FastTech SolarStorm SC01/02/03 lights

Finally got my SC01 and 14500 from Fasttech! Delivered in 13 days!

Both at Highest mode.

UR14500P


AA Ni-MH

This flashlight will be perfect if:

  • it comes with memory mode
  • LOW mode is lower

thanks for the comparisson!

[edit]
….rambledabamble…

Mine is definitely the XM-L2. Is the light you received SolarStorm branded or did they substitute the FandyFire?

It’s SolarStorm branded
(BG sticker says SKU-129255 NW)
(So I’m crying in the wrong topic…)

So what do I do now?
(Cry in the BG topic, I guess…)

Guess you ordered the "Natural White" option? The specs clearly states "XM-L2 T6 3C NW" on the BG product page, so I assume you got options: through BG, and if they don't handle it, then PayPal. You paid for "X" and you got "Y" -- I'd dispute the item received as not what was stated.

For the PWM's -- they look fine to me, but I am clueless with PWM's unless I measured them on a scope. It was stated by others earlier the PWM's were not good, but again, I have no way of telling what's good PWM's and what's bad PWM's -- it all looks the same to me. Only time I even notice PWM's is when I'm working with a drill or a dremel with a light in my headband. The light I use in my headband is 9.4 kHz PWM, but the bit seems to stop spinning on occasion when on medium or low - weird effect but only time I've noticed PWM's.

never mind

I am not bothered by the PWM. It looks the same as my other flashlights…
Does it mean my eyes are getting bad?

I got my sc01 yesterday, the best 14500 light I have so far. Very nice.
The Pwm is not noticeable for me but I confirm it has low frequency.
I used the highest low mode and it is a very nice light.
The size is super small for for a sideswitch light.

I will measure a bit and see if I can tweak the current a bit if I find time.

The pills are press fit. I opened my SC03 by removing bezel/reflector, hammer tapping a 1/2" copper pipe from the battery tube end. Post #24 here: https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/26146. The driver got pushed in slightly -- make sure you using something that makes contact with the edge of the pill.

Thanks I hadn’t seen this thread…

Wanted to try a 16340 light, couldn’t pass up the SC03 at this price.

I got the SC02 last week.

Very nice size and seems solid and well made.

Output is ok, thought it’d be brighter. I have a super budget XM-L U2 18650 light from DX that is brighter.

Beam is rather ringy too on the outer edge.

PWM on position 1 is truly horrific. - for those that claim not to be able to see it, simply wave your finger (or hand) in front of the torch and you’ll see the lovely strobe affect it produces.

The PWM is awful at all outputs on this variable mode. Not saying it’s worse than some other budget offerings, just a shame it’s so bad on a completely new unit.

Lastly while I like the light, the UI has to be one of the worst designed UI’s I’ve come across.

No instance access to High (and the instructions list the mode options reversed!!! ).

But to use the light you HAVE to use both modes regardless. So even if you have position 1 set to it’s lowest you can’t turn the light off without using Turbo. Friggin stupid design, that might as well just turn on in Turbo each time, then let you select a lower output should you want to.

I got my SC02 today, but I think I got a dud. Put in a battery and push the button. It barely lights up. It’s like moonlight mode. Then I press it again and it ramps up brighter to max, but still it’s so dim you could stare right into it. It’s like it’s working, but only about 5% of what it’s capable of. And that’s if it even turns on. Most of the time after screwing on the cap (negative-side) it doesn’t power up. I clean off all the contact points, but no go.

Not sure what’s wrong with it. I just made a ticket with FT.

The light otherwise looks really nice. I like it’s size. I really wanted to try out the dimming feature of this light as I have a Niteye JA10 that has variable brightness, but I was looking for something that has higher output than the JA10.

I made the missus cough up her SC02 long enough to try a protected Panasonic 3400 in it. It’s a tight fit but it does fit and the light works fine.

I just received my NW SC02 from BG. It’s an XM-L and not an XM-L2. What a waste of time. This calls for a PP dispute I think.

@alphazeta:

Thx for that 411

I guess that’s the route I’ll go then.

FYI I wouldn’t have even bought this XML light for $10(probably not even for less)

Gave the SC01 and SC02 away but I actually use the SC03. It’s probably my lightest 16340 light and has a very good output and tint on high. I plan to order an S10 eventually to round out my collection, but the SC03 is probably lighter so it’ll still get some EDC time. It’s not a bad little beater and it’s nice and lightweight in sweats or a hoodie pocket.

Me neither.
And I’m a bit insulted by the ‘solution’…
I might take the PP route, maybe…