Another affordable (sorta) SST-50 light. If the Luminus LEDs aren't driven hard (and get hot as a result), you'd be better off with a good MC-E or P7 light. This one claims 5 amps on high which is driving it hard indeed. I doubt that the cheap-looking 18650s and charger that come with it are actually up to the job. It'd be nice if you could actually buy any of these - I await reviews to prove to me that these lights actually exist. A lot of the higher end DX stuff seems to be made of unobtainium.
I've been using one of these babies (identical to Yezl Y5 SS-50) for around 6 months now without any problems. Yes — it does get hot, but you can still hold it okay with bare hands. Although having said that, I'd never use it on high for more than 5 minutes or so anyway. Due to its pronounced fins, its heat dissipation abilities are very effective.
For the price, its quality and output are excellent. It's got a dull grey anodised finish (which they describe as 'titanium' LOL) and the machining is pretty good overall except for the internal threads which are a bit rough. It throws to around 250 metres, and has a nice even spill, with no doughnut hole or rings.
It also has a nice (for me) "club" like feel as it's very front heavy. For that reason I can't see it working well in a weapon mount (as Yezl show on their video).
My main issue is the mode switch. For me — around the house and yard — the SOS is a total waste, and the strobe almost a total waste. The worst feature of all is that you must cycle through all modes whenever you want to change them. This is of course exacerbated by the unwarranted SOS and strobe modes. An interesting issue is that you can't see in any way exactly what mode you're in until after you release the clicky — as it's a reverse clicky.
There's obviously no momentary 'on' either, and its 'low' mode should've been much lower to avoid loss of night vision. If I'd realised exactly how its modes worked (my bad!) it probably would've been a deal breaker for me. Utilising the 'cigar grip' is very uncomfortable too (because it's so front heavy) and is really impractical.
One of the major issues with buying torches downunder (flashlights LOL) is that we simply can't get quality units at any price in local stores. I've had to buy mine online from the very few Aussie distributors. Our so-called electronics stores are a joke as far as torches go. They truly think a plastic 2xAA Eveready with 9 el-cheapo LEDs is a real beauty!
Anyway... for AUS$89 this was a very good buy, despite its switching shortcomings.
I'm using the dreaded "grey" Ultrafire 18650s — also without any problems. I'm also using a different charger than the one at DE. Mine's a 5.2V 300mA unit which I bought separately as we get a very stripped-down package downunder — no cells or charger, no spare O-rings, no lanyard or pouch — not even a minimal instruction pamphlet showing its specs!
A pity; it's a rather handsome light I think. I'm looking for the right SST-50 light and apparently, this is not the one. That UI would drive me up the wall.
The main issue (which could be serious in an emergency) is not being able to either choose a mode with any logic and to know exactly which mode you're gonna be in when you do. It has a last-mode memory, but how — without any markings — does the user remember what mode it was last used in?
I'm wondering if there's a relatively easy (read 'noob' LOL) mod to alter either the entire clicky, or modify the current one — with just a soldering iron, screwdriver and multimeter?
I'd also be interested in knowing who actually manufactures these 2 identical flashlights, and why they're marketed under different names. Is one a clone of the other, or is one a unit that fails its QA testing and gets sold more cheaply as the other branding?
TrustFire SST-50 and the Yezl Y5 SS-50
And could this particular manufacturer (or someone similar) be likely to produce other flashlights as well, and maybe have them end up branded as... shock, horror, Fenix or Surefire or EagleTac?
In other words, how do any of us truly know from which manufacturer our flashlights originate from? Apart from the claims on their web sites. Hmmm...
consider an XM-L thrower torch. There are many budget options that many here will be able to recommend you towards, but Although not a budget light, given that you already spent 90 AUD on the sst-50 and want a good UI, have a look anyway at the TK41, and the TK60.
THese are throwy options but IMPORTANTLY with a 2 button UI - one for power, one for more changing (basically), and the mode change button only has to cycle through 4 brightness modes, but if you want theres a hidden strobe and sos functionality. The low is also truly low enough at 10 lumens to give a week or two of battery life. Although its not moonlight, its Very usable for a 'large' torch.
Only problem/advantage? is that your using 8x AA or 4xD cells respectively. They work out to be $120 USD, or just a couple dollars less in AUD shipped from HKequipment. (have to check shipping costs from other US retailers, potentially cheaper?)
BTW are you west coast or east coast. Im on the side where we see sunsets on the beach
Actually, for a punch more you can get the XTAR TZ-50. Sports the SST-50. Apparently draws 2,5A but unsure if with 1 18700 or with 2. Claimed lumens are 631 OTF. Perhaps it is not driven hard since a SST-50 can do much better at 5A. The host is rather nice looking but i think it is excessively light to be able to sustain a hard driven SST-50.
Hmm.. i tought this one was a tiny bit cheaper... I handled it quite a while ago and i loved the 1x 18700 setup (without extension). Pretty impressive untill XM-L's became mainstream. Notice: It's multimode with a forward clicky!
The MG X-Thrower. I really like the light. Solid feeling build, and it's a 3-mode light that comes with a forward clicky installed (in mine anyway) and a reverse clicky backup switch. It only drives it at 2.8A on high though. Even at 2.8A it far out performs my Ak-p7 2 mode light. Also, it's under $60USD now :)
TrustFire X7 SST-50 LED 1300-Lumen 5-Mode LED Flashlight w/ shoulder Strap (3*18650) at manfont ($91.80) or at lightmalls($88.80) or at buyincoins($85.47)will be a better bet.
I sort of like the look of that, though I'd have to take a grinder to the spikes quickly. Actually the idea of it appeals more - with an SST-90 it'd be more interesting. 3 18650s in parallel ought to be quite enough to drive an SST-90 very hard and the design looks like it ought to sink a lot of heat easily enough.