Warsun makes little AA zoomies — I got one more or less like this for $3 (in pink)
Very lightweight, haven’t taken the pill apart yet.
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Cozy-Mini-Penlight-2000LM-Waterproof-LED-Flashlight-Torch-3-Modes-Zoomable-Adjustable-Focus-Lantern-Portable-Tactical/32677340678.html
Starts on high, which some people prefer (then mid, then strobe, next mode memory of course)
I must say thanks once again to VOB for posting this topic. 
It hits close to the heart of what brought many of us into this hobby/addiction/journey or whatever else you want to call this wonderful flashlight world. :+1:
I can respond to, if not answer at least a few of the questions thrown out there…
What about the Convoy BD04?
I’ve asked Simon the same. I don’t have one but I’ve been curious about it for a long time and I’m going to order one. It’s talked about so little that I need to see why, and then of course I need to work with Simon to make it more “worth talking about”. It’s…kinda what I do. 
As for the G700/G800/Shadowhawk/Bell & Whoever…
Yeah, it’s all pretty much the same light. Simon sells it as the E17 and lists it for what it is. Honesty…what a crazy concept.
No, it does not accept a 26650 but it does run on an 18650 or 3 AAA cells.
With an 18650, it uses a simple plastic tube spacer for a better fit while the 3 AAA adapter fills the space better though with less output. The output is quite respectable on an 18650 if you didn’t spend more than $8.
If any BLF members want a 15% discount on it that won’t be a problem. I’ll check with Simon but I can say with 90% certainty he’d have no problem doing that. If there is any interest just let me know.
This is fun. 
Keep it going!
Cheers!
I have order the E17
I can’t wait for you to see it! Good thing you ordered now before they ban the release of this military technology. It’s endorsed by a guy with a gym membership in a tight t-shirt and militaryish-looking tactical cargo pants so you KNOW it’s high quality! :student:
lol
Djozz wrote about the modified OnTheRoad i3:
comment 43 in this thread: On The Road i3 - #43 by djozz
I consider any zoomie better the easier it is to modify; he gives high marks to this one:
Bingo!
More modification info and pictures in that thread. If by any wild chance the OnTheRoad people get smart and offer us host bodies to improve on, this could become the pocket zoom flashlight, because it could be improved every single time a better driver or emitter come available. That would be outstanding.
Until those hosts come along, though, I confess I’ll continue spending no more than $2 apiece — on SK68 clones from eBay and #3 zoomies found from time to time at AliExpress.
Because they can and will be improved every single time a better driver or emitter come available. And I can give them away lightheartedly.
I’d like to see an 18650 sized version of the On the Road i3. That would be lovely. :sunglasses:
LOL!
You shouldn’t make fun though cuz I called 1-900-PSYCHIC-HELP and they totally said this was gonna happen!
After recently seeing what the brinyte and sunwayman zoomies have to offer i have to say i am less than impressed. Ugly tints, ugly beams, too much twisting to zoom in/out, too easy to unscrew tail cap when trying to zoom. Finish on the brinyte was not so great. Other than build quality nothing about these lights really set them apart from other cheaper zoomies ive tried. Still think Coast has the best looking beams its a shame they are over priced and under lumen’d
Okay, I’m on the verge of pulling the trigger on the B158 but I need some more convincing. Between that (XP-L HI) and the L2 running two cells, which one will throw farther with a narrower, more intense hotspot?
Any of the zooming POP lites, mostly depending on battery type. In 18650, they have the T62 https://world.taobao.com/item/8541158350.htm?spm=a312a.7700714.0.0.ppJdyn#detail, or if you like stainless steel the P632 https://world.taobao.com/item/526971205062.htm?spm=a312a.7700714.0.0.MrG7S4#detail. For 1 x AA the P22 is not available, but the T22 is https://world.taobao.com/item/9333354346.htm?spm=a312a.7700714.0.0.OiOIkp#detail, I don't think its driver will take a Li ion cell. I especially like the shiny 3 x AAA P32 and the very bright 4 x AAA T34 https://world.taobao.com/item/12643527949.htm?spm=a312a.7700714.0.0.DYrsUM#detail.
The T34 is similar to the LED Lenser P7.2, which appears to be made by the same company, but a bit brighter in stock form. Those and the Lenser P14 all have a driver that consists only of resistors and a three way switch, so there is no PWM or even ripple in any mode.
Aside from good build quality, the main advantage of these lights is that they have two zone optics, with the TIR and aspheric zones focusing at the same zoom position.
Some of these are available also on English language sites, but the POP lite brand name seems to be mainly marketed in China. I use Google Chrome to translate and TaobaoRing to order.
This https://world.taobao.com/item/42388058217.htm?spm=a312a.7700825.1997196601.112.H1uO80 and its 18650 version appear to be very good, but I haven't bought one because it has simple optics.
The WarSun A7 Reflector-Lens https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=43178524316&toSite=main&skuId=79767091986 works extremely well, but I don't like the shape of it.
Actually when I just want to carry a zoomie for a long time and not worry about draining the cell, nor about the weight, my favorite is the Frankenstein’s Modder version — two battery tubes and tailswitch taken from the fairly rare “3 W Police 2xAA” light, plus the body and head of a SK68 or #3 zoomie.
Benefit — a handy zoom and all the long life from three NiMH cells, relatively little weight, but it’s about as long tho’ much narrower and lighter than an old 2D flashlight, which is hard to lose but easy to carry and easy to hang up or prop up to light something up.
The problem I have with 1xAA zoomies with single lithium-ion cells is, they won’t last several evenings of steady use, and when they go flat they go flat really fast.
Not a stunningly bright light, but a good one for general purposes — usually using the blinky mode to cross streets during the dark hours.
Have a couple of those 3W lights. Can use one or two extensions. What I didn’t know is they would fit the #3 zoomie. Too bad I gave away my #3s.
nice flashlights/prices, but how can we order from taobao ?
without learning chinse ,i found buy now button ,but it requires registration with mobile phone and i cant find the shipping cost if any.
I’d ask gearbest or bangood/fasttech to carry the light ….
what about the Solarforce Y2 ?
Looking forward to more zoom lights compare video. :-D
More on the lego’d together Franken-zoomie added to the What Legoes With What? thread so we don’t get lost in that thicket.
Thank you
OP is now current.
