The stock 18650 is wrapped along a protection PCB and has 2 wires out. I simply removed the tabs from the included cell and soldered a new one in. Soldering required but it is as easy as it gets when it comes to replacing integrated 18650 cells. Led swap is pretty straightforward with enough room for triples or quads.
The Teslacom 12 LED soda can light is on sale through Vipon for $10.85. If you like the Skyray clones this one is ok. Finish is awesome for such an inexpensive light. I just changed the emmiters to a 3000K XML-U2 and it works pretty good.
I know it’s not worth it but that is the fun in what some of us do. A $10 light with $20 worth of LED’s. Got some from Arrow (4000K) at $1.60 each. XML2’s are fairly inexpensive for most. Since I had to order $50 worth of stuff for no handling or shipping fees I ordered some XHP 70.2’s as well. Good thing about it all is I didn’t care about the extra cost. I also have 2 Q8’s and 4 Sofirn Q8’s. Emitters will be changed on those as well n the future. I just like the warmer tints. The original tint on the Teslacom is a 6500ish K which I am not a fan of.
I get it.
I have more than enough hobbies where this (spending more updating than purchase price) applies and don’t want to add another hobby.
Not enough time so modifying flashlights is not what I’m looking forward to.
I would just buy and use it.
If that’s not enough, I will buy more.
My time is worth more as the minimum wage here is now over $10/hr and I don’t work at that rate, not even close.
However, if a few minutes work will significantly improve something, I’d do that regardless of what it is.
I’m pretty good in soldering as another hobby of mine includes electronics.
Tailcap is completely devoid of any lube or O-rings.
UI is rather hideous (only cycles high/low/off, press’n’hold for strobe). Forget about moonlight, low, or even using at night at all unless you want only bright or brighter. Imagine a Q8 that only had 50%/25%/off as its modes.
Button has a nice soft touch, but is about as waterproof as white-bread.
Angry Blue™ emitters, at least 1B if not in the 0s.
Nowhere near 10000lm, about half as bright as my DC7 (pulled the Imalents from that after doing a ceiling-bounce, put ’em in the TC, and again tried ceiling-bounce).
Vipon.com has a 50% off coupon code to get a Sofirn SF02 penlight on Amazon for $6.50. I couldn’t pass up the chance for an affordable gift, especially since I have free Prime shipping.
They also have a killer deal on the Sofirn SP40 headlamp: $15. Looks like you can grab a coupon but can’t use it yet as Amazon doesn’t have stock right now.