For review , a clone Solarforce L2 + 18650 extension from Lightake.com and a Ramping P60 drop in from DX
Lets start with the host body . I found the body to be very well made , literally comparable to a Solarforce L2 . The fit and finish was excellent , and when swapping parts with a real Solarforce , the fit was just as good . I have nothing negative to say about the body , the only thing not really great was the 18650 extension tube , it was machines a little generously and whilst not bad , it was just a little generous until tightened down . The machining on the main body was spot on , and whilst the threads were bone dry , they were also very well machined . I would rate the main body 10 out of 10 , and the extension about 7 out of 10 . Now I have a few 18650 extensions , so I just swapped them around so that I ended up with what I wanted .
DX ramping P60 drop in . After getting my first one , I really wanted another one , I really like these . Click to turn on and half click till it ramps . It always starts from low , and with some care you can get it really low [ more later ] . Lets check out some performance .
3.6v to 8.4v input .
1x18650 Current draw = 0.76A / 248L
2x18650 Current draw = 0.49A / 248L
4xAA Alkaline Current draw = 0.65A / 246L
Now the lowest I could get the current was 3.64mA for about 2L , now if you had a 2400mAh battery , that would = 659 hours run time .
Now you may see why I like this drop in , its not the brightest , but it is very versatile , easy to use [ ramp ] , and has a good voltage range , and the performance is still good using a single 4.2v Li-ion .
Now the reason I wanted this combination , was so that in a pinch , I could use AA batteries , in fact I was looking at running 4 AA's for about 6v of current input . For this one would need a 18650 host + 2x18650 extensions to get enough internal space to take 4xAA .
Here it is , 4xAA and variable output ..
Talk about versatility , 2xCR123A , 1x18650 , 2x18650 , or 4xAA . Any of these options will offer good well regulated output , and being able to run AA's in a pinch could very well be invaluable . Im very happy with this combination , as well as with the L2 clone itself , the sample I got is excellent , and if there all like this one , anyhow , hopefully this article inspires you the reader to consider some options that are available when venturing from the norm .