I am looking to buy a single cell 26650 compact light that will also double as a suitable host for future driver/led upgrades. The main purpose is to use it for cycling and would like it to have substantial power and autonomy to run a high CRI warm tint light for street visibility. The light I’d ideally model it after is the Indiglo5 which features an MT-G2 3000K 90CRI LED. The ideal output I’d like to run for 20 minute bike rides is in the 600-1000 lumens, and the limited turbo settings are just a nice bonus
The LED options I’d consider are Nichia 219 b/c 90 CRI, or XHP in the 80+ CRI
The BTU PK26 looks like a great little light, but I am not a fan of the existing driver due to the pre-flash, and lack of cycling options (no bike flash like the BLF A6). I really like the BLF A6 but would love to see it in the 26650 size for better battery autonomy.
My modding experience is quite limited, and all I have done in the past is a Convoy S2+.
I notice a trend that alot of lights now feature side click buttons instead of tail click like your typical convoy.
Does this make it more difficult to replace the driver? How would one go about this?
Very nice for your fellow cyclists to go for a warm or neutral headlight. :+1:
Cool white headlights should be banned i.m.o. (for every kind of vehicle).
How about a Convoy C8 with the new firmware?
It has a cycling mode too, and just pop in a Nichia 219C 4000K 90CRI form Kaidomain.
Okay, it’s not 26650, but with a Panasonic 3400mAh you can run an hour on high mode, and it will remain bright because the 219C has low Vf (forward voltage).
I think it’s not that easy to find side switch drivers plus they’re not as easy for mods.
Hi Jerommel,
Is there a reason you recommended the Convoy C8, over other models such as the M1/M2 or S2?
Also, if you were to be running a Nichia 219C 4000k 90CRI which I happen to have just purchased, what type of driver would you recommend? Should I go with a Linear driver like a QLite, or FET + Linear driver? Will one be more efficient than the other depending on light intensity/setting?
Can purchase with options of warmer tints. I’m running one through the ringer now for a review, and so far I really like it. It has a side clicky (non eswitch) switch which is nice as well and works with 26650.
Yes, but maybe not a good reason for you.
Not only do i hate cold white light on approaching vehicles, i also hate tiny light sources.
They’re blinding and irritating.
But you would want an orange peel reflector on a bigger light, because otherwise it’s too focussed, to much of a dot of light projected ahead.
Another reason is that it looks better to me to have a larger reflector headlight.
I would go for a ‘regular’ 6x 7135 personally.
The lower the current you PWM the better the efficiency.
Longer battery life with a constant 2 Amperes than with a 50% PWM-ed 4 Amperes.
A more expensive buck driver would be best, but may run into trouble when battery drops below a certain voltage.
Leaning towards using a Nichia 219C 3500K 90 + CRI on the Convoy.
The Dr. Jones 17mm driver at mtn electronics is very tempting because it features built in PID, Bump Resistance, and an Oscillating intensity bike mode that I think will be very handy for the intended purpose. Don’t care much about the FET feature given the LED and choice of host…
For now, I think this 18650 with a spare battery in my pack will suffice.
As far as 26650 lights, we’ll see how things evolve for newer hosts and availability of boost drivers for single cell lights running 6V LED’s.
