FastTech SolarStorm SC01/02/03 lights

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…

Here’s another photo:

Got a pair of nw sc01's from banggod and they're an ok light for the money .hard to expect too much out of a 14$ light neutral tint is not bad . The ramping on these lights is pretty worthless .Should have bought a sc03 instead of two AA/14500 lights .. They are small and fairly bright . Not bad /

Good Day Boaz, :slight_smile:
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Could You Please tell me whether the NW SC01 flashlights You received from Banggood are XML or XML-2?
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Thank You Very Much,
Roberta 0:)

I bought an SC02 and an SC03 in CW a couple weeks ago. Couldn’t be happier with the SC03, and the SC02 isn’t a disappointment. I love the forward mounted switch.

In fact, I just placed an order for one more of each. They should make for decent hiking lights, especially the SC03.

Mine from banggood were XM-L2 (some were getting XM-L)

I want to get the sc01 in the neutral white, but it sounds like they only have it in the XM-L. What would be the downside of getting this light in an XM-L instead of the advertised XM-L2? Is it really that big of a difference? (sorry, i’m new to the flashlight scene) Or would I be better off getting the sc01 in cool white in order to get an xm-l2? It sounds like neutral white may be more useful, but I understand that’s all personal preference. Thanks!

Some shops offer XM-L2 NW also.
Not only Banggood, others too.
Prices vary.

I think you bought them before the hype, before the backordered batch.