I've been using Supfire A6's for several different builds over the last few months, started out the original RGBW_Clicky quad and then a XP-L quad for 4000Lm from a single cell and now I've just built a couple single emitter light's (including an UV light which I REALLY like the beam on).
I've also been talking with my supplier about a group buy, I've been really impressed with him- first off he ships very fast and has been willing to work with me on the price each time and on top of that he speaks (not just read/writes) english very well so no communication issues. Anyway we've been talking about a group buy, absolutely nothing is confirmed at all but he is wanting to pursue it here at BLF but I'd be the one running it.
Remember NOTHING is set in stone at all (not even that this will happen), this is all preliminary talk. This thread is to gauge interest and see if we should even go threw with it. There are a few option's we're talking about (No this wont be another full BLF custom like the X6, the factory has already said no) but what we are looking into is a simple XM-L2 upgrade and possible swapping to a 3-mode (L-H) drive (simply dropping the blinkies). What I need to know now is A) what would you be willing to pay for the light as it comes if you went and ordered today (thats XM-L and 5-mode driver) and B) what would you be willing to pay for an XM-L2 and 3-mode upgrade.
I'm really wanting to see this happen cause of the price change once these first came out, initially they were priced at $18, they took a jump to $23. What we're thinking is get them back to $17-18 AS-IS or shoot for about $20-21 with the XM-L2. Which would get more interest?
Please post if you're more interested in the original config at the lower price or a slight update at about $20. Please do not post just to post if you dont intend on buying if/when the time comes. THIS ISNT A LIST, it doesnt lock you into anything but we need to get accurate number's of people who do actually intend to buy, not just what people would prefer (but have no intent to participate) so please dont just say "oh I would like to see option B" cause it sounds better if you have in interest in buying regardless of how they end up.
One final thing, the factory has already expressed they'll NOT make host's available so let's not get hung up on that please.
Throw = 7325Cd @ 1m (measurement done from 5m and calculated back)
Lumens on max @ F1 spec’s = 436 (done in my light box and “calibrated” off many factory Nitecore & Fenix lights*)
*note does NOT match zebralight numbers, pretty close to foursevens numbers but nitecore and fenix both consistently come up within a couple % when measuring new factory light’s vs the factory published F1 number’s(I dont constantly re-figure the conversion factor so that my number’s will always be comparable with one another)
Screw in solid pill for 17mm driver, brass driver retaining ring
16mm mcpcb but it has abot 19mm of space so a 20mm star can be filed to fit easily
reflector doesnt short to the MCPCB
Good (suprisingly throwy) SMO aluminum reflector
Holds 20mm QUAD MCPCB and 24mm quad carlco (with a little work lol)
serviceable tail parts (newest batch uses 14mm boot, older batch used 16mm boot but all other parts standard, 17mm switch PCB)
secure pocket clip (held on with retaining ring!)
Thick body with clean threads. Pill makes contact with body from the top and bottom, not only threw the threads, very good thermal path on these things.
-See Bugsy’s comments a few posts below
Main component’s
body thickness where pill screws in (pill screws in from front)
Spare reflector (reflector screws into head, doesnt have to be handled when building light at all to keep it clean), down inside tail and side profile of pill
You’ll recognize the driver as the same from the original EE X6 (and many other’s), if you dont mind the mode order current is very simple to increase by adding / swapping the 1206 size R140 limiting resistor’s (note they arn’t technically sense resistor’s since they dont provide any feedback but it works the same- lower the total resistance to raise the output)
working on all pic’s now
Go for this one if you want one; I'm not planning on carrying it for the foreseeable future. I got some samples and for a single emitter light it really didn't tick all of my boxes. It may be a decent host for a quad build, but that takes a spacer or a lot of work, and for now at least there isn't a ready supply of copper quad MCPCBs.
I already have a couple of these. Nice light. I would be in for another possibly two IF they went XML2 and dropped the blinky stuff BUT I am not throwing more than $18 at it because I would just throw a qLite in it like I will the units I have.
A few more notes about this unit. Most here already know that one of my favorite lights is my PD35 (aside from the EE or the Convoy tube lights). A usable light with plenty of lumens and yet feels good in my hand and fits in my pocket. That is what I use as a personal standard. I have no personal use for the big hydrant style lights.
The A6 has plenty of heft, meaning a bit of weight i.e some metal to the build.
The A6 beam pattern is very very similar to that of the Fenix PD35 and Nitecore P12 - a very nice spot that is neither too big or too small
The A6 will also accept any protected battery without issue.
The A6 pocket clip is a REAL clip that will actually hold.
The A6 has actual retaining rings for easy maintenance or modding.
I personally have zero interest in a quad although some may. Even in its stock form and even with the XML it puts out plenty of light. I was going to get another to bump the amperage up and see how it does. The only drawback as with most is the darn blinky modes.
It is worth the dough at the $18. Quality but yet little dollars that a few scratches would not bother you - definitely a working light (even the bronze color does look sharp). I would be interested to see (as Krono and others have done) what the needed quantity is to get a decent discount on stock units and how much for upgraded units. For the next 25 days this can be had for the $18.
The switch used is pretty crappy, to sensitive and has to tall of a post making that worse. I replace them with small omten's (if quad / high power build) or a white EOSLamp switch.
retainer > spring isolator > switch on 17mmPCB > spacer > boot
Full parts. note this head not taken apart to protect reflector for upcoming reflector'ed build, pictured is spare reflector and the head still factory assembled, also the MCPCB has not been removed so you cant see the 2pc centering / isolation ring setup (MCPCB's glued, the reflector is not)
For extra large pic's copy image location and paste in new window
Funny - I did get a full refund, actually I ordered two 5 packs. But a little while after the refund, I got from USPS an empty small envelope from China that said 5 flashlights on the sticker . So, some sort of foolery went on - the seller was apparently very upset with me for some reason, maybe because AliExpress granted me the refund when the seller did not respond within the required 3 days. He/she apparently paid/sent them, so he/she said...
C_K: Just noticed the A6 is back down to $17.93 w/free shipping from the farfarLED guy:
Note that’s only an xmas sale, regular price will go back to $22 after xmas.
Thanks, I’ve been trying to get myself setup (and learn how) to take better pic’s. Got some pointers from my aunt (a professional photographer). She told me about the cake platters I’m using and gave me some macro shooting tip’s. Im using a PnS Nikon. I’m also lighting the pic’s with handheld lighting- my MT-G2 F30R and my Imalent SA-04 (with HCRI swap).
Well guy’s it looks like the “xmas sale” is how he’s wanting to handle this GB. Seems the factory wasnt willing to do the XM-L2 upgrade for the price we were willing to pay…
The DHGate seller FarfarLED is who I’ve always used. I’ve always got great service from Loong including very quick shipping times on all my orders (under 14 days). DHGate is an escrow service- they hold your fund’s till YOU tell them you’ve received the product and are happy (just like Ali) so you dont have to even deal with Loong if something does go south.
Having said that I’ll put my name on it- Loong (farfarLED) is C_K approved!
. So, some sort of foolery went on - the seller was apparently very upset with me for some reason, maybe because AliExpress granted me the refund when the seller did not respond within the required 3 days. He/she apparently paid/sent them, so he/she said...