Yes, I DEFINITELY prefer to have charging on the battery carrier, like the K1, it makes for more reliable waterproofing, a better aesthetic, no worn out "boot" over time, and the option to buy back up carriers for easy swap & go.
Yes please, leave the hints of machining and not bead blast, just clear ano aluminum. A new light of mine just came in (ano aluminum) and has machining marks and it really adds a nice aesthetic. my first one didn't have this and i really prefer it.
I didn’t see mention of it, but is there a way to ensure the cell carriers can accept flat top batteries? This way standard high drain / high amp 21700’s (30t, 40t, etc). can be used without the need for solder blobs and, even worse, tac welded button tops. Thanks TA
3p 21700 is a lot of capacity. 2A is okay, but QC or 3A charging would be ideal. C-C should be a must.
I think that with a light this size, carrier based charging is a choice. For use as a power bank, it is nearly a necessity. My recommendation here is for the development of a plastic enclosure for it. Something from PC ideally but whatever is cost effective and can provide enough protection and containment of the cells for safe use and luggage in a backpack for example.
Lastly is my thoughts on how to make these upgraded parts available. I’d suggest shipping the lights as they are now basically, and offering carrier upgrade kits for early buyers at a super sweet price
I wonder how long can it last in Turbo mode typically before starting to stepdown (I understand it’s possible to turn off stepdown in Narsil — will that be ‘still safe’ for the flashlight? (this may make the flashlight too hot to hold though… but flashaholics probably understand the trade-off…)
If I’m in it will be for a black one. But I’m hot decided yet, it competes my FT03-SBT90.2. That one is between 400 and 500 kcd throw so just half of the Wildtrail, but it is way smaller/lightweight too. Decisions….
Yes, they already accept flat top batteries, this is why they have the FET’s in the carrier for polarity protection, it allows for flat top cells to be used.
Yes, faster charging would be nice but the carrier charging / battery bank feature is basically a bonus / emergency option, Like always the best option is to charge on a dedicated charger whenever possible. Beefing it up for higher currents is possible but it starts to get much more expensive and bulky when you do that.
Basically there are common charge circuits available for 2A that are proven, compact and affordable. Above that you get into more custom setups as there is a lot less development in higher current mass production.
Along with added complications in the variable QC setup. Honestly I am impressed they were able to fit a 2A charging setup in the space provided. I think they struck a good balance of cost / size / complexity with the setup they have right now.
If people truly feel that the added costs and size of a more powerful charging / battery bank would be worth it, I could see if they could increase it to 3A, I don’t see a variable rate tech like QC being a good idea in a setup like this though.