question-the copper head version has a longer turbo time or the same as the original allu version?30 seconds for turbo for both?
Since copper has 42% more heat capacity than aluminium and better heat transfer, it should last about 40-45 seconds more than the aluminium version, and cool off faster.
I ordered S43 (the regular version, not copper) with Martin’s code and have received the unit. I tried comparing it with S42.
some comments:
- S43 is longer than S42
- S43 now accommodates protected 18650s (not that these are recommended for the quad-LED) where the S42 does not (I used a Wuben ABE2600 protected 18650 2600mAh to check if it fits)
- using the S42 (S1) 18650 tube on the S43 works, and seems to also accommodate protected 18650s
- using the S42/S1 18650 tube on the S43 will make the flashlight a little bit shorter
(even with the S42 + S43 18650 tube + S43 tailcap compared to the S43 + S42/S1 18650 tube + S42/S1 tailcap = the former is still longer overall)
- tested the S43 with included 18350 tube: protected 18350 doesn’t seem to work (it seems to screw in, but maybe still lack a bit so it didn’t touch)
- I also tested S43 with S43 18350 tube + S42’s tailcap (note: the S43 tailcap has a double spring so is longer/less compressible) but the protected 18350 also didn’t work (Keeppower 1200mAh protected 18350 tested)
- testing the S42 + S43’s 18650 tube + S43 tailcap: protected 18650 still won’t fit (regular 18650s fit)
- testing the S42 + S43’s 18650 tube + S42 tailcap: protected 18650 will now fit! (Wuben ABE2600 used for testing)
- the S42 & S43’s 18650/18350 body tubes and tailcaps will “lego” with each other properly (tried all combinations) — only concern is the length of the battery (protected 18650s will only fit if using the combination mentioned above); not that protected 18650s should be used on this flashlight…
- S42 head uses spring, while the S43 head is a nipple-top (I did test several of my flat-top 18650s, which seem to work; although I haven’t exhaustively tested if all flat-tops will work well)
- the S42 tailcap spring is single spring whereas the S43 tailcap spring is double-spring
~
update:
did some more testing with the “nipple” side of the S43:
- using S43 + S43 18650 body tube + S43 tailcap, using flat-top VTC6 and flat-top 30Q = the flashlight works, tried shaking the flashlight moderately and the light did not become “disconnected” (flicker from disconnection)
- however, if I tried bumping the flashlight lightly on a tabletop, the light will get disconnected (flicker), indicating the tailspring does not “compress” the battery enough.
- using S43 + S42/S1 18650 body tube (which is a bit shorter than the S43 18650 body tube) + S43 tailcap, again using the same flat-top VTC6 and flat-top 30Q, shaking the flashlight doesn’t cause the light to disconnect or flicker
- however, if I tried bumping the flashlight light on a tabletop, the light will get disconnected (flicker)… so this may be an issue with the “nipple” positive side (instead of using the spring like on the S42)
I notice that the S43S 18650 body tube (ie. the 18650 body tube pre-included with the S43) is listed as “coming soon” and not yet available separately in BG’s website.
It would also be a good alternative to those who ordered S42 in 18350 tube. The S43 18650 body tube has reversible pocket clip position.
The Mateminco S03 copper seems to be the same flashlight as the Astrolux S43S, but the link to Neal’s Gadgets does not seem to exist yet. Mateminco’s version seems to have a slightly different body tube design. Maybe Martin can give some comparison if he has both flashlights on hand already…
(the below link leads to a “404 not found”)
https://www.nealsgadgets.com/collections/mateminco/products/mateminco-s03-copper-quad-xpg3-nichia-219c-2100lm-edc-flashlight-narsilm-v1-3
sorry - I have no S03
I think Texas_Ace may have both battery tubes.
Can anyone comment about the difference in weight between the copper and aluminum version. Does the copper make the light seem overly heavy?
I was told today banggood shipps the light crenelated bezel as shown in the shop
my sample came from the factory and they made a mistake.
Bummer! 
Straight bezel would be much more trousers-friendly…
The weight off s43s?
I like the look of a flat bezel better too. Ifonlytherewasawaytomakeacrenelatedbezelintoaflatbezel. 
who said the S43S is not compatible with the S42? ;)
some generation - meeting LEGO:
Thanks M4X!
I think the only remaining question is will the Special Metal editions , rainbow steel and SS, have a new longer 18650 tube made, and will they get the crenulated bezel.
I think the bezel doesn’t matter but I’d love to see the newer, longer 18650 tube since it fits protected high drain batteries. Only my Acebeam battery has enough Amps to power turbo, my other protected batteries do not, but that’s good enough.
I think this is their best revision yet! Will there be other special metal editions like ti or full copper ? I’d buy them all.
Using the s42 18350 tube on my s43 crushed my purple efest
Was that a button top or a flat top cell?
ITS still preorder or can i order now and it will be shipped?
It’s in preorder until October 31st.
Boo! :smiling_imp:
i tested some cells...
Hi!
Banggood sells the spare 18650 tube for the Astrolux S43S for ONLY 99 CENT!!!!
(first 400 – then its 3.50) so be QUICK! (pictures are links to the shop)
Well, personally, I’m happy they went with the 18350 tube included. It would have been cool if they included both, but if there had to be only one, I’m glad it’s the 18350. For me, the look of the light goes from excellent to awful just by switching the tube.
Short Tube: :heart_eyes:
Long Tube: :confounded:
I hope everyone who wants a 18650 tube is able to get it while the price is $0.99 :partying_face: