BLF recommended bargains

I bought the first run D80 it had that problem but seeing as it runs at almost 5amps you should be using a IMR or high discharge cell any ways they fit in the old style battery tube. I bought one 2 months ago this came with the new longer tube. I have a review of it on my youtube i also made a thread with distance beam shots its not as throwy as s C8 but its smaller and it looks really cool.

> should be using

Depends — since the D80SE has no low voltage protection in the driver, I’m pessimistic enough to think eventually I’d get forgetful, or someone else would borrow the light and end upover-discharging the cell if an unprotected one was used, and I’ve had no trouble using it with protected cells.

Thing is I’ve noticed that this one somehow looks “more like a flashlight” to people who go to to grab a flashlight off of my workspace. It’s the one that gets grabbed, mostly.

Then I have to hunt it down later.

Nothing comes close? I assume you haven’t seen the Convoy L6?
Yes, I am biased… but I’m not alone.
Jescereal did a nice side-by-side comparison of the two with great beam shots here

Muto - J-dub's statement has been confirmed not just by others but also FrankenDale who recently parted with the S70 to his in-laws ans kept the L6

Hank - The D80-SE is really unusable when the battery gets to where LVP kicks in. I am not saying that I do not advocate safety but in this case it is not as it is with linear drivers. Regardless of what tube comes with (and I think all are long tubes now...but do not quote me on that) it is still very well worth buying.

Well, remember, this is “muggle insurance” I’m talking about.
They, if I’m lucky, bring the flashlight back to me when it won’t light up any longer.

I don’t mind using an unprotected cell in an unprotected light myself.

I just won’t leave the flashlight unprotected within reach of anyone who’ll borrow it and use it til it quits lighting up.

People accustomed to the old incandescent lights will let them get dimmer, and dimmer, and dimmer, before bringing them back.

Yeah, we had contractors, electrician, and plumber in the house for a few months.
They ALL needed flashlights, and knew where to find them. I had to be careful.

I completely agree about the uninformed.

I only have 1 left. I guess I should order 1 or 2 more.

Xtar H3 warboy... if bought at the discounted price of $32 this is the best headlamp per dollar in the market. With 1,000 lumens and true temperature regulation this is my top recommendation at this price. Mode spacing and head band could be better though.

Convoy C8 host... this is the absolutely best host per dollar. Paired with XP-L HI and a FET driver it simply smokes any other light this size in terms of throw and beam quality. I always keep a backup C8 host in case some friend wants to buy mine. Not very impressive in stock form with XM-L2, but the new XP-L HI version is a good buy for $18.

BLF D80... for all of the above mentioned reasons, a unique looking light with sturdy construction and FET-conversion-ready.

Let's not forget batteries...

Sanyo NCR18650GA... best balance between capacity and performance for the dollar? This is it! For less than $5 a piece this is simply the best all-around battery for flashlight use. I still see some folks spending $12+ for a single NCR18650B and it hurts my heart. Gearbest has the GA on deal right now: http://www.gearbest.com/batteries/pp_361930.html

I see the BLF A6 being mentioned... Honestly I don't see how this light is any good, probably because both of my units were defective but for this price one could easily build a convoy S2+ with the same specs. the S2+ has better overall build quality and reliability. I highly disagree about recommending the A6 when newbies looks for their first flashlight because they are just not ready for the FET driver, who would think a flashlight could get burning hot within seconds!? For starters I recommend a S2+ with a 2.1A driver or a bigger light with 3A driver such as C8, D80, X6. Plus the A6 is a copy of an original design, and I'll be forever against that. And the X6v2. And probably the X5.

This one now on my list, thanks (definitely "need" a pocket thrower)

Can anyone recommend the right driver for short time usage / maximum power ?

I’d suggest:
The 17mm fet+1 driver from mtn-electronics or Banggood (A6 or X6, the latter with the famous Bistro firmware, courtesy of Toykeeper)

For me remarkable value are:

- Astrolux A01 - for pocket lights it’s a steal

- Nitecore Tube - great keychain light (for me AAA is too big for keychain…but ideal for EDC)

- Hugsby V-1 - best cheap zoomie

  • Hugsby XP-1 / XP-11

This recommendation looks great . That single mode mode though would be more useful for lending at about 800 lumens (foolproof)

I’m not so sure about foolproof :wink:
But depending on your choice of battery and emitter you could get nearly double your estimated 800 lumens! And a lot of heat :slight_smile:

You can program the bistro firmware to be single mode though. It’s a REALLY versatile firmware

Ya you are right, I haven’t caught up yet on all recent threads after being away from burying my Father-in Law and trying to tie up loose ends with the estate. Made me realize my affairs are not in proper order as well so that is something to be worked on.

Anyway, The Convoy L6 in the beam shots looks real nice with the warmer tint. Too bad that tint is currently unavailable at Simon’s site.

So, to correct;
The Thorfire S70 is great in it’s price range and currently only rivaled by the impressive Convoy L6.
Thanks, Peace
Keith