Recently got bit by the flashlight bug lol. I had no idea modern led lights were so bright and ran so long, used to my old maglights. I recently ordered a few Thorfire VG15 flashlights for gifts and one to keep and love it for everyday carry. I have a good collection of 18650 batteries now and I want to get a larger more powerful flashlight to keep in my truck. Would the C8 be a big upgrade in terms of flashlight power and throw? I want something that takes the same battery and under $50. Love the forum!
Welcome to the BLF renton83. I’m sure you’re going to get some great advises here.
DELETED due to lack of anyone reading, understanding or actually giving a rip
Welcome to BLF!
Astrolux recently released a powerful version of the C8 design. Already has some of the upgrades that some modded lights would get.
Emisar D1 and D1S are a couple other lights to look into.
Above lights will need some High Drain 18650 batts though. One of the more popular here is the Samsung 30Q for the money. Pretty regular deals for 4 batts under $15 shipped
To my knowledge the Emisar D1S is the most impressive single 18650 budget thrower out there and it’s available for around $40US. The Convoy Clear C8 is pretty impressive for it’s size and costs around $20US if you watch for sales.
Welcome to BLF renton83! A Convoy C8 is a great choice, but you may also want to consider what vwpieces suggested: [Review] Astrolux C8 Flashlight - Compact Thrower.
My only concern is heat dissipation, can the C8 keep up that high output for long periods? I see a lot of lights advertise these crazy lumens but it’s only for a few minutes before it cycles down. I’m hoping for something that can put out a powerful beam for longer. Size isn’t a issue for me either.
The C8 can sustain about 1200-1500 Lumens depending on LED type
Hmm, just looked and the Astrolux C8 uses the A6 FW. A6 is a short timer on turbo. Don’t know why I thought it had the X6 Bistro. Disappointing IMO.
the C8 certainly can take more heat than the A6 timer will allow it before throttling back.
Did they fix the reverse polarity defect in those Emisar drivers yet? If not, probably not a good recommendation to someone new to lithium ion powered FLs.
I wasn’t aware of any reverse polarity problem. I only have 2 of the earlier D4’s. The D4 and D1/S threads are too long and too much useless jabber to follow.
Will search them for the info.
Wow, thanks robert
Been wondering why MtnE hasn’t had them stocked for a while, guess that explains it.
Yeah definately not a light for unfamiliar with hotrod lights. I did not lock mine out one night (I normally reverse tailcap) and burnt a hole in a pair of shorts.
I will say the Emisar lights are great lights. I have 3 or more D4s. Had another version 1 firmware 219c and gifted to a friend.
I also think they must be built strong. My latest cyan 4000k Xpg2 I have been using nightly has been dropped,or fallen off from fairly high places at least 5 times. Every time that happens I am amaised it still works.
Also besides the D4 RobertB’s Reylight Ti Lan is almost always with me. Great light and beam for size.
The KDLITKER C8.2. looks great to me I found one in Alie Express I’m going to order. The Emisar looks good but it’s out of stock now, may get one in future
Welcome to BLF renton83! Please do consider the Emisar; it’s awesome! :partying_face:
C8
I prefer Alie Express since I’ve ordered from them a lot, does this seem the same as the C8 on Kaidomain?
First off I’m Sorry you found this place. $$$
Second the local ethos is for long distance and for folks in the country I guess that makes sense. In the city unless you shoot up you will be in someones window. So for me (and others) I have a flood bias.
Third aside from all the technical wis bang marketing, the secret to long duration high output is thermal mass so it becomes a balance of how bright/how big/how expensive.
The c8 is a tried and true design, one of the things to learn is some of the short cuts to high value lights, aside from the big MFG (differing opinions about them regarding value) folks/companies to put on your short list Are:
Henry Simon (I think first name) of Convoy (sort of high volume) thanks VW
Hank (I am pretty sure first name) of International Outdoor/Emisar (boutique mfg)
Richard (definitely sure first name) RMM (here) of Mountain Electronics (hobbyist turned pro builder)
All make quality lights
Short list of Lights that all of us like
Convoy (choose your size and cost preference) and how to spec like a custom builder with limited options. consider the S series
Emisar aka International Outdoor (choose your size and cost preference) and how to spec like a custom builder with limited options. consider the D4
Richard also sells parts s you can build your own also (choose your size and cost preference) and how to spec like a custom builder with limited options.
Was a group design/buy “Q8”
“Was a group design/buy” X5, X6
Then there is the world of 6v and 12v emitters (I’m and outlier in preferring the tint of the MT-G2)
Like I said, Sorry you found us.
LOL
I’d recommend would be the Sofirn C8F and Thorfire/BLF Q8.
I only have the older C8F, and am waiting for the new ones to come in. Still, the older was really impressive, even though it kinda had, shall we say, thermal issues (Al star vs Cu DTP). I don’t run mine that long on turbo, and it’s still hella bright.
The Q8, well, it’s a Q8. Daylight-in-a-can. Can’t say I know how it fares at full turbo for extended periods, as I never ran it wfo for too long. Never had to. 