Review: Cyclone C88 from Int'l Outdoor Store

This looks like an interesting flashlight, especially considering the price, and I would buy one if it hadn’t been for the recent issues some have had with it. I would like to stick with AA’s, so I would be interested in what is the estimated output in lumens on high with 3 Eneloops compared to that obtained by using the lithium battery, which I assume is used to get the 910 lumens output.

You and me both bro

You and me both bro

It appears only slightly dimmer than with lithium’s. I get 1.85 amps on fresh Enloops and 2.81 amps with King Kongs.

Thanks for the info tex. :slight_smile:

Would 3 LiFepo4 14500s (3.2v ea) be too much?

You could rebuild the battery carrier to run parallel. 9.6v will be too much for this circuit board.

It’s the AA carrier that is responsible for the reduced performance on NiMH. Too much resistance. But you can fix it up. Spend a couple of bucks on some better contact springs, solder them on, and you’ll have your Eneloops delivering the full 2.8 amps.

Thanks for this info, Tex.

Thanks, cainn, that’s good to know, meaning that this component is easy to upgrade. Would be nice to find a finished one of higher quality. Alibaba and diytrade seem to have several, but sell only in larger quantities.

Nice! Thanks for the tip.

I've come to the conclusion that at the $45 price tag of this Cyclone (+ $5 holster cost) the Jetbeam PA40 is a better buy for a few bucks more if you're not looking for max output. I don't own either, but researched for my co-workers use where they need significant output with good runtime, dependable, able to run on common cells (even alkalines in a pinch), and available in neutral white.

-Garry

You could always pick up a couple of these as well. I hate the white carrier. Black is sexier. Plus once you have a spare or two, you tend to become a little more deliciously reckless with your modding efforts :stuck_out_tongue:

If you read the description they say theres are only good for up to 1 amp.

I was just suggesting that ordering spares can be helpful for when you want to mod a carrier for high current use.

But you pick a few up and are cheap enough not to worry about messing them up and not having one that still works.

-Garry

Why is the pa40 better? Dependability?

Well remember I don't own either light, but I believe it's a better build quality, can depend on it right out of the package (no issue with 3AA holder adding resistance), good modes, good runtime, a good respected brand name (probably warranty too). It's just not driven to the max.

-Garry

That PA40 looks like it’s very functional, and probably better quality… but it sure is ugly! Blech. Gimme the Cyclone!

Makes sense. I figured that was what you meant.

The Fenix LD41 looks even better, but its a bit pricey.

Theres also Fenix E40 if you want something cheaper but still with some throw :wink:

Oh yeah LD40 and jetbeam PA40 are very similar. Both are good.

I really like the flat-ended tailstanding body of the LD41. Xml doesn’t hurt either. :slight_smile: I know this may seem like a trivial detail, but I try to only buy standers. Much more versatile. That’s just me.

I don’t think it’s a trivial detail at all. I much prefer lights that tailstand myself, as they have additional utility.