day diving usage, specially in shallow clear waters, and also this mode is great to use on land. This flashlight has the ability to be used in land without overheating.
And lastly a fourth time press will take us to the lowest power mode (Low 30lm). Xtar describe this one as the Extremely long runtime for Emergencies. This can be very helpful on a real emergency, but maybe a strobe or SOS mode in combination with this low mode could be a better option.
Nevertheless, if batteries are full, XTAR assures that you can use the Flashlight in Low mode for 72 Hours! Impressive!
See Runtimes in the chart below;
Usability
Very easy to use Magnetic Switch that will help us navigate through all the light modes even with thick gloves.
Now, how do we know when the battery is low? When the torch is on we will have a solid Green light indicator right in front of the push button if the batteries are at more than 25% life.
When this light turns solid Red, then we have less than 25% battery life left.
And if the red light starts Blinking, then we are down to 5% battery life or less.
The push button also has a lock mode, which work when turning it towards the left, anti-clockwise. This will help us prevent accidental switch on/offs when carrying the torch or even when underwater.
With a Reverse Polarity Protection, you can not insert the torches on a wrong way and accidentally turn on the flashlight thus causing damage. The Flashlight will not turn on unless the batteries are placed correctly.
We mentioned that this Flashlight can be used in land too. It is equipped with a Smart temperature control. That means that it has a built-in control circuit to regulate temperature within.
This aims to optimize the use on land and provide overheat protection.
Specifications
See the full specifications chart below;
XTAR D26 2500 comes with a high quality LED Bulb. It uses high power XHP50.2, which comes with regulated output and consistent color.
Color temperature is set at 6000K (white).
The flashlight is rated to 100 meters depth, so you shouldn’t have any problems when using within the recreational limits, and makes this torch a great tool for technical divers too.
Its Beam throw is of 320 meters. Giving you a great light distance to see what’s coming form afar.
Conclusion
Overall the XTAR D26 2500 is a great piece of equipment to have. It has great battery life, is not too big in size, light, and reliable. So I would recommend it to anyone looking to buy a new Flashlight.
The only downside I can see with the magnetic switch is that, with extended usage over sandy bottoms, a grain of sand could get under and block the push button, but to be honest I did tried to create that problem and it didn’t happened.
So very happy with the results!
If you like to know more please make sure to click Here and check all the features and other products XTAR has to offer.
Definitely a brand to consider when looking for new underwater lights.
