Using the F13 as a host for a beginner, what would be the ideal and exact parts that the F13 could handle in say a XHP35.2(35) or 50.2(50) or better, like from Kaidomain. As little work as possible the better.
LED on star, and wires on board. So pull the old, add paste, solder, push star down stuff wires in and solder board in. Correct?
This would be my first flashlight mod.
Thanks.
It doesn’t sound like you want this for a modding host, how important is the tail switch?
This one looks like it meets your other requirements besides the tail switch, including the price ($23.71)
EDIT: (TBone already suggested above, but here’s a nice photo anyway!)
OK I must have missed this post. This host might be interesting.
http://www.kaidomain.com/p/S025386.KL-S26-26650-LED-Flashlight-Host-145mm-L-x-32_5mm-D-for-Cree-XM-L-Black-1-set
Right now I am not able to reply to individual posts so.
Beam0, I do need the rear tail button since the light will be in my pocket exc and it will be less chance of turning on accidentally. The pic you link looks like the Trustfire A8 but with the side switch. I ordered the Trustfire A8 yesterday.
Thanks Beam0
Beam0, thanks for the KL-S26 link.
Thanks Again.
I will stick with the Ultrfire F13 as my host. I believe it has a great look and battery I am looking for. Now to mod it to put out some light.
I also ordered an F13 for mod host yesterday.
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Thought this looked pretty nice though,
Similar to KD K5S but with knurling and no stainless bezel:
Manta Ray C8.2
XHP-50.2, 4-mode, no blinkies, 3A High mode…$33.49
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Self-Defense-Manta-Ray-C8-2-CREE-XHP50-2
SST-40 Version, 3-mode, no blinkies, 5A High…$29.50
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/High-Bright-C8-2-Luminus-SST-40-LED
HOST AVAILABLE…choice of OP or SMO reflector…$21.65
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Manta-ray-C8-2-black-flashlight-host
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Nice fins!:
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I really like this!
No longer available but was called Kdaiomain K5 here https://www.aliexpress.com/item/KDIY-K5-Cree-XHP50-2-White-6500K-Neutral-White-5000K-Warm-White-3000K-2650-Lumens/32805632129.html
Host still available, that uses the KL-S26 host I posted earlier.
F13 clone:
(click photo for link)
LumiParty TrustFire A8
I ordered that F13 clone from that seller a few weeks back. Seller gave me the wrong tracking code (whatever it was for was delivered to North Dakota). They gave me a refund.
I’m thinking of picking up one of these SupFire L5 clones
Thanks for the warning on that seller. Probably best to get one from Gearbest or better yet find one on ebay and get paypal / ebay guarantee protection.
Here’s one on ebay (ships from China): CREE-XM-T6-LED-5-Modes-1-x-26650-18650-Flashlight
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Didn’t know about the L5, thanks for posting it’s very interesting! I guess that’s a clone of the single switch version?
I found this listing on aliexpress and they offer two versions, single side switch (L5) or dual-switches (L5-S), the dual-switch one appeals to me as I prefer a dual switch setup, also the tail switch appears to be metal like on the convoy S2+ colors.
(photos are linked)
I like my Convoy BD06:
It has an 8×7135 driver for about 800 lumens OTF and Toykeeper’s Biscotti firmware for a choice of 12 mode groups. All functions are controlled by the side switch, which is prominent enough to use by touch in the dark when wearing gloves.
The only nitpick I have is that the built-in USB charging uses a proprietary adaptor, so there’s a risk of losing that, but you can always charge the cell outside of the light.
Nice photo! yeah that is a nice flashlight, wish it had a tail switch and smooth SS bezel like the Supfire L5-S.
The switch on that does appear to stick up pretty high, might be an issue for accidental turn on though, I have trouble quickly locating a side switch in total darkness, even with bare hands, always end up rolling the light around and feeling for it.
Personally I prefer a dual switch set up, can always turn it on quick and it provides a lockout for the side switch, and I’m not real fond of the crenelated bezels. The Convoy is a bit shorter that the Supfire, but you usually have that with a tail switch added.
[shuffles feet and admits that the photo is from the Convoy page 
]
A stainless steel bezel would be nice!
I’ve just pressed my BD06’s switch flat against the desk, and I can’t get it to turn on no matter how I roll it around, so the only risk would be from something that could press the inner button past the outer ring.
If it’s already on, I can change modes by pressing the switch flat to the desk, but not click it off altogether.
You’re right about locating the switch, though. If you’ve lost it altogether, then a tail switch will always be faster to find than a side switch. As you say, you have to roll the light around a bit to find the side switch.
I like tail switches and side switches equally, but find the tail switch better for smaller lights and shorter periods of use in the overhand grip. The side switch takes the lead for larger lights and longer periods of use in the underhand grip.
In the end, it just comes down to where my thumb naturally falls on the light. I detest having to flip it end for end, because that’s when I’m liable to fumble and drop it.
Fair enough 
The BD06 has anodised threads for tailcap lockout, but it does ultimately come down to personal preference. I’d actually be fine with either setup, but I haven’t come across a dual switch light with the very prominent side switch I like. My Fenix UC35 is practically unusable for me, for example, because I can’t find the side switch without being able to see it.
I don’t know. I suspect it is the single switch version. I’m tempted to buy one and see. Either way I’ll have to figure out a e-switch driver to use with it (I don’t expect to be able to preserve the USB charging).
If you didn’t see it already, Supfire’s Aliexpress store also has their L6/L6S. Both are 26650 lights with ~C8 sized reflectors. The L6 has a tail-switch, the L6-S has USB charging and both a tail and a side switch. Then there is the C8-X, which has similar specs to the L6-S, but they don’t quite look the same…