The MPP 1 works up to 16 volts so, it will actually run up to 4 18650s. It is pretty well regulated with only a small brightness increase with more batteries. I'll have to go find my old MPP 1 review - can't remember how many amps it pulled but if it's like most Solarforce lights, it's probably a little under-driven. Run time therefore with say, three 18650s will be quite a long time. It does make for a long flashlight, however and of course, 'tain't the brightest thrower there is.
One thing I will say; some of my flashlights have serious wow factor when it comes to sheer lumens but nothing in my humble collection throws as far as the MPP 1. It has phenomenal reach.
At work now so just shortly:
had some talk with my friend. XR-E might do it but we will think about it.
One chance is, that I’m maybe ordering Xin-td to myself, he could test it to see, if it has enough guts.
Yes. It comes with two tailcaps. The tactical switch is high mode only, on/off and is the brightest setting. If you are in a hurry, Lighthound will ship it out immediately and you can expect delivery in 2, maybe 3 days. With discount, it is only about $5 more. SF Sales ships pretty quick too though, 6-10 days.
Really nice quality light. I love mine. Versatile too, can run on 1 battery or 2. 1 battery mode is slightly less bright, but hardly noticible. Foy's review on the light is excellent - biggest reason I bought it. Well, that and it is a damn good looking light.
Edit: You know, it's really nice to talk about flashlights for a change, ain't it?
If I remember right, the M8 was slightly less bright with the AI switch. I never use it. For me, these bigger lights need modes even less than a small torch.
Because I've never liked blinkys, I'm sure fate will someday land me in the middle of the desert at night with a single mode M8 and no ability to SOS a passing plane . . . . or induce an epileptic event in a nocturnal gila monster.
But I bought it from DX, as last week there was a group buy offer from DX, cost $29 only. I don't know if this SmallSun version has a nice driver, but for its price I would just give it a try. If it's not satisfied I would consider swapping its driver.
Well, I bought it from DX, and the modes description in DX is High-mid-strobe, I doubt if they use different driver. The modes arrangement is irritating and without a low mode, but I will see when it arrive.
a guy told, who has this light, it's not a simple high-strobe-sos, if you switch on the light and hold the button longer, the light will switch to low mode, and if you hold the button even longer the brightness will change stepless.
You should have asked him not to do budget lights since that is going to be very tough in the field. I guess if you stick with clickies, replacement is literally a must if it's used a lot, regardless of budget branded or premium branded lights.
Solarforce M8 is very nice quality. It's not a true dedicated thrower with it's hybrid OP/SMO reflector, but it throws very well and has some useful spill. All in all a very nice, versatile light which can be used in 1x or 2x 18650 mode. Parts mix and match with the M6, but not with other SF lights, except maybe the tailcap will work with a few others. If I had a do-over, I'd buy it again.
I don't know if this SmallSun version has a nice driver, but for its price I would just give it a try. If it's not satisfied I would consider swapping its driver.