BLF Q8 or alternative

Hi!

In 2013 i did not know a LOT of flashlights, and bought this:

https://www.fasttech.com/product/1502101-6xl2-6-cree-xm-l2-t6-3-mode-4200lm-led-flashlight

With 4 of this:
Panasonic NCR 18650B Protected Rechargeable 3400mAh

Very happy with it. Very powerfull and respectable runtime.

But last week, i tried to turn it on (i always left the batteries inside) and it flashed and never turned on again.

So i’m shopping for a new flashlight, moore floodier than spot.

From what i’ve read, price/lumens there is no better option that the BLF Q8 and from BG till january 31 there is a discount and the flashlight is USD50 with an XP-L HD V6 3D (5000k).

The noctigon Meteor m43 would be my first choice, but it needs shorter unprotected cells (mine are the one of the most large cells). Also i’d love the choice of being able to choose the tint and it should be brighter than the Q8. But it is a lot more expensive (USD100) and in my country i can’t get cells for it.

So the question is: Can i use the blf q8 with my batteries? do they fit? (i know i will not get maximum lumens from them).

One of the problems i had with my old “SKR CLONE” is that everytime that you take out and in the batteries, you rotate the tube from the body of the flashlight, and erode the brass from the circuit. Is the Q8 the same way? or you can remove the batteries from the tail cap?

Thanks everyone in advance!!!

Your batteries should work in the Q8 without any issue.

Yes the batteries do rub the brass contact. However the Q8 has a several mm thick contact that will will not suffer from wear. It’s not like the light in the link you posted. The + battery contact is not just a trace on a PCB.

Get the Q8! You’ll love it!

Yes, the light i posted lost almost all the brass after the 1st year.

Thanks, will do!!! i’ll order the Q8 :slight_smile:

Thanks!!!

Go to this site.
https://m4dm4x.com
If you sign up you will have access to different coupon codes for flashlights.

oh, thanks!!!

(Now that I’m thinking about it)

The reason your current flashlight isn’t working may be because of the PCB erosion. The cells aren’t making good contact.

(If you have the tools)

One solution could be to try flowing some solder onto the battery contact ring. Try to build it up again. If it’s already broken it could be worth the try. Breaking it more wont hurt it.

Yes, i tried, but it seems that some electronic component is fried. I tried taking it apart, but i cannot do it (i do not want to damage it further).
I can remove the front bezel with the crystal, but the lens is glued. And from the battery/pcb side, there is no way to move it (only two very small holes, i can put pictures if you want).

Up to you.
Just a thought I had for a possible solution.

If the problem is something other than the battery contact I personally wouldn’t try fixing the driver.

You could post pictures. I might not be able to help you. But there are tremendously knowledgeable people on this forum. Perhaps the hive mind can help.

If you want more flood, make sure to stick with the BLF/Thorfire Q8, as the Sofirn Q8 is throwier, if I’m not mistaken.

Thanks! Yes, i’ll stick with the BLF Q8.

u shouldnt use protected batteries in the q8, just buy some 30q or something they dont cost much otherwise u dont get the highest lumens.

I don’t mind if i don’t get right know the highest lumens.
It’s impossible to find 30Q batteries here. When buying li-ion cells via air mail was cancelled due to regulations, it’s very impossible to buy them. That’s why i still stick to my old’s panasonics NCR18650.

okay that sucks, where do u live even ?

Yeah. Where do you live?

We can help you out.

I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

I’ve just found a place, they sell cells (3000mAh 30Q) for USD 16 each :frowning:

So… i’ll start saving.

Well, they are flat top, so no good for the Q8.
Another place sells 30Q button top, but for USD21 each! :person_facepalming:

@ltcdata, what you want then is a Sofirn Q8:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Newest-Sofirn-Q8-4-XPL-HI-5000LM-Powerful-LED-Flashlight-18650-Multiple-Operation-Procedure-Super-Bright/32920587281.html

And ask them to include these 18650s:
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Sofirn-3000MAh-18650-Rechargeable-Battery-Pre-charged-3-7V-Li-ion-Protection-18650-Batteries-for-LED/2933049_32926129538.html

They are button top, are capable of outputting 15A, and since they can be put inside of the flashlight, these are not only much cheaper, but also, they can actually be shipped :slight_smile:

Aliexpress won’t ship the batteries, they treat that as 2 different products. I asked them (and many others) to please, ship the flashlight with the batteries inside and they denied to do that. This was a year ago.
Do you think they can do that know?

Yes, Sofirn has done that before, multiple times even for people who could not get good 18650s for acceptable prices.

The advantage Sofirn has over other sellers is that not only are they very friendly, but since they are the OEM for the lights, they can easily put in the cells inside of the Q8 before they ship.

I’ve asked them before about this, and they said that it was okay to ship inside of the light, but not separately.

Oh, nice! i’ll write to alibaba right now!

If the sofirn is a little throwier i don’t mind if i can buy the batteries with it :slight_smile: (i prefer floodier)