From SigShooter) in order to simplify the buying process Sofirn will be directly contacting each person on the interest list so I wonāt be sending out PMās with the buying instructions.
ā Sofirn has decided to limit group buy purchases to 3000 units
Main Topic OP is also updated as we get updated from Sofirn. The Group Buy is currently ACTIVE, and expect messages to be sent out very soon with buying instructions and GB codes. As of we know at the moment, the first batch of 500 is ready to order as per Sofirnās Store links above, and the second batch is in production now. We will post updates as soon as we get them here and at the top of the BLF LT1 main topic on the first page.
I signed up in the early second hundred requests. I also bought early versions of the flashlight that begat this lantern.
Early is not necessarily a good thing.
For those early supporters, it would be very nice if you did not constrain early adopters to the first version. I have read things here that are a bit confusing. Offering the āfirst batchā to the people waiting for 3+ years, while new requests get the second batch with some fixes. It has been presented as minor differences between batches. I can understand that. But why will I be required to buy the not-quite-ready version.
One solution is to enter a new request, delete or ignore the existing request, and wait for the arrival of the end of batch 2.
I realize it is way late to rearrange things. But it might be reasonable to offer original (early) backers a position other than a semi-final device. An option for the early adopters to be placed in the beginning of the batch 2 would seem to be a reasonable solution. Many may not care if they get V1. Some (me) would prefer v2.
As I understand the current approach, it punishes the early adopters. Deleting an early position and going to the end of the batch 2 does not seem reasonable.
If it works the way DBSARās final production light works, Iām more than good with it. The sooner the better for me. By the time this lantern ships sometime in November, it will be just a few months short of 4 years waiting for it.
I see āSofirn has decided to limit group buy purchases to 3000 unitsā and āone order per person, one unit per orderā. Does that mean every member is limited to one unit in the GB and then will have to wait until the unit is widely available for more?
Wellā¦ Hindsight is perfect. There was no way to know that there would be more than 1 version (and the differences other than color are minor) or how Sofirn wanted to structure the group buy.
no one is forced to buy the lantern early. Sofirn knows folks will want to wait for the second batch.
Life is full of risks, this is one of them. buy early, risk a lower quality unit. wait until later, risk your code runs out and you donāt get it from your favorite source.
BTW, lights are shipping from China (for now), so if youāre waiting for the light to be stateside or somewhere else, you may have an even longer wait.
My response is not meant to change your opinion, just posting my personal thoughts on your dilemma.