I need a torch for my lid while riding mountain bike. I need it fast (less than a week ship-time) and it needs be at least 800 real lumens for an hour or more.
On some 3A current + XM-L combined with a good 18350 gives you just a bit over 20min on that L2m.
(I believe with CR123 you won´t even get the max power)
The DX option sure runs longer, unknown real lumens but I have tested those and would say they are as bright as P60 dropins and maybe better heatsinked.
Batteries are a wild card. They are not balance charged.
You would get the best runtimes with a Pansonic NCR18650A, if you realy like 18650 batteries. Or any other battery that has the NCR18650A under the wrap.
the DX light I posted and its 18650 batteries having nothing to do with the SolarForce L2m.
What I'm after is a CR126 powered light capable of 500 lumens on medium, and higher on max.
Many folks on BikeRader, MTBR, and SingleTrackForums use 18650 batteries in 501 tubes. I personally think that's way too much light to mount on my helmet.
The Exposure Diablo Mk5 is the size of Solarforce L2m and puts out 900 lumens for 60 minutes.
The LightMall Solarforce L2m claims a run time of 60 minutes, I don't know what power level thats at.
If it makes anywhere near its claimed 1000 lumens, even at 50% power that'd be more than enough light as long it last an hour.
Run-time is very important, as is weight, but if I can't see while riding, both are moot.
The 4x18650 XML-T6 Bike Light from DX is capable of 3 hours on high which is darn near close to 900 lumens.
I want to basically get half the lumens, but in a quarter of the battery power, with about 1 hour of run time.
Here is what's possible for $250 124 grams, 1000 lumens, 1 hour run time on high. What's this thing got that cant be replicated with a few cheap torches?
First off if you need a light within a week the only place you are going to get one is Shiningbeam DX will be 4-8 weeks easily.
I have a lot of lights and I prefer the KDC8 on my bike for the money it is ideal for a bike light. Here is the link for the light and a mount kit also, but again you are looking at 3-6 weeks.
You are not going to get the run time you are looking for, sorry. With the KD C8 I usually ride in low or medium mode the full 800 lumen high mode is unnecessary unless you are running full speed downhill on tight trails. I carry an extra battery in my pocket and a backup light just in case and don't forget a tail light so you don't get run over.
E1320, thanks for the advice. It appears the smaller batteries just dont push enough power for long run times. Bummer. I personally think the 18650 is too big to mount on a helmet, and really thats the only reason I was looking at torches.
If I'm going to have to wait 2-3 weeks for it get to me, I might as well order the bike light on DX.
So, there are no 1-2hr run time 500 lumen CR123 lights out there?
There is no way you are going to get they kind of run time out of a CR123 they just don't pack enough energy in them, 18650 is definitely the way to go. DX has been ridiculessly slow latey my last couple orders took over 6 weeks.
Something like an Uniquefire 2100 or a Shiningbeam S-mini takes an 18650 and is small enough to mount on your helmet. I have the older version of the S-mini and it is the smallest 18650 light made. That combined with a KDC8 mounted to your bars would be a perfect combo.
You might want to try KD to save some time. Manafont used to sell the same light but they appear to be sold out, they are by far the fastest shipper of the Chinese lights. If you do order the light from DX make sure you get the extension cable DX sells, because there light has a really short cable.
975 Lumens on a 2600mah battery for 1 hour. With Triple XP-G R5.
"New patented technology that combats the loss in efficiency of LEDs at elevated temperatures, maintaining optimum output keeping you shining ‘Brighter for Longer’."
"Gold plated charge port "
One XP-G has vf of 3.3 so, that 9.9 for 3.
The driver boosts the voltage from one battery to 10V , can maintain 10V and over 1000mah current draw for each led for an hour.
You are quoting lightmall and everyone here knows to avoid this site ..One reason is they are liars it would be like quoting ebay specs for lights I have a trustfire 16340 battery in front of me that says.... 880 mah guess what it will really do ..?.. to find that out you'd need to do a search either here or on cpf ..I'd bet old has the real numbers or mitro My guess is it's about 500mah A decent 18650 will do about 2400~2800Mah and be much closer to the rated numbers on the battery ..Unless you buy junk;;;) So if a 5 times stronger battery (18650)can't run an hour at 800 + lumens .. http://www.zebralight.com/SC600-Cree-XM-L-750Lm-Flashlight-18650_p_55.html ..What are the odds of a battery with 20% of the power doing it ...It can't happen in this dimension ..just like you will never be faster pedaling uphill than you are downhill ...Science!!!!
I suggest nitrous in your water bottle