The V1 was clearly inspired by the Profoto A1. Profoto did an amazing job in convincing photographers that the round head is better. So I guess Godox decided to join the party!

Whether this is because the V1 needs more power to flash. Or if it is just poor battery life indicator (like on the XPro's when using rechargeable batteries), I do not know. It just seems worse. I can't remember who gave me this tip. So unfortunately I cannot credit them. It was one of those things I read on a Facebook group.Modifiers: while they attempted to give consumers the added bonus of offering magnetic modifiers for the round head, they missed the mark with the color accuracy (CTO gels are way too green) and the “dome” barely makes a difference. I instead attached a MagGrip to my V1 and use MagMod modifiers with it. The major difference between this and most other speedlights, bar the aforementioned Profoto A1, is the round fresnel head. While not being the answer to all the issues we have when using speedlights, it does offer some benefits over standard rectangular heads. However, there are a couple of downsides to this shape as well. As with all of Godox’s units, this flash carries all the features we need and expect. The Godox wireless system is built in as a commander and a slave, HSS is possible with every brand Godox supports, a modeling light and AF assist beam are present, and power is controllable from 1/1-1/256 in 1/10 stop increments. The Round Head The second downside is that the shape of the head means it won't fit many speedlight specific modifiers. Softboxes like SMDV's Speedbox series do not accommodate this shape, and despite the magnets being present in the head itself, MagMod's kit doesn't fit either. Hopefully this will change like some gel kits have. Magnetic Modifiers

In master mode, individual groups can be turned on/off by pressing the group button repeatedly rather than having to press multiple buttons in previous flashes. I've employed the flash regularly for product photography and other sundries in the seven months I've been using it, and have only had to dig around to find the small charging cradle three or four times. The V1 spreads out light with fresnel grooves, the same type used by lighthouses, to cast illumination in a pleasing, circular pattern—the same shape of light you get from larger monolights, like the Godox AD300Pro (also sold as the Flashpoint Xplor 300 Pro TTL R2). I've not tested how many pop's each flash can do. But I do know that I could usually cover three weddings on a single charge on the v860 whilst with the V1, after my second. The battery life indicator would be left on one bar. So I'd be charging up before the third wedding, just in case.Update the firmware: Like cameras, the Godox products including the V1 flash needs their firmware updated. After all, it fixes the bugs and glitches. Let's talk punch. This is the thing that surprised and impressed me most about this unit. With the perfect round head, even coverage, and softer falloff, I was expecting a significant hit in the power department. Not so. Godox have maintained an almost perfect match to their V860II flash.

In terms of size and weight, the V1 weighs slightly less than the V860II at 530g and is slightly bulkier thanks to the round head. The body of the unit is slightly thinner than its older brother, however, giving it an overall more compact feel. Release the buttons when you see the “RESET” on the Godox screen. And toast! You’ve successfully reset your Godox V1 speedlight flash!The lighting pattern is definitely better. The light falloff is nicer and there's no centre hotspot as is common with a fresnel head speedlight. However, as mentioned. This is really only useful if you go around firing the flash directly at your subjects.