I need to order a new light for my mom. She had a C8 before but it broke (my fault) so I’d just like to know if you can recommend anything similar in that price class.
The main criteria is that it shouldn’t be driven TOO hard, has to have multiple modes, and more or less safely manufactured (not like the Sipik XM-L clones that burn out when left on high for longer then a minute).
Size doesn’t matter, flooder/thrower doesn’t matter, single 18650 only.
Thanks for any input!
If you know of any cheaper then above C8s let me know please!
For an additional $6 you are getting a driver with AMC7135s on it, and a neutral white emitter, which alone is worth the couple bucks. Plus, it’s only driven at 2100mA, which means the battery will last a little longer and it won’t be quite so dang hot in poor mom’s hand.
Oh, and don’t forget to use the BLF code for an additional 5% off.
Or, if you really want to splurge, get the XinTD with choices galore.
If you want a C8, the Convoy C8 is well built, available in a variety of drive configurations and emitters options. Price is right around $15 with BLF code from Fasttech.
Here’s a link to the NW 2.1A version. http://www.fasttech.com/products/1601/10002364/1212408
The tube style 18650 lights cannot be driven much more than 1.5A due to heat issues.
I just want to keep it under 11 bucks because that’s what I can spend right now and I’m not going to buy new cells. That’s why 18650 only. Heat is not the main issue (light is going to be used in cold environment), I just have the feeling that if not driven insanely high the security is improved. I never had problems with cheap noname C8s so I do trust the model(s) from personal experience.
Not true, all my little tube lights are using 3A drivers and will happily survive a torture test where I switch it on high and set it down until the low voltage protection shuts it off over an hour later. Doesn't hurt anything in the light at all. The only issue is how long your hand can tolerate holding it, but it doesn't get any hotter than a L2P or C8 running at the same power for the same amount of time.
3A probably isn't the best choice for a mom-light, but not for the reason that the light itself can't handle it.
Whatever is going on in the bottom of that reflector doesn’t look quite right. —- Your results may vary, but I again caution against a sub $10 C8, especially for mom.
