Hi from the UK

Trail_Trek · 2018-06-10T06:34:19.000Z

Hello there im from the UK I just wanted to explain how I ended up here.

One of the first ‘decent’ flashlights I bought for home use was the BLF a6 se. why this one? Well it took me 2 weeks of weighing up specs and price to finally get that one.
Once I got it I loved it, but in the back of my mind I thought “who else would spend time like me looking at output, price and pocket clips”!
So I looked up what BLF stood for, I already knew it was some forum, but imagined it was for technical support only.
And I found this place, full of highly knowledgeable, helpful people all over the world with a similar bug to explore and enjoy most things with an LED involved.
I have spent many months lurking because I don’t want to post and look like a complete idiot, but I now feel i might be able to offer something with my posts.

And I am now at the point where I have reviewed about 22 flashlights and I want wait to get my hands on more and help others and learn.
So to anyone reading who is new, please jump in and say hello and I wish you many years of happy flashlight related fun.
And to the more established members I salute you and your knowledge.

Richy

raccoon · 2018-06-10T06:36:06.000Z

Thanks for joining the party, Trail Trek!

tatasal · 2018-06-10T07:42:10.000Z

Hello and welcome.

patmurris · 2018-06-10T08:22:53.000Z

Welcome aboard Richy!

You must have done some pretty clever research to start with a BLF A6, arguably one of the best value 18650 tube light out there. I had to go through dozens of cheap lights before i found out about BLF and the A6. :person_facepalming:

Trail_Trek · 2018-06-10T09:27:58.000Z

I think it was pure luck! But I did spend a long time making that choice.
I love the A6, ive carried it in caves and camping and its never let me down. Its very competitively priced and the ui is awesome, it’s probably what I would call a gateway flashlight, it got me addicted!

Are there any other flashlights people consider a ‘classic’ like the A6? I also like my convoy s2+ but i find myself holding and carrying the a6 more.

Thank you.

Robowski · 2018-06-10T10:12:05.000Z

Hi Trail Trek, …Welcome

I’m quite new here as well and I couldn’t improve on the kind words you’ve said about the BLF folk,
…my thoughts exactly!

hIKARInoob · 2018-06-10T12:06:40.000Z

Hey how are you doing Trail Trek? And welcome to BLF! :partying_face:

ActiveAl · 2018-06-10T12:20:58.000Z

TrailTrek, welcome! I am a newby too. You have a very informative and educational YouTube channel. So far, I've watched part of the Olight M2 Warrior video and have come away with a better understanding of TIR reflectors. I love my BLF A6 also, but don't use it much for EDC. I typically just pick it up, cycle through the modes, and admire it. For EDC, I prefer a 14500 flashlight. Looking forward to watching more of your videos!

patmurris · 2018-06-10T14:59:43.000Z

Trail Trek:

Are there any other flashlights people consider a ‘classic’ like the A6?

Among the past BLF projects:
BLF Q8 for sure! Best value soda can light with 5000+ lumen out of the box, and a ramping UI. Inspired by the ‘classic’ Sky Ray King.
BLF 348. Classy one mode brushed SS AAA light. Not sure it’s still available though. It comes and go.
BLF GT… not exactly budget nor useful to most people, but it’s just amazing!

ActiveAl · 2018-06-10T17:17:04.000Z

patmurris:

Trail Trek:

Are there any other flashlights people consider a ‘classic’ like the A6?

Among the past BLF projects: BLF Q8 for sure! Best value soda can light with 5000+ lumen out of the box, and a ramping UI. Inspired by the ‘classic’ Sky Ray King. BLF 348. Classy one mode brushed SS AAA light. Not sure it’s still available though. It comes and go. BLF GT… not exactly budget nor useful to most people, but it’s just amazing!

As a newby, one of the first classics I became familiar with (in addition to the Convoy S2) was the Convoy C8. Currently, a C8 with 12 group modes is available at GearBest, but it only comes in silver. Additionally, the silver V2-1A version is now on sale for $19.99. There is a black one offered, but it only has two group modes.

Trail_Trek · 2018-06-10T20:34:12.000Z

Thank you very much ActiveAI. im still learning, there are many great you tube channel better than me I could recommend.

Charles does a high volume of posts and covers many flashlights: Charles BridgTec - YouTube

Scannerguy does many quick videos with plenty of beam shots in them: Thrunite TN12 (2014) flashlight comparison vs Mini Maglite Pro - YouTube

Mr BAZ does nice quick videos of each flashlight: Klarus XT11GT Tactical LED torch: Review and Test - YouTube

and Matt does loads of very knowledgeable vids Lumencraft - YouTube

If ive missed some good or better ones sorry but im still learning, someone else can jump in with recommendations.

Interesting you prefer a 14500, I have a subscriber who swears 26650 is the perfect form factor for him. I love a 18650 for daily and if size is limiting i grab a cr123a form factor, i love my
on the road M3 with neutral tint. http://zlsh.net/M3

wiley07 · 2018-06-10T22:36:09.000Z

raccoon city:

Thanks for joining the party, Trail Trek!

Wow that was a nice welcome

NeutralFan · 2018-06-10T23:22:06.000Z

Welcome to BLF Trail Trek! The BLF A6 is a lot of flashlight for the money. Good choice. :+1:

Essexman · 2018-06-11T07:24:18.000Z

Welcome to the forum from another UK member. Where about in the UK are you?

Trail_Trek · 2018-06-11T12:10:38.000Z

Hi there mate im from the rolling hills of the north east (Northumberland), so i get a lot of use out of my flashlights
Gets plenty dark out in the hills.
Where about are you from and how did you get interested in flashlights?
Also thank you again to everyone who has said hi its very much appreciated.

Essexman · 2018-06-12T07:19:58.000Z

Trail Trek:

Hi there mate im from the rolling hills of the north east (Northumberland), so i get a lot of use out of my flashlights
Gets plenty dark out in the hills.
Where about are you from and how did you get interested in flashlights?
Also thank you again to everyone who has said hi its very much appreciated.

Ah yes, lovely part of the country. I’m down South, where the M11 and M25 cross. Just North East of London, into Essex.

Started modding Maglites years back with LEDs, and still playing now and then.

freeme · 2018-06-12T07:39:46.000Z

Welcome to BLF!

ActiveAl · 2018-06-12T15:22:27.000Z

Trail Trek:

Thank you very much ActiveAI. im still learning, there are many great you tube channel better than me I could recommend. Charles does a high volume of posts and covers many flashlights: https://www.youtube.com/user/BridTec Scannerguy does many quick videos with plenty of beam shots in them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOe6Ax9fmko&list=PLm400E27X68SJ84yO8KHrf0ZRh7sIzuSw Mr BAZ does nice quick videos of each flashlight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdk8Lo_ubP0&list=PLPDCN48jxW_tANsuH-A2kWk9kuHlJrrCw and Matt does loads of very knowledgeable vids https://www.youtube.com/user/ForgivenMatt If ive missed some good or better ones sorry but im still learning, someone else can jump in with recommendations. Interesting you prefer a 14500, I have a subscriber who swears 26650 is the perfect form factor for him. I love a 18650 for daily and if size is limiting i grab a cr123a form factor, i love my on the road M3 with neutral tint. “http://zlsh.net/M3”:http://zlsh.net/M3

I am drawn to your YouTube channel by your relaxed and thoughtful delivery. Further, I enjoy it when you bring out paper and pen and draw diagrams to explain flashlight features and concepts. This is very beneficial to new flashlight enthusiasts like me.

On your videos where you trek through the Scottish country side, I feel like a tourist to your region and am amazed at the landscape and flora of the moors. Thank you for pointing out the native sphagnum moss and the roe deer. I would be interested in hearing more about the equipment you use. To you, this terrain may seem very familiar. But to many foreign visitors, it will be stark and captivating.

Trail_Trek · 2018-06-12T18:22:41.000Z

Id love to visit Essex ive never had the chance, im slowly working my way around the country each year trying to visit more areas.
Maglites were for me the first decent flashlights I tired, look how far everything has come though. Also the sheer choice of high quality manufacturers putting out flashlights I want is amazing.
Wishing you many more years of happy flashlight tinkering mate.

Trail_Trek · 2018-06-12T18:31:09.000Z

ActiveAl

Thank you very much indeed, ive PM you a message.
Il keep going Wink

ActiveAl:

Trail Trek:

Thank you very much ActiveAI. im still learning, there are many great you tube channel better than me I could recommend. Charles does a high volume of posts and covers many flashlights: https://www.youtube.com/user/BridTec Scannerguy does many quick videos with plenty of beam shots in them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOe6Ax9fmko&list=PLm400E27X68SJ84yO8KHrf0ZRh7sIzuSw Mr BAZ does nice quick videos of each flashlight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdk8Lo_ubP0&list=PLPDCN48jxW_tANsuH-A2kWk9kuHlJrrCw and Matt does loads of very knowledgeable vids https://www.youtube.com/user/ForgivenMatt If ive missed some good or better ones sorry but im still learning, someone else can jump in with recommendations. Interesting you prefer a 14500, I have a subscriber who swears 26650 is the perfect form factor for him. I love a 18650 for daily and if size is limiting i grab a cr123a form factor, i love my on the road M3 with neutral tint. http://zlsh.net/M3

I am drawn to your YouTube channel by your relaxed and thoughtful delivery. Further, I enjoy it when you bring out paper and pen and draw diagrams to explain flashlight features and concepts. This is very beneficial to new flashlight enthusiasts like me.

On your videos where you trek through the Scottish country side, I feel like a tourist to your region and am amazed at the landscape and flora of the moors. Thank you for pointing out the native sphagnum moss and the roe deer. I would be interested in hearing more about the equipment you use. To you, this terrain may seem very familiar. But to many foreign visitors, it will be stark and captivating.