WildTrail WT90 - SBT90.2 1800m+ throw 90mm 3x 21700 With Texas_Ace driver

[qandeel]

Will they include batteries?

[sandro]

In for one clear/silver, thanks.

[d_t_a]

Interested…

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…)

[zoulas]

When will they go into regular production and not just group buy?

[zoulas]

How does the 3 x 21700 config compare to the 4 x 18650 config in the MF02S?

[raccoon]

This light looks pretty impressive.

I think the 3x 21700 setup is really smart, though I don't do multi-lithium-ion flashlights.

[vit55]

I’m in for 1 silver thanks Texas_Ace.

[djozz]

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….

[Texas_Ace]

@Rat

In for a silver.

Will the high drain cells be best for this light? I have 40T’s & 30T’s

Yeah, high drain cells will work best, although it will work fine with any 21700 to be honest, just lower output naturally.

[Texas_Ace]

@Artiet59

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

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.

[Texas_Ace]

@JaredM

So two or three thoughts here …

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

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.

[Texas_Ace]

@qandeel

Will they include batteries?

I don’t believe so as they already had issues trying to ship batteries to me with the prototype.

[Texas_Ace]

@d_t_a

Interested…

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…)

I listed up the results of my thermal test in the OP. Long and short of it, it was ~6 mins until 60C (common step down point) and ran until the cells were dead without overheating the light. Although need to check the specs on the cells to make sure they are rated for 80c if you do that, the cells came out at 75c. The light itself will have no issues running until the cells are dead though.

[Texas_Ace]

@zoulas

When will they go into regular production and not just group buy?

Yes, pretty sure they intend to make these a production light.

[Texas_Ace]

@zoulas

How does the 3 x 21700 config compare to the 4 x 18650 config in the MF02S?

I don’t have the MF02S but the 3x 21700 is basically the same size as the GT handle which is 4x18650.

[Texas_Ace]

I was going to try to get some comparison shots with a GT90 last night but I realized, I actually don’t have a working GT90 at the moment. I took mine apart for an optic mod I am working on and it is still in pieces. I only have a GT and GT4 working right now and those are not fair comparisons for this really.

I will try to get a pic of the reflector and LED today.

[RobertB]

@Texas_Ace

I was going to try to get some comparison shots with a GT90 last night but I realized, I actually don’t have a working GT90 at the moment. I took mine apart for an optic mod I am working on and it is still in pieces. I only have a GT and GT4 working right now and those are not fair comparisons for this really.

I will try to get a pic of the reflector and LED today.

Personally, I don’t care about GT90 comparison beam shots, but would like to see some on it’s own merits. The GT was too big and unwieldy for my purposes, so I sold it. This one may work better

[zoulas]

I agree, the proportions are better on this one.

[Texas_Ace]

Here are some pictures of the reflector and LED:

[zoulas]

The manufacturing pictures are very impressive.

I cant imagine they make S2+’s like that and sell them for ten bucks?