Welcome to BudgetLightForum.com


...where Frugal meets with Flashlight!


BLF Recent posts

Title Author Replies Last Postsort icon
DQG 18650 EDC--World's Smallest 18650 Flashlight Ric-CN 678 05/23/2013 - 09:43
Huge half off sale at DealExtreme! JohnnyMac 155 05/23/2013 - 09:32
Slim and smooth aaa torch,,, where are you? boyo17 5 05/23/2013 - 09:31
Review: Skyray King (3xXM-L - 4x18650) _the_ 226 05/23/2013 - 09:30
Solarforce S2200 MT-G2 joerch 185 05/23/2013 - 09:27
Your favorite lights in your collection? Dale 24 05/23/2013 - 09:26
ELife X11 - 11 lumens Chloe 4 05/23/2013 - 09:26
Enlan EL-01. Outstanding knife s.c. 118 05/23/2013 - 09:23
A good deal from Ric of cnqualitygoods ChangchungLeds 4 05/23/2013 - 09:11
Looking for Binoculars for Hiking thebiggboss78 6 05/23/2013 - 09:07
Hello from Braunschweig - The original! ;) UliBär 14 05/23/2013 - 09:07
Large lights comparo across Overpeck Creek (7G10, SP6, TM26, TN31) turboBB 4 05/23/2013 - 08:58
Review: USB battery box 4x18650 HKJ 44 05/23/2013 - 08:47
Where to get a good price for a Fenix TK70 or TK75? Bean darach 14 05/23/2013 - 08:47
Deal alerts thread for WB, May 2013 + new promotion may 18 ChibiM 613 05/23/2013 - 08:46
what do you guys think of this headlamp? Looks very promising blueb8llz 18 05/23/2013 - 08:45
How do you store your EDC lights & gear? Haterade 55 05/23/2013 - 08:42
Sure, You have Bright Lights, But Do You Have Tactical Balls? Pinetreebbs 05/23/2013 - 08:38
Really Bright Stuff - Free Shipping on International Orders, Growing Selection Really Bright Stuff 39 05/23/2013 - 08:33
Review: Turnigy Accucell 6 Hobby Charger brted 110 05/23/2013 - 08:32
Recommend me a 1AA flashlight as a gift Bort 41 05/23/2013 - 08:28
Driver for the MT-G2 nitro 36 05/23/2013 - 08:22
What is the lowest power drawing LED? Jalben 05/23/2013 - 08:12
Yay, 500 posts! Time for a small giveaway... Steve_the_Chief 71 05/23/2013 - 08:09
FireFox 4 group buy @ $210, shipping not yet included (with exciting comparative beamshot links added) tatasal 232 05/23/2013 - 08:00
Syndicate content

BLF users are just too nice!

Here we go again! Today the postman surprised me with another touching display of generosity from our wonderful BLF members.

Review: Fandyfire PAdME 3xAA XM-L U2 Flashlight

Fandyfire PAdME

Reviewer's Overall Rating:  ★★★ ☆☆

 

Summary:

Battery:  3xAA or 3x14500
Switch:  Reverse clicky in tail / Rotary ring near head
Modes:  Low - Mid - High - Strobe
LED Type:  Single XM-L U2 (Cool White)
Lens:  Glass
Tailstands: Yes 
Price @ 14/May/13: $61.54
From: LightsCastle.com
Date Ordered:  15/April/2013

This light was kindly provided for review by LightsCastle.com

Pros:

  • Uses regular AA batteries
  • Works great with only 1 charged battery
  • Nice simple UI with magnetic control ring for brightness control
  • True off mode with no parasitic drain
  • Modern XM-L U2 emitter
  • Tailstands
  • Attractive styling

Cons:

  • Pricey
  • Could be brighter given the triple cells
  • Control ring binds when head over-tightened
  • Too easy to unscrew the head and rip out the driver
  • Needs a moonlight mode
  • No warm bin available
  • Unlubricated threads
  • No glow in the dark tailswitch or markings

So I went to the post office today...

So I went to the went to the post office today. Now, I’ll admit that this normally wouldn’t merit a post on BLF. However, in this case, a few members have been dropping hints in my PM inbox that I should be expecting a package. A package of what, you might ask? Well, our one and only Old-Lumens sent me the following hint:

Old-Lumens wrote:

Once it arrives, let me know if you have any questions about it. It’s just a plain little light, takes AA sized batteries, nothing to get too excited about.

So I got to thinking, “Hmm, a flashlight that takes AA sized batteries… What could it be?” Possibly one of these beauties?

Making a 12-Up out of Mini-Mags and Nichias. It's Finished and BEAM SHOTS are up now!!

I have seen this type of light before. Nothing is new under the sun, but I keep visualizing the finished light and decided I might see if I can make it look like what I already have pictured in my mind.

12up1a

Review: ThruNite T30S, XM-L U2 (NW or CW),1x 18650

The ThruNite T30S – the successor of the ThruNite T30.

First here are some of the facts – you will find more details on the Shop of Thrunite sale website

  • LED: Cree XML U2 LED, available in neutral and vool white
  • Performance and run time: Max 650 lumens ANSI / NEMA FL1, High 650 lumens for 2.2 hours, Mid: 150 lumens for 7.3 hours, Low 9.4 lumens for 95 hours Strobe 650 lumens for 4.5 hours
  • Power and voltage range: 3.3 V – 8.4 V. 1× 18650 or 2x CR123A (per the instructions). Two 16340 should work, but I do not use this type of batteries often. I try it with two 18650 (tested with additional parts of TN11S) and the light was brighter as with one 18650, but the head getting really warm within seconds (maybe to warm). I do not recommend to use 2x li-ion batteries (16340, 18650).
  • Max Luminous range 250m peak beam intensity: 15000cd
  • Dimensions and weight: Length 144mm – Head diameter 35mm – 159.6 gr
  • Other: IPX-8 coated, HA III, anti-reflective lens, Impact resistant:1.2 m
  • Package includes: Manual, holster, spare o-rings, stainless steel clip, lanyard, cigar ring.

Comarison Review: Olight I3 vs Olight I3S {A personal overview}

Olight is a flashlight manufacturer. They used to retail lights under both the Olight and the ITP brands.
Under the latter brand they had a highly regarded single cell AAA light flashlight called the ITP A3 EOS.
In the latter half of 2011 Olight merged the two brands. The ITP A3 EOS was modified and relaunched
as the Olight I3. The Olight I3 has the ability to tailstand which the ITP A3 EOS did not.
Latter versions of the ITP A3 EOS used the Cree XP-G R5 led. This was carried over to the Olight I3.

I bought the Original Olight I3 last summer after reading some fab reviews.
It's a super light but there were a couple of things that I didn't like. The new version is called the Olight I3S and this addresses the two things I felt could be improved (for me Smile). There is an additional feature which I really like. There are other improvements which certainly add to the light but which I personally wasn't too bothered about.

What's in the box?
   

Test / Review: Efest IMR17650 V1 1200mAh (Red)

Efest IMR17650 V1 1200mAh (Red)

DSC_1341

Official specifications:

  • Brand: Efest Model: 17650 V1
  • Capacity:1200mah Material: Li-Mn
  • Positive Pole: Flat top
  • Size:16.92(W)*65.06(L)mm

Review: SKY RAY S4 XM-L U2 1300 - Lumen (1x18650/1x26650)

Hi gang,

I purchased this new 1 × 26650 about 12 days ago from LightMalls. Delivery was a bit faster than I thought it would have been, so they seem to be on the ball these days.

http://www.lightmalls.com/sky-ray-s4-cree-xm-l-u2-1300-lumen-5-modes-led…

Detailed photos for you are below.

Test / Review: Samsung INR18650-20R 2000mAh (Green)

Samsung INR18650-20R 2000mAh (Green)

DSC_1806

Official specifications:

  • Li-ion high power cell for power tools
  • Nominal Capacity : 2000mAh
  • Nominal voltage : 3.6V
  • Max. discharge current: 22A
  • Charging voltage 4.2 ±0.05 V

BTY Enesuper AA and AAA review

Heres my short, yet hopefully helpful, review of BTY’s Enesuper 2250mAh AA and 900mAh AAA battery review!

 

I decided that its time to get myself some of the Chinese made Eneloop wanabe’s and after little research I found out that BTY, whos batteries are otherwise know to be utter crap, do have couple of decent batteries under their sleeve so I went ahead and ordered these AA and these AAA from Tmart, at the time of purchase it was amongst the cheapest, if not cheapest, e-tailer where these batteries were available and in stock.


After usual month of waiting I received all 8 batteries in my mailbox, they were very well packed and in good visual condition so thanks to Tmart for taking care in this regard, I wouldnt want to receive batteries in damaged state due to poor packaging:

Review: XTAR WK50

XTAR WK50

Especifications;

Review: Soshine SC-S1max V3 Charger

Review of charger Soshine SC-S1max V3

DSC_1782
DSC_1783 DSC_1781

Review: UltraFire C20 / Crelant 7G3CS clone

UltraFire C20 / Crelant 7G3CS clone

Reviewer's Overall Rating: ★★★★★

 

Summary:

Battery:1x 18650 unprotected/protected, 2x CR123A
Switch:Forward clicky + micro switch for mode selection
Driver:Proprietary switching buck driver, 3.0V - 6.0V
Modes:High, Low, Stand by + dimming, fast 10Hz strobe, SOS
LED Type:XM-L 1C (Cold White) unable to comfirm or deny U3 bin at the moment
Lens:Coated glass lens
(single violet coating on both sides it seems, or 2 coatings blue and red?)
Reflector:SMO - smooth
Tailstands:Yes, perfectly
Body:Aluminum, looks similar to D4/Xiaozhi finish
Price:$31.20, use a coupon "C20", gives $2 discount to $29.20
Valid from 2013-03-18 to 2013-03-28
From:LightsCastle.com
Shipping:6 days from HK to EU! 2013-03-07 sent, 2013-03-13 received,
trackable via HongKong post

Test / Review: Efest IMR18490 1100mAh (Red)

Efest IMR18490 1100mAh (Red)

DSC_1761

Official specifications:

  • Nominal Voltage: 3.7v
  • Battery Model: 18490 Capacity: 1100mAh
  • Positive: Nipple Top
  • Cycle Life:500 Cycles
  • Weight: 45g
  • Dimensions: 48.89mm (L) x 18.19mm (D)

Review: SHADOW GF1 (XM-L T6 | 1 x R/CR123 / 18350 / 18650)

Shadow's GF1 is currently their only 1xCR123-sized light (18350 really but more on that later) in their lineup but can accommodate 18650's with the included extension tube:
 
This offers it great versatility and regardless of the configuration, it is relatively compact as compared to its respective categorical peers (especially in 18650 form).


MFG SPECS
MSRP: $49.99USD

Note: Both 1x18650 and 1xR/CR123 battery tubes are included

- Cree XM-L T6 LED with lifespan of 50,000 hours,maximum output of 450 lumens.
- Digitally regulated output, maintains constant brightness.
- Low voltage warning flash.
- Reverse polarity protection.
- Side switch on body of flashlight for on/off operation (Hold button for more than 1 second). Hold switch further to enable mode switching between 3 light modes (High, Medium, Low) and 1 strobe mode accessed via quick double click (Strobe can be accessed regardless if the flashlight is on or off)
- Textured Aluminum reflector.
- Beam throws over 100 meters.
- Made of durable 6061 aluminum alloy.
- CNC manufactured.
- Stainless steel bezel.
- Toughened ultra-clear glass lens.
- Premium Hard Anodized Type III champagne finish. Scratch resistant and anti-abrasive.
- IPX-8 waterproof.
- 78/111mm(Length)x25mm(Body)x25.4mm(Head).
- 61/74g weight (battery not included).
- Powered by Li-ion battery: 1x18650. 1x16340 with optional battery tube.
- Test run(Powered by 1x18650,capacity of 3.7V/2600mAh,Sanyo):
      High Mode:1.7 hrs,450lm
      Low Mode: over 35 hrs.
- Included accessories: lanyard/spare rubber switch cover/O rings/glass lens/switch.
- Versatility of EDC,especially for ladies..
Note: The above-mentioned parameters are approximate and may vary between flashlights, batteries and environments.

Syndicate content