[turboBB]

With few exceptions, most flashlight manufacturers feature a two-cell turbo-head thrower in their line-up. These models typically enjoy a flagship designation although that is changing as multi-emitter/cell models gain in popularity. They however do still hold a special place in enthusiasts' hearts. One need but look at threads for such lights for evidence of this.

The TC500 fills that role in Shadow's current line-up:

It features a XM-L U2 emitter outputting 800 lumens and a smooth reflector that should be capable of producing decent lux numbers. Just how much you ask? Let's find out...


MFG FEATURES & SPECS
MSRP: $66.99USD

- Cree XM-L U2 LED with a lifespan of 50,000 hours.
- Maximum output of 800 lumens.
- Digitally regulated output, maintains constant brightness.
- Low voltage warning flash.
- Reverse polarity protection.
- Tactical forward click switch for on/off operation.
- Ergonomic side switch to enable mode switching; 3 light levels and 1 hidden strobe mode:
High, Medium, Low (Strobe accesed via quick double click).
- Smooth Aluminum reflector.
- Long throw flashlight with illumination past 300 meters.
- CNC manufactured, made of durable 6061 aluminum alloy.
- Stainless steel bezel and lanyard ring.
- Toughened ultra-clear glass lens.
- Premium Hard Anodized Type III Grey finish. Scratch resistant and anti-abrasive.
- IPX-8 waterproof.
- 218mm(Length)x25.4mm(Body)x64mm(Head).
- 280g weight (batteries not included).
- Powered by Li-ion battery: 2x18650 or 1x18650( both sustained by the circuit,rechanged to short tube for the latter )
- Test run(Powered by 2x18650,,capacity of 3.7V/2600mAh,Sanyo):
High Mode:2 hrs,800lm


PACKAGING / CONTENTS
The TC500 arrived in a generic cardboard box:


The only accessory I received for the review was the lanyard:

It's supposed to also be supplied with: spare rubber switch cover/O-rings/glass lens/switch


CONDENSED VIDEO SUMMARY
Here is a complete video summary of the TC500 while while I work on fleshing out this review:

Прямая ссылка на видео YouTube

SIZE & HANDLING

L to R: Niteye EYE25 | Klarus XT20 | Shadow JM07 (w/ext. tube) | Lighten7 Max L2A | SureFire M3LT | Shadow TC500 | Sunwayman T40CS | Crelant 7G5CS

The TC500 runs about mid-pack as compared to other two-celled lights in my collection.


BEAMSHOTS
Indoors (5m)
High




Med


Low

For details of the above indoor shots and comparo vs. many other lights, please check Epic Indoor Shots Trilogy


RUNTIME & OUTPUT
The relevant battery stats are provided above each runtime graph along with:
- Voltage of the battery at the start and end of the test
- Current draw
- Actual runtime using ANSI FL1 (first in HR and then in M so for the RL3400 on Turbo, read this as 2.3hrs or 137min)
- Output in Lumens as measured on my PVC LMD @ 30 seconds
- Also for Turbo, captured the temperature: ambient, the head/fins at start and the max it reached (fan was used for all bats)


Max output measured @ 30 seconds was 768lms w/2 x RediLast 3400 (note: although I calibrate my PVC LMD before each runtime/lumens testing, the ambient temp will also cause deviations in readings).

This is the only Shadow light thus far where I haven't been able to match or exceed the claims but it isn't too far off. After a mild initial dip, the TC500 runs in perfect regulation before it drops to roughly 30lms or so and the LVW kicks in. The batteries should be replaced immediately at this point as it's already fairly depleted. I didn't measure the temp w/the RL3400 run but the TC500 doesn't really run all that hot.

Here in order for each cell are measurements for:
* medium; average lms in first minute + current draw and calculated runtime
* low; average lms in first minute + current draw and calculated runtime




MORE TO COME...


TC500 GALLERY


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TC500 provided by sbflashlights.com for review.