I just received these Cree Q5 clones I bought on eBay after about 2 weeks and can report that for less than $10 each, they're simply AMAZING:
1x18650/3xAAA for $9.89 shipped - fits protected 18650's, includes plastic sleeve for 18650's so they won't rattle, 3-modes: hi/low/fast-flash, 4 o-rings, smooth clicking zoom adjustment, slight blue tint (thought it was purple until I compared it to a generic LED), tail-stands after swapping rubber button cover with any standard flat one (included one is a bit spherical). Even after I used a permanent marker on the reflector, it's still a little bit ringy when in throw-mode, however I may be able to fix this by carefully marking out the outer edges of the lens itself; I'll let you know how it goes. This is an extremely bright light and good for both flood and throw purposes. On throw-mode it outshines my XML by at least 2x, maybe 3x!
1xAA for $8.05 shipped - one-mode, 2 o-rings, smooth push-pull zoom adjustment, slight blue tint (thought it was purple until I compared it to a generic LED), tail-stands. This is my new favorite light! I might upgrade it to multi-mode at some point and see about waterproofing it a little better where the zooming-head connects with the body. A very bright light considering its power source, and good for close flood and medium-throw; it outshines my 3xAAA generic LED $4 eBay zoomer by at least 3x!
Let me know if you have any questions about the lights.
I have the first light which is sold for $14 on dx (and didn't even come with the battery spacer for 18650). It's ok, but the design is flawed. To see what I mean, unscrew the bezel, and turn the knob to more flood (keep going). You'll notice it actually goes further than w/ the bezel on. Yes the bezel actually blocks the operation of the light. If they fix it, I'll get another one, but as is that's kinda dumb.
Do you get the Sipik SK68 or the clone on Ebay? I mean you can get the Sipik SK68 from Manafont for $10 and the clone for $9. I ask because I may be in the market for it.
It screws in far enough to show the die's image (zoom) & out so far that if it went any farther the star-holder would come off the threads (flood); unscrewing the bezel has no effect so they must've fixed it.
The star holder doesn't come off the threads. Just unscrew it until it no longer moves out (it'll rotate freely in place) and screw the bezel back in. On mine, the bezel will get stuck halfway through because the inside of it is not machined properly and butts up against the mechanism. I just screw it all the way out and the bezel as far back as possible and it remains in that awkward location.
It's possible this one is different since there are cosmetic differences (though same tint):
Does mode memory work on your? On mine it's usually crappy non-working memory where it always turn on in next mode anyway. In general it's not as good as Oldienea's review.
I've read in multiple places that once you use a lipo on one of these then the 1.2/1.5v batteries are no longer capable of powering-up the driver. Have you found that to be true with your SK68 clone?
Three more reasons I'd rather not put a lipo in there are:
I don't have one that size and
Part of the point of this light for me is that I always have a spare charged NIMH AA layin' around
When I want small, I'm going to go with a RCR123A and something like a $12 Edi-T T11 or else a $6 zoomable P36 or non-zooming MXDL 3W
You can't easily which is why they write it... You would have to remove the LED then measure the direct ouput in an integrating sphere at a certain drive current.
Personally I've had no problems with burnt out drivers using both AA/NiMH and 14500 in my Sipik clones. I have three SK68's at present. However, I have to admit that if I ever did have one go that way then I'd be using the others on AA/NiMH only from that point on. But for now the significant extra throw with the 14500 is something I can't resist.
I have a real Sipik and the driver is solid on 14500's. Handles everything. Plus they are all Q3 emitters (real or clone) no matter what they tell you on ebay or wholesaler sites. I replaced my driver anyway with a 3-mode from SB and it's now great under all circumstances.
Another great thing about this design is the bezel screws off turning this into a mule making it a great work light in a coouple seconds. I had to replace my kitchen sink and had it under the cabinet with me and it's a perfect work light this way. It's great at tailstanding, too.
And I'm a bit concerned. The seller claims that because of the summer it is very hot so the government is rationing power, therefore the factory is not able to work enough to meet demand... Not good at all.
