That’s what I love with the Olight R20 
Is Jetbeam E10R the only 1*AA flashlight that can charge via USB?
I did a search with google and looked through the images and I couldn’t see any for sale separately. Nor do they seem to have them on Fasttech or Mountain Electronics, nor on ebay that I could see.
As The Miller says, they are probably available by asking Simon at AliExpress - probably. They are not listed on the site as a separate item.
If I really wanted a Convoy BD0X that clip wouldn’t stop me buying one, even though losing it would be a concern. After all, the light wouldn’t be useless as the battery could still be charged with a charger and spares are probably available from Convoy.
When I was buying the two lights as gifts, the clip definitely put me off as something to get lost or broken. On balance and considering the sort of use the lights were likely to get, I thought the captive rubber plug was the more practical idea.
You just described my Lumintop EDC25 exactly - it’s a good design, and must more robust and waterproof than a standard flap.
It IS possible a USB port to be leakproof, without a cap.
The only problem then is, the USB connector itself can get dirty or wet.
But it doesn;t have to leak into the flashlight.
I own a couple of BD-03’s and when I first got them, I was concerned about this exact issue. Spoke with Simon directly (via email) and he told me that he could provide spares.
I think it’s a good idea to have a few lights with USB charging ability because it gives you more options. Also a good idea to have non-usb rechargeable lights for reliability. Heck, I bought a dive light because even IPX8 isn’t intended for long term immersion. Probably overkill, but hey, what can I say? lol
Yep, that’s the best way i.m.o.
And that charging PCB only adds 2 or 3 mm length to the light.
The tail switch (if there is one) must be ‘ON’ though, otherwise there is no connection to the negative of the battery.
Excellent points! :+1:
And the part about the tail switch is 110% correct…. I learned that the hard way. :person_facepalming:
Integral USB charging isn’t a must have for me either way. If its there I certainly would use it, if not I really won’t miss it I don’t think. I have been using one of these Olight travel chargers for my eneloops and IMR 14500… its been great as a highly portable and lightweight backpacking setup. I pair it up with a Sony 10000 mah battery bank, and re-charge my battery at night in the tent.
I get the ubiquity of micro USB cables, etc, but my problem with them is simple. Look at your cell phone (if it charges via USB). Chances are, if you’ve used the port a lot, it could be showing significant signs of wear. I know mine does. Plugging the USB cable in and out every day is bound to have a negative affect on the port. Personally, for me, I don’t use the usb charge ports on my lights for regular charging. I use them for emergency and convenience (travel, car, etc…) charging. Sure, it’s a pain to remove batteries and charge them, but weighing that against the problems I’d face if (when) the charge port broke, I’ll take the bother. I think the threads on the body of the light are far more robust than the USB connector on most lights. The other thing is, that USB connector provides considerable leverage to cause damage from accidental bumps, etc…
Keeping that in mind, this is why I prefer something like the Convoy connector (very robust) or a charging dock (like Olight) for daily use. While I’m not a fan of proprietary charging dongles/bases, in the case of the Convoy and Olight, they (IMO) do come with significant advantages. I doubt I’d be able to break the Convoy connector, but if I did, nice to know I can get a replacement. As for the Olight magnetic dock, it’s not like I’d be plugging and unplugging the USB cable, so that’s pretty much a non-issue. As for the dock-to-light connection, it’s pretty bullet-proof (the newer ones, anyway).
Wouldn’t mind seeing something like a Qi wireless charger for a flashlight. I think that would be pretty neat.
My $.02, FWIW
BTW, I think something like this could be pretty useful if adapted to a standard micro usb charged light: magnetic Micro USB
I’d like to see USB-C charging ports start to show up on lights that want to add the USB charging feature. More durable port, and more current carrying capacity.
On some of the larger lights I think a USB output would be nice to have too, so you can use the light as a power bank.
Horses for courses. Most of the population are only going to use a torch for maybe ten minutes a week on average, not always on high. For a 18650 based torch, that’s charging it every couple of months - six times a year. Even if the USB connection is only good for 100 charges, that’s many years use. They’ll also keep their torch in the house and not go out in heavy rain with it. For users like that micro USB and a rubber plug are good enough, very convenient, and have the advantage of being cheaper than better engineered solutions. It wouldn’t do for heavy users, charging the light every few days or taking it hill walking.
Fair point. Then again, most of the population has no idea what an 18650 is.
But
Most people use 18650 cell without knowing they are using it
I find that somewhat alarming, in some ways.
I agree with Jon on this. I’ve been giving out the Lad as gifts to nonflasholics & they are now my preferred goto gift. IMO it’s aesthetics goes very nicely when paired w/ a car remote fob. Very rarely do ppl see/feel the need to carry around yet another gizmo (in this case a flashlight) but the need for a light when approaching their car in the dark is beyond handy.
It’s interesting to note that I would NOT recommend the LAD to a flashoholic w/ the intent of it on being their sole EDC. Perhaps as a supplemental light on their keychain. Perhaps.
But IMO it just feels SO underwhelming. A polished feel though…
There are lots of 18650 cells in power tools and laptops. Generally they appear to be thought through designs (there are occasional problems) and manage the cells safely.
I see Li-ion based rechargeable torches on sale occasionally in supermarkets which go in for special offers - Lidl and Aldi - and they look as if they are 18650 based. They are known for selling cheap stuff but not usually total rubbish. I haven’t seen them in the mainstream supermarkets.
One DIY chain here used to sell rechargeable halogen/SLA lanterns, but they now sell a lantern with a LED and a Li-ion battery in what looks like the same body. A friend bought a couple and he’s pleased with them. There’s a warning about opening them and a screw, which wasn’t there with the halogen version, to discourage opening them. Inside there’s a moulding which looks as if it holds an 18650. They charge using a wall adapter and one of the usual low voltage power connectors.
The only place I’ve come across in the centre of about 100 shops I use, which sells 18650 batteries, is the vape shop. They used to sell Efest, they now sell LG batteries and they’ve always sold Nitecore chargers.
I’d say there’s general reluctance to have the public at large mucking about with Li-ion cells and chargers.
The other common things which use Li-ion cells are cameras and phones. Once again they are rechargeable devices.
I received the light today.
At first sight you’d think you’re looking at a plain S2+. Same diameter, same knurling, same tail cap shape… just 4mm longer. Of course there that’s rubber usb cover on the head, not much difference overall… Plain simple light with three modes. High is not stellar but is more then enough for most people. Low is enough in most closeup situations anyway. Rather floody which is expected from the tube shape and OP reflector. At least you don’t have to worry about the light overheating ot the battery being a top performer and it makes for longer run times. No noticeable PWM either.
However, packaging was the most basic you get and the tint is nowhere close to 3C - definitely toward CW.
I have yet to try the usb charging, but unless it happens to be unreliable or complete garbage - which i don’t think it is from what i’ve read, this is a very decent ‘li-ion entry’ light to gift around. Much simpler and not that more expensive then a S2 - even less if you take out the need for a charger, but that depends on the deals you manage to grab of course.
http://flashlight.nitecore.com/product/mh12gt
Basically the USB rechargeable version of the P12GT, with the same super long range
It’s very much like an S2+ 4*7135 in terms of size, weight and performance.
Eagle Eye let themselves down by not realising a significant number are likely to be bought as gifts for non-flashaholics, and gearing their presentation of the product that way, putting it in a nice box, like the S2+ comes in, and including an instruction sheet which at least explains how to charge it.
Something they got right was having three useful modes with last mode memory. Also there are no disco modes, which I’d guess most people find an irritating nuisance.