Update 2015-12-14:
We are collecting an interest list for 2nd batch. See here: https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/36945
Update 2015-12-03:
All lights are now sold out. Thank you everyone for participating this GB!
Based on the feedback in this thread and PMs, I would say that the GB was quite successful and most of us were happy with the lights we ordered. :)
Because there seems to still be some demand, we might try to arrange a new batch => I'll create a new thread about that during the weekend.
Update 2015-11-09:
Participating members have had two weeks to order their lights. That should be more than enough, but there are still some lights left.
What happens now is:
As of *now*, while the stocks last, anyone reading BLF can order these lights.
You can use the following links and code GB348CM to order those beautiful lights for only $6.99 each.
With BLF engraving (<== Affiliate link = "Thank you for the GB!") Non-aff link here.
Without engraving (<== Affiliate link = "Thank you for the GB!") Non-aff link here.
Update 2015-10-26:
Lights are ready, have been shipped to GearBest (will arrive to their warehouse in 2-5 days), and are available for ordering!
The amount produced is more than reservations + waiting list, but there might be other people lurking and still wanting the light - maybe even to the regular price of $9.99
I'll start posting the coupons via PM right away. Same coupon works for engraved and unengraved ones, so you can mix them in your order.
The amount of members to PM is huge and it will take some time. Please be patient.
Please order your lights as soon as possible to make sure you will get them!
Update 2015-10-15:
Lights are finally being produced. The amount produced will contain some extras, so everyone on the waiting list will get in to this GBGB!
Factory estimates the production of the whole batch to be ready before the end of this month (optimistic estimate is 25th).
Product pages are already up, but you still have to wait for the coupon codes.
With BLF engraving (<== Affiliate link = "Thank you for the GB!") Non-aff link here.
Without engraving (<== Affiliate link = "Thank you for the GB!") Non-aff link here.
(Use of aff link in this thread is allowed based on the new guidelines. Thank you Mr. Admin for enabling this!)
Update 2015-09-14:
The reservation period is now over, and production can start! List updated to show the final situation.
When the sales period begins, I'll send a personal message to everyone with a coupon included. After receiving the PM, you will have about one week to order the lights you reserved.
If some reserved lights are not claimed during that period, a common coupon will be published and the rest of the lights will be available for anyone (or actually the fastest ones ;)).
Meanwhile you can just sit back, patiently wait for the production to finish, and enjoy your life! :)
Update 2015-09-11:
Got my answer and I'm happy with it. :)
We'll close the registration this Sunday midnight (UTC) => Final amount will be counted after that, so the factory can start production on Monday their time!
The counter below will help you to figure out how much time is still left to join.
Update 2015-09-10:
2nd sample received and approved. :)
Still waiting for one answer from GB / factory, after that we'll close the registration and start to produce the lights!
If you still want to join, be quick!
Update 2015-08-30:
Some comparison photos & measurements in posts #412 & #413. Looks good, don't you think?
Update 2015-08-29:
The non-engraved sample arrived. Looking good! Initial impressions in post #392
Update 2015-08-24:
Good news! Samples are on their way to Finland and I should get those in a couple of days. If the samples are approved, we are aiming to lock the final amount of lights after next weekend and start the production soon after that => You will still have a couple of days to reserve your lights (= join the GB) after you hear and see how the samples are performing.
I will send the order link and coupon code to all participants as soon as the production starts and Gearbest is ready to take the orders. Please try to be patient and wait until that. :)
Update 2015-08-10:
Agreed with GB & the factory that we can go over 400pcs and decide the final amount after I have inspected the samples => GB is on again!
Update 2015-08-08:
All 400 lights are now reserved. That did take only three and half days, which might be a new record! Thank you all for joining this GBGB!
I'll try to extend the amount of GB lights, but that's depending on the factory's ability to source more Nichia emitters, so please wait until I get confirmation from them. I won't take new reservations until then => This GB is now ON HOLD.
The factory is currently making samples, which will be delivered to me with DHL. Production will start as soon as I approve the samples.
Original post:
We have had many Group Buys running lately. Some might say "too many", so I haven't really been active on these, until I managed to negotiate this "significantly better than average BLF GB"-type of deal. :)
Many of us bought SingFire SF-348 from my GBGB about one year ago. I would say that the light was great for the price and I still carry one NW in my pocket - although the "NW" had a tint which was very warm, which bothered some of us.
So I got an idea: What if we could have the same classy and easy to use light with a known good (excellent) emitter? => I contacted GearBest and they agreed to help in this. After heavy negotiations with them and the manufacturer, we are finally here to announce the GBGB:
BLF-348
Essentially a known good SF-348 light, equipped with well known and admired Nichia 219B 5000K 90CRI emitter (NVSW219B-V1 sw50 R9050), and of course a free BLF engraving*.
[* I know some of us want to have our lights nice and clean, so the engraving is optional]
All this for (unbelievable) price of $6.99, including free shipping*. For reference: a bare Nichia 219B emitter is $3.98 at IOS.
[* Shipping will be unregistered. Free registered shipping for orders over $40]
The catch is that we have to reach 400pcs for this GB to happen. On the other hand, knowing how the SF-348 GB went, that should be (easily?) achievable.
So: Is anyone interested? :)
Please indicate your preference when replying: BLF engraving or no engraving.
And remember: It's time to start preparing for X-mas. This light is a perfect stocking stuffer. :)