Sipik SK68 Clone - 3-mode. First impressions. (Picture heavy)

LED Flashlights – General Info 1 x AA / 1 x 14500 Flashlights
4

Dimlux, thanks for the post, I've been waiting for your report. Can you tell us a bit about the modes? I'm guessing they're the usual high, med, strobe.. Also, any clues as to the manufacturer, or something that might help me find this model somewhere else who actually ships to UK?

Edit:

I've found this seller: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110788686599&fromMakeTrack=true The pictures and product blurb look the same as eletrading; anything in this listing that makes you think they might be the same model as yours?

5

Updated my first post with more pictures and more info as requested. The new stuff can be found after Update in the first post.

6

interesting review, thanks.

how well does the brightness regulation work (and what are the respective runtimes)? Does the light dim over time?

On the Romisen RC-29 with 3-mode pill, we get *perfect* brightness regulation (until the PCB of the cell kicks in) and decent runtimes! Absolutely no dimming.

7

Thanks again Dimlux. I'll order a couple from Topicshop and hope for the best. Though it's odd, if they are in fact the same as yours, that topicshop's are clearly labelled Ultrafire and the eletrading model has no name. Hmm, have to wait and see..

8

So far, I have not had the chance to test runtimes since I received the light yesterday and I've been busy with preparations for the holidays. I might do a runtime test at some point, but don't expect too much since I'm still a newbie when it comes to LED flashlights .

9

@ gorann: "This is great little flashlight. One mode gives it simplicity, but 3 modes gives it more of practicality. Longer runtime on low, and perhaps using it as a bike light in blinking mode".

Absolutely. If quality and brightness are on a par with the 1 mode I have then this is the light I've been looking for.

10

Very well done comparison. Thanks for doing the pill swap.

11

Here it is on the UK site: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130615720153

Cheaper than the standard SK68 as well!

12

1. is this a forward or reverse clicky?

2. how are modes changed? by turning the light off and then on again to advance to the next one?

3. does it remember the last mode you were in, or does it just automatically go to the next mode when you turn the light back on?

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+1 Great question. Another question I have is if the pill is solid or hollow.

14

I tested the runtime of the 3-mode Sipik clone with a fully charged Eneloop AA (HR-3UTGA). Here are the results:

Minutes Lux
0,5 203
10 205
15,20,25,30 207
35,40,45 208
50 209
55 210
60,65 212
70 201
75 164
76 157
77 129
77½ 101

I placed my lux meter at 1 meter from the light and took measurements every 5 minutes. To avoid making the table unnecessary long I used the same row for several measurements as long as the lux value hadn't changed. E.g. the third row means that the lux value stayed at 207 lux when the light had been on for 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes and 30 minutes.

After 70 minutes the light output started sagging and after approx. 77.5 minutes the light output had reached 50%. At 80 minutes the light output was down to 45 lux, at 85 minutes output was 13 lux and at after 90 minutes output was 6 lux and I stopped measuring.

1. Reverse clicky

2. Modes are changed by a half-press.

3. It has no real memory, i.e. if you have the light turned off for 5 seconds or more it always goes back to first mode (high). If you turn it back on within 3-4 seconds or less it changes to next mode.

No idea if the pill is solid or hollow. I didn't want to force it open because I only got one of these lights so far and didn't want to risk destroying it. The plastic ring that keeps the "reflector" in place appears to be firmly attached and I didn't want to pry out the driver to find out. Maybe someone else who has one of these could answer this question?

15

Could you provide a link to the ebay offer of eletrading?

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http://www.ebay.com/itm/CREE-Q5-LED-300-Lumens-Zoom-Torch-Flashlight-Lamp-Light-/180770524636?pt=US_Flashlights&hash=item2a16c34ddc

17

Here is the link to the light. I had posted a link to the 3-mode version in the "Sipik(?) 1-AA zoom for $6.77" thread over in the Deal Alerts forum which is why I didn't include a link in the first post of this thread. However I've now also added a link in the first post.

18

In general, how would you rate the overall build quality, fit/finish etc compared to the other two models? Anything feel flimsier, less solidly made?

19

As you can expect from lights that are this cheap there are some minor flaws/blemishes on the fit/finish on all models if you look closely.

+ As I mentioned earlier, the pill has an o-ring instead of the metal ring thingie on the other models which make the zoom sturdier.

+ Threads on tail cap are better, much "smoother" when screwing/unscrewing the tail cap than the other models.

± This depends on your preferences. The on/off switch isn't as sturdy as the other models. It is easier to click the light on/off than the other models. I guess some might dislike this "flimsy" switch.

- No o-ring at the bezel. Both the tomtop version and the Ultrafire version have an o-ring where the lens unscrews, the 3-mode version doesn't.

20

Ok, I've just ordered two, one from topicshop and one from ntxmas. The Paypal billing name is Bin Li for both transactions so I assume they're the same seller. If Dimlux is right about eletrading also being the same seller as Topicshop then all three are the same company. Be very interesting to see if there's any difference in the models or the seller efficiency..

FWIW, Topicshop ebaymailed me to confrm/thanks for order etc, which is usually a promising sign. I'll update when the waiting is over.

21

I just checked my Paypal billing history and eletrading has the same billing name that Lensman mentioned as the billing name for topicshop and ntxmas.

22

The 3-mode Sipik SK68 clone also works with 14500s (Trustfire flames). Back to Eneloops for now as the light with a 14500 was too bright to use around the house.

23

Guys, any one of you know where to get one with 3 modes for cheap from seller that actually ships world wide and has no limitations on shipping destination?
I have my eyes on 3-4 single mode clones from TomTop and 3 tri-mode clones from other sellers, unfortunately none of the links posted work for me since Im from Latvia and somehow those sellers dont ship over here :/

BTW, my first post here, glad that I found this place together with cpf ;)!

Been reading about flashlights like a mad man during past couple weeks, must say its a real science and I havent even got to the topic of modding them or creating your own Lumenstein beasts LOL :D

So yeah, its all new to me and its so exciting, a real man HAS to have a good set of flashlights and spread em like he would his genes back in the stone age :D

Wait, what was I talking about... oh, yeah, flashlights, so, umm, Im looking to get both super cheapies that offer incredible bang for their buck as well as more versatile tried and tested flashlights from well known and respected manufacturers.

I dont consider myself cheapie, but I dont throw my money around just like that, I like to buy the best yet not pay more than its worth for it, so Im used to spend days, weeks, months browsing internet looking for best deals, offers and gear ;)

Needless to say that I am broke, but that wont stop me from getting my flashlights, my multi tool knifes and the rest of EDC knifes and some good universal headlamp with good throw too, soon :D!

Just wanted to add that Im probably getting couple Fenix E01's as backup lights and one or two Tank007 E09 both from DD, prices seem just about right, except for the warranty question that I am still to get definite answer on.