Running out of ideas… what kind of flashlight would actually be fun?

Off-topic Chatter
21

Though I’m a big fan of moonlight, I actually find the modes ofthe SC01 on my keys to be about right for a backup light, perhaps because all my moonlight uses are during camping or standby on the bedside table, so house keys typically not immediately to hand anyway.

One argument against super low moonlights is for if one was intending to gift this hypothetical light- most people have no idea about moonlight mode on modern LED lights and, by necessity, it being the first mode, they might just think the battery is dead or light not working.

The SC01 was advertised as 10/330 which, visually, I’d guess not terribly incorrect, I couldn’t find a review which measured the outputs though.

With a robust built-in charging system, I see no need for alkaline/NiMH compatibility, perhaps a compact buck driver and sft25 would be a nice combo? The UI on the Sofirn is unusual in that it’s a “tighten for low, tighten more for high”.

On currently available competition, ive so far only found 2 lights from trustfire which are similar:

Trustfire mini 2 also uses a micro-usb, is aluminium (good for thermals but less good for withstanding wear on a keyring) and has claimed output of 5/220

Trustfire Mini 2S slightly larger (120mah cell), USB micro again, claims 15/220, unfortunately design looks like the cell is sealed inside the light. Again, aluminium body.

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22

the Olight iR series have something similar to the malkoff high/low ring, a sprung pin with a resistor makes initial contact with the body tube, the full tighten makes full contact with the ring and outputs full

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23

I would find use from a light with:

  • Throwy main beam, not extreme but enough candela to pass through a gap in a grate to light up an underground chamber during daylight on the road above.
  • Square body with built in spirit level.
  • USB-C charging. Swappable battery nice to have, not necessary.
  • Side worklight with magnets on both the tail, and side for versatility.
  • Simple UI. No strobe, no silly police flash, no RGB. Green/flash/Red/flash for battery level.
  • Deep carry pocket clip, lens to be pointing down.
  • Filtered 365nm UV, for reading faded ink on cable tags.

I don’t even care about CRI/emitter temp, providing it’s not a green monstrosity.

This would replace 2 seperate lights and a tool in my toolbag. A sofirn IF24 pro almost gets there, but the button being sensitive to magnets means it’s unsafe to carry in my pocket.

Current setup is a TS28 and an oclip ultra.

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