Hello everyone,
I’m making my first kit, I am novice so I would like your advice (on the level of reliability of the sites and the quality of products) before buying. I think a beginner kit could be usefull for all new members on the forum so maybe this thread could help for other newbies.
I searched X6 holster and came up with This thread on X6 accessories. Other threads came up in that search as well with other holster possibilities. You might also be interested in the short 18350 tubes which are very cheap but in a few cases suffer from machining inconsistencies which result in a lack of electrical contact but are usually easily correctable. A good learning experience for newbies in both flashlight function/construction and learning how to keep dealing with overseas CS a positive experience.
Instead of the Panasonic NCR-B I recommend you get Sanyo GA/LG MJ1 or Samsung 30Q instead. The NCR-B is not very good for anything drawing over 2 amps. And for the charger go with MC1 Plus for 1A charge rate. 0.5A rate takes about 7 hours to fully charge the battery!
Everything else looks fine, that’s a very good starter kit.
I would verify that they are all in stock from at least two GB reps. Also, it makes a big difference the more your spend on shipping. The more you spend, the more the prices come down for faster shipping methods. When I bought my Nitecore TM16, the 3-6 day expedited shipping was only 6 dollars more. I had my flashlight in California, in my mailbox in 5 days total, from order to delivery. These two details, checking stock and sometimes choosing a faster shipping method has kindled my buying relationship with GB. Oh, and most importantly, in the notes section while in checkout put, “BLF member”.
Unfortunately there is no longer 18650 3500 mah on Gearbest. This batteries are out of production.
And there is no eagle eye x6 in stocks!
Thank you for the advice about checking the stocks. I will wait.
Since you live in France I would also recommend the Thorfire C8s which you can order at Amazon France:
It has outstanding quality, at least as good as the EE X6. I own both lamps and I always prefer the Thorfire. I got my lamps delivered in 2 or 3 days to germany, and they are even cheaper than the Eagle Eye. I don’t like the interface of the EE X6, if you click fast you will very often activate strobe.
If you order batteries in china you may wait for a long time, since they are not allowed to send them by plane anymore. I would rather order in EU, also for security reasons.
If you prefer protected batteries I recommend “Keeppower 18650 - 2900mAh”. It is built of “Panasonic NCR 18650 PF” cells and delivers highest current of my protected cells, up to 8 Amps. And not too expensive.
I ordered mine here, don’t know if they deliver to France:
Sorry for my response time, thank you for your advice. I like the eagle eye x6 because has two advantages: it is compact, but have xpl hi so have a good throw.
Thank you for your advice on batteries, are protected cells necessary?
It’s not necessary for lights with internal low voltage protection built in driver which will not allow complete depletion of battery. For lights without this feature protected batteries are necessary for your own safety. In general ICR li-ions are more volatile than IMR batteries.
Read this: BU-205: Types of Lithium-ion - Battery University
Before you decide on purchasing any li-ions make sure you read and understand safety hazards, see here:
” Lithium-ion battery safety 101”:Lithium-ion battery safety 101
Thanks Altonx for your answer.
The eagle eye x6 seems to be without protection so, I think I have to go on IMR or protected cells.
Is this model a good choice:
The Astrolux S2 is the same exact flashlight as the BLF Kronos X6. It's host is a clone of the Eagle Eye X6, i.e., it is the same size and shape. You get two choices of tint for the Cree XP-L HI emitter, neutral and cool white.
The S2 uses the Bistro firmware that was written by BLF member ToyKeeper. It provides an excellent user interface, and also includes a low-voltage cutoff.
Yeah but there are some thing that make me hesitate to say it is a beginners light
Yes it turns off at low voltage but the cell will still be drained because of the bleeder resistor
It took my unprotected KeepPower down to 0,8V
I am at the 53rd charging of a protected Panasonic in a Convoy BD01 after having it run to down to cut off.
It charges to a steady 4,21V every time. My USB amp meter shows 0,7A charging in the beginning and ending with ,250 at the end
The internal resistance of the cell is risen from 65iR to 78iR
I have drained the cell of high but also on med and low
And I think normal use would not mean charging more then once a week so simulated a year of use.
It is for a review and for now I say it is an ideal light for those who do not know anything about li ion safety and I plan on gifting it with a new cell to a friend who is not a flashoholic since I trust it to be safe and beginners grade.
Thank you for all your comments.
It is true the Astrolux seems great but it is not in my budget.
After some reserach I found Efest are not IMR, so I am always searching for a good cell. If you have some suggestions (IMR or protected), it will be nice.
