This is just another of my several posts regarding my Balder HD-1. In case you haven't been following, I have had several difficulties regarding this little problem plagued pocket rocket.
This is the second time I have picked up my HD-1 only to find the 14500 in it drained. I keep it in a wooden box on my kitchen table along with a handful of single cell lights I use in rotation. I rarely use it anymore because of its constant glitches, but pick it up occasionally to spot a cat or something off my balcony.
Both times it was loaded with a fully charged AW 14500. Why would this light be totally draining cells just sitting there, turned off?
Id like to solve this mystery before I retire both of these little devils. I've never had so many problems with a flashlight as I have with HD-1.
(Circa my first finding BLF) That was from my original HD-1 that wouldn’t turn off with 14500 batteries. Balder found the problem and sent anyone who bought a first run model another light for free. It seems that every time I go to carry it, it doesn’t work because of one problem or another. This parasitic drain really bothers me. I’m not going to risk anymore Li-Ions in it.
The HD1 to me represents the ultimate love-hate relationship with flashlights.
I love the size, and form factor.
I despise that it is glitchy, sometimes doesn't want to turn off, and doesn't fit some 14500 batteries at all (Orbtronic protected 14500 are way too long for it).
I gave up using it as an edc... can't say I noticed any parasitic drain with mine though. To be far 95% of the time, aside with a couple of 18650 lights, I don't keep batteries in the lights though.
How long did it take for your batteries to completely drain?
The drain could have taken a day or a week. I keep it on my kitchen table so I can keep an eye on it after the last series of problems. The battery was drained completely. Maybe I’ll switch the head onto the other HD-1 body, but I’ll probably just toss it in the “forget about” drawer. It’s not like I don’t have other lights that aren’t so “high maintenance”
I do recommend the new AAA Balder TD-0 though. A cool looking little torch. It runs nicely on 10440. I picked up two of them, and like both form and function. The tan colored one is especially sweet looking.
I have the same problem with a maxtoch ED5SR, I love this little light, but found parasitic drain was flatting the batt within a day!!, turned out it was one of a faulty batch and I got a full refund for it.
BUT, while fiddling around with it, I found that slackening off the tailcap after use cured the problem!!.
I was considering an HD-1 as well. Lighthound has the re-branded HD-1, but I did not find any other US vendors. Maybe Balder is going to discontinue this model? The SE-1 is available. Maybe this is a better choice.
Ouchyfoot, I updated my 1xAA mindmap to include your concerns.
Wow. That chart is becomining the Britanica of AA lights. I think I’m speaking for all BLFers when I express my thanks for the work you are putting into this masterpiece reference chart.
I have a bunch more for you, and I’ll drop a model number whenever one pops into my mind.
That is really a fantastic chart. Thank you for creating it.
I am really disappointed there are no lights at all under $50 that meet my criteria... running both off of 14500 and aa, High of around 450lumens, and with modes.
Going to give them a shot... the xeno will hopefully be on sale during wallbuys special tomorrow. I already own the v11a, love it, but one major issue, and one minor... the major is it always cycles to the next mode in the pattern, high-medium low. The minor is the tailcap protrudes slightly, so it's not very stable to tailstand as a candle.
The balder looks kind of ugly... going to give it a hard look.