A mechanic friend is looking for a single 18650 powered light that is BRIGHT and durable. Output is easy, but what about sustaining small drops on concrete and contact against metal? He wants it to last and I want it to last. I don’t want to keep shopping for him nor does he care to update in the near future. He’s ready to pay $150 for the light, battery and charger but I told him he can do better than that.
While durability is high priority so is output. He still wants as bright as he can get. Yes, I understand high output isn’t desirable for auto work, but that’s what multiple modes are for. Obviously memory is required for this particular light.
So what do we have? What’s tough while still pushing the emitter hard?
I use a c8 xm-l nanjg, a couple of edc’s xiahzou? (however the damm things spelt, the fancy flashlights edc) and a self built edc18650 (ld25 2.6a driver u2, soon to be swapped for t6 4c) and an ultrafire jm07 clone, so far all have survived although I don’t make a habit of slamming them to the floor, they have slipped out of pockets, the c8 is in a headstrap and gets pretty banged about.
I have found that I find a 3 mode nw tint easier to work with, and fasttech is doing a convoy brand c8 with tint options I believe, as well as the convoy edc’s. He should have plenty of change from $150, even buying a top dollar charger and the latest cells.
I work on refrigerated vehicles, so not a dissimilar environment from your friend, I do strongly suggest the c8 in a niteize headstrap, I’ve found that invaluable.
If I’m going the budget route then Convoy is a brand I’ve been considering because of the options. If something goes wrong then a replacement is easy to acquire. Thanks for the recommendation.
The Nitecore MT series is a great suggestion but he’s looking for XM-L and one that’s pushed to its max. In addition to functionality, he also wants to show off to his coworkers
Check out the P-Rockets. It took me a while before I pulled the trigger on one, but I really am glad I did. These things are built tough with lots of choices of emitters. I have the XP-G neutral, and it throws like a son of a gun. They also come in XM-L CW and NW. I highly recommend them. http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/Categories
Thrunite TN12 is a pocket blaster. But Now that illuminationsupply has a EA4 with XML2 I think I could find a bigger pocket. Oh, if EC25 also has an XML2 version, why not?
For a $150.00 dollars he should have no problems finding a good light, but you might mention this $19.00 dollar one to him as a second. WallBuys.com is for sale | HugeDomains
Weiser, I think you should have him try a sipik clone first. They are cheap, fairly durable, take AA batteries, bright for AA, have no hot spot, small throw beam for looking into tight areas.
Many plumbers, electricians, and mechanics have bought sipik clones from me and are very happy with them.
Yes there are better alternatives for sure but most mechanics are rough on their equipment. Sipiks are only $6/piece so he could buy 20 sipiks and 3 24-packs of AA batteries for $150.
Any time your work deals with fast moving parts, remember to get something that doesn’t use PWM as it’ll mislead you into thinking a part is running slower than it is, a great occupational hazard for someone like a mechanic.
I feel a little silly since I’m quite aware of all the suggestions so far I guess I’m looking for reminders since it’s hard to keep track of all the lights we discuss.
The reason I need XM-L and 18650 is because he’s already seen my good stuff so he wants nothing but the brightest in single cell format, in all practical senses.
I asked him if he also wanted something smaller and he’s not interested.
Another reason I’m trying to get him the best for the dollar is because his last real flashlight purchase was getting scammed by the Matco salesman to the tune of $150, which worked out to a dollar per lumen!
The point about pwm is valid. Since the convoy lights use nanjg drivers……
I can’t tell the difference between my nanjg based c8 and my true current controlled on all mode edc on a running engine/high speed fan.
Other options are something from intloutdoor/cngq/fancyflashlights ranges, as they all seem to use nanjg drivers too.
I was thinking the Nitecore EA4 XM-L2 from Illumination Supply would be a sweet all-around light for him but 40mm might be too thick. I’ll run it by him tomorrow.
As for a charger, I’ll just go with the Intellicharger i4 since he probably needs a decent NiMH charger anyway. Then he’s set for something like an EA4 down the road.
I guess I’m looking for reminders since it’s hard to keep track of all the lights we discuss.