1x18650 you would hand to an idjit...

LED Flashlights – General Info 18650 Flashlights
1

Okay, been reading a lot of threads, but still getting a bit confused and dizzy from all the options. :person_facepalming:

Hoping for some input to help narrow the search.

Where I’ve been: Have a fair number of 1xAA and 1xAAA edc type lights run on rechargables. Also an old Fenix E21.

Where I’m at: Decided to step up to having at least a couple of 18650 lights for greater output and/or longer run times. Ordered a BLF Q8, 4 unprotected 30Q cells, and a Liitokala 500 charger. I realize this is sort of a specialty/flashaholic light that I need to use with care and keep away from idjits, children, etc… So with that in mind I also want to get a good 1x18650 that will be somewhere in the middle between the Q8 and my “normal” AA/AAA lights. One that I won’t mind handing off to a buddy when his cheapo light dies or whatever.

What I’m looking for, (I think):

–1x18650 with a neutral white emitter. Doesn’t have to be Nichia, but I’ve been pretty spoiled by them in my other lights so that’s the benchmark.

-Looking for a general use light, so I guess a happy medium between flood and throw. A zoomie might be a good option, but I know little about them.

-Pocketable is a plus, maybe up to the size of the BLF X6 or Convoy C8 as the max.

-I find moonlight/firefly modes useful, and generally prefer lights that start on low or at least have mode memory.

-Safety features. After some of the recent discussion, I’d like to make sure this light has low voltage and reverse polarity protection, temp stepdown, ability to accept protected cells, have a mechanical lockout/not easy to turn on accidentally, and anything else that’s recommended that I didn’t think of…

-Max budget ~$50 for the right light, but preferably ~25-$30.

-Durability and reliability is a concern. I’ve been burned by a couple lights I expected more from (dead Balder SE1 and Xeno E03 after negligible use).

Thanks in advance for any input. Also, if anything I wrote sounds ignorant or unrealistic, or if these constraints are too narrow or too broad, please feel free to tell me I’m an idjit too. We all have to start somewhere… :slight_smile:

2

You have answered our own query . Grab a BLF A6. Don`t over think it.

3

All written sounds perfectly realistic to me. May want to check out this thread if you haven’t already.

“Budget rechargeable 18650 lights”

:Best 18650 Light with USB charging ~$20-$30?

4

well, BLF a6( astrolux s1) fits all what you asked
another option is astrolux s41 and 18650 tube, which is available in Nichia option, great if you want better collor

if you want a light that wont become too hot at turbo, convoy S2+ is a great option

5

S2+ is a great option. But i recommend only the 3 or 4 chip models if temperature is a concern. My 8 chip models can become hot enough that I wouldn’t recommend them if accidental activation is a concern. You can get biscotti firmware on some models (all models if you ask Simon) and will give you a somewhat moon mode.

6

yeah, i forgot to mention that

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Its easy to forget, too much to remember nowadays. Especially with all the options on everything. I had to edit mine because i forgot to mention Biscotti for lower modes LOL!

8

Tell me about it, lol.

I’ve looked at the S2+ before, but not sure what you mean about the different chip models? What I’m I looking for in the product description if I go that route?

On the A6, I didn’t mention it here (I mentioned the X6,) but I did look at it and remember reading this in the “Not just a flashlight anymore…” thread:

The product description says it does have protection, but the above made me worry.

9

The chips are stacked on the board to create more light output should see something like 3x7135, 4x7135, 6x7135, 8x7135. The first number denotes amount of chips, 7135 is chip type. Lower number of chips equals less output but it wont get scorching hot if left in turbo for long periods

10

Protected 18650 cells have a circuit built in that protects against shorts and other no no’s, you need to be more careful with the batteries if they are not protected should the light you choose not have protections built in.

11

Zanflare F1. Great styling (love the “spline” knurling), built in recharging, tail-clicky for on/off and side-clicky for modes, strobe is well-hidden but there if for whatever depraved reason you’d want it, available in NW or CW, has TCLO to prevent accidental activation, most bells’n’whistles of nice lights, hella bright if you need it, 20bux with coupon-code.

12

Thanks on both counts Gray. :+1:

Zanflare will get a look LB. Wasn’t really looking for built in re-charging, but I guess it wouldn’t hurt.

The Convoy S2+ is looking hard to beat as a budget/loaner option, but I’m not in a big hurry to make a decision. I could always end up with more than one light as well. :innocent:

13

Wellp, you said for idjits, and an idjit might stick the cell into the charger backwards, so… :smiley:

The S2+ is infinitely modifiable. Swap a 20mm TIR for the reflector. Use a shorty tube for an 18350. Stick in a triple. Etc.

That’s the spirit!

14

Of course. Just glad i can help someone during the few and far between log in’s i get nowadays. Both great light options and +1 on LB’s advice of usb charging, can’t mess up too much if removing battery is avoided.

15

Emisar D4.

http://www.mtnelectronics.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=80&product_id=855

16

Thanks, that looks like a nice light, but also in the “not just a flashlight thread:

[Quote=Robertb]Heck, nobody seems to care that the D4 is a potential pipe bomb if the battery is accidentally put in backwards…
[/quote]

I don’t know what to make of that statement, if it’s true or false, if it’s a non-issue with protected cells, etc…, but that’s the worst case scenario I’m keen to avoid. Clarification would be awesome (from anyone).

17

I’d second (or third, whatever) the recommendation for the S2+. I have both the 4x7135 and 8x7135 versions and the difference is definitely noticeable but not huge. Up to you which one you want to go for.

If this is a loaner it would be a good idea to buy a protected cell for it. The S2+ goes into low mode and flashes when the voltage is low but that’s not really idjit-proof, which is one of your criteria. The idjit would just say “huh, it’s flashing.” There are various threads on BLF and CPF that report which protected cells fit or don’t fit in the S2+.

You will. Believe me, you will.

18

Excellent point Throw, I will make sure I know that one.

Thanks Donny, I meant to put in the OP that I intend to only buy protected cells. The unprotected cells for the Q8 will only be used in the Q8 as a set.

19

The newest version of the Convoy S2+:

https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/desert-tan-S2-flashlight-with-XPL-HI-led-inside-and-ar-coated-glass-biscotti-firmware/330416_32820745681.html

has low voltage protection built in, because it has the Biscotti firmware which was developed by our very own Toykeeper, here on BLF :slight_smile:

I’d still put a protected cell in it, though, just in case your idjit opens it and takes the cell out. That’s what I do with my loaner unit.

You can select any “Emitting Color” you like - I recommend the U6 3A for a nice, neutral white light output - but only go for a 7135x3 or 7135x4 “Body Color”. The other versions will run too hot for safety with the uninitiated. My loaner unit is 7135x3 and works nicely; the 7135x4 would be a bit brighter, a bit warmer, and run out of charge a bit faster.

20

Thanks very much Phlogiston! I think that seals it for at least one S2+.