Another thing is I have a HUGE amount of 18650's now and don't want to have to buy more batteries and go to a different platform 16350's
What would be your recommendations, stick with the 18650 platform and just build a few more like that or go for the Convoy S5 "big and little brother" combo?
Its your call on what you build. Personally i would use an XPG-2 led at those currents which are fine as you will not have to use Effest or AW batteries. The lower current will also give you a lot longer run time as well. The higher the current fed to the led the higher voltage it wants leading to less run time with maximum light output if that makes sense. Good luck with your build.
i have a 602C with a 3x 7135 driver and an xp-g2, sweet little combo!
i have lo-mid-hi with mode memory, unfortunately mid is a bit too high, so it’s too close to high for my taste, but for the price paid for the parts i’m happy anyway
I've built up several 602C lights using the 101AK driver and (much cooler-tint) XM-L U2 emitters. I've kept one for myself and sold the others, and everyone loves the combination. IMO, the 101AK is a great driver for these smaller lights. Enough current to make a bright light without thrashing the cells mercilessly.
...fit the host much better than the factory reflector. The outer threaded portion of the reflector helps center the reflector in the tube (it doesn't thread in) making it much easier to assemble. The factory driver is a smaller diameter making it harder to center when you put the light together. The DX reflectors are a perfect fit for the lens, host, and emitter, and don't restrict the visible reflector diameter from the front at all. This also gives you the option to swap between OP/SMO reflectors as the mood strikes. Mine is OP, and I like it very much...
I second the XP-G2 for these smaller lights they really are the best. Personally I would de-dome it for better throw and nicer tint as well. As for a driver pick something with the best range. This driver will go from 2% 25% and 100%. As for a host one that is really nice is the solarforce L2M you can use 18650’s or 16340’s in shorty mode. (IMR’s are great)
QLITE REV.A 7135*8 3.04A LED DRIVER
Also I would highly suggest going with a copper star, either a sinkpad or a noctigon. It’s more than worth the extra couple bucks especially in small lights. A lot of people think the only advantage is when maxing out your amps but it’s not true at all. Even with lower amps copper is better because you are not losing as much light to thermal sag.
If you need help with de-doming or reflowing hit me up and I’ll talk you right through it. It’s really much easier than people think. Nothing to it really.
One of my lights that gets the most use is a solarforce L2M with an XP-G2 that was given to me by MRsDNF.
I also have a XIAOZHI which is a lot like a convoy and it has an XM-L2 in it. I hardly use it compared with the solarforce with the XP-G2.
For me the deciding factor for led type is beam pattern. An xp size (including nichia219) will have a smaller hotspot in a given reflector than an XM. At a given current the XM will put out more light due to its higher efficiency but the smaller xp spot will seem brighter. Big surprise: you may find yourself modding it to find your sweet spot. A personal question if you don’t mind. If you only want to use 18650 cells what are you going to put a 10mm driver in?
I’ve built 4 of these, all with XM-L2s using the above reflectors, 3 with Q-Lites and one direct drive. I agree the OP reflector works better. The DD light is de-domed and originally had a smooth reflector but the beam was terrible and there was no difference in throw.
I’ve noticed the switches can be a little flakey, I’ve had to take them apart and usually find small, black particles in the contact area. That’s before running them at 3.0A. Once cleaned up they seem to work fine.
Another note, the most recent one I ordered from Fast Tech (about 2 months ago) had an undersized lens. It is just big enough to not fall through the head but a pain in the a to center while assembling.
I’m a tinkerer, the 10mm driver, going to get a few MAGLITE Solitaires and build them up too…I have some 14500’s as well…but the rigs I run them in right now don’t last that long battery wise 40-50 min, and I want to get away from the Sipik (zoomie) platform [was recommended by someone in the know]
I bought 20 laptop pulls and have ALOT of 18650's, so looking to utilize them as much as possible, but still willing to play with other battery sizes...plus I want to be able to say "I BUILT THAT" when someone asks me about a light
