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Ok spoon-feed question time. I need a pocket flashlight. Lots of lumens, doesn't have to be tiny (my pockets are big) maybe like thick sharpie sized? 18650 battery. What do the geeks suggest? If I can buy it on Amazon that's even better.
Ok spoon-feed question time. I need a pocket flashlight. Lots of lumens, doesn't have to be tiny (my pockets are big) maybe like thick sharpie sized? 18650 battery. What do the geeks suggest? If I can buy it on Amazon that's even better.
I keep it on the outside of my back pocket, sometimes even forget it's there. I use it often and each charge has been lasting me ~2 months. The belt clip is super sturdy, not worried about breaking or losing it like my previous fleshlights.
I've been on the list for that since the beginning... already sent in my down-payment... should be just as impressive for what it does as the Q8.
I'll grab all my lights later and take a pic. I'm pretty set for capability, but it's the WOW factor that really gets me to buy. My EagleTac that's smaller than a chapstick and does 700lmn direct drive is a prime example. Plus, I'm a sucker for DIY stuff... and a forum going directly to a retailer with a set of specs and making it happen is pretty cool... that's why I love all the BLF Special Edition lights. The guys who work to make it happen don't settle for a marginal product. The hundreds of pages in the Q8 thread that go over every detail of the light... what was rejected and what the would/wouldn't settle for in the final design is commendable. These lights are built an order of magnitude above their $40 pricepoint for the group buy.
If I am reading correctly, the group buy is closed for new buyers?
Jee-zus, you guys like throwing money away. This one: https://www.yugster.com/daily-deal/7...attery-charger is what I use. Cheap enough that you don't have to worry about it, rugged enough that you never need to. If it breaks, throw it out and buy another. I've been using mine for over 2 years on the same battery, only charged it once. Granted, I don't use it a lot, but it always works.
5 modes is somewhat annoying until you learn to half-click through the modes. So used to it now it's automatic.
Jee-zus, you guys like throwing money away. This one: https://www.yugster.com/daily-deal/7...attery-charger is what I use. Cheap enough that you don't have to worry about it, rugged enough that you never need to. If it breaks, throw it out and buy another. I've been using mine for over 2 years on the same battery, only charged it once. Granted, I don't use it a lot, but it always works.
5 modes is somewhat annoying until you learn to half-click through the modes. So used to it now it's automatic.
I had one like that. It stopped working like 3 times. Replaced twice. Then got annoyed.
I'll look at the other ones. I'm looking for something sturdy. The zoom options usually break.
Ok spoon-feed question time. I need a pocket flashlight. Lots of lumens, doesn't have to be tiny (my pockets are big) maybe like thick sharpie sized? 18650 battery. What do the geeks suggest? If I can buy it on Amazon that's even better.
For an 18650 tube light a convoy S2+ is where it's at. Mine all have silly levels of modification now but stock they're still a very good and economical choice.
I usually get my stuff here (located in Utah) since he carries a lot of modding bits. The standard one is available on
However... lots of better places to buy if you can forego first world benefits of Prime and have an idea of what tint you want. Most people don't think about the actual color of the beam, but if you are expecting a white beam and accidentally order a yellow tint because you didn't know any better, you can be disappointed for no reason. I'm only showing one Prime Convoy C2 right now in 1A (Cool White 6500k)
I don't mind waiting. But have some amazon gift cards from work that I wanted to burn through. I ended up getting one through the other link. Good prices, and I like the clips he offers.
However... lots of better places to buy if you can forego first world benefits of Prime and have an idea of what tint you want. Most people don't think about the actual color of the beam, but if you are expecting a white beam and accidentally order a yellow tint because you didn't know any better, you can be disappointed for no reason. I'm only showing one Prime Convoy C2 right now in 1A (Cool White 6500k)
Amazon, XML-6 Cree LED.
Sees more abuse than probably all the flashlights on here. It's lasted the longest too. Lasts longer than all the mag lights, mini mags, and hardware store lights my coworkers buy. I've had it for over 2 years now. In and out of tools bags with no regard to it's life. Daily use and many many drops.
Fully extended, next to objects for size.
I posted earlier this year about how I was ready for a new one. I ended up fixing a loose battery connector.
I truly need a flashlight a couple times a year, and in those cases, just about any source of illumination brighter than a match will do fine. But, I'm also a "right tool for the job" kinda guy and my middle-class status allows me some luxuries. I don't golf or visit prostitutes, which means the wife gives me lots of leeway with random boxes that show up from China a couple times a month.
I've been stoked with every flashlight I've bought via BLF for whatever reason... and these Q8's should set the bar much higher for me.
I got a BLF 348 about a year ago and love it... 240lm from a 10440 and it's the size of a cigarette. It will light up a good-sized area for any general need as long as it's not more than about 4 minutes (because it's too hot to hold by then)... here next to my EagleTac D25C which has ridden in my flight suit arm-pocket for many years... I do all my preflights with it.
Thoughts on Convoy S2+ vs BLF A6? Oviously there's a difference in cost but not enough for me to care. I'm going to pull the trigger on an 18650 light
Key differences are the LED and the driver. The A6 uses a mosfet driver which allows for a lot more power to the LED. The LED is of a design that makes for a tighter beam which allows the light to work better at longer distances.
The problem with the A6 is that it can be moderately dangerous in the hands of a moron/child. It can get hot enough to burn someone. The UI is also to complicated for morons/children.
I feel the floodier beam and the idiot proof nature of the stock S2+ makes it a better choice for most people and general usage.
Convoy S2+ just showed up. Hands down best build quality out of any cheap flashlight I've ever had.. Blows Amazon Cree LED lights out of the water. And for 16 bucks it beats the price on most of them too. Wrist strap is too long though.
I also like that it is an actual "brand name" flashlight. And I can replace parts on it instead of trashing it if something breaks.
Also the place recommended above was great. Good prices, shipping was super cheap. Would buy again.
Both my Q8's finally arrived. I don't have a strong enough command of the english language to describe the volume of light this thing produces. It completely lit up several acres of lake in my backyard like daylight. I think the rough output with fully charged Samsung 30Q's is close to 6000lm. Here's a pic next to my A6 and soda. The whole thing is a smaller diameter than the can, even though the upper housing is a bit wider than the batter compartment. The NARSIL firmware is awesome. So far, I've left it in the ramping mode of operation... just hold down the button to ramp up or down brightness. Everybody needs one of these.
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