I would also love to have a variable output like the UF-H2, together with most of Budgeteer's great suggestions. However, I'm not sure if infinitely variable output would be available for a reasonable price. The good news is that the coating and the build quality of this light should be quite good.
Let's keep in mind that we might alienate a lot of potential buyers if we offer a light that only runs on 14500. I also suspect that we might alienate a lot of buyers and create an RMA headache for Manafont if it can't handle 14500. I would strongly recommend a hybrid AA/14500 driver. The BLF AA-Y4E supported both, and it was extremely bright with both AA and 14500. But nevertheless, this is your light. Keep the requests coming please!
LED - XP-G R5 or TIR XM-L. Preferably good throw and some spill.
Mode arrangement - I like very much the UI and electronic driver/switch that zebralight is currently using. For example output 2,5/0,2 ; 8/30 and 140/max Lm.
Mode memory - no
NiMH and 14500 support - primarly alkaline/NiMH AA but should support 14500 also.
LED tint - neutral, cool
What about pocket clip or non-black colour like olive?
LED type: XPG / XML, the higher the bin the better
Mode arrangement: Not sure about exact lumens, but should be 4-mode, moonlight->low->med->high, with high in the vicinity of 200 lumens and moonlight under 3.
Mode memory: Yes, after 1-3 seconds of on time
NiMH and 14500 support: Both, with good support for NiMH
LED tint: Neutral white
Runtime: More than 24 hours on moonlight, more than 1 hour on high
Special features: tailstand, not rolling easily (pocket clip?), flood-to-throw (it's just too useful, especially when batteries are low), maybe also extension tubes for 2 or 3 AA batteries (and an appropriate driver, of course...)?
I would also love to see a 1xAAA version with similar specifications (smaller LED, shorter runtime, of course).
I understand that some people don't want to bother with Li-Ion batteries but for me, personally, AA-only is a dealbreaker. I own way too many AA lights and I've already phased out most of my AA NiMHs. I do on the other hand have plenty of 14500s lying around and in terms of bang-for-the-buck, they just beat NiMH for what I'm using them for.
The baser Farka is a nice light - my vote would be for a ramping driver - the UF-H2 driver would be fine though it would be nice if it ramped more slowly and flashed at both ends. I'd like an XM-L - drawing a maximum of 1.5-1.8A on high from a 14500 - decent NiMHs should be good to 8-9A though obviously this means a short runtime on high (10-15 minutes for an Eneloop)
I'm not fond of 2AA or 3AA designs, so extension tubes are not an issue for me.
I would also like a pocket clip, but I'm not sure how much that would raise the price. I imagine that modifying the basic structure of the flashlight would be the most costly. Unless it was a sort of slide-over sleeve clip, or an Akoray K-106 style clip that is anchored between the tailcap and the midsection.
$20-30 for a XP-G R5. $35 in case the body is very good made (true HAIII) + good coated lens.
2. LED type
R5 with SMO reflector. R5 is floody, so if you put OP reflector, it will be more floodier. I think SMO will conserve throw a little better. But SMO only if the beam pattern is without rings (I remember Don's review of UF U20, with R5 and SMO. As far I remember, he reported very ringy beam profile)
3. Mode arrangement (quantity, order, and approximate lumen output for each mode)
L-M-H or M-L-H. or only one with variable output. No party modes. Will be great to have turbo mode also, at 1,3 or 1,4 A (for a brief use only)
With memory function arrangement isn't important.
4. Mode memory?
Preferable yes
5. NiMH and 14500 support
Both
6. LED tint
Whitest possible with good color reproduction.
Other thoughts:
- some drivers that works with both AA and 14500, modes can be differently spaced when use AA or 14500. Xeno E03 for example: with AA, modes are well spaced, but with 14500 M and H are almost the same, and no L. In this case, one mode with infinite adjustment will be the solution (ITP C7 and other for example), so tactical version is a must for me in this case, I mean momentary on.
- size: no preference, but will not mind a bigger one if the beam will have better patter or better throw
- would be great if it can tailstands
- really want a good coated body. Would not mind paying a few bucks more.
Heck, count me in. I wanna be in the custom light club. LOL
Honestly, I don't know enough about the specs to voice an opinion. I have faith in what others suggest. If it's going to be 14500, I'd like to know so I can combine that with my order that I'm about to place. I have 0 batteries in stock and 5 new lights on the way.
On second thought, can I vote yes AND get one of Match's XM-L?
ok, im gonna go out on a limb, but we already have a aa/14500 BLF flashlight. i think its time for a diff base battery flashlight.
a small 18650 light should be next. something along the lines of the Olight T20 but able to fit an 18650. that flashlight is still one of my fav (xpg R5 version)
twist the head to change modes, forward tactical, HAIII finish. but it doesnt take 18650!
so thats where our manafont relationship should come in. a nice version of that thats cheaper! (well i got mine for 30 lol)
If you have any lights that are known to accept a 14500 (and not all that can, are advertised as such but it's best to rely on the experience of others before embarking on a journey of a thousand and one angry, blue LEDs ;)), I'd highly recommend you order a couple just to play around with. They're relatively cheap - I order mine from DX because they're known to sell the real thing and the TF 14500s (sku.26124 -- how weird is it, that I didn't even have to look that up? ) are one of the items that they actively try to keep in stock. There are some well-regulated lights that won't really benefit from a 14500 in terms of brightness but since most budget lights aren't, you might very well be impressed. The C78 on 14500s is one of my favorites.
