I’d like to pick up about 3 more SK68 clones to leave around the house, in toolbox etc. What are all the best options and sources right now?
Best one? Cheapest good one?
There’s one clone that comes with a 20mm lens instead of the 18mm one that the original Sipik had. I think the 20mm one is probably the best one since a larger lens = more throw. Unfortunately, I don’t remember where I got it.
There is no best one. None of the Chinese sellers is consistent in quality. One day you may get a good one and the next will be a bad one from same seller. I have received 2 SK68 ordered on same day from same seller and they were slightly different. Just look for the cheapest one. eBay usually has the lowest prices on them.
I have one with the larger lens (Sipik branded, no idea if it’s the original one) and it’s not any brighter nor any thrower than other SK68 clones I own. I think there are many factors other than the lens diameter that make the difference insignificant.
Bought just one off ebay $4.14 shipped, Silver 3 mode (hi lo stb), http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2-3-5-10x-Mini-7W-300LM-3-Mode-1-Mode-Adjustable-CREE-Q5-LED-Flashlight-Torch-/271646649570
Lots of listings said 3 mode, then in description on/off zoom in out. Likewise some confusion in listings regarding free shipping, which emitter Cree, mystery Q5, higher priced showed T6.
So I bought just one for now, but did pick up a couple or three plain AA and a 18650, time to buy some batteries I guess.
I had a few of SK68 clones with 20mm lens constantly from Litknight.
They are great gifts but as according to blf rules on sk68 these are not that good
yes it throws far
it works with both aa and 14500 (it comes along with an ultrafire 14500 and charger)
comes with 3 modes (with invisible pwm on medium and rapid 16Hz strobe)
comes with cree xpe rather than xre
upon using it i had few flaws like
doesn’t tailstand
headstanding scratches the 20mm lens
hollow pill
ugly ringy beams
20mm lens gives smaller flood areas than the common 18mm ones
i gotta say litknight sipik clones are the most consistent sk68 I’ve ever purchased
not the best but as a gift it’s a good choice.
I have gotten a couple of silver ones that the focusing ring is so tight it takes gloves to move to keep from damaging your hands.
Jerry
Have you tried greasing it?
I've gone through about fifteen or so clone 68's. In my experience so far, the UltraFire were the poorest quality. Namely blue LED's and just lesser quality. Just sayin. I'm sure others have different experience.
Seems they are hit or miss though.
Yes, to no avail. I think the only thing that would improve it would be to take it apart and use some polishing compound, but that is too much trouble. I will be sure and not give one of those to a lady.
Jerry
My last one was silver and I actually opened a dispute because I didn’t think it would zoom, as in didn’t have the right parts. Finally I got some leverage and pulled really hard and it moved, then moved easier after a few more tries, but still very stiff. Maybe something to do with the plating?
My advice hasn’t changed in the last year, buy an assortment, get refunds on the junk, gift the good ones with an Eneloop or Alkaline.
Yikes! I haven’t encountered that problem before.
I’ve occasionally had stiff zooms, but the problem was usually easily fixed by lubricating the o-ring on the bezel. If you have a light where the anodizing is actually rubbing and causing it to bind, then that suggests poor manufacturing or design. The easiest way to fix this is probably to get a drill or dremel and file down the insde of the bezel slightly to give more room.
Yes, I think it is the plating since I have not experienced it with black ones.
Jerry
Older thread on the same subject: Who makes a good SK68?
The only one I’m told can be relied on to have a solid pill is the one RMM is selling:
http://www.mtnelectronics.com/index.php?route=product/search&search=OK
There are so many junk SK68 variation copies out there — I’ve been through half a dozen — that it’s a good reminder that “budget” doesn’t mean “cheap” — it means good value.
Mountain Electronics has UltraOK SK-68s, which some consider to be the best (even though the name is an oxymoron). I got one from China also, but in the US RMM is just as cheap, at least if you combine orders to save shipping. The lens aperture is 18 mm.
The 20 mm. lens bezel ring from one with a hollow pill fits on the UltraOK head but it doesn’t quite focus. The 20 mm. lens has a longer focal length. What makes my two 20 mm. lens examples focus is that the LED is set farther back in the pill. So the 20 mm. lens versions have a smaller spot, but the 18 mm. versions have wider flood.
$5.39 + shipping ain't no bargain. I've gotten AoK's for 2.50 shipped. You can still get 68's out there on average for 2.99 if you wait patiently.
What's the hurry? Seek em out. :beer: :beer: :beer:
I’m spoiled, I want 3 mode, hi, lo, (actually don’t want strobe, but do want that low for Lion use), and those seem a bit more so far. Then at that point the fancy $8 units with a T6 get appealing and next thing I know I bought a 18650 instead.
UltraOK used to call it a “ZS-2” but I haven’t found it lately under any name.
I recently bought 6 off eBay for prices from less that $3 to about $3.85.
Jerrry
Link? All solid pills?
i took 150 pieces of sk68 with q5 and some with xml t6 and they all are in perfect conditions.from kaidomain…so no worry.:)the worst came from shenzehnwholesale…nightmare…
only the dhl service and border tax is pretty expensive:(