I was first contemplating what would be the most effective approach. For a moment I thought that “BLF&TLF Flashlight of the 2026” award would be ideal. But we never did it, and it would take plenty of time and energy.
Procurement approach I finally proposed is theoretically avoiding the weaknesses of the current approach and does not require separate “pre-step” of establishing and granting the award. It also relies on (what I consider) our strengths. And it can be fully transparent — that can only be a good thing as makers are/will be able to inspect it themselves and hopefully gain trust in it.
Are you asking if the procurement approach I described works? Oh yesss. That’s my bread and butter. Will it work here? Don’t know but strongly suspect it. Luckily, RfI can be a simple way to verify it.
Edit: is anything done so far on the interface with those makers undermining the efficiency of this approach? Nope. We can play open cards and admit that we are unhappy with it ourselves and that we simply change course.
Guys, I’m at all a little bit p!ssed off and frustrated.
It isn’t your fault, it’s simply the complete situation!
Every time when I see a chance comes one thing that destroys the plan.
Sofirn with 500 pieces, Simon who doesn’t want a direct collaboration, etc.
I have some things in the background they can work…but I’ve a feeling, that the TLF or BLF will destroy it (because we’ll maybe get not enough votes for it).
And to discuss all “Maybe-Projects” in detail before I know them safe won’t make it better.
Let us have a look on a Nightwatch A54U2…if I can get a “Yes!” from Neal, we talk about 60$ for it in a special anodisation color and the serial numbers and the lettering.
I think the chances to get 50 to 100 positive votes for it could be difficult because of the pricing.
And I only want to initiate projects where I can stand behind it to 100%.
underSTANDable. Every project requires compromise on some part; perhaps you’re too vested in establishing YOUR achievement rather than the appreciation of the collective…
You’ve acknowledge that without the requisite number of supporters, the endeavor will ultimately fail. How far down from that 100% standing are you willing to come down from to see the plan succeed?
I was contemplating how the previous “collab” (golden WK03/519a) differed from the current attempts: it was only one light that year and it was cheap. I bet many people bought it just to get this unique piece (I mean its etching). But then… Wurkkos decided to offer it to all customers — I wonder how the initial backers felt about it
@Dc38 - you see the different reactions here.
When I make postst with “Maybe-Plans”, there’ll be endless discussions.
Yes, I plan projects for flashlights that I like and not the mainstream ones.
In my opinion it’s better to have a great flashlight than to have “a cheap one for the mainstream”.
Okay. I will not contribute to this noise anymore. I will just be replying to the questions “will you buy xyz for $nnn?”, which — I assume — is all you expect from me (and all the rest).
To begin, I want to commend you on this attempt to create a special light on behalf of the enthusiest crowd.
However, it might be a good idea to scale back this project by focusing only on TLF’s interested members…at least for awhile,
As for making this particular project interesting enough for either forum’s members to back it, I would personally love to see a proven reliable headlamp of interest that falls within a range of say $30 to $80 (+/-).
As for flashlights, I wasn’t interested in any of those previously discussed, that is until you mentioned the Nightwatch A54U2.
Also rather than going with a solid color scheme, I would also love to see which ever light is chosen offered in a carbon fiber pattern which doesn’t necessarily have to be only black & gray. Perhaps even a diamond plate pattern. Doable?
Lastly, rather than commemorating either forum with a illumination product, how about a multi-tool or knife or other complimentary EDC product.
If by focusing on just one forum/project to begin with, it may help you to focus your efforts with hopefully less stress. If the offering is considered a success, then simply make a second wave designed for the other forum(s).
Whatever you decide, please know that we appreciate what your trying to accomplish on behalf of a grateful forum membership.
@KnotSoMuch … for the TLF we’ve a solution with Fenix Germany for the E06R, the E06R Pro and the Pen T6.
We’ve also some buyers of the LD36R and the LD45R with letterings and serial numbers…so I think we’ll get a good price when we order so much flashlights for the TLF.
With another project for both forums I’ll wait until I’ve a serious thing.
If memory serves at that time, the WK03 was not available with a 519a.
Only after the awesome TLF Gold version sold well did they offer the same in black.
Have both regular version WK03 and the Gold 519a and the difference is more than just tint.
The low is way lower on the Gold, may be because of 519a’s efficiency or lack thereof.
Doesn’t matter, the result is I reach for the Gold one every time. It lives on my computer desk and everytime I drop something, that’s the light that finds it.
Best $19.99 ever spent.
For me mind you,
YMMV
Dude, gotta say the analogy of 10 Corolla’s vs 1 Supra is wayyy off.
They are 2 totally different versions of car. One is what you haul your kids with.
The other one is the one you used to pick up the Mother of said children Before they were born.
Thanks for this comment. It probably is the reply to my hypothesis about golden WK03/519a being cheap and etched with “TLF” as its primary success criteria.
I respect that you like it and that it’s one of your best $19.99 ever spent but this is where our opinions about it differ.
It was never worth more than ~$8 to me, and I consider $9.98 I paid being too much, considering $20 being the usual asking price for FC11C (and my real costs for FC11C always in the $12..17 range):
Yeah I have the FC11C as well in the cool limited Blue they made and it gets used as well.
Both nice lights.
The regular WK03 was purchased at the $9 amount and got 3 at the time for gifts.
Another favorite budget Wurkkos light has been the WK05, 2 x 14500 or uses AA and they were being sold on Amazon at $19.99 with batteries. Seem to be discontinued now.
Really stout build and nice beam, killer moonlight and adequate High.
The golden WK03 wasn’t organized from me.
I’ve a black one for work and a FC11C in orange as replacement if the WK03 will be damaged / broken…whatever.
But I don’t see a cheap light like this as a good way to have a Special Edition Flashlight.
I prefer more quality in a flashlight.
