Was looking for a one 10440 (Li-Ion), (reverse) clicky flashlight and read good reviews of the SF-348. Even found a post here in this forum that Gearbest sells this model with a genuine CREE XP-E LED (here).
But it’s been a few years so I guess that since then either GB started selling fake SF-348s or SingFire started manufacturing SF-348s with a non CREE LED Because I bought a few of these for a little over $4 apiece and according to the responses to my post in the fake LED awareness thread, the emitter is not genuine.
A real shame, too, because the driver actually does push 1A to the emitter (I measured 0.95A) on 10440s (not AAAs though).
So, can anyone recommend a single 10440, clicky, >= 1A flashlight?
Alternatively, if anyone knows of a place to get the SF-348 with a 100% genuine CREE emitter (XP-E, XP-G/2/3) or even better, a Nichia 219B, I’m all ears (I really liked the construction of the SF-348).
I have a $3 SF348 on the slow boat. Also bought several in the past when I see them at that price. No idea if they are (were) genuine cree because I always just swap out the emitter to a Nichia 219B. I have enough 219B on hand to build a light similar to the BLF 348 for less money when they can be had.
Swap out the emitters. And sorry if I was of no help to get you a light with what you want.
$3? May I ask where did you find them so cheap? Just out of curiosity.
And yes, I do plan on reflowing one for my personal use, but I planned on giving the others as gifts, and changing all the emitters is too much of a hassle.
Any help is appreciated! Even if it’s off-topic (which I don’t you were, BTW).
Welcome…
I get them from the user negotiated deals threads. About a month ago there was a deal posted but one per purchase @ $3 and free shipping on the slow boat.
The 219B are getting harder to get but I got a deal on a blow out @ about $1.70 ea.
Would be good to practice on one but when you get it figured out it would be real easy to knock out 5 swaps in not much more time than it would take for one light build.
I got a Singfire 348 a while ago for quite cheap, sub $3, and it is a really neat light. I have no need for high CRI for my tiny keychain/pocket lights because they just help me not bump around in the dark, or get the keys to the door. No idea if mine has a fake emitter, but it’s brighter than my Nitecore Tube and much throwier. The tint is a little harsh, but it’s very even so I can’t fault it.
Thanks vwpieces, I checked the user negotiated deals threads, nothing there currently. For $3 or lower it’s worth the money IMHO, despite the sub optimal emitter and driver (high current but low efficiency, I measured 69% running on10440 and 55% running on Eneloop. Measurement made with a very cheap DMM).
I’ll keep an eye out, maybe there’ll be another deal.
For me it’s not the CRI that matters, but the light output per watt, of both the LED and the driver. Good tint and CRI are a nice bonus though.
Thanks for your input guys, I’ll visit this thread every few days, if anyone finds a flashlight with my requested features please provide a link/model.