I tested the Acebeam L30 flashlight, a powerful, compact torch with unique features. I believe I have discovered a torch that has all of the best features of tactical lights in a single package.
The Acebeam L30 is a product of ShenZhen Zenbon Technology Co., Ltd. This is a company with a reputation of great quality and considerable “bang for buck.”
The L30 uses a CREE® XHP70.2 LED Bulb, driven to 4000 lumens on the “turbo” setting. The term “lumens” is an elusive description, because it is really a measurement of the visible light emitted by a source, measured at the source. The amount of lumens a tactical torch puts out also depends on what the manufacturer does to shape or concentrate the beam. If it helps, this light gives peak beam 34800 cd. The beam of the L30 is more of a floodlight, whose output is shaped by a smooth surfaced reflector.
At full power, the beam is much too powerful for searching a building, unless it is an airport hangar. Even turned down to the “mid” setting, it is plenty bright for a residential search.
The main beam, without even using the spillbeam, is about 30 degrees. The spillbeam, is generous. An officer searching the average urban neighborhood can get out of his car and freeze objects in the center beam of more than half of a single family home, and have most of the front lit with the spillbeam. In a vehicle stop, this means the huge volume of light can pin down the entire interior of a vehicle. Stepping back a few feet will light the car and all occupants. Let that sink in for a second.
The L30 is 6.38” (162mm)long and the tube is 1” (25.4mm). This is almost the perfect length and diameter for users who pin it under the arm to open doors, change magazines, and write citations. The 1’ diameter is deliberate. It fits a standard gun mount. It balances quite well in the hand, whether using the tail or side switch. It is shock dampened with springs and I was unable to get to flicker, even while doing drop tests.
It has enough texturing to afford a good grip under adverse conditions. Even with gloves on, I could find the milled flat area where the side switch resides. I had no problem controlling either switch, although I like my tailswitch recessed a little more than this one. The head has five milled cooling fins and steps up to a maximum 1.90” (48mm) diameter, which really helps the user orient the light and maintain a solid grip.
You might have guessed that the cooling fins are quite necessary, considering the output. Although it is easily capable, it wasn’t designed for long sessions at full power. While testing, I actually melted the plastic stand I was using. Critical areas, like the solid mounting of the light driving parts, are well constructed and designed. It also uses an anti reflective tempered glass that can take on considerable abuse.
The L30 does a great job keeping the torch running efficiently throughout the battery cycle. It comes with a 20700 rechargeable Li battery, whose run time does what it says it does. That is, it can do 12 hours at 2000 lm, and around an hour at 4000 lm. It can also run on an 18650 cell OR 2xCR123 cells. It has a working voltage of 3-8.4V. I know enough about flashlight design to know that these are amazing specs.
I was originally intimidated when I saw a dual switch, multifunction light, intended for patrol use. When it comes to safety equipment, simpler is better. This was simple. I just had to play with it.
The L30 is amazingly intuitive. A single push on the tailswitch throws a full volume of light.
The side switch seems complicated at first. It does have several modes, but it was designed to access the officer safety types of features first. That is, in panic mode, it defaults to the right thing. If one clicks the side switch a couple of times rapidly, it goes to strobe. Clicking it twice rapidly gives it turbo mode. Thus, under stress, the side switch delivers either a binding 4000 lm flood, or a strobe. Either mode will do in a rapidly developing situation.
With ordinary flashlights, a simple beam may not be enough to disorient someone without the strobe, but this light is different. The L30’s alone is enough to shut someone down. I’m not joking.
When I was first testing the beam shape, I accidentally fired the turbo mode into my face. I was able to lead myself back into my backyard by clinging to the side of my house.
I recommend that officers program the side switch to the mid level beam (1000 lm, 2.5 hours runtime) on the first click. Turbo is simply too bright for a standard residence search. The first white walled room the officer searches on turbo will be the one that will burn dancing colors into his retina.
The first side switch press will give the last memorized mode. Two rapid presses will fire the turbo. Three rapid presses fires the strobe.
Don’t worry about counting presses during panic mode. It defaults to strobe, and even an accidental press delivers very, very bright light.
Holding the side switch down for around a second starts it in “firefly” mode. This light level is very handy for writing reports while sitting behind a steering wheel. The side switch does have a lockout that can be quickly programmed on the fly.
Considering the features of this torch, it charges very quickly. I had it up and running one time in less than an hour. The USB charging port is on the side, covered by a rubber plug. The L30 starts blinking when it is running down, and the user only has a couple of minutes of service when this happens.
The L30 comes with a belt pouch, battery spacer (for CR123 cells), extra seals, and extra tailcap switch cover, USB cord, and a lanyard.
I test police lighting products all the time. The L30 is one of the most intriguing lighting products I have seen in years. For officer safety, it is on the top of the heap.
