Help replacing HP25R

bosti · 2019-07-04T15:17:47.000Z

Hello been using daily a Fenix HP25R for the last couple years.
Today I have managed to burn the charging board by making a pulsating dummy load circuit for my usb powerbank, from which I was counting to power the light even on low power modes. (maybe someone has got one laying around from a mod gone wrong??)

So I’m now looking for a replacement light and would love some advice since I’ve not been looking flashlights since I’ve had this one.

Requirements:
Dual leds, flood and throw. Was quite happy with the ones on the 25R and don’t really know what new ones have to offer.
18650 powered
Usb charged @1A
Low power modes!
Lighter than the 25R which was kinda heavy on the long run!
Nice addition would be to power it straight from usb without battery like the 25R

What I’ve seen so far: the Panda 3R from YLP which seems a good light. Not sure if the fuss about the XP-G3, is just that or a serious drawback. Been very happy with my XP-G2.
Cannot find info on the usb power option so sent an email to the company.

Others I’ve seen like the HC65 are just too powerful at low modes they are useless for me.

Thanks hope to hear some good suggestions!

bmengineer · 2019-07-04T15:38:44.000Z

I can check power over USB on the 3R for you tonight

bosti · 2019-07-04T15:40:37.000Z

That would be very much appreciated, Thanks!
Is the XP-G3 pure suffering how I read around?

bmengineer · 2019-07-04T15:48:02.000Z

The most annoying part about the XP-G3 is that YLP has LH351D, and there’s no reason not to use it instead. There’s a bit of tint shift still, but the honeycomb TIR stops it from being too noticeable in real world use for me.

bosti · 2019-07-04T16:59:06.000Z

Well that’s reassuring, as I’m not finding many lights that fit the bill

Oh by the way the Panda had a PWM right? Is it at all noticeable? Any noise being produced?

bmengineer · 2019-07-04T21:49:53.000Z

The light will run from USB power without a cell inside.

bosti · 2019-07-04T21:55:43.000Z

Great news thank you very much for checking!
Only thing holding me back is lack of low power mode.
Also looking now at Fenix HM65R but there don’t seem to be any european vendors

bmengineer · 2019-07-04T22:22:21.000Z

For what it’s worth, I prefer a floody headlamp and just a second throwy handheld, but I get that you might not want a second light. If you have to reach up to change modes, you need a second hand anyway.

aswang · 2019-07-05T06:39:59.000Z

Fenix HM65r is coming out. https://www.fenix-store.com/fenix-hm65r-rechargeable-headlamp-1400-lumens/

But personally, I’d still prefer Panda 3R because it has better UI and I prefer both spot and flood leds to be neutral white of the same tint.

bosti · 2019-07-05T07:22:59.000Z

Oh so they still haven’t fully distributed around then. Do you think aliexpress sellers are reputable?
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32886850179.html?spm=2114.search0104.3.1.284e74a4HS8w0H&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0%2Csearchweb201602_10_10065_10068_319_317_10696_10084_453_10083_454_10618_10304_10307_10820_10821_537_10302_536_10843_10059_10884_10887_321_322_10103%2Csearchweb201603_60%2CppcSwitch_0&algo_expid=d3cd2b6c-0b8e-4129-b908-dc53560cd7e4-0&algo_pvid=d3cd2b6c-0b8e-4129-b908-dc53560cd7e4
For the ui I agree it’s dumb with the long presses but after 3 years I’m used to it…
No usb passthrough though… port is right at the back!

I’m just worried the 10lm low is going to be too bright for me as I found myself wanting a lower mode while on 4lm on the hp25r. How you find it yourself?

Damn why can’t there be a proper headlamp with proper features nowdays!?

@bmengineer
Yes that is a good point, I had thought of just getting flood but still there is so much more convenience in having the spot there always ready.

aswang · 2019-07-05T07:42:42.000Z

Not familiar with that specific seller but I haven’t had any bad experiences when buying name brand lights from aliexpress. Except once in a while I get super long shipping times usually because of my country’s post office.

With regards to the UI, I can live with 0.5s press for on and off (I like my manker e03) but no direct access to lowest and turbo mode from off is really a deal breaker for me. 10 lumen lowest mode is ok for work lights but for camp and bedtime lights, sub lumen moonlight mode is a must for me. 10 lumens is too bright for dark adjusted eyes.

Hopefully, YLP releases a Panda 3 version with High CRI LH351D + SST-20 leds and a proper moonlight mode like the Panda 2M CRI.

bosti · 2019-07-05T08:25:45.000Z

Can’t agree more! Even removed direct access to low light from a list of possibilities I’m so used to just covering the lens every time I turn it on in the dark I’m just surprised obvious ui config is not mere common at this day with all the models that have been made!
The Panda 3R was released quite recently right? We are not going to expect any update any time soon right…

aswang · 2019-07-05T11:52:14.000Z

Well. I’m hopeful since i think (maybe I’m wrong) YLP made the Panda 2M CRI based on BLF input. Panda 3R just needs software tweaks. Sub lumen moonlight seems useless when looking at it spec wise (0.1 lumens whaaat???!!). But once you’ve used it you immediately realize how useful it is. My first experience is with a manker e03h, after that it’s a must have feature for my edc and camp lights. Not so much with my work and photography lights.

bosti · 2019-07-05T12:01:54.000Z

Well let’s hope so then! I wrote to one of the guys asking.

bmengineer · 2019-07-05T13:43:24.000Z

I’ve asked as well, repetitively. I would love a Panda 3 CRI, it’s much nicer built than the 2M

bosti · 2019-07-05T13:52:20.000Z

Yes, but with 1 flood and one spot eh! No nonsense now like those 2 floods
Also programmable brightness levels