Right up the front is a crenellated bezel which is a machined part of the head and is non-removable. The lens is made of regular glass and doesn't seem to have any AR coating. Inside the head is a lightly textured aluminum reflector which seems slightly shallower than most other MC-E lights. The LED sits well-aligned, and it slightly raised at the bottom of the reflector cup. On the exterior the head has a clean and simple conical design with a band of stripped knurling just behind the bezel, and a series of cooling fins at the end. When unscrewed, the head allows access to the reflector and the lens. The LED module remains attached to the battery tube which allows the VB-16 CXF-I to be used like a candle. Threads between the head and front end of the battery tube mate well with no grinding or cross-threading encountered during tests.

The main battery tube is rather long since it's designed to run on either 4x CR123 or 2x 18650 batteries. As mentioned earlier, at the front end of the battery tube you'll find the LED module and electronics which are all housed protected in a clean chassis with an aluminum top cover and a brass heat sink area at the bottom. The main difference between the CXF-I and M9 is its control ring which controls brightness adjustment instead of the two rubber buttons of the M9 or earlier VB-16 models. The Battery tube has a rectangular design for the front half and a knurled cylindrical design on the rear half. There are also two rubber o-rings placed behind the threads on either ends which serve as moisture seals. The tail cap is somewhat wider than the battery tube with a slightly raised lip towards the front which has two small holes for lanyard attachments. The main exterior has a series of scallops machined all around which provide grip during battery changes. Inside the tail cap is a forward push button which allows for momentary activation. The switch mechanism has an average amount of travel but provides a very minute amount of tactile feedback when clicked on, similar to earlier Wolf Eyes and Pila flashlights. This could either be a good of bad thing since this also means that the switch is almost silent when engaged. The rubber switch cap protrudes slightly out the tail end, as such the light is unable to tail stand.

If you're unfamiliar with any of the terms used in this review, click here for explanations on common flashlight related vocabulary.

The VB-16 CXF-I provides an easy and intuitive method of adjusting output by implementing a control ring just behind the head. The control ring has a dampened feel but still easily rotated single-handedly and provides subtle tactile click as it's turned. On/Off activation remains controlled solely by the switch at the rear end. Output level is memorized when the light is switched off. This system works well and is very unlikely to confused the general user. Double tapping the switch with the ring set at maximum level activates strobe mode, while at minimum level activates S.O.S.

The beam profile produced by the VB-16 CXF-I has a medium sized hot spot and a very wide spill beam for peripheral illumination. While the spill beam is very clean and smooth, there is a slightly discernable dark area within the spot. Though this doesn't affect practical usage and is only noticeable at distances of about 3 to 5 meters. Beam tint leans slightly towards the cool side on my review sample. Runtime provided is above average and maintains regulation very well.

The Good - Simple and intuitive user interface. Build quality and finishing are well done. Tight regulation and above average runtime.

The Bad - Output difference at higher levels is not very discernable.

The Relative - Beam has a neutral white tint with a slight dark area in the hot spot. Uses a forward push button switch. Is not able to tail stand.