BLF Q8 or alternative

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)

You can put a small solder blob on the flat tops in a few seconds. Don’t need much to insure that they make contact with the brass ring.

In my opinion you can easily avoid buying new cells, and use those you have. you won’t notice a big difference, especially if you don’t have other cells to compare. It’s plenty bright even with 18650b. I have 30q’s and 18650B’s and use whatever cells are charged when I need them, can’t tell which ones I’m using. save some money and the trouble

+1

I just tried using some protected cells in my Q8 to see how it looked. I didn’t notice any less output. There likely was less, but I couldn’t tell.

I recommend that you don’t write to Alibaba, but rather contact Sofirn here.

Thanks! will do!

Alibaba said they can’t do that.

I think i will save money for now, buy the BLF Q4 (more floodier wich i like, and also the warmer tint is a nice touch) and use them with my panasonics.

My panasonics from what i’ve read are good up to 5A drain each cell and the BLF Q8 draws 20A max, and its 1S4P so i think maybe in max they trip the batteries protection, but i would be good a little lower from max.

My 30Q’s with a stock BLF Q8 draw 16A, that is 4A each cell. The 18650B has a higher internal resistence so the current will be less than 16A, so you will be fine.

Cool! thanks