Here is a little comparison between Sipik SK68 and Citipower G7.
Both usually run either AA or 14500. Both are small inexpensive pocket zoomies that will thrill any non flashaholic, even on AAs.
At prices about $8 each, they make a perfect gift.
Let's see the differences between these two.
G7 is about 110mm, SK68 is about 99mm when extended and 93mm when shortened.
Beamshots
Citipower G7 on the left vs Sipik SK68 on the right.
G7 at 1m distance is about 8-9cm width, SK68 at 1m distance is about 13-14cm width.
Both were running 14500s on similar charge. G7 beam is a bit smaller and brighter.
On flood, they have equal size beams.
I'm sorry about the reflection visible in the corner of the beamshots, the door I pointed the beamshots at are somewhat shiny and I didn't notice the reflection until I uploaded the pic.
Citipower G7:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/120852777962?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
It looks a lot like Saik SA-9, but on a single AA/14500.
I have no idea why it's not more talked about. Personally, I consider it a Sipik SK68 killer. It's 3 mode, much more robust, prettier.
I can take pictures if you'd like comparisons. All in all I'd recommend it instead of the so popular Sipik any day. G7 actually replaced the SK68 as my EDC pocket light.
It's beam fully zoomed is roughly half way between SK68 and Small Sun ZY-C10-S.
Draws 1.13A from a 14500 at the tailcap on high mode. About 0.29A on low, but take that with a grain of salt, I have a cheap DMM.
Downsides:
- size (it's slightly longer than SK68).
- slow PWM flicker on low mode. It's visible when you zoom it in and move its beam fast across a white wall.
- cooling. Pill almost has no real contact with the flashlight body. Running it on high for long periods of time will reduce LED lifetime.
Another potential G7's downfall is the pill that is moving while adjusting zoom. It's conceivable that it might cause problems after a few months of usage (if the contacts break or weaken).
Update May 17th 2012:
As suspected, G7 develops an intermittent flicker related to the zoom ring. Most of the time it's not present.
The flicker is not critical, though. Usually it works ok. If it flickers, a few twists of the ring, or a shake, or a mild slap fixes the flicker.
I find it irritating, it's more of a mental than a practical problem. If this potential behavior doesn't upset you, it's still a nice flashlight.
Sipik SK68:
http://www.dinodirect.com/led-flashlight-3w-led-focus-cree-sk68.html
Mine came branded, as you can see from the pics, but don't rely on that fact, if you order one it may or may not be branded.
There has been a lot of talk about SK68 on this forum so I won't talk much about it. If you need more information, try the search top left, you'll easily find plenty of info.
Mine draws 1.09A from a 14500 on it's single mode (high).
Zoomie group shot.
In order of appearance, left to right:
- Small Sun ZY-C10-S
- Saik SA-9
- Citipower G7
- Sipik SK68 (flood mode, shortened)
Bottom line:
I'd order G7 instead of SK68 almost anytime.
Update May 17th 2012:
As a gift for any non-flashaholic, I'd choose SK68. Flicker that G7 can potentially develop makes it a rather bad choice as a gift.
Viktor