Got fake SingFire SF-348 from Gearbest, Suggestions on something similar?

Flail · 2018-02-24T02:05:24.000Z

Was looking for a one 10440 (Li-Ion), (reverse) clicky flashlight and read good reviews of the SF-348. Even found a post here in this forum that Gearbest sells this model with a genuine CREE XP-E LED (here).
But it’s been a few years so I guess that since then either GB started selling fake SF-348s or SingFire started manufacturing SF-348s with a non CREE LED Because I bought a few of these for a little over $4 apiece and according to the responses to my post in the fake LED awareness thread, the emitter is not genuine.
A real shame, too, because the driver actually does push 1A to the emitter (I measured 0.95A) on 10440s (not AAAs though).

So, can anyone recommend a single 10440, clicky, >= 1A flashlight?

Alternatively, if anyone knows of a place to get the SF-348 with a 100% genuine CREE emitter (XP-E, XP-G/2/3) or even better, a Nichia 219B, I’m all ears (I really liked the construction of the SF-348).

vwpieces · 2018-02-24T02:59:52.000Z

I have a $3 SF348 on the slow boat. Also bought several in the past when I see them at that price. No idea if they are (were) genuine cree because I always just swap out the emitter to a Nichia 219B. I have enough 219B on hand to build a light similar to the BLF 348 for less money when they can be had.

Swap out the emitters. And sorry if I was of no help to get you a light with what you want.

Flail · 2018-02-24T09:10:24.000Z

$3? May I ask where did you find them so cheap? Just out of curiosity.

And yes, I do plan on reflowing one for my personal use, but I planned on giving the others as gifts, and changing all the emitters is too much of a hassle.

vwpieces:

And sorry if I was of no help to get you a light with what you want.

Any help is appreciated! Even if it’s off-topic (which I don’t you were, BTW).

vwpieces · 2018-02-24T23:57:35.000Z

Welcome…
I get them from the user negotiated deals threads. About a month ago there was a deal posted but one per purchase @ $3 and free shipping on the slow boat.
The 219B are getting harder to get but I got a deal on a blow out @ about $1.70 ea.
Would be good to practice on one but when you get it figured out it would be real easy to knock out 5 swaps in not much more time than it would take for one light build.

Jtm94 · 2018-02-25T08:44:03.000Z

I got a Singfire 348 a while ago for quite cheap, sub $3, and it is a really neat light. I have no need for high CRI for my tiny keychain/pocket lights because they just help me not bump around in the dark, or get the keys to the door. No idea if mine has a fake emitter, but it’s brighter than my Nitecore Tube and much throwier. The tint is a little harsh, but it’s very even so I can’t fault it.

Flail · 2018-03-01T01:31:12.000Z

vwpieces:

Welcome…
I get them from the user negotiated deals threads. About a month ago there was a deal posted but one per purchase @ $3 and free shipping on the slow boat.
The 219B are getting harder to get but I got a deal on a blow out @ about $1.70 ea.
Would be good to practice on one but when you get it figured out it would be real easy to knock out 5 swaps in not much more time than it would take for one light build.

Thanks vwpieces, I checked the user negotiated deals threads, nothing there currently. For $3 or lower it’s worth the money IMHO, despite the sub optimal emitter and driver (high current but low efficiency, I measured 69% running on10440 and 55% running on Eneloop. Measurement made with a very cheap DMM).
I’ll keep an eye out, maybe there’ll be another deal.

Jtm94:

I got a Singfire 348 a while ago for quite cheap, sub $3, and it is a really neat light. I have no need for high CRI for my tiny keychain/pocket lights because they just help me not bump around in the dark, or get the keys to the door. No idea if mine has a fake emitter, but it’s brighter than my Nitecore Tube and much throwier. The tint is a little harsh, but it’s very even so I can’t fault it.

For me it’s not the CRI that matters, but the light output per watt, of both the LED and the driver. Good tint and CRI are a nice bonus though.

Thanks for your input guys, I’ll visit this thread every few days, if anyone finds a flashlight with my requested features please provide a link/model.