Today I have for review a bit of a departure from normal Wednesday flashlight reviews. This is indeed a flashlight, but it’s just a host! No guts are in this light (yet). I’ve even mostly covered this light before in the review of the MechForce MechTorch Turbo, but I thought it might be interesting to see this light as a host, since it’s quite a nice host and available for purchase that way.

Official Specs and Features

Here’s a link to the official product page.

Versions

There are two options for the host from MechForce. There’s the copper, seen here, and a titanium version. The titanium version is the same as my previous (full flashlight) review, linked above.

Price

The price on these two is $149.95 for the copper, and $159.95 for the titanium.

Short Review

I already knew I liked the light as a whole, so that’s a known. From a complete beginner standpoint, I really like the host option, because it’s very beginner-build-friendly. I was able to build it out successfully on my first try!

Long Review

What’s Included

MechForce MechTorch host

Optic for triple (already installed)

Reverse clicky tailswitch

Notably that host includes two things which might not normally be included, and I’m including them in the list even thought they’re already physically installed in the light.

Package

The light ships in a plastic container with foam. I might not have received the production version of packaging though, so don’t worry too much about that.

Build Quality and Disassembly

This host is impeccably built. It’s also quite stunning! It really looks like a brand new shiny penny. However, it really only looks this way. I’m fairly sure that the copper version is coated in something to prevent patina – this is supported by the fact that it doesn’t ship in a vacuum sealed pouch. So it’s this shiny after however many days post-production. I’m sure that coating can be removed somehow, but it’s only marginally worn off during my use.

The host version is not different in any way from the built version.

The tailcap does not unscrew from the body. Fortunately the switch is already installed, so there’s nothing to really do on that end of the light anyway. If there was, then you’d need some long stiff tweezers to tighten the switch! (Note that a special tool is available specifically for this task!)

Here’s a view into the empty head of the light. The optic is installed, but no emitters or mcpcbs are.

I feel a bit silly gushing over this host, but it really is so shiny. I love it! It also has the weight of copper…. so bear that in mind when you pick between copper and titanium.

Look down the cell tube, and you can see that the switch parts are held in place by the same type retaining ring as the pill is. I don’t know that they’re the same size, but probably are because the tool available from MechForce has only one size fitting.

This all brings us to the head of the light, which is where you have to add bits in order to have a working light.

An aluminum retaining ring is included. This ring will hold down the driver.

It’s a little hard to get the bezel off, but with just some kitchen grippers and hand strength, it did come off.

Once the bezel is off, the optic may be removed, too.

Here’s the pill. It’s sollllliiiiiddd copper. Lots of heft there. And also lots of tritium slots!!

The optic comes out easily, and reveals the shelf where the board with emitters will go. Note that hole, and not the quality of this build. The hole has chamfered edges, so there’s no worry of fraying wires when they push through to the driver board!

Also note the driver side here – there’s plenty of room for wires, which will be needed (at least for beginners like me).

Clean up the side that houses the emitters and optic. You want this to be as clean and smooth as possible, since this is how heat will transfer away from the emitters.

Size and Comps

Officially W 1.12″ x L 3.38″ x H 1.06″. Unfortunately I didn’t weigh the light before I built it, so I can’t give a “host weight.” Sorry about that!

Retention and Carry

One massive thing to note about this light, and something that will be a bit polarizing I think, is that the clip is copper too. Now for “metal purists” that’s probably a good thing (but the retaining ring is aluminum, and the screws are probably stainless, so your case is lost there). But for others, the concern will be that the copper clip won’t have a good long life and will get irreparably bent. I can’t speak to that, but I can say I’ve carried this light for weeks without issue. I wouldn’t worry too much about the clip being copper.

Power and Runtime

No runtimes, but the host fits only 18350 cells.

PWM

Completely dependent on the driver you choose!

User Interface and Operation

The switch for the Mechtorch is a mechanical reverse clicky, with a custom rubber boot. Again, that’s a surprising touch – not many manufacturers have a customized boot!! (And those who do still manage to generic-it-up too much, and don’t own it like Mechforce has here.)

I really like this switch cover (especially that it’s custom), but I wish it was about 2mm shorter so that it allowed a clean tailstand.

Conclusion

What I like

Very high quality host

Switch/optic are included

Copper seems to be coated (no copper smell)

A very easy beginner build

What I don’t like

Relatively expensive still

Copper seems to be coated (no copper smell)

Copper clip

Notes

This light was provided by MechTorch for review. I was not paid to write this review.

This content originally appeared at zeroair.org. Please visit there for the best experience!

Whether or not I have a coupon for this light, I do have a bunch of coupons!! Have a look at my spreadsheet for those coupons. It’s possible to subscribe and get notifications when the sheet is edited!!