I was very stubborn about not using 14500 cells.

[264]

@teacher

I like 14500 lights too. In fact I got a Wuben E05 the other day & I am amazed with it. It has quickly become one of my favorite lights.

I like the Wuben E05 also but I think they should have used an OP reflector instead of a smooth one.

[264]

@Speadge

I am also 14500 fan and I prefer them above 18650. Why? Because of mobility.
I can put small 14500 flashlight into jacket pocket and simply forget about it untill I need it. It’s not exactly as small as 10440, but still … smaller and lighter than standard 18650 flashlight while there’s still more than decent output - modern 14500 flashlights reach between 500 - 800lm on max. It’s not like I need anything more than that realisticly.

Another advantage as some above already stated is also that those flaslights can use also standard alkaline AA batteries available in every store.

I try to limit my flaslights to only (10180)/10440/14500/18650/26650 format because I prefer to have all flashlights available and functional long term, while there’s simply too many battery formats to take care of, replace and keep in good condition over years to come.
I am aware that I am missing some great flashlights because of that, but on the other side … how many od them we, as flashaholics with hundreds flashlights, have in regular use at all?

I agree that 18650 size flashlights are just too big to carry around (EDC). That is why I like AA/14500 single cell lights. Triple A size is even better but such short run times make them unfeasible in most situations needing light for more than a couple of minutes.

[264]

@moderator007

I prefer 14500 or 16340 lights, lighter and smaller to carry around daily. Usually EDC a V11R but if its snowing or going somewhere that I feel my life could depend on the light (hoping it never does) I grab the Zebra SC600w for the longer run times and dependability.
I like a light that will run on a AA but when you can have 3 times the lumens using a 14500 in the same light, that’s what I load it with.
I been using the 14500 since the days of the Akoray K-106, modded of coarse.

Zebra brand lights are nice. Just too expensive for me.

[toddcshoe]

@264

@teacher

I like 14500 lights too. In fact I got a Wuben E05 the other day & I am amazed with it. It has quickly become one of my favorite lights.

I like the Wuben E05 also but I think they should have used an OP reflector instead of a smooth one.

Amen. A OP for sure we need.

[264]

@Pete7874

For walks, I really like Nitecore TIP attached to my hat, just because how light it is.

For around the house and night light, usually some AA light is plenty… either utorch ut01 or ultratac A1. No need for 14500 cells as I typically run them on lowest mode anyway, sometimes medium.

Those Nitecore lights look so sophisticated and high tech. Tup/Tip/Tini/Thumb/Tube.

[264]

Wish I noticed the UltraTac A1 when it was $12.00 each.

[raccoon]

@264

Those Nitecore lights look so sophisticated and high tech. Tup/Tip/Tini/Thumb/Tube.

I have a Tube and a Tip.

The Tube isn't very durable, but I love the Tip and it seems much more durable.

[264]

@toddcshoe

@264

@teacher

I like 14500 lights too. In fact I got a Wuben E05 the other day & I am amazed with it. It has quickly become one of my favorite lights.

I like the Wuben E05 also but I think they should have used an OP reflector instead of a smooth one.

Amen. A OP for sure we need.

I tried some DC-Fix film on the lens of the E05. Just made the beam look worse. That film usually works wonders.

[mmalive]

@teacher

I like 14500 lights too. In fact I got a Wuben E05 the other day & I am amazed with it. It has quickly become one of my favorite lights.

Sooo True teacher. Love mine. Will never leave collection.

Any related note 14500 much better for run times than any AA. Not knocking AA but prefer 14500 as primary and AA NiCad as backup.

NO ALKALEAKS!!! unless out of options.

[MascaratumB]

@toddcshoe

@264

@teacher

I like 14500 lights too. In fact I got a Wuben E05 the other day & I am amazed with it. It has quickly become one of my favorite lights.

I like the Wuben E05 also but I think they should have used an OP reflector instead of a smooth one.

Amen. A OP for sure we need.

Agree!! Even after putting a Luxeon on it, there are some “rings” on the beam that would be only eliminated by a diffuser or a reflector mod!
Despite this, it is a very good flashlight and is still very useful on AA batteries (even without turbo)!! :+1:

[MascaratumB]

@264

@toddcshoe

@264

@teacher

I like 14500 lights too. In fact I got a Wuben E05 the other day & I am amazed with it. It has quickly become one of my favorite lights.

I like the Wuben E05 also but I think they should have used an OP reflector instead of a smooth one.

Amen. A OP for sure we need.

I tried some DC-Fix film on the lens of the E05. Just made the beam look worse. That film usually works wonders.

Hum, have you tried a different type of diffuser? I tried a piece of a “frosted” diffuser once sent by Boaz and the beam improved greatly! No greens or other shifts! Loses throw, but gains quality!

[Pete7874]

@264

Wish I noticed the UltraTac A1 when it was $12.00 each.

It was closer to $10 at one point. I got two of them. It’s a very simple, 3-mode, great little light with no blinkies. No nasty greenish tint either. Mode spacing is a little weird on Li-Ion, from what I’ve read, but on NiMH it’s fantastic.

[Boaz]

Couple of lights I’d like to try A1 and the wuben 05 ... just keep missing the deals .

I think 14500’s have their place but sort of default to the nimh . 14500’s usually kill the moon modes and don’t have very much runtime.

Otoh .... some lights are just begging for more horsepower so I recently added another 6 cells to my colle tion of 14500’s but I find I don’t normally reach for them .

Been wearing a lumintop tool on my collar for years now and recently find I’m grabbing the Boruit 11$ EHL0628 Super best budget headlamp with the headband 100% loose over my head / around my neck .

[Couchmaster]

For me, when I just want to run out to the back yard and spotlight a skunk or head to the park to walk the dog, the little Nitecore MH20GT (18650) is my fav. It’s light, small, easy to turn on or bump the brightness, and the distance I get is both needed and sweet.

[DB_Custom (Dale)]

The Thorfire TK05 is really nice as a 14500, but I carry an 18500 quad daily, never without it. When I discovered the Samsung LH351D in 80 CRI at 5000K I updated this quad from XP-L HI under a Khatod optic to the Sammy under a Carclo optic, with a very pleasant result of a Beam profile that is essentially one large hot spot. This light comes in handy on a regular basis, with Bistro allowing 7 levels and reversing function so its easy to stay in ultra low levels when required. With a Turbo over 3200 lumens and a moon around 1/3 of a lumen I’m always ready for whatever presents. The 18500 cell with 1000mAh capacity allows that extra bit of run time as well as power.

Of course, the 10440 Texas Poker is always around my neck waiting to be needed. In spite of it’s rather dimunitive size it can still put out over 700 lumens and makes a good showing of itself. I have a spare 10440 in a custom Ti carrier on my key-chain should it be required.

Also have the super tiny DQG Spy on my keychain, just in case…

The newly announced GT micro has my eye… will def be getting this new 14500 asap to add to my arsenal.

A quick pic of part of my EDC, these 3 are with me always… regardless of what else I may carry…

[DB_Custom (Dale)]

FWIW, the Texas Poker is only off the chain when I bathe, it’s with me all other times, even sleeping. Has been for over 5 1/2 years.

(ok, the Dr’s made me take it off when they cut my throat, but it went back around my neck asap afterwards)

[Speadge]

@DB Custom

A quick pic of part of my EDC, these 3 are with me always… regardless of what else I may carry…

Hey, is this beautiful knife here just to looks nice on picture or you actually carry around $500 knife as an EDC beater?
(I am sorry for being offtopic, but urge to ask is too strong)

[Gebe]

@teacher

I like 14500 lights too. In fact I got a Wuben E05 the other day & I am amazed with it. It has quickly become one of my favorite lights.

Totally agree! Just got mine and it’s a winner. Tiny and powerful and so well built.

[DavidEF]

@Speadge

@DB Custom

A quick pic of part of my EDC, these 3 are with me always… regardless of what else I may carry…

Hey, is this beautiful knife here just to looks nice on picture or you actually carry around $500 knife as an EDC beater?
(I am sorry for being offtopic, but urge to ask is too strong)

Everything in that pic is part of his EDC.

[nick779]

Yep I’m now favoring 14500 lights now too for every day tasks. 18650 is overkill in terms of runtime and host size. The wuben E05 is growing on me immensely