26650 for 18650?

Always give us product links Smile. Someone could probably help you out before ordering parts/cells, etc. I just got in a cheap 26650 zoomie, if that's what you are itnerested in. Another nice, cheap light was the F13 clone that we just had a group buy on (https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/26433).

I appreciate the link. That may be the way I go. I didn’t read the entire thread, I’m assuming the folks here that bought one were happy with the light?

As a means of comparison, how does this look as an option; TrustFire A8 CREE XML XM-L T6 LED Flashlight 5-Modes 1600LM Torch Light 26650 US

Better/worse/same as the F13 clone linked in the quote?

Also, I’m I correct that an XML T6 is 1000 lumen max so the 1600 is just advertising hype?

Also, if anyone knows, what is the approx. run time on a light like linked above (F13 or A8) assuming a TF 5000mah 26650 (that may actually be more like 4000mah). Rough estimate to put me in the ballpark is fine as I’m just curious. And thank you.

The TF A8 is a nice light - I got one too. We had a group buy at that a while back, called the BLF A8. I prefer the F13 style though - little smaller, better output, though the A8 is maybe a little better quality, but who knows now - quality tends to drop from production batch to batch, and I've seen some low quality A8 clones.

No - the XML T6 does not max out at 1,000 lumens. 1,600 or so may actually be theoretical max, but no way, no how in budget lights will you get that output. 1,600 lumens is "chinese lumens" -- a total joke. I'g guess on the A8, you will get 450-600 lumens or so.

Runtime will be based on the amps drawn from the cell. So, if it draws 2A steady on hi mode, roughly it will last 2 hours at 4000 mAh. I'm thinking the A8 might be in the 2A range, maybe 1.6A, maybe 2.5A at most. So again on hi mode, you should see 1.5 hrs to 3 hrs at most. Much longer on lower modes of course. because of drawing lower amt of amps.

Another question, I see TF A8’s in the $20 range +/- and also in the $50 range. Is there a difference in the actual product?

$50 range? Maybe includes a charger and 1-2 batteries?

Ok Here for $55: ebay-Trustfire-TF-A8-Rechargeable-Flashlight-Set, the key thing is "set". Read carefully and it says charger, holster, protected battery.

Just got my 3rd F13 in today from the group buy - love these things. A8 disappoints because of a small SMO reflector and the SS bezel interferes with light output.

I think the numbers really supported the nicer KK cells over the KP5200’s. KP5200’s sagged a little worse IIRC.

FWIW on the topic of the Trustfire 26650’s… toysareforboys recently had a bad experience w/ his TF cells (#17). Couple that with leaftye’s discharge graph of a two year old cell and they look like an “avoid” cell to me…

HKJ tested the Keeppowers and they scored over 5000mAh at 5A. That’s more than enough in a stock flashlight. There’s also IMR version that keeps higher voltage but at 5A and more.

I wouldn't look at my discharge graph that way. Look at it more like an example of what might happened if you store them fully charged the entire time. I'll do more tests when I get a chance.

The KK 26700 is 5000 mAh labeled, tested at 5300 mAh on my Opus charger, and fits in F13's and the Yezl Y3. Seems to have the same power and low resistance of a KK 4000 in tests I did in real DD lights.

Sorry, I must have been thinking of another cell. The KP cell does look OK to me, although not really much superior to the KK if at all. Lower voltage under load and slightly more mAh at the (generally unregulated) tail end. YMMV I suppose, depending on the goal the KP seems like a fine option.

Okay, I’m learning quite a bit in this thread, many thanks.

I’m liking the looks of the F13 and A8 linked above. Hard to know what separates a good (inexpensive) light from a cheap (garbage) light. For example, surfing Ebay this morning and saw this;

2000lm CREE XM-L T6 LED 18650/26650 Flashlight Focus Torch Light Aluminium alloy

Okay, I understand the 2K lumen thing is advertisement. But is this an inexpensive light or a cheap light? Or is there really anyway to tell? I understand the clones are a dime-a-dozen. How would it compare with either the F13 or A8 linked above. Is the F13 twice as good (since it’s twice the price at a whopping $14 and/ore is the A8 three times as good since it’s like $4 more than the F13)? Does anyone have one of these Ebay lights and if so, how is it?

Your thoughts?

And how does this look?

CREE XM-L T6 2000 lumens LED lanterns Support Zoom Function Flashlight 26650 x2 / 18650x2

With using 2x26650 or 2x18650, what would you expect the lumens to really be?

Thanks for your input :slight_smile:

I have an A8 clone from eBay. I was totally underwhelmed with the overall quality, fit and finish, etc. Besides fit and finish issues, I had contact issues with the tail switch assembly that were a pain to fix. I replaced the driver and maybe put the LED on a Noctigon, I don’t remember - the result wasn’t impressive.

The F13 from GB isn’t a bad light, but out of the box it’s not very impressive either. I replaced the driver and installed an XM-L2 on a Noctigon and used a thin centering ring. I ended up with a huge spot, I think I may warm up to it. Other people seem to like it.

I don’t have one, but for superior fit/finish/build-quality, maybe consider the Supfire L6? Supfire L6 Update Version LED Cree XM-L2 1100 Lumens 1*26650 or 1*18650 Battery from DHgate Farfar_ledtorch

I’d stay away from those eBay lights if you’re looking for quality or a sure thing. Stick with a trusted or semi-trusted dealer and a model that’s known to deliver consistent results. There’s little to nothing you’ll be able to key off of in an eBay listing to “detect” quality.

After putting some thought into it and looking at all the links and such, I decided to get my feet wet on the 26650 with a Trustfire A8. Coming from California. $18.03 with free shipping.

Trustfire A8

Trustfire A8 arrived today. Initial impression is that I’m very impressed. Seems like a well made light. I’ll try it out tonight.

Tried it out in the backyard and it lit up the night. However I have discovered a serious flaw in my future operation of this light…my wife saw it and now wants it! :bigsmile:

Well, if that means you are now ready for the next light…(flashoholic disease is very contagious) :wink: The one you listed back there is probably the best zoomie cheapie that takes 26650/18650/3xAAA. But, its relatively big and heavy compared to what you bought (this will probably mean the wife wont confiscate it though). I like mine, and someone who I hike with liked mine so much they bought it off me and dont want to buy another light since. But, I do prefer more expensive lights myself of course…

If you do order it, be aware that ebay sellers may substitute a very similar looking one with a slightly reduced diameter tube that does not take 26650s (this happened to me). If so, just complain and most will refund/refund half/send you the light they should have in the first place and get both for that price.

Now that I know that a 26650 can take the 18650 and 3xAAA, it will be the only thing I probably order from now on (other than a 14500/AA light). I like to have multiple options for a single light if possible, from an emergency preparedness point of view it just makes sense.

Well, as I mentioned a couple of months ago, my wife took my Trustfire A8 :_(

So I decided to order one for myself :slight_smile:

As I mentioned above, from a preparedness perspective I like a flashlight that offers multiple battery options. This is likely to become my primary ‘in the deep woods’ light. Up until now I’ve been using an XML T6 light that I purchased a couple of years ago on Ebay that uses 18650/3XAAA. It has been an exceptional light that has gone with me on many night hikes. But I think I may pass this to my son and use the A8. We are planning on another SEP gathering (deep woods camping trip with a local group) in the later part of November. I should have the A8 by then so that is when I will plan on field testing it.

As of right now I’ll use the 26650 as the primary battery with both an 18650 w/sleeve and a 3XAAA holder as my back up. I just ordered two more genuine Sanyo 18650’s (recommended here on BLF) to add to the two I’ve already obtained (they seem to be working very well). Later I’ll begin getting additional 26650 batteries.