Armytek Dobermann Pro Max EDC Torch Review
Armytek Dobermann Pro Max#
- Specifications
- Introduction
- Torch in use
- Build quality
- LED, bezel, lens, reflector and beam
- Size and comparison
- User interface
- Batteries and charging
- Performance
- Beamshots
- Thermal Images
- Conclusion
- Price
- Product page
Specifications#
| Brand/model | Armytek Dobermann Pro Max |
|---|---|
| LED | Cool White |
| Maximum lumens | 3,000 lm |
| Maximum throw | 460 m |
| Battery | 1*21700, 1*18650, 2*CR123A |
| Onboard charging | Yes (Magnetic USB-A) |
| Material | Aluminium |
| Modes | 4 |
| Blinkies | Strobe |
| Reflector | Smooth |
| Waterproof | IP68 |
| Review date | November 2025 |
Introduction#
The Armytek Dobermann Pro Max is an 21700-sized EDC/tactical torch with a forward-clicky tail switch, a side switch and magnetic charging.
The user interface is customisable. Mode memory can be disabled and Strobe can be disabled.
Armytek Predator Pro Warm is a smaller 18650-sized hunting light that I previously reviewed.
Armytek provided this torch for review. I have not been paid for this review nor have I held back my opinions of this torch.
Packaging#
The torch comes in a tan-coloured case with Armytek branding.
There is a clip and a small strap to attach the case to something.
There are specifications on the back of the case.
The following was included in the box:
- Armytek Dobermann Pro Max.
- Holster.
- Unprotected flat top Armytek 3.6V Li-ion 21700 5000mAh cell.
- 18650 adapter.
- Magnetic charging cable.
- Tactical ring.
- Pocket clip.
- Lanyard.
- Two spare o-rings.
- User manual.
User Manual#
Torch in use#
The torch feels comfortable in my hand.
The steel bezel is slightly sharp.
A small one-way pocket clip can be clipped onto the tube.
The tactical ring (cigar grip) has a small cutout to fit over the pocket clip and help keep it more secure. This is a nice design!
A much more secure way of carrying the torch is by using the included holster.
The holster has so many mounting options.
It is nice to see Armytek include a decent quality holster.
The included lanyard can be attached to the lanyard hole in the tailcap.
The torch cannot tailstand due to the tail switch sticking out at the back.
Build quality#
The Armytek Dobermann Pro Max is made of aluminium and it has a matte black anodised finish.
It has a premium look and feel.
The threads came well lubricated. But care needs to be taken when screwing the tail cap on or one of the o-rings might move and get cut by the threads.
The threads and the inner tube have been anodised.
The tailcap has three contact points. The spring touches the battery. A ring with four raised bits of metal touch the inner tube. And a thin ring around the edge touches the outer tube.
The inner tube carries the signal for changing modes.
The tolerances have to be pretty good to avoid a short circuit!
The metal tail switch is magnetic. It feels a bit soft.
The included magnetic charging cable can be attached.
An optional MRS-02 Magnetic Remote Switch can also be attached to mount the torch to a rifle (MRS-01 is not compatible).
The springs at the head and the tail help the battery maintain a connection while experiencing recoil from a rifle.
LED, bezel, lens, reflector and beam#
The Armytek Dobermann Pro Max has a Cool White LED, a square gasket, a smooth reflector, a glass lens with a green anti-reflective coating and a steel tactical bezel. These parts are all layered on top of each other and they are held down by the bezel.
The bezel is slightly sharp. It can be unscrewed with snap ring pliers.
The smooth reflector produces hotspot with a beam angle of 9 degrees and a spill of 72 degrees.
The hotspot diameter is 15 metres at a 100 metre distance.
CCT, CRI, and duv#
I have taken Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT) and Colour Rendering Index (CRI, RA of R1-R8) measurements with the torch positioned five metres away from an Opple Light Master Pro III (G3) for Turbo, Main2 and Main1 and one metre away for Firefly.
The CCT is around 6160K, the CRI is around 68 and the Delta u, v is positive (green) on lower modes and close to pure white on Turbo.
The beam produced has an intense white hot spot surrounded by a slightly green corona and relatively wide spill with a sharp cutoff near the edge.
| Mode | CCT (K) | CRI (Ra) | x | y | Duv |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firefly | 5781 | 66.8 | 0.3255 | 0.3597 | 0.0123 |
| Main1 | 5894 | 67.0 | 0.3231 | 0.3533 | 0.0103 |
| Main2 | 6091 | 68.0 | 0.3192 | 0.3448 | 0.0080 |
| Turbo | 6881 | 71.2 | 0.3074 | 0.3212 | 0.0019 |
Calculate Duv from CIE 1931 xy coordinates
Dimensions and size comparison#
Dimensions#
I took the following measurements using a digital caliper.
| Measurement | Unit (mm) |
|---|---|
| Length | 152.89 |
| Head diameter | 34.50 |
| Tube diameter | 25.23 |
| Tail diameter | 29.15 |
Weight#
I took the following measurements using a digital scale.
| Weight | Unit (g) |
|---|---|
| Torch | 128.93 |
| Battery | 69.82 |
| Torch with battery | 198.75 |
Size comparison with its competition#
From left to right: Armytek Dobermann Pro Max, Armytek Predator Pro Warm, NEXTORCH TA30C MAX, Wuben L3
From left to right: Armytek Dobermann Pro Max, Armytek Predator Pro Warm, NEXTORCH TA30C MAX, Wuben L3
User interface#
The torch has a forward-clicky tail switch to turn the light on and off and a side switch to select a mode.
The main group has three modes: Main1, Main2 and Turbo. There is a Firefly mode. And there is a Strobe mode.
| State | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Off | Click the tail switch | On (mode memory) |
| Off | Half press the tail switch | Momentary On (mode memory) |
| Off | Double tap the tail switch and hold | Momentary Strobe |
| Off | Double tap the tail switch and click | Strobe |
| Off | Hold the side switch and click the tail switch | Firefly |
| Off | Hold the side switch, hold the tail switch, release the side switch | Momentary Firefly |
| On | Click the side switch | Cycle (Main1, Main2, Turbo) |
| Firefly | Click the side switch | Turbo |
| Momentary Firefly | Click the side switch | Momentary Turbo |
| On | Hold the side switch for 5 seconds | Turn Strobe mode on or off |
| On | Hold the side switch for 10 seconds | Turn mode memory on or off |
Strobe#
Strobe has a constant frequency of 15 Hz.
I measured Strobe with a Zoyi ZT-703S oscilloscope.
Mode memory#
There is mode memory.
If mode memory is enabled, then the torch will use the last used mode (Main1, Main2 or Turbo).
If mode memory is disabled, then the torch will default to Turbo.
Pulse Width Modulation#
I did not notice any visible PWM (flickering).
Firefly, Main1, Main2, Turbo
I measured the PWM of the light with a Zoyi ZT-703S oscilloscope.
What I like about the UI#
- Shortcut to Firefely from off.
- Shortcut to Strobe from off.
- Mode memory can be turned on and off.
- Strobe can be turned on and off.
- Shortcut to Turbo from off (mode memory disabled).
What could be improved#
I am pretty happy with the user interface for a dual switch light. It reminds me of the Cyansky P25 V2.0.
I would normally consider this type of user interface for general outdoor use but the ability to configure it so that you have direct access to Strobe, Turbo and Firefly from off might make it an option for tactical use.
Batteries and charging#
Battery#
The torch supports a 21700 cell, an 18650 cell with an adapter or two CR123A cells with an adapter.
An unprotected flat top Armytek 3.6V Li-ion 21700 5000mAh cell was included inside the torch. It arrived with a voltage of 3.44V.
I tried the following cells:
| Cell | Top | Compatible? | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Armytek 21700 3.6V Li-ion 5000mAh | Flat | Yes | |
| EVE 50PL 21700 3.6V Li-ion 5000mAh | Button | Yes | |
| NEXTORCH 21700 3.7V Li-ion 5000mAh USB-C | Button | No | Too long. |
Long protected 21700 cells with and without built-in USB-C charging do not fit.
Charging#
Warning: Do not charge 2*CR123A batteries inside this torch.
A magnetic charging cable can be attached to the tailcap to charge a 21700 cell inside the torch.
Power supply: PinePower Desktop USB-C
USB Meter: ChargerLAB Power-Z KM003C
Room temperature: 15 C
It took 3 hours for the torch to charge the included 21700 cell from 2.99V to 4.12V at a rate of 5V 1.8A.
Charging status indicator#
The charging indicator in the magnetic charger went red while charging and it went green when charging was complete.
Charger not plugged in:
| Colour | Status |
|---|---|
| Green | Device is in waiting mode. |
Charger plugged in:
| Colour | Status |
|---|---|
| Green blinking | Evaluation of battery voltage. |
| Red blinking | Clean the external and internal contacts of the tailcap, as well as the contact areas of the charger. |
| Orange blinking | USB power source voltage is too low for correct continuation of charging or bad contact between charger and battery. Clean the tailcap and the threads of the flashlight parts, use a different power source. |
| Red | Charging with rated charging current is going on. |
| Orange | USB power source voltage is too low, charging current is reduced. |
| Green | Charging is finished. |
Performance#
Specifications from the box:
| ANSI/PLATO FL1 2019 | Turbo | Main2 | Main1 | Firefly | Strobe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Output (lumens) | 3,000 | 665 | 235 | 9 | 3,000 |
| Runtime | 2h 10min | 3h 25min | 12h | 10 days | 4h 10min |
| Beam Distance (metres) | 460 | ||||
| Beam Intensity (cd) |
Turbo drops to 870 lumens after 1 minute.
Main2 drops to 245 lumens after 3 hours 10 minutes.
Strobe drops to 870 lumens after 2 minutes.
Lumen measurements#
I measured the current at turn on with a bench power supply.
| Mode | Amps at start | Specs | Lumens @turn on | Lumens @30 sec | Lumens @10 min |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firefly | 0.03 A | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Main1 | 0.40 A | 235 | 238 | 236 | 236 |
| Main2 | 1.31 A | 650 | 701 | 694 | 674 |
| Turbo | 7.60 A | 3,000 | 3,217 | 3,168 | 891 |
Runtime graphs#
I used my own DIY lumen tube with a TSL2591 sensor and forked bmengineer’s project RuTiTe to record runtimes.
Note: Lumen measurements may be off by 10% with my DIY lumen tube.
The room temperature was approximately 10 C.
Runtime#
Here is a summary of the runtime results:
| Mode | User manual | Runtime | Turn off | Final voltage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turbo | 2h 10min | 2h 10min 22s | 3h 1min 35s | 2.97 |
| Main2 | 3h 25min | 3h 32min 25s | 4h 8min 28s | 2.95 |
| Main1 | 12h | 11h 11min 10s | 11h 11min 10s | 2.95 |
| Firefly | 10 days | 10min+ | 10min+ |
“Runtime” is the time until the output reduces to 10% of the output at 30 seconds (as per the ANSI/PLATO FL1 2019 Standard).
“Turn off” is the time until my DIY lumen tube no longer detects more than one lumen.
“+” indicates that the light remained on after recording had stopped.
Runtimes for Turbo and Main2 are slightly better than expected.
The runtime for Main1 fell short (11h 11min 10s instead of 12h).
The output is well regulated.
Throw#
I took lux measurements with a UNI-T UT383BT at 30 seconds. Firefly was measured at one metre. Turbo, Main2 and Main1 were measured at five metres.
| Mode | Specs (cd) | Specs (m) | Candela measured (cd) | Distance (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firefly | 215 | 29 | ||
| Main1 | 5,750 | 151 | ||
| Main2 | 16,825 | 259 | ||
| Turbo | 460 | 78,425 | 560 |
Beamshots#
I went to a local park and I aimed the torch at a tree 70 metres away while using Turbo.
Beamshots were taken using a Sony RX100M2 using 3.2", f3.2, ISO 100, 5000K WB.
Armytek Dobermann Pro Max (Turbo)#
Armytek Predator Pro Warm (Turbo)#
NEXTORCH TA30C MAX (High)#
Sofirn C8L (Turbo)#
Cyansky P25 V2.0 (Turbo)#
Wuben L3 (High)#
Thermal Images#
I used a Thermal Master P3 to take thermal images of the torch while using Turbo. Get 10% off the Thermal Master P3 with code Mcmahon10
Room temperature: 16 C
| Time (mm:ss) | Max Temperature |
|---|---|
| 00:00 | 19.3 C |
| 00:30 | 34.7 C |
| 01:00 | 51.2 C |
| 01:30 | 49.5 C |
| 02:00 | 47.4 C |
| 02:30 | 46.0 C |
| 03:00 | 45.0 C |
| 03:30 | 44.4 C |
| 04:00 | 43.8 C |
| 04:30 | 43.3 C |
| 05:00 | 43.2 C |
The temperature peaked at 51.8 C within the first two minutes and then it cooled down.
Conclusion#
The Armytek Dobermann Pro Max is a pretty solid EDC/tactical torch!
The beam distance is better than execpted (560 metres instead of 460 metres).
The lumen output is better than expected. This is more like 900 lumen or a 700 lumen light on Turbo or Main2 after 10 minutes. The output is well regulated so you get a constant output.
The runtimes for Main2 and Turbo are better than expected. Main1 fell short (11h 11min 10sec instead of 12h).
The user interface is one of the simplest interfaces that I have seen Armytek make and they still managed to add some cool features such as disabling mode memory and Strobe.
If you are looking for a dual switch EDC/tactical light then this might be worth considering.
Pros:#
- Excellent build quality.
- Nice practical beam.
- Good beam distance.
- Good lumen output.
- Good runtimes (Main2 and Turbo).
- Output is well regulated.
- Simple user interface.
- Mode memory and Strobe can be disabled.
- Magnetic charging.
- Holster and carry case.
- 18650 cell works with the adapter.
- 2x CR123A cells can be used.
Cons:#
- Long protected 21700 cells do not fit.
- Tail cap needs to be carefully screwed on to avoid cutting an o-ring.
Price#
US$115 at armytek.com