Need help with XPH70 3x18650 build for LE Patrol

drockberry · 2018-11-11T06:28:11.000Z

I can’t find a light to fit my needs. I’ve never built a light and could use some help from you guys.

I’m a fan of the XPH70 v1 or v2. I want 3x18650 or 3x26650 since it’ll be my patrol light.

Thanks in advance for your help

BurningPlayd0h · 2018-11-11T07:00:07.000Z

3x26650 will be HUGE and HEAVY, are you really sure you need that much current/capacity? Spare cells in your bag/car would be an option I would think? I’m not even sure there are any lights in that format out there yet but you’d be in BLF GT territory at that point I think. 3x18650 or 2x26650 (or less!) would be much more manageable I think.

Check out the Convoy L6 and Thorfire S70S for sure. I know the L6 can be modded easily, and I think that includes getting noticeably higher output, IIRC just with a driver swap. There are a TON of single 26650 lights hitting the market right now too and lots of them are great from what I’ve heard.

A 3 or 4x18650 light may seem relatively light and small playing around with it at home, but try holding it for an hour or two and I bet you’ll be wishing you brought something smaller and some spare batteries too. It just isn’t what I’d look at for a patrol light were that something I needed.

drockberry · 2018-11-11T18:52:33.000Z

Thanks for your reply. I actually have the Convoy L6 and also an Acebeam EC50 (1x26650). The L6 doesnt have a long enough shaft. Im looking for a light that I can put in a belt keeper loop holster. Just sold my Streamlight HL-X5 because it was too short and front heavy. I cant seem to find a host for 3x18650

texas_shooter · 2018-11-11T20:24:44.000Z

Not sure about your patrol area. I started carrying the Astrolux FT01 or Mateminco TK01. It’s got the XHP50.2 which allows for more throw with a smaller head. They fit the Streamlight leather belt loop holster like they were built for it. Most lights in the big XHP70 format are front heavy for all that heat. Throw wise it matches my Pflexpro 3.8 amp XPL V3-3D, just a bit wider in spill and twice as heavy for long high run times. The Astrolux FT01 is well built, Astrolux FT01 VIOLENCE TEST [2215LM 309m 8Modes] SOLID HARD --Banggood Flashlight - YouTube I’d shy away from home built for a duty. It must work every time like your weapon. I still carry the Pflexpro it has never failed. Both lights also let you sit without turning it on or popping it out or gut checking you off the arm rest.

MascaratumB · 2018-11-11T20:28:52.000Z

Amutorch AM30 has a XHP70.2 and 3x18650! The driver can be modded, eventually, but I never got to it!
Stock light is awesome!

Calaveras · 2018-11-11T21:32:32.000Z

MascaratumB:

Amutorch AM30 has a XHP70.2 and 3x18650! The driver can be modded, eventually, but I never got to it!
Stock light is awesome!

I believe the OP is more interested in increasing length rather than girth.

drockberry · 2018-11-11T21:54:18.000Z

Awesome, thanks for your input. Im in western WA. I’ll check out the Astrolux

drockberry · 2018-11-11T21:55:27.000Z

Will look at the Amutorch as well. Thank you

Cythras · 2018-11-12T02:20:02.000Z

drockberry:

I cant seem to find a host for 3x18650

Have you looked at the Solarforce Gladiator? It’s a 4 x 18650 P60, and should be plenty long. IIRC it will take any of Solarforce’s P60 heads.

Lightbringer · 2018-11-12T02:49:43.000Z

Just wondering if L2s (not sure about L6es, ain’t got) that take extension tubes to use 1 or 2 cells, could be stretched into taking 3 via an extra extension.

drockberry · 2018-11-12T03:57:28.000Z

Didnt know that but thats pretty cool. The Gladiator is a beast. I would want to put a XHP 35/50/70 on it thought for a light that size

BurningPlayd0h · 2018-11-12T04:17:43.000Z

I’m trying to picture how that holster works, google images didn’t really show much in the way of large lights on a duty belt when I searched the name of it. You’ve got the EC50, is it an accessibility reason that makes you want to use a larger light with that holster? Not LE but in high-stress IDK that I’d want such a large, heavy light unless you’re carrying a smaller one too.

drockberry · 2018-11-12T04:40:28.000Z

Its just a rubber loop that hangs off the duty belt. The light needs to be long enough so it doesnt fall out easily. I have a couple handheld lights on me. A longer light is more practical and easier to use on duty but its ultimately user’s preference. I think a 3x18650 with a XHP 50/70 is ideal for me

Cythras · 2018-11-12T06:46:08.000Z

drockberry:

. I would want to put a XHP 35/50/70 on it though for a light that size

I think that’s doable, there are plenty of weird P60 dropin builds out there. I’m sure someone has done XHP before, and may even be easier with the gladiator by running 3x18650 plus a spacer for 12V.

drockberry · 2018-11-12T07:01:57.000Z

I would appreciate it if you could keep your eyes open for a XHP head that would fit on the Gladiator. Can you explain the 12v thing? I dont know much and why I would not run the fourth 18650

Cythras · 2018-11-12T07:23:23.000Z

drockberry:

I would appreciate it if you could keep your eyes open for a XHP head that would fit on the Gladiator. Can you explain the 12v thing? I dont know much and why I would not run the fourth 18650

I’m not super knowledgeable on this sorta stuff, so someone please correct me if I’m wrong. XHP emitters typically run on 6 or 12v. This requires a boost driver when you are using single celled lights, since a single 18650 only outputs 4.2v max. Running 3 cells would (I’d assume) make it easier to find a driver, (especially one that fits a P60 drop-in) since you don’t need the boost circuitry. I would assume 4 cells (16.8v fully charged) would be too much for the driver/emitter.

I’m not aware of any pre-built XHP P60 dropins, but I think it wouldn’t be too hard to diy or to commission one. Given the cell flexibility of the Gladiator, I think there are some drivers that would fit in a P60 pill and work with a 6 or 12v LED. I know I’ve seen 2S XHP (or MTG?) Convoy S2+, those should isr the same 17mm driver.

drockberry · 2018-11-13T00:23:13.000Z

I’ll keep digging and reading. Ive never built a flashlight. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge

BurningPlayd0h · 2018-11-13T01:52:19.000Z

If you’re willing to pay for it, it would be worth your time to send an email to Pflexpro and probably some of the custom builders here. They will make you something 100% solid and reliable for LE work.

drockberry · 2018-11-13T04:23:12.000Z

I just emailed Randy from Pflexpro about it. Can you recommend any other builders?