As always, get the one that best fits your needs. FT03 has less lumens, smaller hot spot and further throw. Mini has more lumens, bigger hot spot and less throw. The spill lighting is quite different between tir lens and reflector. Different UI’s, mini has aux LEDs. What do you prefer?.
Since I am into laser I would be lying if I said I wasn’t impressed by the acebeam w30. But that price tag just doesn’t sit well with me. I was looking at the C8g from sofirn, I already own a c8t. I don’t like how it heat soaks and stay useless, thought the C8g would be an upgrade then I stumbled on to ft03 as direct competitor. Then I leaned the imminent release of mf01 mini. I always wanted a fancy aux, and with a throwing capable light that’s like perfection. Now I learn mf01 mini will throw less, just how much less?
I am starting to a mass a collection here and may just separate my needs. Got the chaselight now, btw the thing is a security device as a weapon lol.
I have both models of the FT03.
The first version can stay on turbo much longer. It does not heat up very fast at all. 5 minutes is no problem. Not as much total light but more throw.
I like it, I am skipping the FT03 for now until I get tired of these other throwers. I think the FT03 isn’t really pocketable, and I feel that everything non-pocketable is in the same category for me (for now), so the chaselight will do. We can discuss chaselight in the other thread.
I caved in and bought it, can’t pass the deal at $30. Anyone thought of using an ice pack type material as a holster/wrap to help heatsink heat during use? Not looking to use a prechilled one but just some thing to wrap around the body while remain functional and easy to carry. Also the heat must be conducted to the body well, hopefully that’s already done stock.
Anyone else besides me tried running 2 batteries on the ft03? Since the tube fit, I tried it. Before I even get a chance to try it regularly… not good. I think I killed it?
If you put 6 volts (technically 8.4 volts) into a 3 volt led it will die.
It’s like plugging a 110v AC unit into a 220 volt outlet. It dies.
Flashlights that run on both 1 and 2 batteries in series, like the Convoy L2 use drivers designed for the wide voltage range and send the proper voltage to the led.