BLF 26650 pocket special

I agree with your thoughts. I too prefer a tail cap switch for the same reasons but would be just fine if the mode switching was done with the tail cap as well although I do understand the reason for the side switch. As for the GITD look at rtdelextronics.com, they have GITD rings. I do like the looks of the L6. Hopefully someone with manufacturing abilities will show up.

If you delete the side switch you also lose some of the tail switches functions such as a rapid press or just a few quick taps. I use rapid tapping to signal, like another squad car on the other side of a large parking lot. Also great to signal EMS when you’ve moved away from your car. This would put you in mode selection or hidden mode. Then it’s back through mode selection to go back to where you want it. This would also happen if you got a poor press by accident just trying to turn it on, then it’s back scrolling through mode selection. I want two separate switches for two different functions. I do like the idea of GITD rings and even switch covers. It’s quite handy knowing where you put it. My bedroom is pitch black at night. All I can see is the clock’s LED face and a few glowing tail caps of lights on the book self.

I understand this and do realize you are looking for a tactical light with specific features. I on the other hand am looking for a general use light where a tail cap only switch works just fine. I guess really two separate light builds would be the best in order to meet what we are looking for. I would be ok though with your idea and it would still be useful to me, just not my ideal setup. Either way I hope this moves forward.

As far as the GITD we could possibly get a tritium vial inside the optics, GITD paste under the optics, or maybe a lighted tail switch like piltodog68 came up with.

So I have found the Convoy BD06. I really like the looks of the light and I think with a few tweaks could meet what we are looking for. I really like it’s styling and besides the tail switch, it already has the biggest portion of what we are looking for.

Sounds interesting to me. Sub’d

Yes it does. It’s the size and shape I had in mind. I do want a strictly on/off tail switch still along with a quad XP-G3 led set up. BD06 has the charging ability to keep most people happy to not have to buy an additional piece of equipment/charger. It’s tube is 32.8mm and the Convoy L2/L6 being 35mm but having the desired nearly flush fitting tail cap for easy holstering.

A 40-45mm head, 140-150mm total length, 35mm body, e-switch that doubles as a charging port. A quad XP-G3 S5 on copper with a tight throw TIR optic. Modes set by e switch only;moonlight, low, medium, 3-4 amp high and 8 amp turbo. UI to allow long press for strobe. I dislike quick mode scrolling to cause accidental strobe. The electronics then needs potting or epoxy. Water proofed as much as possible, I’ve worked some really wet shifts where nothing on me was close to dry. The bezel needs some height to better protect the optics and be stainless steel. It still should have the detachable tactical ring and thread protector. It needs some mass like with a thick walled head and heavy body tube to give confidence that this light is the one light you grab when it gets bad. That mass will also help handle turbo’s heat. I have a lot of lights that are toys and only a few that I would consider as tools. I may have to send some emails.

I like the sound of this. Add a tail switch, a tactical ring like the L2 and L6, and bump up the head diameter (although I’ve decided I would rather a smaller 35mm head and run a triple instead of quad set up that way it’s more pocket friendly), and then it should be good. I completely agree about potting the electronics and the waterproofing as well as the thick body. I would also like to see options on the optics as I prefer flood with a little throw. Now I just wonder who we need to talk to about making this?

What about Supfire L5 as a host?

Supfire L5

That was my first thought but I was hoping this would take a different direction, like as in smaller head. I like compactness lately. The other light that sprang to mind is the DQG 26650.

I like the looks of the new Supfire and will keep it in mind for a personal build. The DQG is similar to what I’m thinking of as well. At first I wanted a 40mm head but after thinking about it more, a smaller head would be practical for me because then I would actually carry the light. The Shadow JM20 and JM07 are also other options. The JM20 is more along the compact pocket size and the JM07 is more along the duty size. I would still buy whichever ends up happening but preference is towards a more compact light.

JM20
http://www.cnqualitygoods.com/goods.php?id=1988

JM07
http://www.cnqualitygoods.com/goods.php?id=1690

When I first saw this thread I didn’t think there were many single 26650 lights on the market but the more I look the more I find.

Edit: As I said I keep finding more,

Palight triple XML2. A little bigger than speed and no side switch
http://www.cnqualitygoods.com/goods.php?id=1874

Gotta say once again as the owner of 5 26650 tube lights, the Shadow JM20 is really worth a look. It has an integrated shelf for heat dissipation, on/off tail switch and an electronic side switch. I do not like the system for mounting the tail switch, it is just not pretty or elegant but it works. The switch is soldered on the side of the driver board, but it is only 1 board, not one of the T boards. I need to see if one of our driver gurus could make a board for the light that would fit and is a FET + 1, 2 or 3.

I like the looks of the JM20 unless Simon would design us a Convoy. I would be fine if the side switch hole was plugged and it was just a tail switch

I personally like the side switch. But, it needs a hotter driver. The venerable Trustfire A8 that the BLF A8 was built upon is still in circulation as well. Maybe a version 2 of the A8 with a modern driver and other goodies is in order. Just got ahold of the BLF A8 and it really fits the hand well!

Why not make a little bigger Kronos X6 light in shape?
The X7!!!

I’ve seen a mod which does it:
http://forum.fonarevka.ru/showthread.php?p=625722#post625722

If I see that correctly I believe they plugged the tail switch? I would rather leave the tail switch and plug the side switch. I do have to say though, it does look good.

How big is the head the X6? Basically just make a 26650 tube for it?

Gotta touch on this quick as I gotta go, I built a F13 Triple, a Raysoon light. 26650 cell and Ledil CUTE-3 optics. Easy enough to quick change optics if needed for flood vs more throw.
Pretty awesome light for this, there may be something very similar with a side clicky…

I’ll be back.

Dale glad to see you made it over here! Hopefully we can get somewhere with this project now that you and The Miller have joined in.

JM20 seems really nice, I’ll have to take a closer look!

About DQG 26650: there should appear a new updated version on the market soon!!

Keep in mind that virtually all side e-switch lights have a parasitic drain on the cell. For EDC purposes where the light gets used a lot and the cell recharged this might not have any bearing on anything at all. For an EDC that seldom gets used but is carried daily for those emergent situations, a partially drained cell due to the switch draw could be a big deal.

A light with both tail switch and side e-switch would be ideal, lockout ability at the tail, easy mode changing on the side.

I know there was a side clicky light much like the Raysoon F13 but I forget what it was called. Maybe we need to get someone like Convoy to design a new light as a tube light based on the 26650 format to keep it as small as possible and yet be well made?