POLL: USB charging on Foursevens lights or not?

You can see the archived poll results on the Wayback Machine:

https://web.archive.org/web/20221220093741/https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/72848

Hey gang,

Just doing a quick poll on USB charging preferences. I have a bias, but I wanted to do a poll before expressing it

I'd appreciate it if you'd also make a brief comment about why you love/hate USB charging. This feedback will affect the next gen MMX and MMU-X3 lights.

Cheers
Jason

I don't care for USB charging.
#1 It always requires a proprietary cell to function as designed.
#2 You almost always cannot safely charge proprietary cells in an existing charger without risk.
#3 Goes with #2, it becomes difficult to carry spare cells when the only charger is the light.

for my personal use, hate it for the reasons you have already stated.
however, when giving flashlights as presents, they do serve a purpose (for me, specifically).

then there are things like the LT1, which technically isn’t a flashlight, which can be hooked up to a solar charger when you’re out camping for days.

Take it or leave is but I lean towards hate it for the reasons stated

Hate it. Most of them come with a rubber flap that gets lost sooner or later.

Mostly I hate that I can’t find the switch in the dark. I always find the rubber charging port cover first, even if it isn’t already pulled open and flopping around. I really hate that. Then, of course, all of the above reasons, plus it’s another possible point of failure and it may make it more difficult to mod or service the light.

I voted I love it because USB charging is a really really handy feature.

Unfortunately it is hardly ever done well. Many “hates” are not the feature itself but are caused by bad implementation, that interferes with basic flashlight qualities like waterproofness, robustness, compactness and good looks.

I do not have the magic solution but stay away from silicon flaps that look cheap and break off over time.
And stay away from those cheap micro-USB sockets that break off the driver board after a few months use :person_facepalming: , USB-C is superior but even then make those sockets bullet-proof.
Batteries with USB ports are a clumpsy and fragile solution.
I have a weak spot for how the USB port of the Zanflare F1 is covered by a screw ring, but I’m sure that can be designed a bit more subtle.

I don’t like flaps or the added size so voted for hate it. Also makes DIY mods harder.

It’s very hard to do right. I hate most implementations.

If the light remains moddable, and the cell is not proprietary, and the charging system is relatively compact, it’s pretty good. Even better if it’s behind the threads of the head or tail (see lights like Klarus Mini One)

I voted that I like it.

Hope all flashlights were usb rechargeable. Preferably with magnetic connectors instead of ormal plug cables

I’m not a fan of proprietary magnetic connectors, nor of the exposed contacts associated with them. I’m remembering a light with a fire hazard…

+1000000000

I love them. Specially the klarus rs-1a that I have. No matter the propietary cable/connector with exposed contacts

I love usb-c charging because it is convenient since everyone has a usb cable at work, at home, or in the car and it makes for great gift lights. I only gift lights with usb charging to muggles. Also please don’t use proprietary charging, as it defeats the purpose of convenience and universal availability and compatibility to charge anywhere. Please use USB-C and not micro USB as USB-C is more robust. I also dislike USB-charging in the battery since I don’t want to constantly unscrew the threads and get thread grease on the contacts. After a while output can drop 20-50% on so many occasions that I’ve tested and I have to clean the contacts with alcohol to restore the peak output.

Many USB rechargeable lights are very small. The Acebeam EC65 21700 light with USB-C is about the size of an average 18650 light. It is also easy to take out the mcpcb. To me, if the stock driver is good, I see no point of changing drivers. Just being able to change the emitters is good enough.

I love it when it comes with a powerbank capability, in lights large enough for it to matter (18350 and more).
Otherwise - it depends, for some uses I require it for other I avoid it.

I like usb charging built in if its well done, but i do wonder how much they effect the waterproofness.

Depend on the size of the light… on keychain and compact pocket lights with <18650 batteries it’s a handy feature since they discharge fast and otherwise I’d need a low current charger.

Most built in USB chargers i have tested do not produce enough voltage to fully charge 18650 or 26650 ok if you’re happy with an 80-90% charge but i prefer 100% standalone charger for me thanks, its also nice to know how many MAH your batteries took and guarantee they are properly balanced in multi cell rigs

The concept itself would get a like from me if it was properly implemented

How can you say that?

Are you the Jason from Promethues Lights?

I tend not to be a fan, primarily because it means additional size & one more point of failure. It also hurts when (as others have pointed out) many of the implementations of integrated charging have been less than ideal.

That being said I do think it has it’s place and can be a useful feature under the right circumstances.