When I received a Wuben X4 flashlight to test, I was struck by its futuristic industrial design. It looks like a device from a Cyberpunk fever dream or a component from a Gundam mech. It has a robust pocket/belt clip and has been described as a “flat” EDC, though I found it too chunky to be comfortably a pocket EDC.

The blockier form factor is required to accommodate a user-replaceable 18650 lithium battery. In addition to its cubist design, this flashlight is unusual for its use of analogue controls. The squared base is magnetic, incorporating a tail clicky plate with an additional rubber activation button on its side. Its modes are set by a sliding switch, and the settings are adjusted with a stepless dial. The layout is intuitive and responsive.

My only negative experience wasn’t with the X4 sample I tested but with Wuben’s customer service. I had a failure with a different flashlight, a Wuben G5 I was also testing. Despite multiple attempts to contact customer service through the Wuben website, they failed to respond to my request for help on the G5. While I can say that the X4 passed my performance, drop, and waterproof tests, I would not count on warranty support from the company in the future. If Wuben’s customer service was as good as its design, this would be an amazing flashlight.

SHOP

Save 20%, $49.99 → $39.99

Wuben X4:https://www.wubenlight.com/products/wuben-x4-compact-multi-function-flashlight?ref=wjotytoc

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4oFP0GO

Amazon https://amzn.to/3M7pRXq

SPECS

Max Output: 1500 lumens

Max Throw: 205 meters

Side light Output: 100 lumens

Modes: 6 

Color Temp: 4000K RGB

Battery: 18650, 3400mAh

Charging: USB-C 

Waterproof: IP68

Weight: 137g w/battery

Dimensions: 3.8 x 2.6 x 9.5 cm