Feeler thread: Customized Trustfire Z8 (AA / 14500, BLF MINI-style)

LED Flashlights – General Info
1

Hi guys,

This came to my mind while playing with BLF MINI and my Trustfire Z8…

You know… Z8 is a great little light, but it has weaknesses too:

- no AA support

- no NW option

- slow PWM

- strobe

- no medium mode

  • too high low

=> what if Rey (& Trustfire) could make us a BLF MINI-style Z8??

Specs would be:

- modes L~~M~~>H (2-30-100%)

- no memory

- >1kHz PWM

  • NW emitter (T6 3C)
  • AA support (for non-flashaholics too!)

Target price below $20.

…but then again, we would need quite large number of interested members to make it happen.

Who’s in? I would take at least 5 of those… :slight_smile:

2

Put me down for two! :D

3

here is review of original Z8

4

I'd be interested in one at $20 or less.

-Garry

5

I am very interested.
But why are you guys so interested in low mode first… If I put a light on I need at least mid….

6

Put a Better or should I say more consistent driver in it and I would buy one again.
They seem hit and miss.
Mine has low output (others have the same complaint) and I should not have to shell out dang near half+ the cost of the light to improve the performance by adding new driver.

I have 3 other $6-$8 SK68 clones and they ALL smoke the Z8.
Love the looks, the flood is decent but still weak and the zoom downright blows.

I really wanted to love this light, but it sits on the shelf.
Thanks,
Muto

7

+1, how about Med->Low->High?

-Garry

8

I’ve tried one zoomie with XM-L and it was quite bad, the die is to big. Anyone tried the Nichia 219 in an aspheric? That might be something.

9

I’d probably be in for 1. Too bad it isn’t current regulated.

10

High PWM is better than current regulated, current regulated lights can have a green tint at lower currents.

11

I’d be interested in one if it can perform. That’s a great lookin light. Since it is a FTT, why not nice tint XP-G2 instead of XM-L?

Edit: XP-G2 because efficiency is basically the same as an XM-L but it is better geared for throw in this setup (smaller die, beam angle, etc. than XM-L). More OTF lumens with higher (double?) intensity compared to an XM-L.

12

I like the design of this light but I have none yet because a cheap sk68 with a crap emmitter is better.
So a customized version with high current would be perfect.

13

A zoom light has more limited appeal.

A trustfire A3 is much better candidate. With nichia 219 (or at least nw xpg) and no strobe would sell out and then some. It also has working memory. Frankly the Mini-01 would’ve been better with 219 or NW xpg since the xml is kind of overkill for such a small reflector. Trustfire-T2 with side-switch would also be great, the only reason I don’t have one is because already have way too many super-cool white 18650’s. (hope it doesn’t have much parasitic draw?)

14

Do want!

15

I don't see the point in a 3 lumen low in a zoomie. I like the idea of start on Medium and definitely would like to see the XP-G2 used, as the XM-L is just too big. I'd be in for one - it's a beauty of a light.

Edit: and for God's sake, no strobe.

16

@scaru - True about tint shift, but I thought current regulation is slightly more efficient than PWM. I also don’t like the buzzing/whining I hear with most of my PWM lights.

17

Well, yes it is more efficient because it is running the LED at full power half the time rather than half the power. Then when you overdrive it (reducing efficiency) it will have the same lumens/watt ratio as on high.

18

I would be in for one or two. But I’ll prefer low - mid - High!

19

For under $20? I'm in for at least 1 but maybe 2.

20

Would it support AA LiFePO4? If yes, count me in for 3pcs.