It’s a big EDC market out there, and tons of awesome gear is released all the time. We made The Drop to help you discover the latest and greatest essentials worth a spot in your EDC.
In a market full of boring black cylinders and the occasional super high-end exotic metal, it’s always refreshing to see new and innovative flashlight designs take center stage, and even better when they have the specs and performance to back them up.
With a compact size of 2.24” and weighing in at a mere 2.9 ounces, the Wuben X0 is one of the most powerful–and wildly aesthetically different–flashlights you can find on the market right now. Immediately striking is its boxlike design in colorways you don’t often see for flashlights, including super-clean white aluminum and titanium designs like circuit board Green and Cracked Glaze.
Its clip runs the length of its body and allows you to attach it to your pocket, belt, jacket, or backpack, and its magnetic tailcap attaches the light to a nearby metal surface, keeping your hands free for other tasks. This works particularly well with its size and right-angle design, allowing you to illuminate from more angles and locations, like off a backpack strap or a shirt pocket.
The Samsung LH351D LED in most of the colorways (the black one uses an OSRAM P9) pushes out a maximum output of 1,100 lumens at 125 meters, with seven lighting modes to choose from to suit any low-light situation, all selectable via another innovative top button “lidded” design. It’s also highly customizable, with eight slots for tritium vials, allowing you to mix and match to your taste. Powered by a standard 18350 battery, the Wuben X0 can last up to 130 hours on a 1.5-hour charge through its type-C USB charging port. It’s IP68 dustproof and waterproof certified as well, so you don’t have to worry about using it in uncertain weather.
What we like: Truly unique new design, fresh colorways, high-CRI LED, and a great size for EDC with helpful features like a magnetic tail and onboard charging.
What to watch out for: The design isn’t for everyone, and the 90-degree angle might not be best for your needs. Also, be careful about the unsealed USB-C port under the switch lid.
Final verdict: It’s a small light that looks great and packs a huge punch, making it a great addition to your EDC.
