An Unfair Giveaway (updates at end of post)

bansuri · 2018-04-04T06:40:48.000Z

raccoon city:

On second thought, I’m not hurting financially so pick someone else that is.

I’m worried that even though this is BudgetLightForums the folks that come here will skip a meal or two to help pay for the lights and wouldn’t post their financial woes in public.
I’m an idiot.

djozz · 2018-04-04T07:10:47.000Z

bansuri:

raccoon city:

On second thought, I’m not hurting financially so pick someone else that is.

I’m worried that even though this is BudgetLightForums the folks that come here will skip a meal or two to help pay for the lights and wouldn’t post their financial woes in public.
I’m an idiot.

I still think this is a nice giveaway, and find it kind of heroic to skip meals for a flashlight, I would report that :party:

Zulumoose · 2018-04-04T09:05:41.000Z

I don’t think many people really struggle to save for a flashlight, what they do is put off buying what they see as a luxury they don’t really need until next month, then next month, etc.

I know I often make the mistake of not buying a $50 light I really want, but in the same month I might buy 3 $10 lights and a $20 light I don’t really want but can’t resist because they seem like irresistible bargains and not a big outlay. In retrospect I would have preferred the $50 light in the end and would have spent the same, or in many months actually less, especially since each collection from the post office costs another $2.

toddcshoe · 2018-04-04T09:35:09.000Z

Zulumoose:

I don’t think many people really struggle to save for a flashlight, what they do is put off buying what they see as a luxury they don’t really need until next month, then next month, etc.

I know I often make the mistake of not buying a $50 light I really want, but in the same month I might buy 3 $10 lights and a $20 light I don’t really want but can’t resist because they seem like irresistible bargains and not a big outlay. In retrospect I would have preferred the $50 light in the end and would have spent the same, or in many months actually less, especially since each collection from the post office costs another $2.

Agreed. I have a BLF Q8 that cost me almost $300. I kept putting if off for months because I thought it was too expensive. Bought lots of other lights but, not the Q8. If I had only not bought the other lights and got the Q8 I would have saved myself money.

toddcshoe · 2018-04-04T09:51:22.000Z

Great GAW by the way. Awfully nice concept. Hope you get those lights into some deserving hands.

DavidEF · 2018-04-04T13:39:01.000Z

There are lots of posts around BLF where I mention that I can’t afford a particular light, even though I’d love to own it. I haven’t ever successfully “saved up” for a light, although I’ve had that intention a time or two. I don’t know if I qualify overall, though. I know your intention is for someone to get it that is sort of a beginner. I have lots of lights, just not very many nice ones. Most of the lights I own are either under $10 or were received in giveaways I’ve won in the past. Those lights you’re giving away are all lights that I’ve wanted and couldn’t afford in the past. So anyway, here’s my entry: Group Buy: Wuben TO10R and TO46R (real 90+CRI triple XP-G3) - CLOSED!! - #81 by DavidEF and my light selection would be the Emisar D4.

ValuseekeR · 2018-04-04T13:56:49.000Z

If these posts count, I’m in. Interested in any but the On the Road, I’d like to stick with 18650 cells atm. I guess 1st choice would be whatever has the most throw, or D1 since David put the D4 as first choice.

Thank you everybody LED Flashlights – General Info

+1 and welcome to the forum. Even though I haven’t posted much (considering I’ve been a member for almost 6yrs) and still consider myself a n00b, the members here have always been super friendly and helpful whenever I’ve had questions. . …Maybe too helpful, lol. Most recently I checked in because I wanted to get a couple of EDC lights in copper. I did that with a Maratac AA and a Lumintop Tool (AAA), but then somehow also ended up with a BLFQ8, Convoy S2+, Sofirn SP31, and a Skilhunt H03 that’…

Typical newb question . Best light under 35$ 18650 Flashlights

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Sofirn-C8A-Tactical-LED-Flashlight-18650-Powerful-1750-lumen-Flash-light-Cree-XPL2-High-Power-Torch/32838475029.html -Looks pretty good with the current sale price. I’m thinking about one myself now, but also trying to resist as I just bought several other lights (BLF Q8, Convoy S2+, Skilhunt H03, & Sofirn SP31). Not sure I need a C8 thrower too, but…

Zappaman · 2018-04-04T16:21:28.000Z

Bansuri,

You have inspired me and I’m going to give some extra lights away to a few local people in my town who work hard for little money like my town manager to start: He’s always out at 2am checking on the water tower or something else he maintains for us 24/7. Every time I’ve called- he’s been there to help with whatever was needed. He gets paid little and he works hard— a lot at night-time. So he’s the perfect candidate for a C8 (which I have in the hand to give him).

If you still have them to give away, perhaps your contest might be expanded to include: “WHO does a BLF member know who can use one of these lights” — and qualify it as your gift to be re-gifted to someone they KNOW (in their own community) who could use it?

Just a thought (and my town manager is already covered thanks to your inspiration). :+1:

Again… what a great idea!

Illumenated · 2018-04-04T16:43:06.000Z

This might not qualify since it’s from 2 years ago but that’s how long I’ve been waiting to get a decent thrower haha. I was going to get one from GoingGear but I’m just too frugal and broke. Here’s the post and I’d love the D1 but would be grateful for any light. Or would be grateful to watch someone else win these. Either way this is a feel-good post so hope everyone enjoys watching someone benefit from OP’s generosity!

Thanks for being awesome, bansuri!

bansuri · 2018-04-04T16:57:49.000Z

DavidEF:

There are lots of posts around BLF where I mention that I can’t afford a particular light, even though I’d love to own it. I haven’t ever successfully “saved up” for a light, although I’ve had that intention a time or two. I don’t know if I qualify overall, though. I know your intention is for someone to get it that is sort of a beginner. I have lots of lights, just not very many nice ones. Most of the lights I own are either under $10 or were received in giveaways I’ve won in the past. Those lights you’re giving away are all lights that I’ve wanted and couldn’t afford in the past. So anyway, here’s my entry: Group Buy: Wuben TO10R and TO46R (real 90+CRI triple XP-G3) - CLOSED!! - #81 by DavidEF and my light selection would be the Emisar D4.

That’s it! PM me your name/address and I’ll get it out to you. There was another light added so let me know if the D4 is still your top pick.

gi.lumens · 2018-04-04T17:01:04.000Z

Very inspiring GAW bansuri.

bansuri · 2018-04-04T17:04:08.000Z

ValuseekeR:

If these posts count, I’m in. Interested in any but the On the Road, I’d like to stick with 18650 cells atm. I guess 1st choice would be whatever has the most throw, or D1 since David put the D4 as first choice.

Thank you everybody - #6 by ValuseekeR

Typical newb question . Best light under 35$ - #13 by ValuseekeR

Oh man, here’s the part where I have to defer to an admin or someone smarter than me. It seems to me like your post suggests you have to hold off because you’d just spent your money on lights that were on their way. I think that describes most of us here! I’ll need to crowdsource or ask an admin to judge this one.
BTW, you like the H03? It’s so nice I can’t resist using it as a handheld light also. the beam from that TIR is just beautiful for extended use.

ValuseekeR · 2018-04-04T18:16:20.000Z

bansuri:

Oh man, here’s the part where I have to defer to an admin or someone smarter than me. It seems to me like your post suggests you have to hold off because you’d just spent your money on lights that were on their way. I think that describes most of us here! I’ll need to crowdsource or ask an admin to judge this one.
BTW, you like the H03? It’s so nice I can’t resist using it as a handheld light also. the beam from that TIR is just beautiful for extended use.

No worries, you’re spot on in your analysis and you make the rules! I’m happy to see them go to more deserving homes. I do want to get a small thrower next (whenever the light fund recovers).
.

H03 is still in the mail, hopefully soon. Everything I’ve picked up recently has been pretty great though, nothing to complain about.

cabfrank · 2018-04-04T18:19:20.000Z

Fri, 03/02/2018 - 17:05 #2662 cabfrank Online Last seen: 50 sec ago Joined: 11/19/2010 - 14:25 Posts: 2338 Location: healdsburg, california usa earth Like Zulumoose, I didn’t get the Emisar (yet) because I was planning on getting several of these, likely more. The new UI, and features thereof, are definitely an upgrade. I’m getting one, maybe two no matter what, but maybe a D4 will take the place of at least one, if the output difference is significant. Top edit delete quote reply Mark as SPAM

Here is my post. Not sure if it qualifies, but I haven't bought an Emisar yet, as I've been saving for the FW3A. I surely would have one, or both otherwise. Either way, thanks for your generousity.

bansuri · 2018-04-04T18:49:45.000Z

Zulumoose:

I know I often make the mistake of not buying a $50 light I really want, but in the same month I might buy 3 $10 lights and a $20 light I don’t really want but can’t resist because they seem like irresistible bargains and not a big outlay. In retrospect I would have preferred the $50 light in the end and would have spent the same, or in many months actually less, especially since each collection from the post office costs another $2.

That piece of wisdom is so obviously true yet so difficult to implement! The only upside is that the multiple budget lights we wind up with are pretty darn good.

bansuri · 2018-04-04T19:36:58.000Z

cabfrank:

Fri, 03/02/2018 - 17:05 #2662 cabfrank Online Last seen: 50 sec ago Joined: 11/19/2010 - 14:25 Posts: 2338 Location: healdsburg, california usa earth Like Zulumoose, I didn’t get the Emisar (yet) because I was planning on getting several of these, likely more. The new UI, and features thereof, are definitely an upgrade. I’m getting one, maybe two no matter what, but maybe a D4 will take the place of at least one, if the output difference is significant. Top edit delete quote reply Mark as SPAM

Here is my post. Not sure if it qualifies, but I haven’t bought an Emisar yet, as I’ve been saving for the FW3A. I surely would have one, or both otherwise. Either way, thanks for your generousity.

Again, here’s that difficult part.
Humbly, it sort of looks like you’re holding off on an Emisar because you are going to buy several of the FW3A lights? (get it done already, list is up to 1063!)
That pretty much describes us all.

What I was hoping to convey, but didn’t, was that instead of just posting “free lights, first come first served” I could find a way to get these to folks who are unable to afford ANY light at the moment due to financial pressures. Not being able to afford one because you’re planning on buying three of another is a variable I hadn’t considered.

cabfrank · 2018-04-04T19:55:07.000Z

No worries. I’m on the list for one FW3A as of now.

bansuri · 2018-04-04T19:57:24.000Z

Zappaman:

Bansuri,

You have inspired me and I’m going to give some extra lights away to a few local people in my town who work hard for little money like my town manager to start: He’s always out at 2am checking on the water tower or something else he maintains for us 24/7. Every time I’ve called- he’s been there to help with whatever was needed. He gets paid little and he works hard— a lot at night-time. So he’s the perfect candidate for a C8 (which I have in the hand to give him).

If you still have them to give away, perhaps your contest might be expanded to include: “WHO does a BLF member know who can use one of these lights” — and qualify it as your gift to be re-gifted to someone they KNOW (in their own community) who could use it?

Zappaman,
If my trunk was filled with AA lights I’d give them all away to the people in my small town who walk at night. Some walk for pleasure, others walk to work or to visit friends, we have a Main Street with small businesses and restaurants and there are well-marked crosswalks that people completely ignore. Suddenly someone dressed like a ninja minus the mask steps out from between 2 minivans. I’m not joking. The idea of conspicuity is unknown in these parts. OK, there are some people who are visible thanks to a small light or reflectors, but they’re a minority.

These Li-ion battery powered lights are different, it’s difficult to even get the uninitiated to understand how they turn on or off. The battery voltage and safety conversation returns glazed eyes.
OTOH, despite the UI, the S42 might be acceptable to give to a muggle if the battery protection circuitry works as it’s supposed to. I haven’t used it more than a minute but will look into it.
Thanks!

Zappaman · 2018-04-04T21:00:37.000Z

And… yes, I meant to those adults who know how to work with things of course (and my city manager is one of those guys with a shop full of toys and machining tools— so he qualifies).

I don’t know the lights you are giving away and so now I see that they would need to be given to a “trainable” hand— good point of clarification. But we probably all know someone who can use a better light (for a friend or guy like my city manager) and so again… just a thought- wanting to help!

I am looking forward to giving Roy his light here tomorrow when he is driving by (we just wave you down here in my town of 300 or so people). He’ll get a kick out of it after he plays with it a while. AND… he WILL use it I’m sure- he’s that kind a’ guy!

DavidEF · 2018-04-04T21:38:54.000Z

bansuri:

DavidEF:

There are lots of posts around BLF where I mention that I can’t afford a particular light, even though I’d love to own it. I haven’t ever successfully “saved up” for a light, although I’ve had that intention a time or two. I don’t know if I qualify overall, though. I know your intention is for someone to get it that is sort of a beginner. I have lots of lights, just not very many nice ones. Most of the lights I own are either under $10 or were received in giveaways I’ve won in the past. Those lights you’re giving away are all lights that I’ve wanted and couldn’t afford in the past. So anyway, here’s my entry: Group Buy: Wuben TO10R and TO46R (real 90+CRI triple XP-G3) - CLOSED!! - #81 by DavidEF and my light selection would be the Emisar D4.

That’s it! PM me your name/address and I’ll get it out to you. There was another light added so let me know if the D4 is still your top pick.

PM sent! Thanks again for the GAW!