I want to buy a 18650 UV flashlight that best fits the role of checking US Currency Authenticity.
Jaxman, Convoy and Nitecore are some I have briefly looked at online.
After my posting this I will look into UV options further.
Those with hands-on experience/suggestions are who I am hoping to hear from.
Added
I want the best "out of the box" factory UV light that serves the intended purpose, over long term.
*NailBender lights are not a consideration*
I’ve got the Convoy S2+ with Nichia UV LED and the “black” filter lens. Highly recommended. Can’t beat Convoy S2+ on quality.
only downside on the convoy is that the light is overdriven so if u run the light too long u can damage the LED otherwise a good light for sure.
otherwise Jetbeam has a small one, runs on 1xAAA battery.
I have edited my OP above to be more specific.
Thank you for the replies!
The convoy is very good for EURO’s checking, so it should be good for US currency too. I checked my driver’s licence and ownership cards with it and was surprised how many UV tricks are in that too. For this money, it’s a no-brainer at banggood
Is there a UV flashlight that is highly visible in daylight, or are they best suited in darker light only?
IIRC when traveling, airport security checks ID and passport with UV? They hold the light very close for inspection.
Jetbeam UV light is on sale right now.
http://www.gearbest.com/led-flashlights/pp_562891.html?vip=1323954
I have one for about a year now (with the filter and short tube ), and so far it’s been reliable. That said, I only use mine for a minute or so each time. Here’s a picture illuminating the pickguard on my bass in a darkened room with the S2+
OK, atbglenn. I'm impressed by the one you have, image wise. Thanks for the photo!
So, these types of LEDs can not be used extended lengths of time or they burn out?
I don't understand. I assumed the UV could be used for crime scene investigations, checking for bodily fluids and such?
Are they being used intermittently under these conditions as well? Or, are those lights more of a special design and application?
As with all my purchases, I want the best I can get for money spent.
I think the ‘problem’ is that the Convoy is OVERDRIVEN. Which is fine if you want lotsa light for short periods of time, but will cause premature failure if used for extended periods. Similar to a ‘regular’ light run in turbo too long.
I don’t know if there is a lower mode available for the Convoy, or if it would require a driver swap to keep it in the green.
That's what I'm wanting to know as well. In real time use, what's the bottom line of these things, longevity wise without depreciation in performance
Thanks for bringing what you mention to the table.
Added
I want the best "out of the box" factory UV light that serves the intended purpose.
sadly only 1 mode on convoy…
The convoy uses 7135 chips right on its UV light? Could unsolder one of the chips to lower the mode. Or if you contact Simon at convoy and order through him he can do it for you
Check this thread out…djozz tested several uv leds. I built a UV light using a black Convoy S2+, a 1.5a mtn buck driver, and a Liteon LTPL-C034UVH365 led. It only has one mode but I build it for curing NOA61 when installing trits. It can be used with the standard 18650 tube or the 18350 shorty tube. I also used a black UV pass filter. She puts out a lot of nice UV light. I still have a few of those leds and UV pass filters…I’d build you one for cost of parts.
Here’s a couple of pics taken of a public restroom.
Don’t worry, these ugly stains are probably détergeant 
I checked my bathroom at home and get the same !
Seriously though! Is that detergent? Please say yes!
Yeah, my washing machine looks a little rough. I scared the crap out of my daughter…I put laundry detergent on my hands and put hand prints coming from her closet across the ceiling in her bedroom and down the wall to her bed. I showed her what the UV light could do so I told her to take to her bedroom to see what all would fluoresce and she started screaming :smiling_imp:
Put me down as accepting your offer, DJ. I have no problem with letting you build me one.
PM me for any further correspondence needed.
That bathroom image, I was a custodian at a Community College. Adults are just as DISGUSTING as kids!!
I don't buy the comment being detergent. On the toilet, yes, some of it. Now imagine that filth spreading throughout the whole facility on anything you may come in contact with throughout your time there. The filth IS everywhere.
Since my time way back as a carpet cleaning tech, I experienced everything imaginable from urine, to excrement of dead people of every form.
Notice how the cleanest part of the toilet is the seat…
It's the angle of the light..LOL!!
When you see a dark spot moving on the seat, shoot from afar!!
PM responded to, DJ ;)