Flashlight Fiesta #6
Ultrafire SK-68 Mini Cree™ Q5 Zoomable torch
Price: £1.00 shipped
Manufacturer: Ultrafire
Model: SK-68
Power:. Cree™ XR-E Q5 3W?
Run By: 1x AA / 1x 14500 Lithium ion battery
Vendor: Seller via ebay
Shipped From: Hong Kong
Description: Ultrafire SK-68 Mini Cree™ flashlight. Hardened anodised finish, Camoflaged
What's in the Packet?:
1 X SK-68
First Impressions
I have been looking forward to a SK-68 landing on my doorstep for a while now. I've heard some great things about them. People raving about the quality. Currently i have three or four of these SK-68's en route from the people's republic following a recent late night soirée on ebay. Today by chance this cheeky little Camoflaged one came winging its way to me.
Standing at only three and a half inches high this little torch pack a hell of a punch!. The main body is constructed of good quality aluminium with screw fittings which seem quite well machined.
A nice added feature to this torch is the incredibly sturdy steel belt clip. It great for hooking to your belt but it's pretty stiff to open at first. It's screwed in place at the top and doesn't feel like it would come loose anytime soon.
Overall the build quality is fantastic. I really can't believe that I only paid £1 for this. it's insane!. One great feature of this torch is the hardened anodised finish on the outside. It feels really nice and promises to be hard wearing. The LED module itself looks OK, not the best workmanship but certainly passable. The rear button switch has a tendency to move when you don't have a battery inserted but it's not really a problem.
The presence of an O-ring at the rear cap indicates a certain expectation of waterproofing. I don't think you would get a Zoomable torch thats 100% waterproof due to how they work but this torch at least should offer some splash protection. I'm tempted to drop it in a glass of water (briefly) to test its aquatic capabilities but hmmm.. I don't know...
Testing
This torch can be powered by 1 X single AA or 1 X single 14500 lithium battery. As I don't currently own an 14500s I tested this torch with a brand new alkaline AA. Ultimately this means that this torch won't be pushed to its brightest. I can only assume then that there would be a measurable difference in brightness if a lithium battery was used.
Switching this thing on is the regular clicky rear button style. Nice and easy.
You get a choice of three modes - the standard full/half/strobe thing.
Blimey! This little torch is really bright! I never thought you could get such luminescence for one measly AA battery.
The throw of light is good for something so small and the quality of beam is clear with very little spill. Nothing bad to report.
It's no light house but for what it is its really impressive
Waterproof? Half an hour in a plastic Jug. No problem!
I would say that this little torch is both waterproof and shockproof. Great value for money overall.
Destruction Test
Rating: ✅✅✅✅✅ 5 out of 5
The Ultrafire 68 is the go to single cell flashlight at the moment. it's really hard to find anything in this price range that offers better waterproofing and shockproofing. this model is widely imitated. even the clones are good.
Fantastic value for money. Another cheap Chinese masterpiece for the price of a cheeseburger. quality once again out weighs the price.