New to flashlights

withoutink · 2019-10-05T23:37:53.000Z

Hi,

I am relatively new to flashlights, although about 4yrs ago I bought a Fenix PD35 (which I love) and a FourSevens Quark Mini - prior to that, I used pretty much only Mag flashlights with the LED swap….

I am getting in the hobby due to my fascination with EDC gear. My main goal it to find good quality lights that fill the various roles I am looking for in flashlights.

I ordered the following two lights yesterday:

Convoy S2+ L2 7135x8 XML2 U2-1A
BLF A6 XPL 3D

Looking to also buy two flashlights to keep in my ‘get home bags’ in my cars.

Plus considering the Convoy C8+ or M21A as an inexpensive thrower.

Engine_Guy · 2019-10-06T00:05:28.000Z

A good budget thrower would be something like a C8 with the SST40, I’m really impressed with the LED for the output and being a small size it throws very well. Cant go wrong with a C8!
Another thrower to consider is the Freflies E01, great quality, and way smaller then a C8.
As for gear bag, a good light would be an S2+ with… again the SST40, around 1800 lumens, or the S21A (the 21700 version), with 2300Lumens.
These have the smaller reflector, so they will have a good balance of hot stop and flood. Plus these lights are almost indestructible.
Another thing to consider for gear/car bag, is having a usb rechargeable light like the Sofirn SC31B, theres a discount code coming out any day for around $7.
I have the Nitenumen X1 and Soshine TC14 on order right now from Fasttech, these are both cheap/budget usb lights which will be in my gear bag / truck.
If youre a noob, I’d also recommend the FW3A, and the Emisar D4 for edc lights, very small / big power edc lights, you wont regret buying these 2! Theyre right up there with the ZT 0630… a must for edc gear.

AlexGT · 2019-10-06T00:07:56.000Z

Welcome to BLF! For inexpensive thrower, I would recommend the Astrolux FT03

www.banggood.com

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BLF group buy and discussion here:

FREEME

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ASTROLUX FT03S with SFH55 9300lm [image] SFH55 Group Buy Price: $61.99 (usual $72.96) *depending on destination. Freeme's Coupon: F11A99 [image][image] SFT40 Group Buy Price: from $37.86 - $41.54 (usual $65.44) *depending on destination. Freeme's Coupon: request from us [image][image] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Can't wait for our reply?? Special Price: $39.99 (usual $50.95) Freem…

withoutink · 2019-10-06T01:17:00.000Z

Engine Guy:

A good budget thrower would be something like a C8 with the SST40, I’m really impressed with the LED for the output and being a small size it throws very well. Cant go wrong with a C8!
Another thrower to consider is the Freflies E01, great quality, and way smaller then a C8.
As for gear bag, a good light would be an S2+ with… again the SST40, around 1800 lumens, or the S21A (the 21700 version), with 2300Lumens.
These have the smaller reflector, so they will have a good balance of hot stop and flood. Plus these lights are almost indestructible.
Another thing to consider for gear/car bag, is having a usb rechargeable light like the Sofirn SC31B, theres a discount code coming out any day for around $7.
I have the Nitenumen X1 and Soshine TC14 on order right now from Fasttech, these are both cheap/budget usb lights which will be in my gear bag / truck.
If youre a noob, I’d also recommend the FW3A, and the Emisar D4 for edc lights, very small / big power edc lights, you wont regret buying these 2! Theyre right up there with the ZT 0630… a must for edc gear.

Thanks for all of this, I just ordered the following lights a moment ago:

Convoy C8+ XPL Hi – V2 1A
Convoy S2+ SST40 (5000k)

For the C8+ I opted for the XPLHi since it seems to have a more defined spot and less flood, which is what I was looking for. I took your advise on grabbing a seconf S2+ this time with the SST40 in 5k. Since all my other lights are cool white, I figured grab one that is more neutral.

As far as the other, I have added them to my wish list for later.

Question re: Sofirn SC31B - where is the coupon code going to be good for? And where can I keep an eye out for it - $7 sounds like a treat of a price

withoutink · 2019-10-06T01:19:53.000Z

AlexGT:

Welcome to BLF! For inexpensive thrower, I would recommend the Astrolux FT03

https://www.banggood.com/Astrolux-FT03-SST40-W-2400lm-875m-NarsilM-v1_3-USB-C-Rechargeable-2A-26650-21700-18650-LED-Flashlight-Mini-Torch-p-1420116.html?ID=6137985&cur_warehouse=USA

BLF group buy and discussion here:

FREEME ✌ ASTROLUX FT03S SFH55 9300lm & FT03 SFT40 2200lm 1300m NarsilM v1.3 USB-C - ALIVE

Thank you! I just ordered the C8+ a moment ago, but I added this Astrolux to my wish list on Banggood. If the C8+ doesn’t do it for me, I will give this one a go. Thanks again

Engine_Guy · 2019-10-06T01:38:15.000Z

here:

Sofirn Amazon US Deals, USBC-USBC LT1 available! Commercial Sellers' Spot

Hello All, The 70% off discount code for the SC31B last year was closed. According the comment from all, we upodated nice discount code for our sofirn products from amazon US. Hope you will enjoy it. All the code will start around 5 hous later, please do not worry. Shipping from Amazon US Warehouse: 1. Sofirn Q8 [ CODE: JCG3ET3R ] $53.49 = Q8 flashlight+ 4 Button Top 18650 Batteries $42.24 = Q8 flashlight [image] 2. SC31B [ CODE: 50SC31B ] $12.49 = SC31B flashlight + 18650 ba…

XPL-HI is not bad, but only about 1/2 the lumen of the SST40, not sure of the CD difference, but I’m sure the SST40 would out throw the XPL-HI anyway. I wonder if the SST20 would out throw the XPL-HI, I believe it would. Some of the more knowledgeable guys can tell you that.

zak.wilson · 2019-10-06T01:32:44.000Z

1A is not the tint most of us would get for a C8. Cooler color temperatures have more visible backscatter, making it hard to see what you’re illuminating far away.

Low-CRI SST-20s typically out-throw XP-L HIs in regulated flashlights. High-CRI SST-20s are about equal, but the improved color rendering helps you see objects that don’t stand out against their background. I own a C8 with a 95 CRI SST-20 (4000K), and I think it’s worth giving up a bit of output.

Engine_Guy · 2019-10-06T01:36:37.000Z

I have a NightWatch Seeker NS22 SSt40 (one of my favs), it out throws my Kaidomain C8 XHP35 to my surprise.
This is with a 41mm head, compared to the C8s 45mm head, so it does it with a smaller reflector.
The odd thing it at around 10ft distance the C8 seams to have a bit tighter/brighter hot spot, so I expected it to throw farther.

withoutink · 2019-10-06T01:45:11.000Z

zak.wilson:

1A is not the tint most of us would get for a C8. Cooler color temperatures have more visible backscatter, making it hard to see what you’re illuminating far away.

Low-CRI SST-20s typically out-throw XP-L HIs in regulated flashlights. High-CRI SST-20s are about equal, but the improved color rendering helps you see objects that don’t stand out against their background. I own a C8 with a 95 CRI SST-20 (4000K), and I think it’s worth giving up a bit of output.

For $20 I can buy another - God knows these will be better than each of the $30 3D Cell Mags I have bought - I guess it will be a good test.

When looking at Simon’s store - I do not see an option for the SST-20, only the XPL HI, Nichia 219C, and the SSt40 (which only comes in 5k or 6500) Can you link to which you would recommend and its config if there are options on the page

withoutink · 2019-10-06T01:48:19.000Z

Engine Guy:

here:
Sofirn Amazon US Deals, USBC-USBC LT1 available!

XPL-HI is not bad, but only about 1/2 the lumen of the SST40, not sure of the CD difference, but I’m sure the SST40 would out throw the XPL-HI anyway. I wonder if the SST20 would out throw the XPL-HI, I believe it would. Some of the more knowledgeable guy can tell you that.

Thanks again, I signed up for a code, I hope I end up getting one.

Also, I suspect if I dig the C8+ I will most likely get another one in which case I will get the newer SSt40 - or the one Zak talks about above

Lightbringer · 2019-10-06T01:49:39.000Z

A car bag, bugout bag, Zombie Apocalypse bag, etc., are all typically going to get neglected, so it’d be best to have long-life primary cells in there, like ’123s or lithium primaries, else low-discharge NiMH cells like eneloops or amaloops.

And never ever ever ever ever use alkaleaks in any lights.

Regular Li cells aren’t suited to temperature extremes inside a car, from freezing in the winter to baking in the summer.

Just keep that in mind.

Engine_Guy · 2019-10-06T02:02:28.000Z

So keeping them in the car is just bad for the cells, or are there some dangers also?

withoutink · 2019-10-06T02:04:59.000Z

Lightbringer:

A car bag, bugout bag, Zombie Apocalypse bag, etc., are all typically going to get neglected, so it’d be best to have long-life primary cells in there, like ’123s or lithium primaries, else low-discharge NiMH cells like eneloops or amaloops.

And never ever ever ever ever use alkaleaks in any lights.

Regular Li cells aren’t suited to temperature extremes inside a car, from freezing in the winter to baking in the summer.

Just keep that in mind.

Yeah, I know that the heat here in Georgia would be no good for the Li batteries… I have a box of 123’s singles and double stacked for use in the lights.

Lightbringer · 2019-10-06T02:28:40.000Z

Engine Guy:

So keeping them in the car is just bad for the cells, or are there some dangers also?

If too cold, they won’t supply much current ’til they heat up. If too hot, well…

zak.wilson · 2019-10-06T02:59:38.000Z

withoutink:

When looking at Simon’s store - I do not see an option for the SST-20, only the XPL HI, Nichia 219C, and the SSt40 (which only comes in 5k or 6500) Can you link to which you would recommend and its config if there are options on the page

For some reason, Simon won’t list the C8 with an SST-20. I asked him to a couple times and he said he would, but that was months ago.

He will, however sell you one. Just buy the 219C model and put “SST-20 4000K” in the order notes.

withoutink · 2019-10-06T04:05:38.000Z

zak.wilson:

withoutink:

When looking at Simon’s store - I do not see an option for the SST-20, only the XPL HI, Nichia 219C, and the SSt40 (which only comes in 5k or 6500) Can you link to which you would recommend and its config if there are options on the page

For some reason, Simon won’t list the C8 with an SST-20. I asked him to a couple times and he said he would, but that was months ago.

He will, however sell you one. Just buy the 219C model and put “SST-20 4000K” in the order notes.

Awesome, thanks for these details, I just ordered a second c8+ with the SST-20 4000k

rb0nd007 · 2019-10-06T04:16:05.000Z

I’m deciding on the c8+ as well.

Does the xphi batter last longer vs the sst40? Does the sst40 have more flood?

I’m waiting for a coupon code for the c8+ in sand.

Thanks and enjoy!

Engine_Guy · 2019-10-06T04:33:18.000Z

The SST40 will have a bigger hot spot then the XPL-HI, so yes more floody if using the same reflector.
But its also twice the lumens, so it will throw surprisingly far. Very similar to the XHP35.

withoutink · 2019-10-06T04:37:16.000Z

rb0nd007:

I’m deciding on the c8+ as well.

Does the xphi batter last longer vs the sst40? Does the sst40 have more flood?

I’m waiting for a coupon code for the c8+ in sand.

Thanks and enjoy!

Thanks!

So what I heard was the xpl-hi has more a concentrated spot, and doesn’t generate as much heat or drain as the sst40. That’s what I heard in some reviews anyway, not sure about the validity of it though. That’s why I initially ordered the xpl-hi version. I ended up just ordering a second one as well, a SST-20 4000k version, I was told to ask Simon to swap the led in the order notes. Hopefully that works as intended

KeepingItLight · 2019-10-06T05:36:43.000Z

For walking/hiking, my preference is for headlamps. I like to keep my hands free so that my arms can swing with my normal gait.

As an amateur photographer, I have a strong preference for high CRI 90+ and neutral tint, around 5000K. Theses days, I do my best to get these, otherwise, no sale. But these are subjective choices where there is no right and wrong. The only thing that matters is what you like. Unfortunately, the best way to find out what floats your boat is to try out a few flashlights and see! That means spending cash on a few lights you may end up not using.

If you plan to take pics or vids using the illumination of your flashlights, you need to worry about something called PWM (pulse width modulation). None, is best, with high-frequency as a possible second best. Frequency needs to be high compared to your shutter speed and/or frame rate.

My EDC is a tiny AAA model, the Astrolux A01, that I fuel with NiMH (Eneloop). 'Natch, it's got both high-CRI and 5000K, and virtually disappears in my pants pocket. For nighttime outings when I do not anticipate needing a flashlight, I carry a second EDC, the Kronos X5.That one runs on a Li-ion 14500 battery. I like it because of its small size (14500 is the same size a AA), and it has a bit more throw than your typical 18650 tube light. Fits easily in a jacket pocket. 'Course, when I am planning a real nighttime outing, I use my ZebraLight H600Fd III headlamp. It's another one that has high-CRI and 5000K, and it's currently on sale for "only" $69. (I think it's going to be discontinued soon.) Along with the Zebra, I carry a ThorFire C8s, a C8 model that I like, but nevertheless would not buy today. Instead I would get one of the high-CRI, neutral-tint SST40 models mentioned above. For indoor use and/or close work, I like the perfectly smooth beam of a zoomie set to flood. Were I shopping today, I would get the Jaxman Z1, XHP50, warm white. Not high-CRI, but you can't always get what you want. From what I can tell here, the Z1 has a kind of sucky UI, as well. Maybe I need to do more thinking about that one.

For a bug-out bag, we're talking about flashlights that will be little used. Therefore, fancy bells and whistles (i.e., high-CRI, neutral-tint, no PWM) are low priorities that are probably not worth spending money on. In my car, for instance, I have a Nitecore P12GT, running on 18650, backed up by CR123A primary batteries. Low-CRI, but I don't care. More important is the orange diffuser/traffic wand that Nitecore sells as an accessory.

BTW, I like what Lightbringer said about using lithium primaries or rechargeable NiMH for lights in a bug-out bag. As far as I know, the problem with rechargeable Li-ion and the hot sun of a vehicle is not that stuff explodes. The issue is degradation. Battery internal resistance rises. 'Course, this is the Internet, and I am not a flashlight engineer, so take my advice with a grain of salt!

All of the lights mentioned above were purchased a couple of years ago, so the rationales for my choices are more relevant than the specific models. Hope this helps.