Are there any C8 type hosts with side switch? (single LED)

Flashlight Modding and DIY Parts
1

I’d like to see a single emitter / reflector version of this, better yet for 21700. And a host version.

But since that probably isn’t going to happen any time soon, anyone know of anything close? (a complete light if it’s budget price)

I do remember many years ago someone made an actual C8 with side switch (Ultrafire, TrustFire, or similar) Haven’t seen it for years though.

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Here’s one I found recently:
Supfire C8-S (18650)

https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Top-Selling-Supfire-USB-Flashlight-C8-S-Aluminum-VS-Surefire-Camping-Climbing-Torch-Light-CREE-XML/3126024_32839507450.html?spm=2114.12010608.0.0.7b4d6785jIgYjM

2

Are you having trouble finding a C8 style of light with side switch? I thought they were plentiful.

I don’t know if you need a light with an interchangeable reflector/exact size as a C8 or just a light in that general size.

I mainly focus on 26650 lights, as that fits my needs better, but I do run across some 18650 as well. Here are a few you can look into and see if they fit your needs:

Convoy L4
Convoy BD02
Roche X3
Warsun CT9S, MX900 - plus other models from them.
Nicron G80 (close in size) plus similar models from them.
Sofirn SD02
Sofirn SP31T
Eagle Eye X6R
Supfire F1-R5

I’m sure others more knowledgable than myself will add to the list.

Some not so budget lights in the “C8” size, but using 20700 and 21700 are the Manker U22 and the Astrolux “X” light. I think they are both xhp35-HI.

3

Thanks, I’ll look at those suggestions. My thought was something in the general size of a C8 but preferably slightly smaller, was also wondering if anyone has seen the actual C8 with side switch anywhere lately. For a host I was thinking budget priced of under $15, more so than over $20.

I’ve got a few 26650 lights I’m planning to mod but I actually prefer a thinner tube.

It was your suggestion to build a C8 in the Manker U22 thread (deleted post) that I began thinking about a side switch C8, this was also suggested by someone else in my compact thrower thread, but the topic was for compact side switched throwers.

I’m still considering the Manker U22 but for fun I thought I’d look into what I could build/mod that’s similar.

Also I think some of the 18650 budget lights that can use 3xAAA may be candidates for 20700/21700.

4

You might ask Texas_Ace about using a FET driver on the sst40. I think it can do about 2400 lumen.

I think an xp-g3 can do about 1800 lumen.

If you can wait on Lexels boost driver, you can put an xhp35-HI in a C8 with side switch and get 2300 or so lumen with a bigger hotspot than the other 2 emitters.

5

Yes I’ve already been considering the SST40 (w/sliced dome)

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That will give me time to find a good C8 with side switch host.

6

Just saw that on Sofirn store :

It could be what you were looking for, no ?

7

X3, yes, Nice find! Thanks! This must be a newer model as I didn’t noticed it before, and all the reviews are from this month only.

It similar in size/shape to the Supfire I mentioned in the OP but MUCH better:

  • Better emitter - (XP-L HI)
  • Better UI - (Hidden Strobes)
  • Dual switches - (Side & Tail)
  • Better tint: (CCT Range): 5350-5700K
  • No USB charging - (Unnecessary)
  • Better lens - (AR coating glass)

Plus it has LVP

Like the Supfire it’s 158mm long, so these are around 20mm longer than a C8.

I like this, and it’s a great price right now on sale, only $16 after the $1 off coupon… Very tempting!

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Sofirn has the C8F as a host. It comes with the triple reflector and PCMCB. Couldn’t you just replace those unneeded parts with single emitter parts. I am assuming the C8F inside dimensions are the same as the C8A and C8T. I am out of my element here so I am just throwing it out there. It’s only $13.78 to find out.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Sofirn-New-C8F-triple-reflector-host-16-5-17mm-for-driver-nice-design-side-switch-with/32847095613.html?spm=2114.search0204.3.2.2886157fJed79t&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_2_10152_10065_10151_10344_10068_10130_5722815_10324_10342_10547_10325_10343_10546_10340_10341_10548_5722915_10698_10545_5722615_10697_10696_10084_10083_10618_10307_5722715_5711215_10059_308_100031_10103_441_10624_10623_10622_5711315_5722515_10621_10620,searchweb201603_28,ppcSwitch_2_ppcChannel&algo_expid=c4672290-9316-40fe-a57b-624f71b28e75-0&algo_pvid=c4672290-9316-40fe-a57b-624f71b28e75&priceBeautifyAB=0

9

Well that’s a good question, I’m aware of the C8F (I have both v1 and v2 C8F triples and have a photo and mention of it in the OP)

Yes the bodies dimensions do appear the same, however in the C8F host the area in the head is much more shallow than a regular C8 such as the C8A/C8T, and it’s a built-in shelf rather than a removable pill, so you couldn’t place the deeper single reflector in there.

In the C8F Host thread, I have brought up the idea of getting Sofirn to make this, the idea seemed to be well received and I understand it will be presented to Sofirn for consideration. (post #344) Sofirn C8F host. 21700 C8F Available - #344 by beam0

An option for the C8F Host could be to employ a single emitter TIR optic, and I’ve been thinking lately about looking into that. The space in the head for reflector/optic is aprox. 39mm at the lens and a depth of 15mm, so that may be possible. But with that setup I’m not sure we would get the throw we’re use to in a regular C8, but IMO definitely worth looking into.

(Sorry, I had to delete and repost/reword this after I realized the C8F host was “unibody” with built-in shelf)

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A TIR optic in a C8 format Now that sounds interesting. I will definitely have to keep up with this thread. I have a Thorfire C8 I haven’t decided what to do with yet. I have plenty of them and other C8’s. I was wanting to do something different. Losing throw wouldn’t bother me at all.

11

Well I’m not sure about a TIR in a regular C8 like the Thorfire, but maybe.

The TIR idea for the C8F was because of the shallow area between the MCPCB shelf and lens. I believe TIR’s are typically shorter than reflectors and the standard C8 reflectors are especially deep. However there are literally hundreds of variety’s of TIR’s and there could very well be ones that long.

One thought I had about a single LED in the C8F host would be there’s a hole in the center of the shelf, I suppose it could either be ignored or possible filled with solder then ground smooth/level.

I’ll mention this whole idea in the host thread too and may even start a new topic on it, if so I’ll post a link to it here as well.

12

Yes, I don’t see why that couldn’t be filled and smoothed. Bet a small butane torch would make quick work of that.

I will keep up with both threads. Very curious now.

13

Found this one today, the head is about the same diameter as a C8 (about 1.5mm smaller)
What I like is the length is only 133mm, so it’s about 10mm shorter than a C8. Total crap shoot though on how its built inside.

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The switch looks about the same location as a C8F, so it’s proof they can make one.

I really like the size of this.
I also really like the Sofirn SP31T but it’s just soooo long.

14

This looks like the same light, but is in English.
HEDELI 2017NEW Camping Lanterna 18650 Battery USB Rechargeable Gladiator Flash light Powerful Torch CREE XM-L L2 LED Flashlight
http://s.aliexpress.com/vaMvaiaE

15

I don’t understand, my links are in English too, goes to the exact same page you linked… both in English.

EDIT, it’s a different listing, same store…but still both in English. Both listings do have the word “Lanterna” in the title.

Were you getting a different language clicking my link?

Here’s my link again: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Powerful-Torch-USB-Rechargeable-Waterproof-Camping-Lanterna-18650-Battery-Gladiator-Flash-light-CREE-XM-L-L2/32820478271.html?spm=a2g0s.8937460.0.0.O5VS8S

I notice your link has a “s” in front, (s.aliexpress) but when I click it open the s is not showing anymore

16

When I clicked your picture it popped up in, I think, German.

https://m.de.aliexpress.com/item/32820478271.html

It added an m.de to the front of the address.

Maybe aliexpress is redirecting us to different websites? German for me. I have no clue.

17

I think I found the problem for me. I hunted around in that German aliexpress settings and found the language option. I clicked it to english. Now maybe my browser cookies will remember this the next time I go to Aliexpress in the browser. Typically I go through the app.

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I get that problem all the time with that site, every time, after I click on an ali link someone in another country posted, all aliexpress reverts to that country’s site, then I have to click the global English site like you did. Yes it changes the cookies or something, it’s quite frustrating.