Larry’s preposal is completely different from the FW3A.
As far as I know, nobody makes a light like Larry’s proposal. I think one company makes something similar but it’s over $70 which makes it cost prohibitive to use as a host.
I think FW3A is different. It uses 18650 cells instead of 21700 cells. It uses a Carclo 105xx optic whereas Sofirn normally uses reflectors. My cost-effective suggestion for Sofirn would be following:
Use the 21700 tube of C8F as a standard part for new 21700 flashlights
Adapt SP32A V2.0 and SP31 V2.0 head to the C8F 21700 tube and tailcap (one with tailswitch, one without)
Use the high current tailswitch of the C8F 21700 (> 10A, 125V), like this one: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Special-flashlight-switch-125V-10A-forward-switch/330416_32328815036.html
Offer a host version without „angled board“ (switch not soldered to driver) and with standard sizes (20mm/22mm diameter for drivers, LED boards)....it will sell like hot cakes for sure!
Offer more emitter choices and tints, i.e. SST-20 5.000K 70CRI, SST-20 4.000K 95CRI, XP-L2 4.000K 90CRI, LH351D 4.000K 90CRI and 5.000K 70CRI...
My extended wishlist...
In terms of Andúril there might be a chance to upgrade the e-switch models, i.e.:
SP33 V3.0 26650 (XHP50.2, XHP70.2, MT-G2), incl. kit-version with Sofirn 26650 5.500mAh high capacity battery
SP70 BLF edition (XHP70.2, SMO reflector, Andúril adapted to work with e-switch AND tailswitch without revoking the ability to use momentary and mode memory)
SC31 could be kept "as is" but please exchange XP-G3 by SST-20 for a better tint and more throw.
SP36 is fine but please take spring bypasses (~ 800lm - 1.000lm on top) and flat head screws in the bottom PCB into consideration to improve the current path.
Q8 is fine but please offer SST-40 5.000K and Luxeon V 4.000K 70CRI as alternatives. Neven (www.led4power.com) has the right boards available.
SST-20 is a cheap alternative to XP-L HI with even better throw. For SP31 V2.0 it will be a win win situation, causing less prime costs for Sofirn while they can still maintain a very competitive price. Now that Sofirn was able to source LH351D they may want to try this LED as an alternative to XP-L2. Again, possibly lower prime costs and a better tint in return.
E21A and Optisolis only work on Virence.com mcpcbs. The SF14 was a perfect host, which was very easy to swap in these board/emitters, but unfortunately SF14v2 is not.
Also I find it hard to compete with the EE X1R w/choice of color and LED tint, proven moddable, and on a deal at $16 - I got 3, 1 in each color :facepalm:
Should have said "moddable for me" -- only used a rotary tool and wasn't really difficult or time consuming much. All done by hand, free style. There's a lot of mods posted I can't get even close to accomplishing, most of which are mechanical, needing a milling machine, lathe, or way better hand tool skills than I have.
For the X1R, the cutting away of materials didn't have to be done precisely - just had to make room for a driver mount.
Even before Dale got a lathe, he was doin things with hand tools that were amaz'n that I still can't do.
I don’t think the H03 has built in charging. Plus I don’t like that the H03 and X1R both have single click on and press/hold for off. That’s so irritating to me.
Single click for off and 18350 tube is a huge win for the SP40 IMO. If the emitter is easy to get at for a reflow/board swap that’s even better.
Some people won’t like the USB charging but I think the average buyer would rather have it than not and it’s hard to argue with the price and size of the light when its included. Much better option than the USB-equipped battery of the Wowtac A2S IMO since you can charge any cell in it.