I put a post up a while back looking for a bike light with a good combination of throw & flood plus at least 120 minutes of runtime.
The good people of BLF came up with the Shadow JM07 (upgrade version) plus extension tube combo. All good, until I actually went to buy one. Hung on for a well known supplier to re-stock and by the time I realised that they were messing me about the JM07 + extender combo seemed to have come off the market. In the meantime, I spotted the Shadow SL3 and fell in love. Looks like my perfect flashlight. Only problem, 1 x 26650. SkyRay King or similar should fit the bill too, but I don’t like the Fat Boy form factor. The DQG 26650 triple looks interesting as well and the body looks like it might take a generic 26650 extender tube (could be wrong about that though)
So, any ideas on how I can meet these requirements? Another option would be to get a suitable host with the correct form factor and add a triple emitter drop-in or similar. I have access to re-flow equipment and a good engineering workshop but wouldn’t have the time for a major project.
Thanks, hadn’t spotted the Pailight. Any idea what the quality of these are like?
Also forgot to mention that I have access at work to a good hot air reflow gun. Again, if its not a massive job I could convert a single emitter 26650 torch to a triple.
Well, if you want a lot of power from 2x26650 setup and aren’t stuck on 3 emitters for some reason, there are the J-12 (5xT6) and the J18 (7xT6) can operate in shorty mode with two cells and output more light more efficiently than most all 3x T6. Pretty cheap too, I’ve seen some J-18s at $45, not sure about any recent J-12 pricing, but should be less. J-12 does seem to have a bit more throw, but be cooler typically, J-18 is more floody and leans more the way of a neutral tint on all 3 of the J-18s from different sources that I’ve seen.
I’ve heard from a local dealer that the PALIGHT 3XML light isn’t very good and is underwhelming for a 3XML light. Some of the other PALIGHT 26650 lights looked pretty nice when I held them in store recently, but the AI sucks. Turbo is hidden amongst strobe and SOS which will be a real pain if you’re cycling. If you mod them and change the driver they could be decent. There’s also the JM07 clones that are around, you’ll find reviews on the forum if you do a search.
If you get the J18/J12 or any of the multiple XML 26650 trustfires, you’ll have to be innovative at finding a way to mount them on your bike.
True, and really that goes for mounting any 2x26650 flashlight. He didnt ask for a bike light, but my first thought was: why work at attaching a 2x26650 light when you can get a 3xT6 bike light with a battery pack and a way to attach it for about the same price as just the flashlight. Once you are done buying the 2x26650s and attachment equipment, you could have purchased a better bike light, a second bike light or an extra battery pack or two. I’ve seen 3xT6 bike lights around $50. Just a thought.
Shows the size dimensions (weren’t listed on Kaidomain) And it shows this will also run on 3*C batteries!
And even more info Here and Here (Shows runtimes and output levels for the different modes and some additional photos)
Looking at the last link it gives us a little insight as to how much these “Gadget Shops” profit is: At $24.50 for quantity price, KD is making about a 75% profit. (if they purchase a large quantity from the manufacture)
I wonder how the switch/UI works, also they need to make this with XML2 or U3.
I don’t think KD will buying many of it (may be they have no stock and only will buy if already have buyer), there’s risk if can not sell it all.
Don’t forget about shipping cost which include in KD’s price.