user-installable diffuser (create DIY-cap from small lip balm) or buy one from Sofirn.
CAUTION
The areas where the PCB comes in contact with the body tube are small, they might need some cleaning now and then. There might be a potential issue where after thousands of on/off cycles the areas get worn out; djozz developed "a fix while it ain’t broken".
The Sofirn C01 has no low voltage protection by design; remove rechargeable NiMH cell when flashlight starts to dim to moonlight level if you want to prevent accelerated ageing of the NiMH cell.
The Sofirn C01 is not tested and not certified for use as intrinsically safe light.
In case Fenix would not be interested in such an innovative special edition, then perhaps another good candidate manufacturer for high CRI 5mm Yuji twisty AAA could perhaps be Reylight?
I think the combination of high CRI, high reliablity due to fully potted electronics, high runtime (15+ hours on single AAA battery) at a low price point (sweet point >15 USD) is currently not available commercially. Therefore such a light could be an interesting commercial niche.
Also because it could be attractive to both “flashaholics” as well as “muggles”. Key to selling however, would be explaining to people the benefits of high CRI. And why a potted flashlight at this price point is so special.
Edited to add, I have a picture of what we’re going for, but the Sunwayman I previously modded will NOT withstand a 5 story drop. Mine died from a 5’ drop.
2nd Edit - not sure the picture is actually showing up. It will have to wait until after work.
Vinh at Skylumen has been modding E01’s with Yujis. They’ve been quite well received on the other forum; I have one myself and it’s an amazing little light.
Last I heard, he had done warm LED mods in the past, but then Fenix changed their potting compound and he could no longer get the driver clean.
And now I see he did a batch of Inova X5vn, too.
I appreciate you bringing this up, although I will first hold out hope for Fenix doing a run. They should be able to afford to sell them at lower cost than Vinh modding them by hand.
Also, the fact that there is interest in this light even at custom prices is more evidence Fenix should do a batch of Yuji E01’s.
Plus they would still be fully potted. Being cheaper would also make it easier to give them away as gifts.
If Fenix was to sell them at $15, they would be my favorite budget AAA light on the market.
I definitely appreciate Vinh’s work modding these though. They seem tough to crack open and mod, but it also gave me a chance to try a Yuji for the first time.
@richnpc: Nice! What CCT did you get? I got the 3200k variant.
Normally I would be interested but I already have a Yuji GIU and imho a Yuji E01 would not be an improvement.
I highly recommend the Gerber Infinity Ultra as a Yuji host. Easy to mod with low temperature white threadlocker and only the inductor coil is potted. Lots of o-rings. Decent clip for hatlight use. Can use AA or AAA batteries. The “tail switch” is great. Kind of tailstands
Thanks for your suggestion for the Gerber Infinity Ultra (AA/AAA) as a “cockroach” light with high CRI emitter.
That one is certainly an attractive light as well
On the Gerber site, the Infinity has a MRSP of $22, AKA €18.50 in our currency.
I can buy it on Amazon.de for €33.95 and I have to pay €9.80 for shipping from Germany to where I live.
Only speaking for myself: not an option if you live in Europe.