I vote option 2. If the only sacrifice is a small increase in length, AA compatibility makes a ton of sense to me.
A charging port is not necessary, but I for one love integrated charging, even if it only works for the 14500. If you could use some of the added length to add a USB-C port and charging circuit as well, I’d love it. If you would have to increase the length further, then to me it’s not worth it at that point. The light would become too large.
I would rather see Anduril 2 and Aux LED instead of a simple UI.
I would buy this as it is now and hope to see AA compatibility in a future version.
I do not believe onboard charging is necessary.
Thanks for accepting opinions!
I would vote for #2 with NiMH compatibility.
I don’t think a charging port is necessary - especially if the light can be shorter without it.
An AA light that runs Anduril, with aux LEDs and is compatible with NiMH would be unique in the market.
Is it feasible to sell both 14500 only and 14500/AA versions?
AA support is very important to me. Option 2.
If you manage to get a charging port and that supports both chemistries and keep the size relatively small than go right ahead. This would be a unique feature that’s great for gift lights.
Can the clip become deep carry?
Option 3 would put the WK10 in a class with only one true competitor…the FWAA. However, with the SP10 Pro sorta-kinda released and the complete redesign along with the extended length necessary to add AA support, the WK10 would be placed in direct competition with the SP10 Pro.
Please don’t mistake what I’m saying…I’m still a buyer of either version. However, Option 3 puts the WK10 in my pocket every/every other day, alternating with my FWAA. Option 2 puts the WK10 in my backpack, along with my SP10 V3, where it will get occasional use.
3. I also vote to keep the existing compact design, use Anduril 2 and aux lights, but only work with 14500. Small triples like this make great pocket rockets … but not with AA. I don’t see internal charging being necessary.
Some additional suggestions:
This looks so much like the FW3A and FWAA lights that “we” designed here and Lumintop made. Is it the same design using a center tube to carry the tail switch signal to the driver or did you come up with something better?
I would love a 14500 with aux lights. Sign me up for Option 3.
I would like to see a better clip, though (captive! held by a ring between tail cap and body…it’s the best), and a finish/surface with a little grip. The way Hank does his KR4 bodies is quite nice but some sort of reeding or knurling would be better than a smooth matte surface.
Many people would probably like the same version in a single emitter, too, for a little more distance than what small triples with optics usually give.
I would vote no usb charging - to keep it simple and easier to repair or modify, reduce costs, and not add any length or bulk to the flashlight.
I vote #2 because I love AA compatible lights. #3 is next choice. No charging needed.
I like the compact design, it’s really small. If that means no AA compatibility, then so be it. There are other options for that in the Sofirn lineup (e.g. SP10) and this small size makes it stand out. Also vote against onboard charging.
Anduril 2 is nice (ramping) to have. But would it require a different microcontroller or is the one in the prototype already suitable for it? Aux LEDs is nice, but a bonus imho.
Is it possible to have a basic version and pro version at the same time? In any case, a pricetag of 16 USD for the basic version is hard to beat. That’s a guaranteed buy for me (with or without Anduril). Ideal as gifts as well.
Long story short, option 3.
Edit:
Is some texturing possible? It looks indeed very slippery (as Boaz points out in the next post)
If it is a combination drive, it will affect the performance of the 14500
Option 5!
I don’t see any purpose of the thinner middle of the tube.
The triple head requires a certain diameter anyway, so this light could be much better with a tube for 18500 cells, which would double the capacity of a 14500 and/or allow more current (whatever you prefer).
#2
3 … and I agree it needs a CAPTIVE, one-way, deep carry clip.
The value Wurkkos places on customer input is greatly appreciated. Thanks for reaching out.
Vote: #3. Keep this existing compact design use anduril 2.0 and aux lights but only work with 14500
I don’t want to sacrifice anything in the name of an AA that I have phased out of my flashlights.
This is what I was afraid of. I knew the SP10 Pro’s output was effected by the multi-chemistry Andúril driver and thought it could (and hoped it wouldn’t) be the case for the WK10 as well. I said if the additional of length is the only sacrifice to add AA compatibility, then I see no reason not to. But this type of light should be designed for maximum performance, and I am not willing to sacrifice performance for AA compatibility. For that reason, I change my vote to #3.
Also, a deep carry clip is a must. Single-direction is preferable but deep carry is almost a deal breaker for me. A light this small should be able to be carried fully within the pocket.
Already very floody. Needs full 14500 output to be useful past ten feet. I vote #3
I vote option 3, with RGB aux LED’s, and no charging needed. Keep it as compact as possible because that is the point of using a small cell like a 14500.
Please use a better clip too like TIFisher said: captured (screw-on like Zebraligiht, or ring-style like Noctigon KR4) and deep carry that goes all the way flush with the tailcap.
I don’t care if it’s bidirectional or unidirectional, but make sure it has a wide enough opening at the front to slip over pocket material.
The clip in the prototype appears to be the same as SC21, and that clip is far too stiff, does not have an opening at the front, and is nowhere near deep carry.
I like the tapered in body tube, like Noctigon KR1/KR4. It allows a comfortable place to hold the light when using a cigar grip.
Thank you for taking community feedback on this design! That is rare and we appreciate it a lot! You guys are making awesome lights and we appreciate your hard work.
#1. No to the version with no AA compatible, and no built in charging, and No Anduril.
#2. Yes to AA Compatible. No onboard charging if AA compatible.
#3. Yes Anduril UI
#4. Yes onboard charging if 14500 only. No Single color Aux lights.
If there are Aux lights, they should be user selectable color.
No press fit clip, yes fully captive ring clip.
No dual function S clip.
Yes body can be flipped so captive single direction clip allows use on a hat.
This is an excellent clip design, that can be flipped:
.
note the clip only rests on the body… the clip does not need to be removed when changing to hat mode, just flip the whole body, leaving the clip installed.
14500 with aux LEDs and anduril 2. Really tough to beat anduril 2. I almost don't wanna buy any lights without it. Charging port is not a must nor is AA compatibility. Compact size, Anduril 2 UI, and aux LEDs would have me buying a couple.
With it being a triple please keep it 14500.
If this was a single reflector, I’d say make it dual compatibility with USB, but please remember however you make it there will always be complaints and haters