I’m surprised that nobody mentioned the following AAA zoomie:
Maglite Solitaire.
It’s unusual because it features a reflector instead of a lens.
ADDED:
There’s also a TIR-lensed Coast HP2. Very long at 102 mm, but only 14 mm in diameter. Seems to by by far the smallest diameter TIR zoomie. Unlike Led Lensers it has a twisty zoom.
^ I have bought that host also. I agree that the machining and finish are among the cheapest around. But the way it is build is pretty ok, without much trouble with standard components you can build a fairly decent zoomie with it. A plastic lens is pretty standard in this size and usually has good performance.
By looking at that pic I can say that I have same model (it was called randar flashlight when I ordered it).
Head pull focusing system similar but I woulds say even better than Sofirn SF30A which feels bit flimsy probably because they have put inappropriate and thinner oring, and tends to go to overfocus slightly.
Material and anodizing good I don’t have any problem with that. I am pretty sure I could break through glass like butter with that zoomie and that nothing would happen cause plastic acrylic lenses are better and more durable than same size glass lens we usually have in lights.
Switch of randar light is terrible no name switch, and it is not even soldered. Uses those long traces…
But if I would have to choose winner that would be Sofirn SF30A. It is better and complete light(if one don’t wanna modd it) for just 9$ i think. It has h-m-l without memory driver if someone like that mode order (like myself of course, that is only mod set I want in any light).
Hey guys, I forgot to mention? How about Coast Brand zoomies? I picked up the Coast HP450 on a whim. Due to being 1400 lumens ( who knows? )running 6 AA batteries for $25. Will use for a week to see if worth it? Bought at Home Depot holiday time. Just never really got to use it.
Are they indestructible like the package claims? I did not want to test on mine because just in case I need to return it. Damage and HD might not take it back. I kept all receipts just in case. Again, these were bought prior to me making decisions to stay away from zoomies period.
I got one of these soda-can size zoomie “fishing” lights from AliExpress with the intention of modding with a better LED. Built OK for $20, but surprised it came with three 18650 batteries! Looks like a fake SST-90 LED inside, charging it up to see what it does.
I just ordered a couple of Sofirn SF30 zoomies. Because of the Chinese new year I’ll probably have forgotten I ordered them by the time they show up though.
Bleh. They don’t seem like real Thorfires, but more like someone took cheap-ass zoomies and slapped the Thorfire name on ’em. Definitely not the usual Thorfire quality…
Little to no lube on any of the threads. The tulip-head seems to be somewhat grippy and doesn’t flop around, so that’s good.
Angry Blue™ with hints of Hateful Purple™ coming from the old old XP-G that’s in there, so that’s bad.
Sipik-like body and switch, so probably rehashes of old ’68s but with a different head.
The driver is the usual crappy quality board, looks dirty, no spring, press-fit into the head.
Didn’t open it at all, but I’m betting there’s just a narrow ledge for the mcpcb in there, no solid shelf.
On the bright side it’s probably easily moddable, begging for an emitter swap and a better driver.
UI? High, low, strobe. Why do they hate me so? The LuxPros have that, this light has that, it’s the trifecta of pissing-me-off.
As-is, you can give one to someone you hate, else mod it to something better and keep it in a car or something. With a decent driver, even with only Li support, it could be worth something. But the emitter and driver gots ta go…
Well, The verdict is in about Coast HP450 from Home Depot purchased over the holidays. Claims 1400 lumens. Partially true. The 1400 lumens at spot is less. BUT at zoomed or focused beam more in tune of 1200 lumens. Loses to the most recent Bushnell 1500 lumen released during the same time. The flashlight is NO THROWER by no means. Unfortunately, zooming features still suffers from shadow rings artifacts once beam is zoomed in. For $25 for non flashlightholic maybe worth it.
I’m curious about the “shadow rings artifacts once beam is zoomed in”. I’ve read other posters refer to these and discourage others from even trying Coast lights.
My Coasts with the PureBeam Focus have fewer artifacts and smoother beam when fully focused than my fixed beam lights, such as my Wuben E05 and BLF A6.
There is a reason why people DO NOT recommend Coast brand flashlights. The HP450 has PureBeam Focus ( Coast has trademark on this type of beam ). The shadow rings of light are evident once light is zoomed ” in ” Look at outer diameter of light beam. You will see 2 distinct shadow rings for sure.
Let me make it easier to understand. My HaborFreight Tools 588 lumen ( $10 ) blows the Coast away. Even though shadow light rings BUT very minimal. BTW, I sold this light already.