4Sevens Maelstorm X7

Description:
(1) 18650 or (2) CR123A batteries
Operating Range: 2.7V~12V
Length: 6.0 in
Body Diameter: 1.0 in
Head Diameter: 1.5 in
Weight (w/o batteries): 5.1 oz
Waterproof to IPX-8 standard: 1 meter, 30 min.
Moonlight: 0.3 lumens, 6 days
Low: 30 lumens, 21 hours
Medium: 270 lumens, 2.8 hours
High: 480 lumens, 1.3 hours
Strobe (10hz, 480 lumens): 2.5 hours
S.O.S.: 4.5 hours
Beacon: 12 hours

First Impressions:
The Maelstrom x7 seems very familiar to me, from what I can tell it is an upgraded version of the previously released Maelstrom G5 that I reviewed before. Actually the x7 may be the same exact size and shape as the G5, just with an upgraded led and driver. It now has a max output of 480 lumens compared to the G5 at 350 lumens.
The x7 operates the same as the G5 did, by tightening or loosening the head of the light.  There are four output levels, starting out with the head loosened the light is in moon mode, tightening the head increases the output levels until the head is fully tightened, which is its highest output level.
I did notice that the threads on the x7 seem to be a good bit tighter and better machined than the G5 I had for testing. The G5’s head had a bit of wobble to it, and torqueing the head side to side, or pressing it toward the body, could make it flicker into another level. The x7 doesn’t seem to do this often at all, you have to be right on the edge of advancing to anther level before it will do it.

Size/Weight:
The Maelstrom x7 is a nice medium sized light, and on par with other 2×123 or 18650 cell lights. The head is slightly larger than some others, due to the rotating contacts and the nice deep reflector.

Grip/Handling:
The x7 feels  good in my hand. It can be a be difficult to operate the twist head with one hand, but it is certainly possible. The head has a nice knurled section to help you get a grip on it.
There is a “cigar hold” ring between the body and tailcap, which is removable. This feature is hit or miss with me, some lights it works well on and fits my hand right, some don’t. Works ok with the x7 but not perfect.
The pocket clip is also removable it you choose not to use it. Which by the way, is a nice stiff clip with good retention.
One option I would really like to see is a recessed tailcap switch, so that the light can also tail stand. This also helps prevent accidentally activating the light. You can however, loosen the head all the way, which will lock out the light, preventing the tail switch from working. The rubber boot on the x7 sticks out quite a bit, more than other lights I have used in the past. This makes it very easy to operate and it has a very crisp click, but also more vulnerable.

Build Quality:
The quality of the x7 is on par with all the other Maelstrom lights, which is very good. The threading has even been improved on the x7 over the previously tested G5 so that there is less play. The only durability issue I can see is the fact that the tail switch’s rubber boot protrudes too far and could be damaged more easily.

Features:
As mentioned above, the main feature of the x7 is that you adjust the output level by twisting the head. Tightening the head all the way sets the x7 in its highest output level, then loosening the head will setup it down to its remaining 3 lower levels as you loosen it more. The x7 has two modes, the primary mode is your regular 4 output levels, the secondary mode has strobe, sos and beacon outputs. Fully tighten the head of the flashlight so that you are in the high. Then, quickly loosen and tighten the head (switching between high and a lower level) 4 times to change to the alternative set of modes.

Output & Runtime:
    One thing I really like about the x7 is the SUPER low moon mode level. When I say low, I mean LOW. 0.3 lumens to be exact. Its so low that you can pretty much stare right at the led. This is great for when you are completely night adapted and dont want to blind yourself. This is a problem with alot of lights on the market, its great that they have multiple levels, but low is usually still too bright for totally night adapted eyes. The next level up jumps up in output a good bit from moon mode. Though levels low medium and high are nicely spaced.
The beam pattern has a tight hotspot which makes it great for outdoor use. Some may find it too tight for close range or indoor use though.

Pros:
Extremely low moon mode great for night adapted eyes
Special modes are separate from main output levels
Strong pocket clip

Cons:
Rubber boot of switch sticks out a bit too far, could be vulnerable
Twisting the head can be difficult with one hand
Not able to tail stand

Conclusion:
The Maelstrom x7 is definitely a light to look into if you are looking for a 2×123 or 1×18650 sized light. Its an average size for that class of light and has decent throw for its size. They are built well with a nice set of features. Its nice that the special sos, strobe and beacon modes are kept separate from the main levels. Its very annoying when a light is setup do that you can accidentally activate fancy strobe modes.