Just got this one, it’s great. I love that it has UV because this woman over the shop always checks my notes and squints at me like I’m a suspicious person. Now I do the same with the notes she hands me as change! Loving the karma there.
I think you should at least dip your toe into EDC. 😂 I have always liked knifes and I recently dove into exploring the EDC world. Come on in the water is fine.
I really like this little light. The UV is a cool addition. For someone like myself who collects meteorites it's useful to use when buying them at shows (not unlike detecting dodgy bank notes) when acquiring some of the ones that will luminesce under UV like a few of the aubrites and carbonaceous chondrites. Also, they have since upgraded the charging port to USB C. Thx for the review!
Thanks for such a comprehensive review Jon. Made way more sense to me than the instructions - you’ve saved me a ton of time and frustration. So thank you for that!
As far as the clip goes. I had the old version which had a great clip, so I was very annoyed when this one kept falling off, because the clip is basically 90% of the functionality of the torch- you can use it as a headlamp if you have a baseball hat, you can clip it onto your shirt's collar or backpack straps or wherever really if you need to read a map or roll a cigarette or fidget with something, anything that used both hands. Long story short, I took a pair of pliers to the clip and now it holds on perfectly. I also widened the gap of the clip a little to make it easier to clip onto things. TLDR: clip can be fixed with pliers and it's totally definitely 100% worth it.
Great bit of feedback - I'll definitely give that a go! I am also going to test a clip for the Victorinox (aftermarket 3rd party) so will feedback on that in future video too - many thanks for taking the time to comment - much appreciated.
@@JonGadget No problem! Also, when youre adjusting it, do incremental adjustments and check the fit. Because 50% of that 90% of the functionality is being able to easily reverse the clip. You don't want it to have a death-grip on the torch.
I own this torch and the Nitecore Tiki. They are both exceptional little torches that pack a punch especially for their size. Both are quality made products. If I have to pick one I’m going Robyn-Von. It’s got a warmer LED. And Nitecore has become the Ever-ready brand of Torches. All I mean by that is they are very mainstream at this point and Rovy-von I feel could really use the business and it should be known once again that the product as a whole is top notch in every aspect.
If you don't have to have three different side LEDs, there are also the cheaper A5x and A7x models. There's two variants with white + red and white + UV side LEDs. The body is made from a translucent glow in the dark material (A5x: green glow, A7x: blue glow) instead of the clear polycarbonate.
@@JonGadget you have had this light for a while now, how is it holding up? I am considering buying some myself, but I have read some troubling reports that it will drain most of its battery charge if left sitting for about a month. Can you confirm or refute this for your specimen?
My favorite is the A5. I do have an A8, the first generation, with the small 130mAh battery. It's astonishingly small, and goes well on my house keychain. But it's nice having the larger 330mAh battery for longer life. Frankly, I found I hardly ever use the "blinkies" on the A8. The red/blue is useless (and you can get in trouble in the USA, where that's considered a police signature). The yellow can be useful. But white side lights are infinitely more usable.
I love your informative videos! I mainly got hooked on your Victorinox review vids, then I "rabbit-holed" into your EDC content - I find your analyses very like-minded to myself. You've got yourself a new subscriber! :)
@@JonGadget Oh, I should probably also mention - this particular video here, I really appreciate... after a wee bit of hinting (lol), my Yorkshire lass got me the RovyVon A8x for my birthday last December - I TOTALLY LOVE IT! It's started me on a journey of sorts, collecting goodies which I've first seen you review LOL Thanks, Jon - keep up the excellent work! 🙂
I have the A8Y prior to this one, which has the long black button and noticeable PWM. I had it for about 1.5 years when RovyVon came out with this one shown, which eliminates the PWM and also offers the Nichia LED. I'd selected the A8Y because it has an amber LED, instead of UV (I figured since the A8 isn't GITD, no point in the UV as it's not very bright). I have found some uses for it. Anyway, for the G2 version I went with the cheaper A5 that has a GITD body. It has the beefier 330mAh battery. I went for white/UV, so it has dual side white LEDs that are wonderfully bright. These lights are terrific, so very well made. That inspired me to get the A28 (G1).
Great review, and pleasure to view your channel and this review. I'm a huge fan of Rovyvon and carry a 5x daily in my front pocket on a short lanyard. 🔦🔦🔦⚡
I got the A5 G4 which comes with a magnetic clip (as does the A8 G4). It fits more firmly to the flashlight body than the previous version and the magnet is reasonably strong. Also, it has a clip-on magnetic cover for the bottom, provided as a separate piece that you can optionally install. It is held on by 2 tiny plastic clips, but the hold is strong. Nice magnetic strength--the light has no trouble being mounted pointing sideways. Very nice improvements.
Liked your review so much that I got my very own RovyVon A8X, love it. Nice video, very informative and to the point also you made me laugh when you said in the UK you don't use the term flashlight instead you use the word torch...in my country torch is as a piece of wood or cloth soaked in crude oil! lol
Hi Jon, just got one of these for my birthday today. It's awesome. I asked for it based on your review. I have stopped chasing lumens and I am looking for the best EDC light. I think I just found it.
Just noticed on mine, bought about 2 years ago, the main light power goes 2-3-4-1, which is a bit annoying, because the 2 lumens are enough in the dark. Also I had no red light when it completely discharged, it just went off.
The Nichia LED does not, in fact, match the color temperature of daylight. In fact, the other LED option would be closer to daylight as far as color temperature is concerned. If anybody is unsure which one to get, definitely choose the Nichia! Most people will like that version much better. Don't worry about the lumens, the difference between 650 and 450 is insignificant and hard to notice.
Hi - Thanks for the feedback and information - I was lead to believe the colour rendition was better with the Nichia (less blue) but I will do a bit more research and aim to be fully knowledgeable for the next one 👍
@@JonGadget That is correct, color rendition is much better with the Nichia version. However, color rendition and color temperature (reddish white vs. blueish white) are seperate measures. If you were to directly compare the two in daylight, the Nichia version (color temperature: 4000K) would appear to produce yellowish light, while the Cree Version (color temperature: 6000K) would appear white. If you repeated the same comparison in your home at night with the lights on (most home lighting is rather reddish at 2700K), the Nichia would appear slightly blue and the Cree very blue. The human visual system constantly adapts to perceive the dominant light source as "white" under most conditions.
@@JonGadget It is easiest to produce blueish LEDs (high color temperature around 6000K, called "cool white") with bad color rendition (low CRI). CRI is the most commonly used measure for color rendition. Flashlight enthusiasts typically prefer "warmer" (more reddish) LEDs (lower color temperatures, referred to as "neutral white" and "warm white") and better rendition (high CRI). Manufacturers will often choose cool white, low CRI LEDs because they produce the most lumens and customers like to see high lumen figures.
I just got the A5 in the G4 version (magnetic clip, USB-C) with SST-20 650 lumens. I also have an A5 in the G2 version (regular clip, Micro USB) with Nichia 219C 450 lumens. The SST-20 is visibly brighter.
Thnx for the review :) I ordered the A8x. Waiting to get it. U might like the Olight Perun Mini or HR1, they are also nice and small powerfull torches :)
@@JonGadget Or maybe the Fenix E18R :) Excluding the "extra" glow the transparent casing makes I wish they would put LED's like that on the side of a metal-ish one :)
Hi William, yes of course. Mancave! (or home office) everything as it has been long before I started this channel with exception of the RGB blue lights to add a bit of colour.
Just got ced they have now a usb c updated version. But reading the reviews many are unhappy with it. They changed ui functionally and it has less functions i believe
I've seen a ton of reviews on amazon about this model having quality control issues. The main led goes out, and a few reports about parasitic-draw, requiring weekly charging even with no use. Did you or anyone else experience any of this?
Had a mushy button day one, refunded it on amazon and got another which works fine. The low power alert light does drain the battery for me, but it's better than thinking it's more charged than it is.
It doesn’t seem to drain when not in use, I plugged it in when it arrived in the box and it was fully charged in around 5 minutes (usually these things carry 75% charge from the factory). It seemed to have a very full charge but I’ll update this comment after a few more weeks of testing!
Hey Jon! What wouyld be your recommendation for a USB-C rechargeable light for EDC with warmish output, and most importantly, a RED light mode with a blinking option to clip the light onto a sling bag loop while walking at night? The RovyVon offerings are pretty nice, but the models can be confusing and I don't care about the EV light at all and would rather not have it. Thanks and keep on doing a great job on your channel! I left the flashlight scene (so to speak) for many years and I am completely overwhelmed as to what's available nowadays... phew!
The A8X for me is the most fantastic of key chain lights I have yet encountered, and I have been through a slew of them over the years. The A8X is the absolute best of the Rovyvon offerings in its size category. I have both the 450 and the 650 lumen. My favorite is the cool white 650 lumen. Your videos are just so great, keep them coming! BTW, is the Victorinox Pioneer X Alox now your favorite EDC knife? I think I seen that in one of your recent videos, but I could be mistaken.
I picked up the A5 version, which doesn't have the flashing red/blue side lights, with the 650 lumens SST-20 LED. I also have an older A5 (G2) with Nichia 219C giving 450 lumens. The brightness difference is very noticeable. I usually prefer neutral or warm LED tints, but I don't mind the trade-off this time for more lumens. It's also good to see that the low on the G4 is a little dimmer than the G2.
Hi Jon, thanks for the review that you made. It was really give me a new idea in terms of the EDC world. One question about this lovely rovyvon, is this torch can be used while charging like nitecore do?
John loving your reviews, I have just bought a baton 3 and waiting for it to be delivered!!! I also want the a8x nichia, but everywhere seems out of stock, can you advise... I am in the UK
Hi! Nichia seems harder to get hold of, I assume Amazon are out? Not sure in Heinie Haynes cary these? I would just have to google I think. Thanks for kind comments.
I have both the RovyVon Aurora A8xU CREE XP-G3 and A8 Nichia 219C 350 lumen. The A8x is larger, brighter with a longer battery life but the smaller A8 still has its place and is a lot cheaper. I used the clip on the A8x on a shirt pocket and lost that day. I now carry it connected to something larger or in a bag. The metal ring around the LED soon gets hot. The packaging for the A8x is interesting with the push in side pieces to then slide it out. Fools people who assumed you have to rip it apart from the top.
Nice review. I'd like to go straight to the ultra low mode with a double click. Is that possible? Sometimes it's nice to not have a bright light at default if you're trying not to blind everyone.
Yes. Whichever of the four main light settings you had selected last (on for a least 3 mins) this is memorised and it defaults to that when you next double click. 👍
When I double click it goes immediately to the highest brightness. Is there a way to change that? Can't find any info save for a blurb in the instructions about a memory mode.
Great video, and looks like a very nice EDC light. Did you get the light directly from Rovyvon? I have problems finding the Nichia 219C model anywhere else.
Ahh, so cool! Too bad I can't find this in Indian Amazon site, The flashlight-maker's own page also doesn't have India on their list 😑, (Interesting that both, fle and fla of light doesn't come to India 😫)
If you have the nomenclature on that specific Rovy model from its included model papers please send it and I'll find it and buy it. It's not so simple. Evolutions over 2 years. Color combos, etc. Lots of variants on the Zon and Bay. Thank you. Maybe it no longer exists. Close: RovyVon Aurora A8 G4 Keychain Flashlight USB C Rechargeable, 5000K, High CRI, 420 High Lumens Flashlight With EDC Mini Size,10 Mode, But isn't specific about side light tones.
Battery life? From reviews I’ve read the battery life is not good on high, only a couple minutes or so. Personally I like lights that last awhile. If you look on Amazon the company neglects to tell of battery life for each mode. I don’t want a light I have to charge 5 times a day when certain modes are used….
is this the CREE XP-G3 or Nichia 219C version? and also which is better UV/Red/White or Amber/Red/Blue version? they have these choices in their online market
@@JonGadget Will do! Am working now but off tomorrow. Have you looked at any of the NiteCore lights on their channel? They seem really competitive and the YT presentations by their man, MJ are compelling. They also have an amazing 4 cell fast charger that can handle 4 different size/type batteries simultaneously, say 2 different sized Li Ions and 2 different sized NiMH's for example. For super fast charging can only do one at a time though. If only someone I knew who is a renowned YT tech guru would review it and solicit a vendor discount for us....I wonder. If I think of someone I'll let you know! 😏
Anyone compare this to the A1 in terms of size and weight? It’s a huge price difference and am wondering how they compare outside of the other light colors in the A8
its a great flashlight i must say, but when I was searching it on Amazon, I've got shocked. almost 50 dollars is way too much for a lamp. i will stick with my phone for now!
I’ve not tried them side-by-side so not easy to be sure but in general I prefer the warmth of Nichia. If you want max brightness though go for Cree at 650lm.
Hi Jon! New subscriber and relatively new to YT. Went to buy one of these but I live in the U.S. and your link is to Amazon U.K. If I order it through your affiliate link will Amazon automatically route my purchase to a U.S. supplier, and will you still get the credit? Also I am an Amazon prime customer and not sure how that factors in if I try to buy through the link and try to sign in to prime account to get free shipping. Sorry to be a burden; trying to support the channel. Thanks!
Hi John and thanks again for great feedback and for becoming a new Sub 👍 I am note sure what happens if you click the link. It might re-route to U.S. but wouldn't count for affiliate I think. I really appreciate your effort to support channel link but don't worry for now just search on your U.S. Amazon. In the meantime I will investigate a separate U.S. affiliate relationship which I have seen others do with a link to each site. So if you see two links in future videos it will be thanks to you 😃
@@bobdaniels2601 Hi Bob - I changed the link to a geni.us link which means it should pick up on whether you are in US or UK and direct you to the right Amazon site.
Jon, what happened? You got old! The A8x is a good keychain flashlight. If they made it waterproof and USB-C, gave it the A5x's GITD body, and moved the UV last, yes, it would be a great keychain flashlight. EDC? No. Not waterproof, not zoomable, no spot light, weak flood light, no USB-C, no glow, the lumens are poorly spaced, does not work well as a bedside flashlight, and cannot maintain a bright beam long enough. The side lights are not up to lighting up a work area. Worse, it has memory. Terrible! It is too small for an EDC flashlight, and not durable enough. Also, it cannot be used as a power bank. The battery will only last for 4 years, max, and is not replaceable. Even if the battery were replaceable, it is proprietary. The UV-A is only good in a pinch. You must be fairly close, and have a sizeable sample. This is more of a gimmick than a feature. Keychain? Yes. EDC? No. Bedside? No. Car? No. BoB? No. Home? No. Office? Maybe. Work? No. Camping? No. Hiking? Yes, as a secondary light. Biking? As a marker, onlly. The A8x excels in short bursts. Finding a lock or dropped thing, reading a menu, walking around a building, or turning on a breaker. Maybe for a short night walk in an urban setting. The A8x is not suitable for anything of any real length, for anything before bed in the dark, night reading, nightly visits to the restroom, lighting an outdoor area, inspections, or lighting anything at any distance. Mountain hiking, absolutely not--especially at night. This is a terrible flashlight in any sort of fog. In testing the A8x, it comes up short, every time, for EDC. For a flashlight of this size, the A8x does fare well against EDC flashlights, but why be far down the list as an EDC flashlight, when it could be among the top keychain flashlights? I am surprised by you. With your experience, I expected you to catch these things.
Mr. Jon, love you videos. I liked aurora a8 so much I decided to buy one myself. The only problem is they sent an older generation and are only offering me a discount off of what I paid rather than making it right. What they call a mixup I they are lying and getting rid of old stock… I feel duped and betrayed. Have you experienced this with Rovyvon?
