I have not been following the flashlight scene for 3+ years now. Back then I was an avid collector and a reasonably active poster in CPF. Recently I stumbled across this forum when googling. Like someone said, it’s like Hotel California - you can checkout but you can never leave! 3 years ago, the Q2s and Q5s were the top end - now it seems like it’s all about the XM-Ls and the 26650s.
During the past 2 weeks alone, I re-caught the bug and have already ordered 3 lights - a Fenix TK35 clone from DX (already arrived - an excellent light!); a Trustfire A8 and a Keygos M10, the last 2 still in transit from eBay. Was very impressed with the XM-L, hence my buying spree.
Am very tempted to get the KD C8 too based on the good reviews and the handy size but am hesitating because I am afraid I might be disappointed by the short run time using an 18650. Anyone can fill me in on this? Would it be like only 30-40 mins on high?
Thanks for reading and I hope I can be an active participant in this forum - there are some very knowledgeable and helpful people here and I have already learn a lot from my brief time here.
On your C8 question, I have had 3 C8's in the past and they got a lot of use night cycling, the shortest run time I experienced was around 80 minutes with a protected cell on up to 2 hours, so it depends on how hard they are driven. If you get one that is driven very hard, the run time might be less. A C8 is a great all arounder and most of us here have owned one. If you want a really great one, do some shopping:
Do some research on the various C8’s and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with all the options. If you’re an enthusiast and own multiple lights then a quality C8 is basically a must! You can do better than the KD C8 although it’s kind of the founding father of this particular model/size.
Have serveral small stalls at the Army Market. Above the Hawker Centre (Lvl 2) , Beside Kampong Glam Community Center/ Known as Golden Mile Food Center.
Around the vicinity also hv some shops fronts selling flashlights…
However, not too big a market in singapore, not much people get them unless ppl that loves them…so not too many models…
(Checked by me few hours ago,(went there for food)>
I think>> if someone bring a average trustfire 3t6, go to them should “blind their other lights”, not even need to use>> DRY, King,X100, TK 70 etc…
Another is Sng Arms Camping> well known for survival knives, lights, camping eq with slightly high price.(i feel) But again, they might not hv recent models.
EDITED: Mustafa Centre at Little India basement do sell flashlights. Average price of the brighter ones are hovering aroung SGD $50/- Using Luxon Rebel LED…
Their headlights from SGD$ 8.90- SGD$ 49.90/- >> Cree LED but non of them is using XML T6. The top lvl of this said place also hv some headlights (scatter around the tools area [drills,brushcutter, hammer,screwbrivers, car horns])
Thanks everyone for the cheery, funny and informative responses! I am sure I will enjoy my time here.
BetweenRides and weiser701 - thanks for the advice on the C8. I’ll be sure to read up more before pulling the plug. The UF-980L is starting to look like a good alternative - urrggh - there are so many great lights - to paraphrase Mozart (or more correctly, Tom Hulce in Amadeus); why can’t we have five hands so we can hold more lights!
@Overclocker - hope you enjoyed your stay in Singapore. cop has given you some great tips on where to go. Most of them though (other than Sng Arms) sell the really cheap China budget lights. If you want branded lights, the one I know of is Sheares Technology which is the distributor for Surefires etc. Here’s the link:-
That image tickled me.I was in Huntington Beech[i see yr in CA] a few years ago and the Mrs had the same thing photographed,but in reverse.Shes a perfect 10[size ten]and the effect made her into a blimp[large torpedoe shaped balloon].My pet name for her is Fat Bird or fatish.Ever since that day realy.
trueimage, you might want to check out the C8 from Int’l Outdoor store. IMHO it’s one of the better ones. And you can order it WITHOUT those annoying blinky modes