Acebeam T36 vs Acebeam L18
Quick take: The Acebeam L18 costs $5 less; the Acebeam T36 is brighter (2,000 vs 1,500 lm); the Acebeam L18 throws farther (1096m vs 374m); the Acebeam T36 runs longer on high (2.5 vs 1.5 hrs).
| Spec | Acebeam T36 | Acebeam L18 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $75 | $70 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Tactical | Thrower |
| Lumens | 2,000 lm | 1,500 lm |
| Candela | 35,000 cd | 300,000 cd |
| Beam distance | 374m | 1096m |
| Runtime | 2.5 hrs (high) | 1.5 hrs (high) |
| Battery | 21700 | 21700 |
| LED | CREE XHP35 HI | Osram CSLPM1 |
| Beam type | Throw | Throw |
| Modes | 5 Stepped | 5 Stepped |
| UI | Dual Switch | Simple |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| CRI | 70 | 70 |
| Weight | 4.5 oz | 7.5 oz |
| Dimensions | 5.8 x 1.1 in | 5.9 x-1.8 in |
| Warranty | 5 Year | 5 Year |
What owners report
Acebeam T36
- ✓2,000 lumens and 303 m of reach, comfortably meeting Acebeam's claims
- ✓No PWM on any mode
- ✓Removable, reversible strike bezel
- ✓Onboard USB-C that charges the included cell quickly
- ✓Compact given it packs a tail switch, head ring, 21700 and charging
- ✗Long overall — the reviewer's main reservation
- ✗The USB-C cover pops out when the light gets hot on high or turbo
- ✗An 18650 is too short to power it reliably; a knock switches it off
- ✗Cool XHP35 HI with ordinary colour rendering
- ✗Tactical layout limits its usefulness as a household light
Acebeam L18
- ✓1,000 m of throw from 1,500 lumens with an exceptionally clean beam
- ✓Best distance-to-size-to-runtime balance among throwers, per owners
- ✓Dual switch layout — rear forward switch for turbo plus a side switch
- ✓Completely solid construction with tight o-ring seals, IP68 rated
- ✓USB-C rechargeable 5,100mAh 21700 included
- ✗One reviewer found the tiered lens design awkward
- ✗The holster cover could be longer to secure the light better
- ✗Low CRI, inherent to a thrower emitter
- ✗Too large for pocket carry
- ✗Little spill, so it's awkward for close work