I am part of a volunteer group that relies on their lights to the point that lives may depend on them. We did a training exercise recently and I noticed that several of the members were carrying lights that were pathetic at best. Since I’d like to help my friends out, I’d like to bring the following info on half page sheets for anyone interested in a high output light at a reasonable cost. This is based on the Foy recommended drop in and the L2M with DX Trustfire Flames and Xtar WPII. Do you think this is the right way to go for volunteers that are dipping into their own pockets for their lights? Is there any other information a non-flahaholic needs? Since these are friends I’m planning on either letting them order and assemble their own OR I’ll put the package together for $65.
Total $59.15
(Space between drop in and head MUST be filled with a thermal conductor - aluminum or equivalent)
Rules for Use:
Do not look into light when operating switch
Use high setting for short time use only - it will get hot
Care:
Top off batteries regularly - try to avoid running battery completely down
OK to use frozen batteries but do not charge frozen batteries
Use only one battery - 2 x 18350 will probably fit but have too much voltage
I would personally recommend some brand name batteries despite the higher price. That along with reminding them to insert batteries in the correct direction.
Without improved heat sinking, you should emphasize the “only short in high” rule. Don’t just say “it gets hot”, because if it doesn’t feel to hot outside, they might think it’s ok.
Also, add more battery precaution rules.
DON’T give people with no experience 18650 LiIon cells!
A multi-cell AA light would be much safer and easier to use… probably no more expensive too, because they could choose their own batteries (some might not need a charger and could just use AA primaries).
Firstly, TF Flames aren’t bad in multi-cell arrangements or low power single-cell arrangements such as what the OP suggested.
And secondly, some have said not to give 18650s to people. If you know they are not children and will respect the batteries then dont hesitate to hand out LiIons. But if they have a disregard to safety then perhaps a light which accepts primaries would be better. An Olight SR50 or Fenix TK40 come to mind.
Everybody’s a noob once. Why should we try stopping others from trying li-ion, ever? It’s so much better that these people try with a good guidance from a fellow experienced flashaholic, rather than them finding out by themselves or simply reading 10,00mAh battery instructions from ebay.
I personally won’t go for a P60 format with a MF drop-in though, easily overheats, as a starter light it should be something simpler, less power/better heatsinking IMO.
My difficult goal is to point noobs to a light that performs as well, or better than, a Streamlight or a Surefire at a lower cost. The AA lights mentioned look good but they have similar cost and performance as the Streamlight or Surefire.
I would agree the P60/host could do better at heat management. Is there a better alternative with a forward clicky? XinTD? One of the C8’s?
If recomending 18650’s I will have to emphasize heat management, not reversing polarity and making sure to get the cells off the charger when done and not charging unattended - anything else?
It maybe better to recommend something simpler. It hurts to recommend a Maglight but the ML100 is 2 cell C
137 lumens high 13hr runtime a 25% low 48hr runtime and strobe no warnings no instructions needed no battery or charger safety to worry about. $48.25 at http://www.brightguy.com/ there nice folks to talk to maybe get a better price on a bulk buy.
With the unenlightened simpler is better.
You may wish to check with Craig at Illuminationsupply.com, as he has the excellent 4xAA Jetbeam PA40 on sale for under $50. This is a bright, safe, and reliable tool that I would feel confident handing to anyone.
You may even get a better deal ordering multiples.
I have been a flashoholic for a few years, I wish I knew then what I know now. I think the first LED should be a Keygos M!0. It is a 18650, a 26650, and will even run off a 4 x AAA adapter. Then, wait and study, and read, and read on this site. Ask questions, figure out what kind of torch you want, carefully budget for you next LED. A Keygos M10, and be modded easily, many tutorials here, and advise for upgrading. Please accept my advise and save yourself or someone you know, many costly and disappointing mistakes.
if u had to go 18650 way, it would be brighter then AA and more useful in my opinion 60$ is not a good start,
i think to start off , get
intelli sysmax v2 4 bay charger 18-25$
HD2010 25-30$
2 x sanyo or panasonics (11:money_mouth_face:
thats under 60$
if they want to upgrade TN31 or TK75 100-200$
recommend the skyray king black version with better driver and u2 bin too that can be had for about 65$ alone. which is a big wall of light for budget minded also as mentioned the keygos m10 is compariable to the HD2010 but i think looses out on throw which is important for search and rescue.
I dont know much about HID flashlights but from what i read they are good bang for buck i dont know about reliability compares to LED so i leave that bit for someone else who owns these light to comment.
There are very good reasons to both GO into Li-ion and NOT to, so i won’t comment on this.
The P60 + ultrafire xml drop-in doesn’t sound very good for this king of application.
1st the host: its main advantage over other solutions is modular design, not very useful to people with only 1 drop-in, so basically left with its disadvantage, bad thermal path.
But my main objection is the drop-in.
Don’t get me wrong, i have enjoyed mine, but its best feature is the high (direct drive) which is too many Amp’s to be used safely and doesn’t give a lot of runtime. Do you think everybody will be using High as instructed?
On the other hand low and hed, although usuful are not enjoyable, they have very low PWM.
A single or 2 mode flashlight, driven at 1.5 to 2 Amps max would be more practical.
For 1st responders; police, fire or emt’s you want small, you’re already carrying too much gear as it is. I carry a Solarforce L2. Larger tend to get left at home or in the car along with other overly bulky gear. I currently perfer the single mode Solarforce XM-L u2 2.7-9v or the 3 mode 3 amp Intl-outdoors XM-L u2. The Solarforce led lets me use a few different power sources. The 3 amp Intl-outdoor drop in only runs on single cell Lithium-ion only, but it rocks. The WP2 II charger is great for light junkies but might be a bit much for non junkies. Batteries spend the bucks and get the best Panasonic protected cells. On the host seal it with grease on the threads and Teflon tape around the head. Get a good holster that covers the top. I’ve seen plenty of cheap worthless lights so I’ve built a few for my cohorts at work. If its a long night I carry Jm07 pro 26650. I’ve never missed the 2-4 cell maglight or the streamlight sl-20.
100-200$