ITS HERE! SIPIK SK98 - A 18650 based Sipik SK68 with an XML!

I measured 15mm, not 16.

The golden dragon is higher than XR-E, it is not quite 1:1 swap, the retaining ring does not fit.

Beamshots, anyone?

I have read all I could about combining aspherical lenses with the ubiquitous XM-L emitter, and the outcome wasn't very promising. My own experiments were desastrous- such an ugly beam, I quickly stopped before I dumped too much money into this.

Now - does the collimator lens work decently with the XM-L on this new Sipik? I'm curious.

Yus, they are! I didn't want to live with that, so I took care of that on mine with a file and some fine-grit sandpaper. As a bonus, you'll get a groovy "used"-appearance!

uhmm... yes.

All true - but I've learned to appreciate the advantages that come with it. First, when I cannot unscrew it easily, it cannot unscrew itself easily, as well. Second: I found that it makes a decent cigar-grip.

All very good and profound observations. I usually clip it to the top button hole of my loden coat, to use it as a worklight. It works for me. Since the clip IS strong, as you noticed, I rounded the edge on the body it is resting against with (you guessed it) a flt file and some sandpaper. Even more cool-looking grungy signs of usage!

True enough - my current EDC still is Boaz's Nitecore he used to sell last year. Much sleeker and lighter. The only change I made was to tie it to my trousers, and stuff in an eneloop. Still, I like my SK68 very much, too.

oh, thinking about it, you missed one of the biggest cons: The SK68 doesn't come with the emitter clued to the pill. It is held in place just by the leads! Has been the case on every single one I bought (total of seven). I wonder if they have fixed that on the new one?

regards, Simon

For some reason I actually like the design of this light (and SK68). Being a zoomie it just works for me. It's simple and utilitarian in design, which I tend to prefer in this kind of light. I don't think it would work on anything bigger though.

LOL, yes, that is the original Sipik 68

I must be odd like weiser, I like the design and looks of these Sipik models, they just look cool IMO. I may pick this one up, will see how others like it first though.

I ordered this just because I was curious. Now I have to find it so I can compare to the others:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/300552404670?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

KB, I have two of those from ebay seller ultrapire. IMHO one of the best buys for the $ I've made since joining BLF. As always at this price point, QC is probably questionable so I hope yours is as good as mine; if it is I'm sure you'll like it. Be interested to hear your impressions

I meant with the XML and 3 modes!

http://www.meritline.com/compact-aluminum-cree-q5-led-flashlight-hand-torch-black-color---p-69325.aspx?hq_e=el&hq_m=2447492&hq_l=93&hq_v=6d240a1355

Hmmm not sold on this one yet.

I have one. I converted to xm-l and improved the pill. Switch went bad, and since it is retained by pressed in plastic, I haven't fixed it yet. That's best reason to buy this 18650 sipik imo...even though it is more difficult to unscrew the tail, at least the switch is serviceable

dthrckt: "That's best reason to buy this 18650 sipik imo...even though it is more difficult to unscrew the tail, at least the switch is serviceable"

Good comment. If these Sipiks get good reports I'll definitely buy a couple.

If the report comes back with positive impressions this is a guaranteed buy for me. I've been waiting to try out a decent XM-L zoomie but was in no rush. Considering the reputation of the SK68 this should be a no-brainer for the XM-L zoomie buyer.

I ordered one just now. Now for the long wait again.

Should be arriving to some of you very soon. Looking forward to your feedback

For under $20 shipped with tracking I decided to say screw it an ordered one. Hopefully have it within a month, lol.

I got my 18650-Sipik 68 today!

Compared to the smaller one:

Front:

Both on Flood-Mode:

Zoomed in:

 

What I dont like is, that the 18650 Sipik gets hot very fast. After like 2 minutes it was nearly to hot to hold.

The beam is much bigger and a little bit brighter. I dont know whether I like it or not. I will have to wait until tonight.

@toppel: That was fast! When did you order? Nice shots also.

Thank you!

I ordered on 16th.

That was really fast, yes!

Thank you for sharing.

IMO that looks like just what the doctor ordered for me.

BIIIG flood and decent throw for pointing at stuff.

I am so bummed that I cant receive it while I am on this ship. I would have ordered 3 already.

About the heat: That is good. It means some decent heatsinking is working to keed the led cooled. What do you think about the modes??

I dont know if its good or not. But you can warm up your hands in winter with it :D

The flood is very big!

The modes..mhh I dont know. I forgot that it has modes and when I turned on the lowmode I first was like: WTF where is all the brightness?! Then I accidentally turned on the strobemode and i remembered that is has modes ;)

I like the smaller one without the modes better.

But i can live with it. I like the reverse-clickie.

I think it is worth every cent. Good quality. Impressive flood. Nice throw.