Vastlite Versa Bow Zoom LEP Prototype Review
Vastlite Versa Bow LEP Prototype#
- 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 | Vastlite Versa Bow |
|---|---|
| LEP | CT3 Mini |
| Maximum lumens | ? lm |
| Maximum beam intensity | ? cd |
| Maximum throw | ? m |
| Battery | 1*21700 |
| Onboard charging | Yes (USB-C) |
| Material | Aluminium |
| Modes | 2 |
| Blinkies | Strobe |
| Waterproof | ? |
| Review date | September 2025 |
Introduction#
The Vastlite Versa Bow is a 21700-sized LEP torch with a zoom mechanism that allows you to cast a wide beam or twist the head and throw a narrow beam.
It has a powerful CT3 Mini LEP module.
One cool feature is that the length of the torch does not change when you turn the head to zoom in and out. A lens moves back-and-forth inside the head to adjust the focus of the beam.
Leo from Shenzen Vastlite Technology Co, LTD. reached out with this prototype and asked if I could recommend a name for the torch.
Here are recent reviews of torches by Vastlite:
I thought about the names used for Vastlite’s growing collection of torches and I thought that something Latin may be appropriate to go with “Minima”.
“Bow” has been used for their LEP torches.
“Versa” means “to turn”.
So my intention is for “Versa Bow” to mean “to turn and throw light”.
After recommending the name, Vastlite laser etched the name “Vastlite Versa Bow” onto prototypes and shared them with dealers.
This is what the Vastlite Versa Bow beam looks like:
nealsgadgets.com kindly provided this torch for review. I have not been paid for this review nor have I held back my opinions of this torch.
Packaging#
Neal put this prototype in a nice case without accessories.
The mass-produced version will have packaging, a user manual and accessories.
Torch in use#
The Vastlite Versa Bow feels relatively small for a 21700-sized LEP torch with a zoom mechanism.
The head can easily be rotated with one hand between an index finger and a thumb to zoom in and out. The zoom mechanism is very smooth!
There is a lanyard hole and a magnet in the tailcap.
The magnet is strong enough to pull a 21700 cell out.
This LEP torch is actually usable for EDC when zoomed out! (beamshots below)
Build quality#
This Vastlite Versa Bow prototype is made of aluminium and it has a matte black anodised finish.
There is plenty of grip and there are no sharp edges.
The button cover material and the tailcap design will be different on the mass-produced version.
The threads near the tail are anodised and they turn smoothly.
The threads near the head of the tube are also anodised and they turn smoothly. But I would prefer it if they did not.
I provided feedback to Vastlite to recommend that they use glue on the threads near the head so that the zoom mechanism can more easily be turned without accidentally unscrewing the head by applying too much force. Normally, I do not like the use of glue on torches because it makes it difficult to repair or modify a torch. But in this case, a small amount of glue would help keep the head secure. And if you really wanted to repair or modify the torch, then you could use a few strap wrenches to break the glue.
LED, bezel, lens, reflector and beam#
The Vastlite Versa Bow has a transmission-type CT3 Mini LEP module. You can get LEP modules here.
There is a glass lens under an aluminium bezel.
The head has internal anodised threads for a lens to be moved back-and-forth to zoom in and out.
Zoom In vs Zoom Out
Dimensions and size comparison#
Dimensions#
I took the following measurements using a digital caliper.
| Measurement | Unit (mm) |
|---|---|
| Length | 127.7 |
| Head diameter | 35.22 |
| Tube diameter | 25.48 |
| Tail diameter | 28.01 |
Weight#
I took the following measurements using a digital scale.
| Weight | Unit (g) |
|---|---|
| Torch | 108.46 |
Size comparison with its competition#
From left to right: Vastlite Versa Bow, Vastlite Bow, Vastlite Minima Bow, NLIGHTD L3, Amutorch BT35
From left to right: Vastlite Versa Bow, Vastlite Bow, Vastlite Minima Bow, NLIGHTD L3, Amutorch BT35
User interface#
The Vastlite Versa Bow is controlled by an electronic side switch.
Note: The user interface for this prototype is completely different to the user interface for the final version.
There are two main modes: Low and High. And one blinky mode: Strobe.
| State | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Off | Press and hold | Nothing |
| Off | Click | On (mode memory) |
| Off | Three clicks | Turn switch backlight off |
| On | Press and hold | Cycle (Low, High) |
| Any | Two clicks | Strobe |
| On | Three clicks | Nothing |
| On | Four clicks | Nothing |
| Off | Four clicks | Lock |
| Locked | Click | Switch backlight flashes |
| Locked | Four clicks | Unlock |
The switch backlight turns on again when the torch is turned on and off.
Mode memory#
There is mode memory.
The torch will memorise the last used mode (Low or High).
Strobe is not memorised.
Strobe#
Strobe has a constant frequency.
I measured Strobe with a Zoyi ZT-701 oscilloscope.
Low voltage protection#
There is low voltage protection. There is a warning flash around 3V and the light turns off around 2.78V.
I tested low voltage protection by connecting the driver of the torch to a bench power supply and then by lowering the voltage from 4.2V to 0V.
Pulse Width Modulation#
I did not notice any visible PWM (flickering).
What I like about the UI#
- The side switch goes nicely with the head that can be twisted to zoom.
- Direct access to Strobe from off.
What could be improved#
I recommended the following user interface to Vastlite and they said that they would use this for the mass-produced version:
| State | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Off | Press and hold | Low |
| Off | Click | On (mode memory) |
| On | Press and hold | Cycle (Low, High) |
| Any | Two clicks | High |
| Any | Three clicks | Strobe |
| Off | Four clicks | Lock |
| Locked | Four clicks | Unlock |
| Off | Five clicks | Toggle switch backlight |
Batteries and charging#
Battery#
Button top and flat top 21700 3.7V Li-ion cells work. There are springs at each end of the torch.
Protected cells with built-in USB-C charging may be too long.
Charging#
The Vastlite Versa Bow has built-in USB-C charging.
Power supply: PinePower Desktop USB-C
USB Meter: ChargerLAB Power-Z KM003C
Room temperature: 15 C
The torch charged a 21700 cell from 3.54V at a rate of 5V/2.2A and it was full by 1 hour 25 minutes. However, I left it charging for over 6 hours and it continued at 100-200mA. The final voltage was 4.39V when I stopped it at 6 hours. I reported this issue to Vastlite and they said that they fixed it.
The indicator light side switch was flashing red while charging and it became green when charging finished.
Power supply compatibility#
I tried the following power supplies with the built-in USB-C charger:
| Power supply | USB Type | Protocol | Does it charge? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple 61W Power Adapter | USB-C | PD | Yes |
| Google Pixel Power Adapter | USB-C | PD | Yes |
| PinePower Desktop | USB-C | PD | Yes |
| PinePower Desktop | USB-A | QC | Yes |
| PinePower Desktop | USB-A | Yes |
USB-C to USB-C charging works.
Performance#
A user manual was not provided with this prototype so I do not have official specifiations.
| Low | High | Strobe | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Output (lumens) | ? | ? | ? |
| Runtime | ? | ? | |
| Beam Distance (metres) | ? | ? | |
| Beam Intensity (cd) | ? | ? |
I tested the light using a Molicel P45B 21700 4200mAh cell.
Lumen measurements#
I used a bench power supply to measure the current at turn on.
| Zoom | Mode | Amps at start | Specs | Lumens @turn on | Lumens @30 sec | Lumens @10 min |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out | Low | 0.56 A | 50 | 46 | 39 | |
| Out | High | 3.30 A | 362 | 315 | 98 |
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 15 C.
Runtime#
Here is a summary of the runtime results:
| Zoom | Mode | User manual | Runtime | Turn off | Final voltage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out | High | 3h 53min 14s | 3h 53min 14s | 2.80 | |
| Out | Low | 6h 56min 45s | 6h 57min 4s | 2.63 |
“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.
The output looks pretty stable.
Throw#
I took lux measurements with a UNI-T UT383BT at 30 seconds. Low and High were measured at ten metres.
| Mode | Specs (cd) | Specs (m) | Candela measured (cd) | Distance (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 71,900 | 536 | ||
| High | 333,600 | 1,155 |
Beamshots#
I went to a local park and I aimed the torch at a tree 100 metres away while using High.
Beamshots were taken using a Sony RX100M2 using 1.3", f3.2, ISO 800, 5000K WB.
Vastlite Versa Bow (High) Zoom In#
Vastlite Versa Bow (High) Zoom Middle#
Vastlite Versa Bow (High) Zoom Out#
NLIGHTD LZ1 (Turbo) Zoomed In#
NLIGHTD LZ1 (Turbo) Zoomed Out#
Vastlite Bow (High)#
NLIGHTD L2 (High)#
Thermal Images#
I used a Zoyi ZT-R01 IR Thermography Multimeter to take thermal images of the Vastlite Versa Bow on a silicone mat while using High.
Room temperature: 12 C
| Time (mm:ss) | Max Temperature |
|---|---|
| 00:00 | 14.4 C |
| 01:00 | 20.0 C |
| 02:00 | 26.0 C |
| 03:00 | 24.5 C |
| 04:00 | 25.3 C |
| 05:00 | 24.7 C |
The temperature peaked at 26 C after 2 minutes.
Conclusion#
This Vastlite Versa Bow prototype is a pretty good zoomable LEP torch.
It has a nice zoom mechanism.
The beam can be zoomed into an intense spot or zoomed out into a wide circle.
The output is well regulated. And the current isn’t that high (3.30A for High).
There are LEP torches out there with a better beam distance but the Vastlite Versa Bow strikes a nice balance between flood and throw while maintaing a relatively compact size. It can easily by placed in a jacket pocket.
The final version will have the following changes:
- New user interface.
- New button cover for the side switch.
- New tailcap design.
- Fixed built-in charging.
I highly recommend joining the discussion over on BLF and keeping an eye out for the Vastlite Versa Bow at nealsgadgets.com.
Pros:#
- Good build quality.
- Good beam distance.
- Output is well regulated.
- Zoom mechanism is easy to use.
- Great amount of variation between a narrow and wide beam.
- Built-in USB-C charging.
- Strong magnet in the tailcap.
Cons:#
- Issues with charging to be fixed for the mass produced version (Update: fixed).
- The zoomed out beam has a ring with tint shift around the edge and a dull centre.
Price#
The Vastlite Versa Bow is US119.97 from nealsgadgets.com when you use the promo code during the early bird deal.
25% off with promo code: Versa
Early bird deal is 14 to 30 September 2025.
Shipping will start around 20 September 2025.
Product page#
Vastlite Versa Bow at nealsgadgets.com (affiliate link)
I may earn a commission if you use an affiliate link or a promo code. This will help fund future torch reviews and tutorials.