Wurkkos FC13 (SFT40) VS Wurkkos FC12 (SFT40): Which Is The Best Budget Thrower?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ย. 2024
- In this video, I compare the new Wurkkos FC13 (SFT40) and the Wurkkos FC12 (SFT40). Both have the same emitter, so let's see which one is better for you. I talk about the differences, pros and cons. At the end of the video, I'll go through some beamshots to help you decide which one to buy.
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That was a satisfying comparison video to watch! I know that it's been a year since this episode was made, but I'm thinking that the FC13 was originally designed for the XHP50.2 flood emitter in mind and the Luminus SFT40 was simply added on later. That's why this flashlight's packing box states 3500 lumens, which is the claim for the XHP50.2 and also the reason for the orange peel reflector instead of smooth. Wurkkos probably didn't want to spend money on a separate, smooth reflector and a reprinted box for the SFT40 version, which is perhaps the reason some people get confused by the "3500 lumen" print, since it's meant for the XHP50.2 box.
Today Wurkkos offers the FC13 in black and grey finishes with four choices of LED beads: XHP50.2 (5000K & 6000K) and SFT40 (5000K & 6000K). I have the FC13 with SFT40 6000K but personally I find the tint a bit too cool for a thrower and that flooders are more efficient indoors. I'm looking for reviews of the XHP50.2 flood version of the FC13 in 5000K tint. 😀
Normally if a light has a side switch, I'll go for a flooder LED :P I'm just so used to those long range tactical lights that I've separated them out in my head. How do you find the anduril UI?
@@DarrenYeoYT Side switch = flooders? That's all right by me mate. 🙂
Just some background about my lifelong fascination with flashlights: Back in the 70s, my parents didn't buy many toys for me so in my pastime I got hold of the kitchen torch and batteries. When they took me to the emporium, instead of traditional toys I asked for anything that had AA cells and a lightbulb, e.g. flashlights that looked like a tiny book and toy "ray guns" that shone light at the end of the barrel. 😀
My favorite flashlights were the ones with the "D" sized batteries (we're talking Eveready and National zinc carbon disposables) and once in a while I would find an Eveready torch that used three D cells in someone's home and one of my uncles used to bring his 4-cell "long torch" to our village.
You could say that for decades I relied on the twin side switch chromed torches with the old school incandescent bulb technology. The chromed flashlights had a momentary on/off switch for signalling, plus a sliding mechanical switch for permanent activation while the plastic Eveready flashlights had a round rubber switch and were the mechanical on/off toggle kind.
I came across Maglites in the mid 80s when I visited Singapore but they were too expensive for me at the time. So I never owned a Maglite in my life, although my younger brother got a few for his birthdays.
Fast forward to 2004, I bought my first LED flashlight and it's an Inova T3 with TIROS optics that used 2x CR123A cells. Three years later I purchased an Inova T2 with what I think is a 4000K LED and it was a floodlight instead of a thrower like the T3. Incidentally, both were tail operated FLs and they're out of production. They are both still working to this day but I seldom use them as CR123A cells are costly and hard to find at the convenience store. I never bought tactical FLs since then but settled on those ready-to-use Energizer AA "flooder" pen lights which had multiple LEDs.
It wasn't until at the end of 2022 when I bought a cheap "10,000 lumen" Shustar 26650 format zoomable flashlight with a COB side light. It reminded me of a Jedi light saber and is really bulky and heavy. Comes with a "P70 wick" or whatever it means, but its color temp was way above 7000K, far too cold a color temperature to illuminate the backyard. While the Shustar is dazzlingly bright when the beam is looked head on, the beam pattern is not practical. Its Shustar branded 26650 lithium ion cell registered only 2,460 mAH when I tested its capacity with my Liitokala M4 charger. 😞
So, last March I started to catch up with modern flashlight technology and spent a week researching into the basics, e.g. flooders vs throwers, Cree vs Luminus, XHP70.3 vs 70.2, domed vs dedomed emitters, IMR/INR/ICR lithium ion chemistries, high discharge cells - the whole works. I only learned about the Convoy brand after subscribing to your channel (thank you for the informative videos!) and am still learning about Convoy's Group vs Mode versions and Osram W1/W2 LEDs.
I'm comfortable with either side switch or tail end button flashlights. After all, I grew up using side switch FLs before graduating to those Inova tailcap tacticals. 🔦😀 I have to admit that I was initially overwhelmed with the Anduril UI and a year ago, I found reviews of Anduril flashlights amusing. Who the heck could remember all those click combinations anyway?
Then I remembered one thing: I started my career as a mainframe and IBM PC applications programmer in the early 90s. If I had written thousands of lines of code in PL/1, COBOL II and Clipper programming languages in my lifetime, so what's the deal with Anduril anyway?
So, my very first Anduril based flashlight is the Wurkkos TS11. I practiced the basic click combinations daily and by the time I bought the Sofirn SC31 Pro, IF22A and Wurkkos FC13 I had already memorized getting into the blinky modes, the strobe group modes and avoiding 5 clicks which will get me into a semi-permanent, momentary mode. The key is to learn Anduril 2.0 a little each day, rather than trying to memorize the entire flowchart. 🙂
You can imagine when I had a taste of the "simple UI" SC35T, TD04 and TS23 flashlights that they felt pretty basic to me but once in a while, it's nice to use a torch that doesn't need me to perform any factory reset should I lose my way down the Anduril rabbit hole. 😂
Mate, give me an Anduril 2 torch and the first thing I'll do is to configure it for tactical strobe with a Click->Click->Hold (3H) button combination. Momentary Turbo is always within reach from the off position with a Click->Hold (2H) while Turbo is a mere Click->Click (2C).
I understand that Anduril is not everyone's cup of tea but I've conditioned myself to be comfortable to using a flashlight with or without Anduril! 😀
Ironically, it's the non-Anduril lights that usually confuse me as the switching modes differ from one flashlight model to another! 🔦☺
Just got mine yesterday and had the whole day to compare these two. Your review is spot on. There two although have same leds but its somewhat different performance.
For beam quality, FC13. For throw FC12. FC13 does have reverse charging and have faster on board charging. FC12 do charge soso and is not capable of being a powerbank. For fuctions and customization, definitely FC13. FC12 comes with simple UI which current generation no longer have ramping mode, and spots a dedicated tactical UI. FC13 do tail stand, FC12 do stand but wobbly. For me both have their pros and cons and both would appeal to the majority especially the price. I would love to see some bezel options in the future. cheers for the review 👍
Hi Meor, yes you're right, both have their pros and cons. FC12 for the momentary tactical mode, increased throw, simple UI. And FC12 for additional functions and overall more versatility. I'd pick the FC13 if that was the only one I could own. But I like throwy, pocketable lights and I think the FC12 is one of the best value tactical lights out there.
I've got the FC12 and it's a great little pocket light imo. Good review!😊
Thanks, the FC12 is my favourite when comparing it to the FC13. Smaller and throws further. The beam profile is much nicer on the FC13 though, not ringy like the FC12.
Great review Darren!
After watching the beam shots, my perference is for the F13 which has a smoother beam and wider hotspot. Thank you for sharing your findings with us!
Cheers, Gus! I think it's a good balance between throw and flood, though I'd personally go for a smooth reflector in the FC13... Issue is that it could lead to a donut hole in the centre of the beam. Tends to happen with larger emitters when paired with SMO reflector.
I have the FC12 & it's a fantastic light. The FC13 is on my wishlist.
FC13 has a lot more features but less throw and no tactical function!
Hey Darren, your showing me brands I've never heard of before. I particularly like the silvery coloured one. I have so many black torches I'm tiring of them.
I'm trying to restrain myself from buying any torches at the moment, I've been spending my money on knives and edc gear.
Anyways, great job, take care = )
Hey Bruce, "just one more flashlight" 😂 these two are great value and I agree, most lights come in black which is functional but makes you want something different sometimes. I have a few white torches, look cool but not so 'tactical' haha
Grab a ts10 to blow ur mind. Wurkkos makes great lights!
Grab a ts10 to blow ur mind. Wurkkos makes great lights!
Grab a ts10 to blow ur mind. Wurkkos makes great lights!
Mistake at 9:54? Sealing step down test is listed for the SFN43 blub version?
Looks like it.. I have another separate video of the SFT40 one here you can check though: th-cam.com/video/HyAgqbV1Fh0/w-d-xo.html
I've owned both. Had to return the FC12 as it kept getting a problem where it doesn't turn on or charge. The FC12 is so much easier to use and has a better hotspot. I got the FC13 because it seems like the 'newer' version with RGB lights but it is a nightmare to set up. Also peforms worse than the FC12 and it gets so damn hot instantly on turbo. Going to have to return it and look for something that doesn't have anduril!
I find the FC13 good for general use but is too complicated for EDC. My FC12 is still going well. But as you know with budget lights, they're not as reliable as brands like Fenix.
Gostei da explicação, Obrigado
I run the fc 12 on my pattol belt wish it had a tighter beam but works nice for edc smaller than my stinger on my duty belt . Wish they had molle holsters for my vest for this light
Nice man, I keep mine in my bag with an 18350 tube/cell. Usually keep another light in my pocket :D
appreciate these reviews! Wondering if the FC13 is still bright enough for late night walks after 10 mins of on time? As I've seen some reviews saying that it drops to 300 lumens pretty quick
Thank you mate. Yes it has regulated output of around 260-300 lumens which is good enough for night walks, especially in very dark areas. As long as you don't need to see to far into the distance.
Interesting that the Wurkkos site has the FC13 rated at 360M and the FC12 rated at 345 meters. I can tell from the reflectors the FC12 will out perform here.
Yes the FC12 definately outthrows the FC13. In my ceiling bounce tests, it also holds turbo for longer.
That left one looks like a lightsaber
Check out the RovyVon S21 :D made a review on it some time ago
I am choosing a budget pocket wagon for sft40, I want a driver up to 5-6A, a head that can give off heat well. Tactical design, simple and durable. Maybe there is some advice? At the moment I want convoy m1.
The M1 has a larger head than the M2 but I opted for the M2 because the battery tube is quite slim due to 18650, and looks strange with the larger head of the M1. I figure you might as well get an M21B if you want the larger head of the M1, but more balanced looking body and extra battery capacity of the 21700 cell. Another one you might want to look at is the M21F. 40mm head but has onboard charging. I have one arriving soon. I'm sure that has SFT40 option too.
@@DarrenYeoYT m21b-f have an 8A driver, M2 does not like the rings in the light. For 18650, only Emissar d1 mini will be best for sft40? but the price is no longer 20-25 dollars))
@@googlemugle1457 the ringy beam has been fixed in the M2. I made a video here: th-cam.com/video/diiQCy-kYB8/w-d-xo.html
But I am using CULPM1.tg emitter
@@DarrenYeoYT 🤝
I have FC13 with the other available reflector (can't remember the name) with 5000k temperature, and although I like the flashlight the throw was a disappointment. It's not as useful for cycling because if I increase the brightness, it only lights up everything immediately around me so I see even less in the distance. Convoy S2+, my second flashlight, does a much better job but the button to change modes is a bit clumsy compared to FC13. I guess that was a poor decision on my side to buy an orange peel reflector as I have no experience.
Does anyone know if it's possible to buy a smooth reflector for this light and replacr it and if it's a good idea with no experience?
It's a bit tricky even if you get the reflector. There is an orange ring above the glass. Unscrew that with some tweezers/pliers and then you can access the reflector.
@@DarrenYeoYT Thank you! Well, now I tried the water resistance of the supposedly IP68 FC13 by leaving it barely even submerged in water for a few minutes and it stopped working. I left it to dry out and still nothing. I suspect the switch of the flashlight is not water-tight. I didn't even think I was putting it under a test since they claim to be testing it in 2m and everything was screwed tight, no water in the charging port.
So I guess I will try to get a refund and look for something else🙁
@@matejblaha2237yes mate, don't bother with submerging these budget lights - sometimes they will take shortcuts to cut cost so this is one potential area it can fail
@@DarrenYeoYT Thanks, Wurkkos could just make it IP45, which is what most people need, rather than lying about it. . .
Do you use them in all weather? I'm in Scotland and it rains here the whole winter. . .
@@matejblaha2237 I've use it when raining in Melbourne here and no issues. I'd just be wary about submerging it, especially that USB-C port.
SP35 vs FC 13 SFT40 which throws better?
Measured with my light master pro and SP35 has higher lux from 5m. So it throws further. Double as well. I think the FC13's battery and internal resistance/reflector get in the way.
@@DarrenYeoYT
I was a little disappointed to know that, I thought the FC13 would have a better throw than the SP35.
The SP35 uses a constant current buck driver so will be able to sustain higher output and also be more efficient at similar brightness but unfortunately I don't like the SP35 switch so I'm a bit hesitant to buy the SP35.
Thanks a lot for the help.
It would be perfect if the fc13 used an efficient driver like the sp35