I really like this drop-in

It just makes more sense to me in terms of runtime, I just ordered 2 more.

-XP-G, R5 320 Lumens. Yeah, maybe.....

-Tight hotspot with the smooth reflector, pretty throwy.

-Runs on .8 to 4.2A

-Pulls less than 1A on high with a CR123

-$13 from Solarforce-Sales

-3 modes, no ^%$# blinkies

-IT'S LABELED with voltage, modes, etc

If I didnt have so many XP-G R5 drop ins already ... I would buy one ...

Yep, we do think alike, that's about my favorite drop in. I have one more on the way...I think it offers a great combination of brightness, throw/spill, efficiency. I'm sure I'll end up with more...I've been tempted by the manafont R5 for a few bucks less, but the 5 mode format kills it for me.

Yes, it is almost emotionally relieving to not have to think about "powering through" the 2 useless and sometimes embarassing blinky modes when you want to get from Medium back to High.

I'm using it in my CR123 powered mini-P60, so that was measured with a 3v and also a 3.7v rechargeable.

Be-Seen, I just checked it with an 18650 and it pulls 1.4A with that battery (Hi-Max 2600)

I like it in my L2R body, great throw for R5, also check out those new OP reflector for XP-G drop-in available, they give nice smooth beam pattern in OP setting.

The SMO reflector has a tight hotspot but also slightly doughnut effect there, hotspot edge seems brighter than the center.

It's my favourite drop-in for my daily duty, mostly the OP I used :D

i just brought one too :D

I have one coming, glad to hear its good item. Gonna gift it along with L2r. After I discovered the world of Atmel re-programming, theres no coming back for me to ready-made dropins. I just love the lower than moonlight of 4sevens low too much…

Ive had one of these but dont know where I went wrong. It only works on lithium ions. On 2 alkaline AAs its dim even on the highest setting. Low is like a moonlight mode. On 2 NiMhs its even lower. There is practically no low mode. You can barely tell the emitter is even being powered.

Anyone know what might be the problem? I never loaded more than 4.2 volts into it (ie: two CR123s) so I have no clue why its doing this.

Two cr123s would be 6V

So I had this 5 mode XM-L drop in that I got from DX in a 504B that I was not using because of the stupid flashy modes plus it only pulls 1.4 amps on high. It had a NANJG 101-AK driver and I found a post showing how to convert it to 3 mode with no flashy BS. So I did the conversion and put it in one of my 501A mini P60 hosts. Results decent high not quite as bright as the Manafont drop in but I got a much lower low and a decent medium not to mention a huge improvement in run time.

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/cree-xml-t6-5-mode-6700k-450-lumen-smooth-aluminum-drop-in-module-with-textured-reflector-55026

If you look at the picture on the chip on the bottom right you add a blob of solder to the bottom two right legs and you eliminate the flashy modes and get a nicely spaced three mode driver that is perfect for the 501A.

Agreed. For a ready made drop-in, that solarforce 3 mode xpg is one of my favorites.

yes i know. i was giving an example of skmething i did not do

As Langcjl pointed out 2 x CR123's would be 6v, if the driver really isn't rated that high then you've probably killed it.

So when you try to run it on 2 x AA it's probably trying to run it direct drive, 2.4v isn't enough.

Ok I guess I worded it wrong. Let me try again

I did NOT run it higher than 4.2v (ONLY RAN WITH 1 18650, 2 AA alkalines, 2 NIMHS). I than gave an exmpale of somethign I DID NOT do which was put 2 CR123s.

To put it simply, I never ran it higher than the reccomended voltage range so I dont know why it wont run off 2 alkalines or 2 NiMhs

Ok I guess I worded it wrong. Let me try again

I did NOT run it higher than 4.2v (ONLY RAN WITH 1 18650, 2 AA alkalines, 2 NIMHS). I than gave an exmpale of somethign I DID NOT do which was put 2 CR123s.

To put it simply, I never ran it higher than the reccomended voltage range so I dont know why it wont run off 2 alkalines or 2 NiMhs

Have you taken it apart and checked the wiring?

If it has always done that, contact Solarforce and have them replace it.

I got the op version for my L2m. Running a single 880ma 16340 I get about 25 minutes on high before it turns off for a moment. I got some 1200ma 18350's on order. They should fit, right?

Haha...Dsoto87 I understood what you were saying from the beginning but it is funny (and interesting) to see how different people interpret the same thing :)