| Weltool W7 | |
|---|---|
| LEP type / class | shine through |
| Max. beam intensity (candelas) | 800,000 cd |
| Max. beam distance (meters) | 1,788meters |
| Max. output (lumens) | 700 lm |
| Modes | 2 |
| Avg. Price | $279 |
The first of its kind: LEP + reflector W7, the Prodigal
The Weltool W7, (The Prodigal), stands out in the LEP flashlight market because of its innovative shine-through LEP module that utilizes a smooth reflector instead of the traditional convex lens. This unique design marks yet again Weltool’s commitment to exploring new ideas and technologies. The build quality of the W7 is consistently excellent, just like all other Weltool flashlights.
The W7 uses a tactical design with a forward-clicky switch, allowing for momentary or continuous light. While it can be used in an underhand grip, it is more effective in an overhand grip for tactical applications.
There is no dedicated lanyard hole and the lack of a holster may limit its practicality for some people. The flashlight is clearly intended for tactical scenarios, duty work, making it somewhat bulky for EDC.
The W7 is powered by a Weltool UB21-50 battery, a 21700 lithium-ion cell with USB-C onboard charging. While the onboard charging on the battery eliminates the need for a separate li-ion charger, the charge time of about 3 hours and 36 minutes.. which can be a bit long for some. The beam produced by the W7 is narrow but with a very noticeable green corona, which detracts from its overall performance. Despite this, Weltool’s willingness to experiment with new LEP technologies is commendable, and I look forward to seeing future iterations that may address the current beam color issues.
Performance
Lumen
| Mode | Specified output | Turn on | 30 sec. | 10 min. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 195 lm | 162 lm | 159 lm | 132 lm |
| Turbo | 700 lm | 604 lm | 551 lm | 326 lm |
| Turbo at 3.6V | – | 589 lm | 551 lm | – |
Runtime
| Mode | Specified runtime | Runtime (ANSI FL1) | Time till shut off* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low 25.6 °C | 1h 15min | 1h 20min | 1h 20min |
| High 23.7 °C | 1h 11min | 1h 12min | 1h 16min |
Throw measurements
I tested throw outdoors at 20 meters and indoors at 5 meters, just double checking my initial measurements. I tested at 5 meters with 3 different batteries, and all were measured even lower. I was afraid I took the wrong battery with me (not the new Weltool), but they all performed basically the same.
| Mode | Specified intensity | Specified beam distance | Candela measured | Meters | Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low (20m) | 246,200 cd | 992m | 184,000 cd | 858 m | 938 yd |
| High (20m) | 800,000 cd | 1,788m | 552,000 cd | 1,486 m | 1,625 yd |
| High (5m batt 1) | 800,000 cd | 1,788m | 527,500 cd | 1,453 m | 1,589 yd |
| High (5m batt 2) | 800,000 cd | 1,788m | 525,000 cd | 1,449 m | 1,585 yd |
| High (5m batt 3) | 800,000 cd | 1,788 m | 527,500 cd | 1,453 m | 1,589 yd |
