I'm falling in love with Nitecore TM11. Nice design and finisihing. I'm planning to get one soon.
I wanna get as much information as i could due to this is an expensive item. i just dont want to regret after purchasing it. :)
However, i read some comments on CPF that this model has some problems. Anyone encounter problems with this model?
Also, there are warnings printed on its body, one of them is "DO NOT USE LITHIUM BATTRIES WITHOUT PROTECTED CIRCUIT BOARD". do anyone try to use unprotected 18650 on it?
I really contemplated the purchase of this esp with a pre-order price of $205 shipped.
The 4 cells are in parallel. This is worse for flashlights because if any of the cells are off in voltage by a bit, the higher voltage cells would charge the lower voltage cells in order to reach equilibrium. It only takes a tiny bit of voltage differential, someone did calculations and it does not take much voltage diff, like dunno 0.2V diff and it's like 3-4A current to the lower voltage cell already.
This might not trip the protection circuit, my hobby charger can send 3A to a protected cell no issue. However it is very bad for the cell (Li Co) and may cause it to build up internal resistance. You might use the flashlight On and Off manyu more times than you'd charge a pair of cells in parallel. I think for flashaholics, the shortened lifespan is not an issue coz we have too many flashlights and too many cells. However internal resistance build up = lower current in those current unregulated lights, ie many budget lights.
Till to date, there seems to be still some folks who get faulty lights and the number is a lot. It's worse than the TK70 issue, which some get lights that do not stay in Turbo mode. (just a few).
If the number of unsatisfied customers rise than nothing has been solved that's obvious. They have to pull all the TM11s they have sent all over to make sure there are no issues anymore or to fix the ones that have issues. The latest production can be better but what is in the stock of distributors?
There is direct 1-1 replacement warranty for the first 15 days. Same for Fenix. Not talking about repair (that is 2 years). Issue is - how many dealders are willing to absorb return shipping cost in various forms, even if you tell them that it is faulty after just 10 mins out of the box? (eg store credit for next purchase, gift with replacement light etc).
No way... much too expensive and it's had major problems.
I never, ever am an early adopter. I knew a guy like this-had to be first on the block to have the latest ham radio gear-nothing but problems and a major veil of tears with shipping stuff back.
You are referring to the GunSafari sale but it's over already. They MIGHT get it going in 1 week or so, until then they are out of TM11s, trust me, I'm giving you relieable information directly from them since I bought a TM11 recently there.
Generally I LOVE the light. GF sent me a warm white version although I requested a CW but I think I'm keeping the warm one. Up until now I'm running / using it with one single 18650 and it works beautifully. Turbo mode doesn't get me 2000lm but still, amazing that it works at all with one cell. And I'm talking about using it for at least an hour on one load. Crazy actually....
Got one during the GunSafari sale. Got the "W" neutral which to me is very warm, however after using it for 5 minutes you adjust. The high mode of 1000 lumens is great to work with. You rarely need turbo but if you want, it's there. Fantastic run time, handles heat well and the battery monitior is very accurate.
Must have button top cells. Doesn't like AWs!
This light just oozes quailty. It's a light you can trust. No, don't use IMR or unprotected batteries. Why? Cause they say not to- simple. It's regulated so I doubt they'd give you much more, like say the DRY. Holds well in the hand too. My favourite triple out fo 4. At $150 a great price too!
I am a cyclist and I don’t like my lights going out on me. This lights level meter seems really helpful. The fact that the batteries are in parallel will mean that jolts are less likely to cause the light to change mode. And the fact that it can be run with one cell means that I need to carry less backup batteries. Still at 200USD from the cheapest aliexpress vendor it is not cheap….hmm…
The newest version which i have is nice.I have had no problems.Dont know about it being ideal for a bike light.Between Rides[a member here]knows his stuff on bike lights.Perhaps give him a shout.Ther should be some deals around now that the TM15 is out on sale.I do find it strange that people always quote the highest retail price seen when ther sceptical toward a product.Even if its onsale for much less elsewhere.To answer the original question by the OP,NO WAY,why risk it with unprotected cells.Your asking for trouble and tears.I use the same 4 cells for mine everytime.All charged same,all same type,had no problems.
