I likened torchlight buying to a hunt in the woods. Firstly I take stock of what is available and then zero in on the target I am after. Then I will observe its habits and characteristics, before taking down the prey.
Stocking the prey:
I’m liking the direction the BTU is taking.
1st, the U3 mod and the extra lumens, then the AR lens, and later the copper sinkpads + whatever.
Then I wait to pounce:
That will be equivalent to a predetermined price drop that I set.
What’s really good about the BTU now?
Firstly the heft (heat sinking capabilities) - allows for continuous 2000+ lumens without having to step down and without undue overheating. Not many lights can do this. It is my main requirement.
Then the 700m throw and the 3000+ turbo lumens after modding put this into the super torch category.
Putting the lights together - a left, right combination:
Two BTUs - one on each hand - alternating on turbo - when 1 steps down, the other steps up. Minimising the heat issue with 5000+ lumens of light play.
2. BTU and one flood light combo (TM26 / TN30 / S6330 / TK75 / whatever) - this is my way of lighting up the night in one fall sweep.
I am so used to having 2 multi emitters on at one time while ‘woodstalking’ that it has become something to look forward to.
So the hunting game is on and I am stalking some of these lights.
Oh damn…. $120 is so tempting. If it was $100 I would definitely pull the trigger but for $120 I’m on the fence. Going to have to think about this one. I already have a Skyray STL-V2 and a modded 55W HID Thor… but this would be a great balance light in terms of portability and power between them.
Anyone know how does Ric declare the package when he ships it? Does he declare the real value ?
Declared $35 on mine. It came FedEx; no duty, just HST (tax) for me. FedEx charged a $10 brokerage, which I’m calling them on. If they wanted me to pay that, they should not have delivered the package first…
That $10 fee is fucking BS. Its supposed to be free shipping. Screw fedex.
Thats fine… the issue is just what will they charge. I mean if he declares is like $35 as relic says they can’t charge much. If however he puts down $120… then get ready for any deal to be destroyed by border fees.
Send him an email right after ordering. Someone else did that (FlashPilot maybe?) and had their shipping changed to avoid FedEx charges. I’m sure you can check the value he declares as well.
I talked to Ric and he said that if you use registered mail there won’t be any extra charges but it will take longer than FedEx which is fine with me.
I sent him my money about 6 hours ago but he still hasn’t responded (when before he was responding within 20 mins to every email I sent). Getting a bit nervous.
the, I am using your line of thinking to try and swing my first BTU, you are working/thinking on a third?! Sweet!
Do you mind if I show my wife your post? This way I can come off as a model of moderation…?! After missing out on the coupon deal, I bought a BS Terminator which I am quite taken with…but still the BTU is lurking large on my ‘need’ radar…
By, the way, the light painting, do more, please! There is a small valley in CA, that would look very nice w some of your efforts at night. And you wouldn’t have to worry about sneaking around after hours either. There would be a few climbers and bears you’d have to be careful to step over, though.
Hey guys, Ric is trustworthy right? Hes not going to take my money and run is he? He told me to send the money to the paypal account hkrs0512@gmail.com yesterday. I hope he will contact me today because before I sent him the payment he was responding to my emails quite fast.
You think paypal will? Because I didn’t officially buy through his store… but I did select that I’m paying for goods and wrote the goods in the comment. Also I have the emails he sent me about the transaction.
I think we will know tonight EST since its still the middle of the night/early morning in China.
I sent one this morning or last night, I forget. Emailing Ric has been hit-or-miss for me so far. Sometimes I get a response the next day, sometimes not at all. Based on everyone else’s reports of great service, that surprised me.
I got my BTU today it came FedEx even though I asked him to send it through regular mail and he agreed. He even tossed in a free DRY driver because shipping was cheaper with regular mail. Oh well if FedEx tries to send me a bill I will tell them to send it to Ric. I didn’t contract with them in any way at all.
I will say that it’s a heck of a light. It is HEAVY. I can absolutely see using the lanyard as a handle if I’m walking a long way. I got the CW with the U2’s for $120. I talked him into a $20 store credit. I bought a Black XIAOZHI NW and a 16340 TF flame for the $20 credit plus the free Dry driver and 3-5 day shipping. So really the BTU was only $95 with free expedited shipping.
I am 100% satisfied.
Ps. I also paid with the paypal e-mail and had no problems.
