Speras ARC Ti Titanium Flashlight Review
The Speras ARC Ti titanium flashlight offers a twisty user interface and runs one 10180. The cell charges via built-in USB-C, and is accessible, too! Read on!
Official Specs and Features
Here’s a link to the Speras ARC Ti titanium flashlight product page.
Versions
It looks like there are two versions of the titanium ARC Ti. There’s this rainbow version, as well as a “Blue” version. Both have an anodized finish. Both are very pretty!
There’s a third version too, which appears to be stonewashed titanium
Price
The Speras ARC Ti titanium flashlight comes in at a very reasonable $38.99. That includes the cell, too!
What’s Included
- Speras ARC Ti titanium flashlight
- Unbranded 10180 lithium-ion cell
- Charging cable
- Spare o-rings (2)
- Manual
Package and Manual
Build Quality and Disassembly
The Speras site calls this a “bubble” finish – I’d call it Rainbow titanium. (Usually “rainbow PVD” but I am not sure how this finish is accomplished. The blue version, though, is almost certainly anodized.
The build quality is great, with the caveat that this is definitely titanium. That means the threads have a titanium texture. That’s fine, just be aware that you’ll feel their titanium-ness.
The “Bubble” finish is great. It fades between a whole array of colors, from one end to the other and between! I am not sure if this coloring is consistent or if each light will be slightly different.
Here’s one HUGE fantastic point to the Speras ARC Ti titanium flashlight: the tailcap unscrews and the cell is accessible. So many times on little 10180 lights like this, the 10180 cell is built-in and inaccessible. Not so on the ARC Ti!
Size and Comps
49.73mm x 15.51mm x 14.52mm and 22g.
If the flashlight will headstand, I’ll show it here (usually the third photo). If the flashlight will tailstand, I’ll also show that (usually in the fourth photo).
Here’s the test light with the venerable Convoy S2+. The version you see below is a custom Convoy S2+ host that’s been laser engraved by GadgetConnections.com. I did a full post on an engraved orange host right here! Or go straight to GadgetConnections.com to buy your Convoy S2+ now!
Also above is the light beside a TorchLAB BOSS 35, an 18350 light. I reviewed the aluminum version of that light in both 35 and 70 formats. I also reviewed that specific edition, the “Oveready BOSS FT Collector Vintage Brass” 35. I love it!
Retention and Carry
There’s a lanyard loop on the tail, but a lanyard is not included. There’s also no pocket clip. So really this light is intended for attaching to a(n existing) keyring or just being carried loose in a pocket.
Power and Runtime
Speras includes the required lithium-ion cell for the ARC Ti. It’s a 10180 cell.
The cell goes into the light in the usual orientation: positive end toward the head.
Below are a couple of runtime charts. There are only two output levels!
Charging
Built into the ARC Ti is a USB-C charging port. This port is exposed by fully loosening the head. The head is captured, though, so just hangs loose once it’s fully unscrewed.
An A to C charging cable is included, too.
Charging is fine. I was unable to find a cable where C to C works, but A to C works fine.
Modes and Currents
| Mode | Mode Claimed Output (lm) | Claimed Runtime | Measured Lumens |
|---|---|---|---|
| High | 150 | 60m | 130 (0s) 111 (30s) |
| Low | 10 | 5.5h | 10 (0s) 10 (30s) |
Pulse Width Modulation
Neither level uses PWM.
Here you can see a “baseline” – a chart with almost no light hitting the sensor. Then there’s the Ultrafire WF-602C flashlight, which has some of the worst PWM I’ve seen. It’s so bad that I used a post about it to explain PWM! Here are multiple timescales (10ms, 5ms, 2ms, 1ms, 0.5ms, 0.2ms) to make comparing this “worst” PWM light to the test light easier. That post also explains why I didn’t test the WF-602C at the usual 50us scale.
User Interface and Operation
The Speras ARC Ti titanium flashlight is a twisty light.
One-handed operation is possible.
Below you can see the levels twisted to “just.” Just off. Just to low. Just to high.
Here’s a user interface table!
| State | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Off | Tighten | Low |
| Low | Tighten | High |
| On | Loosen | Off |
LED and Beam
I don’t see anywhere that there’s a statement made about the emitter used in the Speras ARC Ti titanium flashlight. Whatever it is uses a clear TIR.
LED Color Report (CRI and CCT)
CRI and CCT are no surprise for an unstated emitter. (Which is to say, when a good emitter is used, companies promote those facts!). This is a low CRI (70s), cool white emitter with a high Duv (meaning it’s greenish).
Beamshots
These beamshots always have the following settings: f8, ISO100, 0.3s shutter, and manual 5000K exposure. These photos are taken at floor level, and the beam hits the ceiling around 9 feet away.
You can see a bit of weirdness in the beam – that’s really there and not some artifact. I guess the TIR isn’t centered perfectly on the emitter or something.
Tint vs BLF-348 (KillzoneFlashlights.com 219b version) (affiliate link)
I keep the test flashlight on the left and the BLF-348 reference flashlight on the right.
I compare everything to the KillzoneFlashlights.com 219b BLF-348 because it’s inexpensive and has the best tint!
Summary and Conclusion
This light should be a no-brainer if you’re into 10180 flashlights or just need a keychain light. The reason is this: the 10180 is accessible! Now the emitter might not be perfect, but the titanium is nice and the finish is great. To top it all off, the price is fair, too!
The Big Table
| Speras ARC Ti titanium flashlight | |
|---|---|
| Emitter: | Unstated |
| Price in USD at publication time: | $38.99 |
| Cell: | 1×10180 |
| Runtime Graphs | |
| LVP? | |
| Switch Type: | Twisty |
| On-Board Charging? | Yes |
| Charge Port Type: | USB-C |
| Charge Graph | |
| Power off Charge Port | No |
| Claimed Lumens (lm) | 150 |
| Measured Lumens (at 30s) | 111 (74% of claim)^ |
| Candela per Lumen | 3.98 |
| Claimed Throw (m) | 38 |
| Candela (Calculated) in cd (at 30s) | 46lux @ 3.276m = 494cd |
| Throw (Calculated) (m) | 44.4 (116.8% of claim)^ |
| Claimed CCT | – |
| Measured CCT Range (K) | 5800-6000 Kelvin |
| Item provided for review by: | Speras |
| All my Speras reviews! | |
^ Measurement disclaimer: Testing flashlights is my hobby. I use hobbyist-level equipment for testing, including some I made myself. Try not to get buried in the details of manufacturer specifications versus measurements recorded here; A certain amount of difference (say, 10 or 15%) is perfectly reasonable.
What I like
- Great finish (that blue on yellow is great!)
- Good price
- Very simple user interface
- Includes 10180
- 10180 is not sealed – it’s easily accessible!
- Charging works fine
What I don’t like
- Emitter is not stated (and not ideal CCT or CRI)
- C to C charging does not work
Notes
- This content originally appeared at zeroair.org. Please visit there for the best experience!
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