Soon it will be my son’s 7th birthday. As he’s been enjoying responsibly my C8, I wanted to gift him a flashlight for his oncoming birthday.
I am undecided whether to go the triple fuel route (14500, LR6, NiMh) in the T range (likely T3) or following the 18650 way.
We have a few 18650 cells, and I find them of the right capacity; moreover, I fear a 14500 cell would have too little “juice”, but I also understand that his hands are smaller, as his pockets are, and a 14500 would be better in this way. However, he’s a kid, and quite a messy one. A small torch would probably be lost more easily.
As for 18650 I was thinking at the S2+. Regarding being too big, it can be shortened to use a 18350 cell, that more or less should have the same mAh as a 14500, but with a bigger size reflector that will probably throw further (I am sure he will like this).
I want it also sort of future-proof: this isn’t a supermarket light of no value, with pressed in and glued components, but a proper light that I would like him to keep.
I think a bigger one maybe would be more appreciated in the future?
I lean towards the S2+ 18650, with a shorty tube and a 18350 battery in case it’s too big, but there are a few argoments in favor of the T3 too.
Well, if he can handle a C8, he can handle a compact 18650 flashlight no problem.
Personally, I prefer 21700 lights for the extra capacity, but I’m a large adult.
If I remember correctly, the best 18650 cells have a heck of a lot more capacity than the best 14500 cells.
Even if his hands are now too small, they wont be in a couple of months, let alone years.
I think a 18650 model is the better choice. they aren’t that much bigger, but the batteries are 2-3x in capacity and amperage.
I personally would go for a S15, because I love the super grippy style, but it’s not available in red.
The S2+ seems to be the logical choice, but on the other hand, a S21E or A aren’t much bigger…
S2+: 118 x 24.1mm
S21E: 116.4 x 27.3mm
S21A: 123mm x 26.6mm
As usual I have a different opinion on that matter.
I just sold my Maglite 6D because holding it, carrying it, and operating it put considerable strain on my wrist.
To hold a light for a minute or two is something different than carrying it on a night walk in the forest.
So for a seven year old I would go for a 14500/AA size light. If possible a bio-fuel capable light.
Starting on Alkalines (yuck) or Eneloops, and after a year or so gradually under supervision promoting to 14500.
You can’t be too careful with Li-Ion cells and batteries.
The S21e is a great suggestion! The Andúril driver version will also be perceived of better value by my other half: heck, my wife is so frugal, no shoes, no handbags, and an Andúril light does things that any 5€ light at the supermarket can’t do ever.
I don’t have 21700 cells, but well, I will get one with the light, then we will see. I can buy one adapter tube, 18650 to 21700
Very true, this!
I used to prefer side switches too, then I got hold of a cheap light with one, and I was struggling to find it in the dark. The tail one is easy to find, on the other hand.
But I agree, the S21E looks great.
oh, well, he’s 6 still and he doesn’t go in the forest at night, yet
He got two Christmas ago a WPL 6×6 remote control truck, first it had a 2S 14500 battery pack, we promoted it to five 2S 18650 battery packs and we go hiking with it. He’s plenty used to Li-Ion cells already.
LOL, I don’t know where you read it, but it’s either one or the other one: I’ve got only one myself, why would I buy two for him?
I already struggle to buy one extra for myself without the wife complaining!
There is a logical solution to this: You must also buy 2 new lights for yourself.
Just browse Convoys Shop, the shopping cart will fill itself without you even noticing.
At least that’s the case for me for some reason…
Uh, I know, but the new house is a constant expense, so the disposable income isn’t that much. And I like other things that can turn out very expensive in no time, too (cameras, bicycles, RC toys, watches, for instance).
Where I live a flashlight is something useful, that’s why I want to gift it; I may get a second one for myself to correct the first shot I had with the C8 (the head is too big, although for the rest it is great and I love it), but I am not planning to start a collection
I think I am pretty settled on the S21E now, with Andúril. I don’t find it aesthetically pleasing as much as my sexy C8, but I will see how I like it.
So true. Maybe if you use one side switch light frequently you can get used to finding the switch. But I have lots of lights. So often….way to often, I have to take a TS10 or KR1AA out of my pocket and fire it up just to find the switch on any of my side switch lights. OTH, there is never any such problem with a light that has a tail switch.
Sure it takes repositioning my hand to change modes… but I can’t change any modes if I can’t find the switch to turn the light on…
One other benefit of the mechanical tail switch is that you don’t have to worry about the constant parasitic drain that is always there with E-Switch lights. It is always a pain to pick up your emergency light that has been sitting in a drawer or your car for a long period and have it dead… quite probably having ruined your nice, relatively expensive, high drain high capacity LiIon cell.
How beautiful in grey! I should have bought it in this color, it was still available last year when I got my black one!
I already have the shiny SS bezel, it was on from the moment I took it out of the box
Having only one flashlight, mine is used and it is developing some patina
Being a head heavy light, I use the lanyard as a safety cord, in case the magnet fails. In fact, the only time I didn’t secure it, I dropped it and it stopped working - I’m with no light at the moment, a new driver and LED got shipped from Convoylight today
My son will only have this, and in the future, if I want one too, it will probably be my only one so there won’t be any issue
And then if in the future I will want to change it for a Hank light because of Andúril 2 and because I can spend more than twice, I will probably sell my Convoy so it will still be one.
Only if he can be trusted not to remove the cell from the flashlight, bit dangerous unless it’s protected. One short circuit and it could vent or start a fire, breathing in the fumes could be lethal. I always advise a rechargeable with a tiny bit of glue on the threads so the cell can’t easily be removed.
I don’t know, the only side switch flashlight I’ve ever used was my dad’s Eveready Dayco, by the look of it was from the1960s, and it had quite a protrudent sliding switch, and a push switch for flashing. I could find those
Before writing this I spent some time trying to remember the name of that flashlight. Although I saw it last 30 or 40 years ago, I still remember it very vividly: stainless steel tubes, red head with a red octagonal bumper, red F-F joint in between the two M-M tubes, red tailcap with written Eveready Dayco. It worked either on 2 D cells, or 4 D cells.
The Old style side switches that were big prominent sliding switches were easy to locate and really very quite hard to miss. The newer e-switch push buttons, not so much. I seem to always try pushing the USB port cover first… after I feel around for some time trying to find anything even sort of resembling a switch. Which is not what I want when it is very dark and I want light immediately!
I have to admit, once the switch is located, the ergonomics are great. Perfect for on/off or changing modes quickly with a thumb.
