Flashlight Fiesta #2
Ultrafire WF-501B 3W Cree™ Flashlight with pressure switch
Price: £3.00 shipped
Manufacturer: HYA/YWS Ultrafire
Model: WF-501B
Power Emitter: Red Cree™ XR-E Q5 3W
Vendor: Seller via eBay
Shipped From: China
Description: Tactical 300lumen Red Cree™ LED Flashlight with pressure switch.
What's in the Packet?: 1 X Red LED Torch. 1 X pressure switch end cap, 1 X Rifle Mount bracket, 1 X Lanyard
First Impressions:
A nice red LED Torch has been on my shopping list for quite a while now. After searching eBay there appeared to be at least two or three choices to bid for. This particular model caught my eye as it was a branded Ultrafire device and included a fancy pressure switch fitting which seemed a bit of a novelty extra.
The Torch duely arrived through the door on time packaged in a plain jiffy bag.
The build quality of this torch is pretty good. The aluminium is nicely machined and the coating of the main body is a semi-glossy finish. Take this thing apart and you notice that whilst some bits look cheap, overall it's not too bad. Screw threads and rubber o-rings are good quality and I image this torch would be waterproof for a short time. The standard clicky button is good and works every time. This particular model only features on and off modes. Normally the 501B would have the generic 5 modes (strobe, did etc). This may feel like being short changed but many hunters and torch enthusiasts prefer just having the one mode
Dodgy lettering along the side but nevermind
Inside we find the Cree™ chip mounted inside a bulb-like structure. A proper red LED is used instead of the colour filters you often find. Filter is far less effective at red light. The LED used in this torch is really bright and good quality. It is wired a little strangely underneath but we won't go into that now.
The reflector is 'Orange Peel' style which means it has a slight texture to it. up close the quality doesn't seem too bad.
Testing:
I'm glad to report that this torch is really clear and really bright. In fact perhaps too bright if you want to use this torch for covert map reading, astronomy etc.
The pressure switch works really well. After all it's only a contact switch, but the build is good quality. The length of the switch cable is quite generous. You could easily fit this to a rifle or shotgun although we don't usually do that here in the UK. This torch/switch combination could be used for other applications besides hunting.
Rating: ✅✅✅✅✅ 5 out of 5
It's really hard to find fault with this torch. As with many of these budget Chinese Torches the quality often outweighs the low price tag. This torch is no exception. Both the torch and the pressure switch work perfectly. The red beam is bright and clear and you wouldn't be worried if it gets wet. Tremendous value!