Either a one off for me, or maybe a way of getting enough interest to make a production run.
Ethos of design:
An ideal compact 18650 EDC torch.
With a mode for everything. Easy quick access to the mode you want from off or while on.
A UI that doesn’t annoy you.
Good tint.
Good throw for size.
General dimensions:
Length = 115mm
Body diameter = 22mm
Head diameter = 23mm
Body tube fairly thin high quality “aerospace” grade aluminium. Normal protected 18650’s should fit without issue.
HAIII anodising.
Design features:
Lightly textured (Mild Orange Peel) aluminium reflector
AR glass lens
Light texture knurling on the body, more aggressive knurling on the head.
Stainless steel bezel that extends 5mm over the end of head.
Deep carry pocket clip.
Recessed tail clicky to allow tail standing.
Emitter:
-XP-G2 NW (3C or similar)
-DTP copper star
Driver:
-Turbo @ 2.8-3.0amps with 3 min step down to 2.1 amps
-High @ 1.4amps
-Low @ 5%
-Moonlight @ 5mv
UI features:
-Forward clicky to allow momentary
–4 modes in total all current controlled accessed in two groups. No memory.
Head tight:
-Turbo —> High
Head loose:
-Moonlight —> Low
No memory. So if you turn on with head tight you get turbo, if you turn on with head loose you get moon light. If you loosen/tighten head while on it will go moonlight/tubo/moonlight/turbo.
Only two modes for each group, so if you want “bright” modes you keep the head tight, then the mode you want is never more than two clicks away (or as little as 1 or 1 and half clicks).
If you want “low” output modes you simply leave the head loose. Again, this minimises clicks to get to your desired output level.
You can also turn the light on in the most likely used modes (i.e. Max and moonlight). Which again minimises number of clicks. You don’t have to remember what mode yo left the light in. As you can choose if you want lots of light, or only a little light when you turn it on. Compact design means you could do this one handed if you wanted.
Step down is there to allow you to run for extended time periods in the torches highest output mode without making it too hot to hold. Cycling the light should return turbo to the full turbo output if desired, which will then step down at 3 mins.
Turbo step down should be higher than the High output as they are for different uses.
Mode uses:
-Turbo = Outside, max throw, max lumens or indoor ceiling bounce
-High = high output for confined spaces, such as indoors where turbo may cause too much glare. Massively increases runtime with still good output compared to turbo if hiking
-Low = reading, map work, close up use.
-Moonlight = Night visions preservation. Minimalist output to avoid glare or disturbing others.
Should look a little like this:
Bezel should be shiny. And Knurling on a head a little more aggressive to make it easier to rotate.