Hello everyone. I've only just recently started collecting flashlights so am still a bit of a newbie (but have learnt so much after reading these forums for several months now and loving it). As the title says I'm looking at buying some spare parts but need some advice as there are so many different options out there!
1. I need some spare drop-ins which must be XML and 1-mode to be used in both Ultrafire WF-504B and Uniquefire L2 hosts. Some of the most popular places to buy are DX, KD and Manafont so what I want to know is how these XML 1-mode drop-ins compare against eachother with regards to current output and subsequent brightness and runtime. I don't need exact figures, just how they perform relative to eachother. I trust the good folk here more than the specs given on some of the sites. I did find this helpful review on the U2 1-mode, but can't find specs for the T6 1-modes (only found specs for the 3 and 5 mode drop-ins on this forum). Here's a few I'm interested in:
Manafont T6 1-mode SMO
http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/cree-t6-1mode-memory-led-dropin-module-42v-max-p-5550
KaiDomain U2 1-mode OP
http://kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=11249
KaiDomain T6 1-mode OP
http://kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=11106
DealExtreme T6 1-mode SMO
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/cree-xml-t6-1-mode-6700k-450-lumen-smooth-aluminum-drop-in-module-55025
2. I need some new tailcaps for my WF-504B and Uniquefire L2. Will this Ultrafire C1 tailcap fit both?
http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/replacement-tailcap-switch-for-ultrafire-c1-p-6029
3. Finally, I wanted an Ultrafire C1 host due to the clip, and found two at Manafont of which this one looks slightly better
http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/ultrafire-c1-flashlight-tube-no-led-emitter-p-4846
Can the XML drop-ins above be used in this torch?
1. I own the 2 KD drop ins and the DX drop ins I don't own the Manafont one. The 2 KD drop ins are high voltage drop ins so they are designed for one or two batteries 3-8.4 volts and are not very efficient with one battery they pull under 2 amps with one battery about 1 1/2 hour run time with a decent battery. The brightness difference on the 2 KD drop ins is not noticeable. The DX one is designed for one battery but only draws 1.4 amps which gives about 500 lumens and a 2 hour run time with a decent battery and appears a little brighter than the KD ones. If you are going to use one 18650 I would recommend the DX drop in I don't own that Manafont one so I won't comment on it.
2. I own a four 504Bs one of my favorite lights and one C1 the tail caps are interchangeable but the 504B tailcap is the better of the 2 and fits both lights without a gap. The C1 cap is a couple mm shorter and fits with a small gap on the C1 and a large gap on the 504B, but it does function on both. I don't own and L2 so I can't comment but it does look like the cap would fit. You would be better off if you could find a 504B cap as they are much better quality than the C1 cap.
See the gap it is greatly exaggerated on the 504B.
3.The C1 one I own is the cheaper of the versions $9.10 vs $9.99 and the ring that holds the lens on is plastic instead of metal like the 504Bs so get the one you linked to the cheaper one on Manafont looks like it has the plastic retaining ring and the one you linked to looks metal so it is worth the extra 89 cents. The P-60 drop in will fit all of the above hosts.
I would recommend you pick up a 501A host from Manafont with your next order if you don't have one already. They are a very cool P-60 host your drop ins will fit it, I have bought at least a dozen everyone who sees one of mine ends up buying one so I always keep extras around to sell to my friends.
I make custom P-60 drop ins and could make you a direct drive single mode 3+ amp draw drop in that will make 700 plus lumens if you want something like that no one else I know of makes a direct drive one. Send me a PM if you are interested in a custom drop in.
Thank you for the excellent response which has cleared up everything perfectly.
I've decided on the DX drop-in, and C1 tube and extra tailcap as originally planned
It should be noted that these lights are for a mechanic friend who works in a workshop where they'll be used for short bursts and mostly close up work so the brightness will be more than enough even on the 'weakest' XML lights. So runtime is probably more important and because they'll get knocked around a lot the appearance is not important eg. gap in tailcap.
Was just browsing though Manafont and found a Camo WF-501B host so now I want one of these!