So just want to hi to everyone in here and please excuse some of the questions i may have because I’m still wet behind the ears when it comes to LEDs.
Wow, let me be the first to welcome you to BLF JamesM!
There are two versions of the 5000 lumen Q8, which was designed and project-managed by BLF members including djozz, Tom E, Pilotdog68, MRsDNF, Thijsco, and The Miller. (A huge debt of gratitude is owed these individuals.)
- BLF Q8 - the original. Uses four XP-L HD LED and emits neutral white light. Another review. Available here.
- Sofirn Q8 - the next version. Uses XP-L HI LEDs and emits cool white light. Available here.
Both are manufactured in the same Sofirn factory in China and both use the same NarsilM user interface. A great light for viewing acreage, but a little heavy and cumbersome to use for EDC IMHO.
Thank you very much. I really want thank everyone in here. For the past few months I’ve been digging more and more into building and upgrading flashlights and absolutely love it. This is the number one place i go to for any and all information. Led tests and reviews. Flashlight reviews. Because of this site i am now hooked on Convoy lights. I have one that’s been my go to and 3 more on order. I have a grey s2,a mini grey triple led “kit” coming from mtn electronics, copper s2 and the little AA t2, i believe that’s what it is. More than likely the triple will be put in the full copper setup.
Ah yes, Convoys were the gateway drug for me!
Welcome. This is a great place, full of information and opinions.
For Active A1
BLF q8 the original has manufactured by Thorfire only.
Thorfire and Sofirn are two separated business entities,.but the Sofirn's factory manufactures both Q8 versions. The BLF Q8 was sold under the Thorfire name only.
Hi and welcome James. The best advice I can give you is to run away before its to late but I fear it may be to late. 
Hahahaha yes it is way too late now. Im in way too deep to turn away
Have a pleasant time at this friendly forum, JamesM!
We have a JamesB, but he hasn't been seen for six months...
Now we have a JamesM. 
Howdy! I'm new here too (this is my first post). My "gateway light" is also a Convoy (L6). I have one that my wife purchased for me a few years ago, and now I have 2 more on the way I am gifting. This seems like a really fun place to be. :-)
Glad to have you aboard S33k3r!
If you ever decide to get into 14500/AA flashlights, the UltraTac A1 (pictured above) is worth considering. It is the smallest in my collection but is an outstanding performer, and the build quality is excellent. I like to run Eneloops in mine. Recommend you wait for a sale before purchasing. The table below outlines A1 performance characteristic.
| Manufacturer Model LED/Tint |
Output in lumins Runtime (hrs + min) |
Dimensions | Weight (grams) |
Reflect | Comments | |||||||||||||
| Length (mm) |
Diam (mm) |
|||||||||||||||||
| UltraTac A1 HP-L HD ~ 5500 K |
|
86.5 | 18.5 | 27 | OP | No Memory. Always starts in Low No noticeable PWM (to me). |
Cheers!
Update: The $14.99 current asking price on Amazon is actually not too bad IMHO. I might pay that if I didn't have one. But there may be a sale (or BLF discount code) towards the end of the year (or not). UltraTac has really not set a predictable pattern on sales. But learn to be patient when stalking a flashlight youngblood!