djozz, that is awesome! I’d be in for 4
A potted driver is not a hard promise of Sofirn, and AFAIK not a unique requirement for a tough flashlight. The request was to make it tough, with the suggestion to pot the driver. If Sofirn can make it bomb-proof without potting the driver I guess that would be fine.
To get ultimate proof that the quality compares to the E01 takes years and many users. What we will get is tests that may or may not seem convincing, and an educated evaluation of the design. That will have to do to make your decision to buy it, but I’m confident that BLF is knowledgable enough to see if Sofirn succeeded in making a worthy version of the 5mm-led AAA twisty.
In for 4
not sure what specifically you are referring to, but on my twisty lights I generally find it easy to twist them “just off”. At that point I can squeeze the body and head together, and the play in the threads is sufficient to get momentary on. I expect a $6 light would have sufficiently sloppy threads to do this without extra parts.
Do not underestimate 6 dollar. There’s 2 dollar lights out there with more material and way more complex build (like a sk68 clone), and there is a profit on them too. I think with a light this simple, for 6 dollar you can get excellent threads (and robustness, and ano, and driver etc.). Still the momentary-on will probably work fine this way.
Good work djozz!
Slowtechstef - for the sake of avoiding too much confusion about interest and who is on any lists, perhaps editing the first post to note the interest list is on hold while details get settled on the latest development would be wise. Your call though.
Some additional thoughts.
Another nice characteristic of the E01 is its excellent regulation for most of the battery life and efficiency. At this price, I consider it a desirable trait rather than a necessity, but thought I’d mention it in case the point is open for discussion.
I have done some testing with these emitters, including overdrive testing. If any of it might be useful, I’m happy to share.
These emitters should be safe to drive harder than 20mA. Standard rating conditions are 20mA, and Yuji’s official spec indicates they are good for 30mA continuous. I measured an output peak at 90mA.
I haven’t tried to establish life expectancy at some intermediate drive level, but probably could set something up if it would be helpful.
The one thing I admire most about the E01 is that it will turn on when other lights would not on a dead battery. A true vampire.
In for 1.
In for one of each CCT!
Holy mackerel! At that price I’d be down for two of each color temp!
Why wouldn’t I want 3 of each? Mark me down please.
I am in for 2 of each
I still want one of each tint, pending seeing pictures / tests of Sofirn’s product.
In for one of each CCT at the least.
If they are built to be a true E01 rival with potting, good regulation, and battery vampire qualities, I’ll commit to eight if it stays in the neighborhood of the $6 price point mentioned. Not just going to hoard them for myself, I would give some away.
In for two of each!
Yeah, that did not come out right. I have 4 AAA twisties, and when I carried them my MO was to squeeze the head to get the light to come on and go through modes even. Maratac copper, brass Lumintop worm, Manker Boney, and Thrunite Ti3. The only one that does not work well that way is the Ti3, it just needs to be twisted. Just saying that there are options for momentary on without twisting.
In for two of each-
This Australian vendor has both the 3200k and 5600k. I split the cost of shipping with another forum member.
https://www.ledsales.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2062
I’m still interested in several of the AAA lights, if this gets to the production stage, from either manufacturer.
I’ll take 4 of the warm white.