Hhmmm, I dunno. I find it hard to believe they are using some decent springs when some of the other components are sub par, but of course it's possible. I've used the stock dbl springs on a Q8 running on one cell before, but don't think it hits 15A but should have been over 10A, and the Q8 uses cheaper springs, I believe.
I do really like the switch of the S43S - nice sound, good feel, but I prefer the softer switches, specially with press&hold ops like ramping. I know TA worked on the driver, just not sure if it was he who designed the complete driver w/USB charging. I gott break it all down and check it out. It appears to be 2 boards stacked, one probably vertical with the USB connector mounting as it is. It's probably glued in there, so would have to poke it out from the top, maybe with some risk.
Tom, here are 2 threads where TA has talked about the light in more detail. Driver pics as well.
I believe the charging circuit is the same board used in the earlier S41 and S42 models. The charge rate us 0.5A, but can be increased with a resistor swap.
I just tried my S42 bezel on my S43S copper head, and it wouldn’t go on. The S43S bezel does fit the S42 head, though. Slightly different size? Or are my lights possibly out of tolerance? I really wanted the flat bezel to fit on my S43S.
It depends on what your looking for. Max output? Some something high drain like 30Q, VTC5D, VTC6, etc… If less power and longer run time then a high capacity cell like the Panny GA, 35E or MJ1.
For 18350 cells Martin did a whole video testing several. If it’s not in this thread, you can find it here.
Thanks — I’d probably like to have the option for both. Long runtime for typical EDC, and then max power when a situation calls for it (just swap cells). I’ll check out Martin’s video—didn’t realize he’d created one. Good guy!
Anyone have any issues with the 18350 tube on? When trying mine with the 18350 tube and a Keeppower 18350 1200mah battery, it almost crushes the battery. It is deforming the batteries end and the light won’t turn off once it is fully screw down. I am not sure what I am missing here.
I have Aspire “1300 mAh” (actually 1100 mAh) cell in mine and it seems to be fine, but the Aspire that I have is flat top. Also there are likely differences in cell lengths and I don’t know if the Aspire cell is “long” or “short” for its size.
I have a couple of new Efest cells at home. I will try one later, when I get home from work.
Thank you big time… Bought 3 of these for Christmas presents and all three do the same thing, you have to crank a little bit to get the tube closed and when you do the light wont turn off. After pulling the battery out the + is crushed flat and the - side has quite a dent from the spring pushing on it.
I have three of these in which I use the Aspire cells without issue. The cells measure 34.8 mm and all three tubes measure 40.1 mm. Did you perhaps get a shorter tube or are the Keeppower cells longer than the Aspire cells
By goodness you are on to something, I went and messured the 3 batteries from Neal measured 38.65mm. Well got to looking and found another Keeppower 18350 1200mah and it is 34.2mm. The ones that came with the lights are Protected cells apparently they are too long because these other one fits good. Now where to find good 18350 batteries in the US?
