1x18650 you would hand to an idjit...

[Lightbringer]

@ValuseekeR

Zanflare will get a look LB. Wasn’t really looking for built in re-charging, but I guess it wouldn’t hurt.

Wellp, you said for idjits, and an idjit might stick the cell into the charger backwards, so…

@ValuseekeR

The Convoy S2+ is looking hard to beat as a budget/loaner option, but I’m not in a big hurry to make a decision.

The S2+ is infinitely modifiable. Swap a 20mm TIR for the reflector. Use a shorty tube for an 18350. Stick in a triple. Etc.

@ValuseekeR

I could always end up with more than one light as well. :innocent:

That’s the spirit!

[GRAY_LITNIN]

@ValuseekeR

Thanks on both counts Gray. :+1:

Zanflare will get a look LB. Wasn’t really looking for built in re-charging, but I guess it wouldn’t hurt.

The Convoy S2+ is looking hard to beat as a budget/loaner option, but I’m not in a big hurry to make a decision. I could always end up with more than one light as well. :innocent:

Of course. Just glad i can help someone during the few and far between log in’s i get nowadays. Both great light options and +1 on LB’s advice of usb charging, can’t mess up too much if removing battery is avoided.

[toddcshoe]

Emisar D4.

http://www.mtnelectronics.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=80&product_id=855

[ValuseekeR]

@toddcshoe

Emisar D4.

http://www.mtnelectronics.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=80&product_id=855

Thanks, that looks like a nice light, but also in the “not just a flashlight thread:

[Quote=Robertb]Heck, nobody seems to care that the D4 is a potential pipe bomb if the battery is accidentally put in backwards…
[/quote]

I don’t know what to make of that statement, if it’s true or false, if it’s a non-issue with protected cells, etc…, but that’s the worst case scenario I’m keen to avoid. Clarification would be awesome (from anyone).

[donnybrook]

@ValuseekeR

The Convoy S2+ is looking hard to beat as a budget/loaner option, but I’m not in a big hurry to make a decision.

I’d second (or third, whatever) the recommendation for the S2+. I have both the 4x7135 and 8x7135 versions and the difference is definitely noticeable but not huge. Up to you which one you want to go for.

If this is a loaner it would be a good idea to buy a protected cell for it. The S2+ goes into low mode and flashes when the voltage is low but that’s not really idjit-proof, which is one of your criteria. The idjit would just say “huh, it’s flashing.” There are various threads on BLF and CPF that report which protected cells fit or don’t fit in the S2+.

I could always end up with more than one light as well. :innocent:

You will. Believe me, you will.

[ValuseekeR]

Excellent point Throw, I will make sure I know that one.

Thanks Donny, I meant to put in the OP that I intend to only buy protected cells. The unprotected cells for the Q8 will only be used in the Q8 as a set.

[Phlogiston]

The newest version of the Convoy S2+:

https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/desert-tan-S2-flashlight-with-XPL-HI-led-inside-and-ar-coated-glass-biscotti-firmware/330416_32820745681.html

has low voltage protection built in, because it has the Biscotti firmware which was developed by our very own Toykeeper, here on BLF

I’d still put a protected cell in it, though, just in case your idjit opens it and takes the cell out. That’s what I do with my loaner unit.

You can select any “Emitting Color” you like - I recommend the U6 3A for a nice, neutral white light output - but only go for a 7135x3 or 7135x4 “Body Color”. The other versions will run too hot for safety with the uninitiated. My loaner unit is 7135x3 and works nicely; the 7135x4 would be a bit brighter, a bit warmer, and run out of charge a bit faster.

[ValuseekeR]

Thanks very much Phlogiston! I think that seals it for at least one S2+.

[toddcshoe]

I always seem to forget about that protection part. I normally don’t buy or use protected cells but being as you may be handing this over to someone not so inclined to leave it well enough alone the D4 may not be the perfect light. If you don’t mind the C8 platform the Sofirn C8F is a mighty fine light. Moonlight mode, well spaced (for me anyway) normal modes, quick access to a yard filling 2500 lumens of turbo. I love that light too. $34 for the light or $38.50 with charger and battery.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Sofirn-C8F-Triple-Reflector-Tactical-LED-Flashlight-18650-Powerful-2580lm-Flash-light-Torch-3-Cree-XPL/32838919520.html?spm=2114.search0104.3.8.20f1223bzzPC0y&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_2_10152_10065_10151_10344_10068_10130_10324_10342_10547_10325_10343_10546_10340_10548_10341_10545_10084_10083_10618_10307_5711215_10313_10059_10534_100031_10103_10627_10626_10624_10623_10622_5711315_10621_10620_10810_10811_5722415,searchweb201603_25,ppcSwitch_2&algo_expid=ab6778b1-3093-4238-8bb4-ab03fea6dc6a-1&algo_pvid=ab6778b1-3093-4238-8bb4-ab03fea6dc6a&transAbTest=ae803_5&priceBeautifyAB=0

Or the Sofirn C8A if you are looking for more of a thrower with a tail clicky. Around $19, $23 with battery and charger.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Sofirn-C8A-Tactical-LED-Flashlight-18650-Powerful-1750-lumen-Flash-light-Cree-XPL2-High-Power-Torch/32838475029.html?spm=2114.search0104.3.8.68a310b1rmIOcK&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_2_10152_10065_10151_10344_10068_10130_10324_10342_10547_10325_10343_10546_10340_10548_10341_10545_10084_10083_10618_10307_5711215_10313_10059_10534_100031_10103_10627_10626_10624_10623_10622_5711315_10621_10620_10810_10811_5722415-5711215_10620,searchweb201603_25,ppcSwitch_2&algo_expid=17f14a5a-ed2b-46cf-86d3-1595759b8cc1-1&algo_pvid=17f14a5a-ed2b-46cf-86d3-1595759b8cc1&transAbTest=ae803_5&priceBeautifyAB=0

[patmurris]

Forget the BLF A6 and Emisar D4. These are really good lights but not for everybody. Both can become very hot on high/turbo, especially a D4 on 18650.

The Convoy S2 with 6x7135 is an easy choice.
The new Convoy S9 with moderate output (and heat) has built-in USB charging.
Another budget option is the Eagle Eye X2R - very similar to the S2 with built-in charging.

Use something like protected Panasonic NCR18650B 3400mAh.

[ValuseekeR]

Thanks guys,

I sort of lost track of things during the site outage but a C8 in some flavor is probably in my future. I did order a Convoy S2+ from AliExpress. Just a 4× for my “idjit” light. Will probably by a 6x or maybe a couple more next time there’s a good sale.

[Firelight2]

@Lightbringer

Zanflare F1. Great styling (love the “spline” knurling), built in recharging, tail-clicky for on/off and side-clicky for modes, strobe is well-hidden but there if for whatever depraved reason you’d want it, available in NW or CW, has TCLO to prevent accidental activation, most bells’n’whistles of nice lights, hella bright if you need it, 20bux with coupon-code.

Not sure I’d want to hand the Zanflare F1 to an Idjit. The tailcap switch is very easy to miss. Result is the Idjit just presses the side switch and wonders why nothing is happening.

I think the ideal 18650 light for Idjits should have the following features:

• Idiot-proof UI - UI should be extremely simple.
• Low output - if the light only goes to 500 lumens or so there’s a lot less risk the light will overheat and blow up, or burn a hole in something.
• Single-cell - much less risk of battery issues.

[Funner]

I have that light in hand. The S2+ in V2 1A, 7135x8, in the sand color. It is sweet. It took about 3 weeks to arrive.
I just went with a C8 too. But I ordered the C8.2 with a XHP50.2 from Kaidomain.
http://www.kaidomain.com/p/S026927.KDLITKER-C8_2-Cree-XHP50_2-White-6500K-2600-Lumens-5-Mode-LED-Flashlight-Black
Should be a blaster. It should put out some heat though
It’s still in transit.

Another lite that is one of my top lights is the Kaidomain KF8. It warms up a bit too.

[Lightbringer]

@Lightbringer

Zanflare F1.

@Firelight2

Not sure I’d want to hand the Zanflare F1 to an Idjit. The tailcap switch is very easy to miss. Result is the Idjit just presses the side switch and wonders why nothing is happening.

Wellp, there’s “idjit” and there’s “lobotomised”…

@Firelight2

I think the ideal 18650 light for Idjits should have the following features:

• Idiot-proof UI - UI should be extremely simple.

• Low output - if the light only goes to 500 lumens or so there’s a lot less risk the light will overheat and blow up, or burn a hole in something.

• Single-cell - much less risk of battery issues.

Then what about that all-white Xioumi light? Think it’s all of 500lm, simple UI.

[Lightbringer]

Speaking of idjits and F1s, I made the mistake of getting 2 more F1s. Flash price was 20bux… for whatever reason I thought it was 10bux each or 20bux total. Talk about idjit…

Anyway, ordered 2 of the same, whatever they were supposta be, whether both CW or both NW.

One’s CW and one’s NW. :person_facepalming:

[DENGOH]

Zanflare F1 is very good light. It is very simple UI actually. One tail switch to turn it on, another side switch to set mode. Those single switch lights are more complex if you think of it this way.

[Lightbringer]

Ah, here ya go…

https://www.gearbest.com/led-flashlights/pp_1192375.html

All of 240lm.

It’s basically a battery-bank with a flashlight head stuck on.

You could give it to someone who’s been pithed and he’ll still be able to work it.

[Boaz]

I like the fenix E21 one of my favorite lights

[patmurris]

@Lightbringer

@Lightbringer

Zanflare F1.

@Firelight2

Not sure I’d want to hand the Zanflare F1 to an Idjit. The tailcap switch is very easy to miss. Result is the Idjit just presses the side switch and wonders why nothing is happening.

Wellp, there’s “idjit” and there’s “lobotomised”…

That happened to me a couple times with the F1! Click the side switch, nothing… screw and unscrew everything… nothing… until i remember there are two switches!
I’ve no recollection of having lost part of my brain though… i guess that’s the idea behind the procedure? lol

[skinny_tie]

@GRAY LITNIN

@mrheosuper

well, BLF a6( astrolux s1) fits all what you asked
another option is astrolux s41 and 18650 tube, which is available in Nichia option, great if you want better collor

if you want a light that wont become too hot at turbo, convoy S2+ is a great option

S2+ is a great option. But i recommend only the 3 or 4 chip models if temperature is a concern. My 8 chip models can become hot enough that I wouldn’t recommend them if accidental activation is a concern. You can get biscotti firmware on some models (all models if you ask Simon) and will give you a somewhat moon mode.

Biscotti has a mode group with the maximum output limited to 50%, so you could get an 8 chip model for maximum output when you’re using it, but limit it to the equivalent of a 4 chip model when you lend it to someone.

If you order directly from Simon on AliExpress you can get Biscotti on any S2+, just make a note when you place the order.