Ive been using mine every night for about the past 2 weeks and find it very practical under a wide range of conditions. Running QB26800 cells, its very impressive for a single emitter light of its size, maintains turbo without stepping down for several minutes (till it become nearly too hot to hold) and throws a usable even blanket of light a reasonably long distance. If anyone is still on the fence, get one and never look back.
The next logical step for Mateminco would be a SFN55.2 version of their MT01 to round out the collection. Maybe you could ask them to consider it and put together another group buy for us.
I’ll second that. That MT01 size, 26800 cell and the SFN55.2 LED would be a really flexible large pocket light. That driver would let me go from sub lumen up to 6200. Should have better throw than the quads in this size.
I am considering buying a blue w SS bezel from Neal. He also sells 26800 tubes designed for the MT04. I wonder if they will LEGO fit.... Can anyone tell me how/where they sourced the 26800 tubes using with the MT70mini?
I am really excited about using the QB26800 6900mAH cells with this setup. Can anyone recommend a source for these cells within or close proximate to the US? How about the 26890 available cells?
CHEERS TOM! Thanks for the recommendation! That's a third of the price of the 26650 5500mAH 30A Shockli cells I would have used AND here in CA!
Now, can anyone give me any insight as to where to source a 26800 battery tube for the MT70MINI? Can I use the extension tube designed for the MT04 that Nealsgadgets.com carries?
Nope, see above - you might have missed it. Keep in mind Astrolux (most) are made by Mateminco, so many flashlight models are the same, just different model #'s/names. I got lights under both brands and everything is identical, swappable, etc. Unless the SFN55.2 version has some basic differences in the hosts, that's why I can't guarantee FT03 parts will work.
Unfortunately the SIX WEEK delay in shipping is an absolute deal breaker for me with AliExpress for an $8 tube...
Nealsgadgets.com carries these Mateminco brand 26800 tubes (in 3 colors: the blue I want!) for the same price and 34.5mm OD. I do a lot of business with them and their shipping from China is quite expedient and reliable. They are listed as being for the Mateminco MT04 but I'm really hoping for some flashlight LEGO magic to be possible.
The handle knurling pattern on these tubes is identical between the FT03s and MT70 mini. It seems the proper way.
The MT04 tubes at Neal's have a radically different pattern of handle knurling yet appear thread compatible. Tom, are you certain these WONT WORK, other than the aesthetics?
I think I'll take a chance on the BG FT03s tube...