An affordable UV curing light that is SUPER high powered! - McFly Angler Fly Tying Review

I have found what I think is the best UV light for the money! Don’t waste your time on junk from China, and no need to drop tons of money on name brands lights. This one seems about as good as it gets for the price. Currently at time of filming this, the light is $15.99. Hard to beat! Now it won’t cost you a fortune to get into fly tying resin! Heck, any use for resin this will be good for. Not just for fly tiers. Below will be links to the Ultra Fire light, and also solarez fly tying resin.
One person got very upset about me saying “junk from China”. They said this light is also made from China. I am staying here that the light might be made in China as well, I’m not fully sure on that. But one thing that differentiates this light and others from China is quality. This light is affordable, but also decent quality. I still believe the solarez light is better quality, and if you can afford to buy it, then I recommend getting that light instead. However, for the vast majority of us, a $16 light is much more accessible than a $50, and many cheaply made $7-15 lights on amazon are made cheaply. This one seems to be much better quality, and will last a longer time. This is my opinion from my experiences.
Ultra Fire 502UV light (Only $16.99 now!).- amzn.to/3mX52xW
Solarez Thin Hard - amzn.to/34ahSy5
Solarez Thick Hard - amzn.to/2KNkz0U
Solarez Ultra Thin - amzn.to/2OFj0mF
Solarez Flex - amzn.to/2XNOaN6

[@robertculver15]

I just want to thank you for this review wow. I had an older uv light that took forever to dry my flies . I'm a disabled vet on a pretty strict budget right now and just didn't have the money for a solarez light. This light is amazing glad I watched the review.

[@McFlyAngler]

Glad you like it, and glad I could help you find something

[@conductor4Christ]

Thanks so much for this review. I ordered one and it definitely is awesome!

[@McFlyAngler]

Glad you like it! :).

[@marias5248]

Thank you! I've been searching around confused until I saw your video! I ordered one.

[@McFlyAngler]

Cool! You will like it

[@Utahlonghorn]

Thanks brother!! Hope all is well with you in this new year. My light broke today so I ordered one of these, I hope the link you provided gives you credit for the sale.

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks man! Yeah things are ok. Hope the same with you. Yes the link gives some credit. I’ve got an Amazon affiliate thing. It gives a very small amount of commission. Not much but every little bit helps. Good luck man!

[@brentfraunfelder892]

Thank you so much for the demonstration and the light and glue. I just ordered both and i'm sure they work exactly as you demonstrated. Thank you for the great demonstration again it was awesome.

[@McFlyAngler]

Glad it was helpful!

[@email16v]

I have held out for years to get into resin and UV lights. Now that I've seen your video, I may go for it. Thanks!

[@McFlyAngler]

Glad to help. Honestly it’s totally worth it. This light isn’t too expensive, and the resin from Solarez can be gotten with a sample pack for not too much money either. It is enough to tie a few (possibly many) flies with each resin. Depending of course what flies your tying. But it’s totally worth it. I still use head cement and super glue, so don’t like toss that stuff. It’s useful on many different flies that resin just doesn’t work for. But I haven’t used 5 minute epoxy for years now. Just no need really.

[@truthhurts6958]

I actually went a bought one of these after your review . Best uv light I've ever used by a mile . Thanks

[@McFlyAngler]

Yeah man, glad it worked out

[@whatsfordinnerdaddy3535]

Hey man. Thanks so much for the recommendation. I ordered it from Amazon using your link :)

[@McFlyAngler]

Awesome, yeah man, I’ve been using mine for 1.5 years now and it’s been working great even still! Great price for a great light

[@farmerbob4554]

Wow, good timing! I need a new light cause mine took a bath in a lake and is now just a conversation piece! Thanks.

[@McFlyAngler]

Ha! How did your tying uv light get into a lake?

[@farmerbob4554]

McFly Angler Good question. I use it to cure UV glue over leader to fly line knots.

[@McFlyAngler]

Ohhhh ok. Well just FYI, this light is rather large, maybe too big for sticking comfortably in the waders.

[@carefulkev9246]

I bought this light, works better than my old one. Thanks!

[@McFlyAngler]

Glad to help! :). Yeah it’s not bad for the money huh?

[@noelsouthall2062]

Just ordered one from the US for use in Japan. I am not a fisherman but I am resin-coating origami models to preserve them. Got it expedited shipping so I can get it by Friday! Can wait to give it a go. Drips have been my biggest issue so far. Not anymore!!

[@McFlyAngler]

Hey that’s cool man, always thought origami to be really interesting and beautiful.

[@noelsouthall2062]

@@McFlyAngler Yeah, it is pretty amazing and the possibilities are endless. Thanks for the video! Right now, I'm cutting and sealing some paper to make models ready for the arrival of the UV light.

[@WesternPaFlyFisher]

The ultra fire seems brighter. Nice review. I like that you can adjust the beam. Thanks, I hope that you are on the mend and doing well.

[@McFlyAngler]

I’m doing good, and yeah it is a bit brighter but it for some reason doesn’t cure any faster. About the same. But for the price difference it’s awesome!

[@CraigStJohn-vk2ey]

​@@McFlyAngler www.solarez.com/support/information-on-solarez-uv-flashlights/ - I think this site explains why 'brighter' doesn't mean that it will cure their resin faster. FYSA the UltraFire 502UV Flashlight puts out 395-405nm and Solarez's light puts out 385nm which is the best to cure their resins, "but our chip puts out at 385nm and cures our resin very well". Here is another extraction from Solarez's website, "...395nm is just OK with respect to curing resin because with 390nm being in their range, they fall into the 1st standard deviation of the photoinitiator’s desired peak. To summarize, they are OK. Just OK. They will also APPEAR to put out more light and that is because on the other side of their spectrum (400nm) is VISIBLE light. If you judge an LED light by what you can see, you are judging the wrong aspect of their ability..."

[@McFlyAngler]

Craig, I agree, solarez makes a great light. However, while they are correct on this statement, this light itself actually cures almost as quick as the solarez one. head to head I have cured the same fly and see almost no difference in cure time. Occasionally though I will admit, with the thicker formula's, where the solarez light takes about 11 seconds, it will take about 12-13 with this light. So, yes, the solarez light is better. Just giving options to people who cannot afford the price tag of that light. This one will do the trick and get them tying with solarez UV resin. In fact what's funny is, I can track all sales that come from my amazon links. Up until I told people about this light, I would have about 10-15 different solarez products sold through my links on amazon. Now, its 25-40. So, this is exactly what thats all about. I personally love Solarez, I think its the best UV resin out there for the cost. But a light itself is very expensive. Most people give up on UV resins because they cannot afford the high ticket cost go get into it. Or they go get some junk from china that takes 15 minutes to cure their resin. This light, while might not be quite as good, as dang close. And way way way better than the $7 light alternatives most people buy. So, take the video for what its worth. My intention to help more people be able to get into fly tying and UV resin.

[@markrigg6623]

Guys!. It doesn't matter how bright a UV torch is. UV isn't visible!!!! Holycrapadoodles.

[@tomhines5999]

Thanks. I have a question about the metal tube with which you are applying resin. How do you keep it clear (unclogged) and will it also work for clear nail polishes? Do you have a handy applicator for superglue as well? Thanks again; hope I'm not TOO far off topic. Tom

[@McFlyAngler]

I don’t know about nails, but it works well for fly tying. The metal tube no longer is available on solarez site, instead they now offer a plastic one. Check out the solarez site. Www.solarez.com

[@scotttrahey]

To tell the strength of a ultra violet light you need to use a Radiometer. The human I can’t see UV light. So the brightness you see doesn’t matter. However head to head test will work like you did. I just don’t want anyone finding what looks to a brighter light and thinking it must be better. The brighter it is the more it’s in the visible spectrum so the less ultraviolet light it’s putting out.

[@McFlyAngler]

I agree! This does cure very fast. This is what I was trying to explain to a few people already.

[@McFlyAngler]

Btw; it’s the same cure time as the solarez, roughly. Solarez might be slightly faster.

[@randellgribben9772]

i have a 7 uv bulb light from harbor freight.. 2 years into it.. works great.. i also use re chargeable battery's to keep it hot

[@McFlyAngler]

Awesome! Yeah there are options out there. I will say I’ve used some of those kinda lights your talking about and it doesn’t cure quite as fast but that’s not always necessarily important especially if one doesn’t tie a huge number of flies like I do, or the flies they are tying don’t require immediate curing. For the most part the lower powered lights will work for most people.

[@stewartsimpson2236]

hi there, is this the 502UV or 502B model - the link takes me to the 502B model but was just wondering if that's the same one as you have reviewed here? thanks in advance :-)

[@McFlyAngler]

Never noticed that before. I think they are both the same light, but one is UV and one is not. However this one says it’s UV but then calls it the 502b. Weird. Didn’t notice that before. I think this is the UV one though. I’ve had to change out the kinks a few times because they sell out of one or another. I cannot really confirm the difference though between these two. I think they are the same or comparable lights.

[@TheMotocross64]

What size batteries do the solariz take? and can you use any RV resin with it? Can you put a link to that as well? Thank you

[@McFlyAngler]

They take the rechargeable 18950’s I believe is what they are called. I’ve had to change the link many times as they keep changing it for some reason. Sometimes I link to one that includes the batteries, can’t remember which I did link to this time. Just search 18950 battery and I think you will find it.

[@jasrobsny]

wow just checked, $16! I still have the Bondic stick which just has a little LED on one lithium button but still cures great. I have some Knot Sense on which this would be perfect.

[@McFlyAngler]

For sure man, please use my link below if your gonna buy

[@jasrobsny]

Of course

[@chrisallick]

Forgot to comment on this. Can attest, after months of owning this torch, its the one to buy. I had gone through 2 or 3 other brands before google searching out of frustration. Solarez as well, that brand plus this torch is the key to great application of material, and rock hard ZERO TACK uv cure.

[@McFlyAngler]

Absolutely man, Thanks for that. It is a good light no question.

[@jude1515]

Thanks. I may try that one.

[@McFlyAngler]

It’s a decent light, at least when I ordered it a year or two ago. But I can’t say how their quality control is now. But it seemed good when I got it.

[@jude1515]

@@McFlyAngler Just ordered it. If it lasts me 2 years I think that will be good.

[@_mylastname]

Thank you! I just now went through the "sitting" it was the chyna light for$5. JUNK!. I KNOW the difference in what you are saying. Yes they're made in cjyna, but there's Quality ones, and the junk knockoffs of their own product . I just sat for 5+ minutes and the resin is still flexible and tacky

[@McFlyAngler]

Yeah man, this is a good one no question.

[@mike2200]

Hey where did you get that metal applicator?

[@McFlyAngler]

Solarez sells them to fit their bottles.

[@ThePrufessa]

Will any resin react to UV light? I'm using famowood two part resin. Will a UV light help speed the curing up?

[@McFlyAngler]

Has to be a special “UV” resin. Two part resins use a catalyst to harden.

[@ThePrufessa]

@@McFlyAngler ok thanks. Glad I didn't waste my money on a light I saw in the store today. It wasn't but enough for my needs but I came home and started researching them.

[@McFlyAngler]

2 part resins take a while to cure, UV will cure quickly. Depending on what your doing with it, this could be very helpful.

[@DukePipeGG]

I have a question, is that the same they sell for checking on fake bills?

[@McFlyAngler]

Yeah I think you could use it for that, but not really sure. I don’t remember if it’s a UV light needed for that or some other light wave

[@smcewen7]

Cool I need a better one,the one I have now is small and uses 3 AAA,kind of a pain..

[@McFlyAngler]

Well for $16, it’s the best for the price I’ve found. Hope it works for you. Please use my link in the description section if your gonna get it from amazon. It helps me out.

[@richieg8432]

Where did u get the battery for it,,which one exactly? The ones I see online are mostly rechargeable 3.7V Li on..is that what you are using?

[@McFlyAngler]

It’s an 18650 battery…. Any of those should work. I believe they can come in different Volts though, so as long as it says 18650 it’s good I believe

[@richieg8432]

@@McFlyAngler It seems all those 18650`s are rechargeable only.

[@McFlyAngler]

Yes, you can recharge the batteries. Some times you can find these lights with a battery and charger included

[@mikeking453]

I'm one that's been holding off getting into uv resins,but keep debating whether or not to spend the money or not. P.S. You can also check for bedbugs with it!

[@FlyfishermanMike]

Try them out! Game changer!

[@McFlyAngler]

I would agree with mike, resin is much easier to use than epoxy and gives you the ability to make some flies that couldn’t be made without it. Check out the resin kits from solarez, it will give you their resin for inexpensive to start with, and get this light. Will really expand your tying ability man! Now with an affordable and good light, it’s cheaper and easier to get into it.

[@FlyfishermanMike]

@@McFlyAngler Yep, no more mixing and rotating epoxy, hoping it will stay where you want it. The different viscosities are versatile and awesome! I'm almost out of my Clear Cure Goo stash so I'll try Solarez next. Just ordered this light. My third and hopefully last...

[@McFlyAngler]

Awesome! Tell me your experience with it. As for different viscosity, solarez has quite the range. Ultra thin, thin, medium, thick, and also a flexible one. They also make colored resin as well. All are good quality and very good price for how much you get.

[@FlyfishermanMike]

@@McFlyAngler Did you ever use CCG? I love(d) the Hyrdo. I'm guessing it would be equivalent to ultra thin.

[@leonsetyakarya9104]

Can I use the UV light to cure resin to fix my wind shield?

[@McFlyAngler]

Depends on the resin, some resins require different Wave lengths. But most likely yes. However I do recommend that you get it professionally done.

[@leonsetyakarya9104]

@@McFlyAngler Thanks. It is only a tiny nick no crack

[@McFlyAngler]

Well, I’m not well versed in repair for windshields. I don’t think the fly tying resin would work for it but I don’t know. Make sure it’s the right resin, and again I need to recommend getting that professionally done. But it’s up to you, I’m sure the light will cure the resin, just might take a bit longer if the resin requires a different wavelength

[@flyfishingk2tj912]

Have you tried a dental uv light? Small precise light..

[@McFlyAngler]

No I have not, or even heard of it. However being a medical devise, my guess is it is very expensive.

[@davidhedrick300]

I am a retired dentist, so I will weigh in on this. Dentistry has not used UV cured materials in 50 years (it was called NUVA and used a Nuvalight) All dental composites and resins are now cured in the visible light range of about 420-540 NM. So, the short answer is--dental curing lights will not work on UV cured materials. I use the UV cured resin for flytying, but it would be a terrible choice in dentistry.

[@tiesflies]

Yes this light is the truth!!

[@McFlyAngler]

It’s a good light yeah. I’ve got one of solarez new lights though and dang it’s nice! Cures so fast! But yeah for an affordable option this will work for sure.

[@tisoihardcore2756]

Is this flashlight ok for curing uv glue?

[@McFlyAngler]

Yes, thats exactly what the whole video was about. LOL

[@stevenquigley4208]

Thanks for the heads up. I just ordered mine from Amazon via your link. Looking forward to trying it out

[@McFlyAngler]

Yeah it’s really good for the price! I think you will like it!

[@stevenquigley4208]

@@McFlyAngler I have just sent a Note to Solez. You and your followers opinion.... I have been building Fishing Rods for a little while. I have been experimenting with Rod Guide Wrapping Top Coating. Would one of the Solarez products work? Thanks Steve

[@McFlyAngler]

Hey Steve, I was thinking about using a resin for rods, just haven’t tried it. As for what you sent to solarez, what did you send them? Lol!!!

[@stevenquigley4208]

I sent them an email asking what kind of product.

[@stevenquigley4208]

They are sending me out a sample and I think it's at my mailbox I have to go and check it. I'll let you know what they send. Oh by the wayThe UV light is a hoot. I'm amazed that all the items in the house that fluoresce

[@therealspindoctor2593]

Also, brighter is not "better" as it's the less visible UV rays that do most of the curing power In my opinion. I reccomend looking for lights that are designed for "UV Rock Hunting" (such as Yuperlites where I live, which is "Sodalite") That will be in the *365nm which is better than the 395 range IN MY OPINION*

[@McFlyAngler]

Ok thanks.

[@1937Brett]

What watts do you need for your light to work?

[@McFlyAngler]

Not sure I understand the question sorry…

[@1937Brett]

@@McFlyAngler uv has watts 10w 36 100 witch works best

[@McFlyAngler]

I don’t know honestly, I do know this particular one works well, the new solarez light they sell with the blueish purple head is even better than this, but of course it’s a bit more pricy

[@hkreations5108]

Does this light work for all UV resins?

[@McFlyAngler]

I haven’t tested them on all of them, but I imagine it would have no issues with others

[@armoniard4782]

It does not work with art resin

[@Ttreblerebel]

@@armoniard4782 art resin uv or just art resin?

[@gene5301]

Do you have to wear a mask with this type of resin?

[@McFlyAngler]

I don't... never heard of stuff you would...

[@armoniard4782]

I bought this lamp and use it with art resin and it didn't work. My resin is not cured .

[@McFlyAngler]

Did you use the one in the link below? They have a UV one and a non UV one. Is the light purple? Lol

[@armoniard4782]

@@McFlyAngler hello, thanks for you answer. I used Art resin and bought the uv lamp with battery charger, I didn't buy the resin solarez sells . Does the lamp only works with the solarez resin? The art resin does not smell is not toxic , maybe I have to buy a resin that smells? Maybe a boat resin?

[@asiachung30]

@@armoniard4782 Art resin is a two-part System meaning you have to mix part A and part B in order to start the curing process. you need to buy a specific resin that is marketed as UV resin in order to cure with UV light

[@vzarou]

is this light work for all resin

[@McFlyAngler]

Seems to if it’s a UV curing resin. But I haven’t tried every resin out there

[@vzarou]

@@McFlyAngler thanks

[@kernlkajun1]

Do I have a defective charger? So I just tried this light yesterday and promptly ordered the Solarez Resinator kit…here’s why..curing of Solarez UV’s was okay but the little charger’s indicator lamp stays green even plugged in with no battery. This is contrary to the way most chargers work in that they remain red and turn green when the inserted battery becomes fully charged. Sorry, I can’t get past this flaw! Must return the kit to Amazon. That said, the light is well made with the slightly higher uv rating which Solarez says is just “okay” for their products b/c their UV curing products cure well….even with “okay” lights…marketing hype?

[@McFlyAngler]

Sounds good, you will be very happy with the Solarez light, its a great light. Just a bit more expensive. But It will cure slightly faster than this one. This is mainly for those who cant afford the more expensive solarez one.

[@Apetitegirly]

There are 10usd ones in hungary

[@McFlyAngler]

Cool, I’ve seen $4 ones in China. But many I’ve seen are junk, these are good, as good As most of the highest end.

[@salmon4ever]

Hobby lobby uv glue is the same quality for a huge bottle for 11 bucks. The light is 3 bucks there too. Enjoy!!!

[@McFlyAngler]

So they do sell UV glue but it’s not the same. Can work though so for sure use it if it works for you, but there are different properties to UV resin. Many different options out there and if it works for your uses then by all means it’s perfect. Their light btw isn’t as powerful. Still can work but for some flies you need that instant cure rather than letting it drip for a few seconds. But again not all flies require that. Thanks for the tips.

[@salmon4ever]

@McFlyAngler Oh for sure. I use it in saltwater and freshwater. Dries hard for 11 bucks. I don't really have any running or dripping from hobby lobby uv resin. I'm sure it could have different properties but for not even a quarter of the price. All these other companies are scamming us. Honestly the hobby lobby jewlery brand is just as good as loon or anybody else. Even the color uv resin is great for making eyes. Try it out sometime and see. It's the same.

[@scotttrahey]

Has anyone checked out uvcraft?

[@McFlyAngler]

I haven’t, tell me more

[@barbaraparker8225]

This light is no longer available on Amazon.

[@McFlyAngler]

Ok thanks for letting me know, I’ll replace the link to the same light. I’ve got 500+ videos hard to keep track all the time. Haha

[@McFlyAngler]

Ok I updated it, here is the link to the same light, actually less expensive now so that’s good. amzn.to/3mX52xW

[@quangtran-fd9vp]

Ultra fire built better than other but dont come with battery and made in China also

[@McFlyAngler]

Everything is made from China, even the leading brands of flashlights. I could be wrong but I think even loons light is made in China.

[@Videowatcher2.0]

Buy nice or buy twice

[@McFlyAngler]

Ive now had this over a year, never broke, love this thing. Use it almost every day.

[@irenedelara7325]

HM sir 1 pcs

[@williemickbillie]

the solarez light is so strong you can feel the cancer when flashing it on yourself

[@McFlyAngler]

Lol! The new solarez light is very good yes. They recently came out with another that I do think is worth the extra money vs the one I reviewed here. Very strong. But I don’t think you will get cancer from using it any more than spending a few minutes in the sun while fishing would.

[@williemickbillie]

@@McFlyAngler i have the purple one and i was joking but it definitely put out some heat and rays lol I love it

[@McFlyAngler]

Yes it does. The purple head one is the one I’ve got now and yeah for sure

[@jly5760]

wrong comment about China product, it is not where is made, it is how much you can afford! FYI, iPHONE is made in China😂

[@McFlyAngler]

I agree, it depends on the quality, not the country. Bad products are made in USA, and in China. Also good products. This is one of the good products from china for sure.

[@sergioknuf]

Way to expensive Try ultra dome !

[@McFlyAngler]

Sure there are cheaper options, but ive found many of them are very poor quality. This one I’ve now used for almost 2 years and it’s still working great! Also it cures so quickly. Many of the less expensive options take a long time to cure.

[@sergioknuf]

@@McFlyAngler yeah i know the cheap ones are but Ultra Dome is more expensive then them and less expensive then Solarz is right in the middle .

[@McFlyAngler]

Sure, this isn’t a solarez light though. This one is only $27 I believe, and it’s amazing! As powerful as the solarez light. Check it out bro.

[@sergioknuf]

@@McFlyAngler no way in hell for 4oz is $54 ultra dome is $56 r 16oz and it dont shrink or pull

[@McFlyAngler]

Like I said, this one isn’t that expensive

[@donnichols8105]

I just received the UltrFire UV light you did the demo on. What you failed to mention was that it requires a special battery that you have to buy separately and a charger to charge the battery separately which adds another $17.00 to your already $17.00 dollar purchase. which now turns into a $34 dollar light. This is so uncool of you to mislead people into thinking they are getting this great light for only $17.00. Shame on you.

[@McFlyAngler]

This video is 3 years old. I can’t help that the manufacturer changed things. I’m sorry for that. But it is not my product and I can’t control this.