Kai Domain - Mysterious cheap light...

[abvidledUK]

I measured my Cree'd Elly at around 60 lumens, slightly different from kai's new version (53 lumens).

My Elly original lumens are the same as kai's (20 lumens).

I used 2,000mah nimh, kai used 2,700mah nimh.

I achieved flatter, longer RT. Virtually flat for 90 mins, then dipping.

Not the gradual decline shown in Kai's graph.

Perhaps there is an electronics, or Cree difference.

I found my Cree mod using DX parts gave a brighter, longer, more consistent output.

That makes me feel better about having spent a little more (+£2.50) and doing the mod myself.


https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/153283

 

[xiaowenzu]

That looks like a FAKE cree, because it's only 53 lumens if that's to believed. The cost of purchasing a real cree emitter from 'Cree Inc US.' costs much more than the light. :laughing:

ooh..

http://kaidomain.com/WEBUI/ProductDetail.aspx?TranID=1341

Coming soon.... Apparently

 

[2xTrinity]

That looks like a FAKE cree, because it's only 53 lumens if that's to believed. The cost of purchasing a real cree emitter from 'Cree Inc US.' costs much more than the light. :laughing:

I wouldn't say their Cree LEDs are faked -- every one I've bought from DX and dropped into a Lumileds light has apparently doubled the output at the same current -- if that's a fake, the counterfeiter is doing a fine job. Their lumen ratings seem to be lowball/conservative based on how they rate flashlights that I actually own. I'm not sure how accurate they are either -- they seem to be extrapolated by multipying Luxmeter readings by a constant based on what I've read, from a "shoebox bounce" test. It seems like that method may not be accurate for compare lumens between flashlights if they have different beam patterns.

If you read through that huge Elly thread, you'll find there's also a lot of variance just between one light and another for output. I ordered three and one was significantly dimmer than the others, for example (not any less efficient, it just drew less current). Also, since this is simple boost circuit and not current regulated the forward voltage of the LEDs and batteries used will make a big difference as well. Any one of those things could explain the lower than expected lumen rating. Either way though, it's nice to see a company be honest about posting their real results, even if it doesn't make their product look better.

Another possibility is that the particular batteries that Kai used were overrated/underperforming -- that would explain both the lower lumens and shorter runtime.

 

[xiaowenzu]

I wouldn't say their Cree LEDs are faked -- every one I've bought from DX and dropped into a Lumileds light has apparently doubled the output at the same current -- if that's a fake, the counterfeiter is doing a fine job.

That's good to hear from someone who's had first hand experience. My initial reaction is usually one of skeptism.. I think it's a consumer reflex thing I've developed to protect myself (and wallet) over the years. :laughing: So this light is pretty cheap.. I assume the profit margin (if any) would be quite low, unless it's using a low quality bin Cree.

 

[TOOCOOL]

Price down to $9.99 for both the DX and Kaidomain lights :laughing: Kai says no more glass lens only plastic

 

[CheviotMike]

Is this Kai Domain $10 Cree flashlight available? When I try to buy it I get this message:
"This transaction is invalid. Please return to the recipient's website to complete your transaction using their regular checkout flow."

CheviotMike
http://mstecker.com

 

[TOOCOOL]

Is this Kai Domain $10 Cree flashlight available? When I try to buy it I get this message:
"This transaction is invalid. Please return to the recipient's website to complete your transaction using their regular checkout flow."

CheviotMike
http://mstecker.com

I had the same problem deleted my cookies and then restarted my browser and all was good

 

[abvidledUK]

I bought ten Ellys from DX, different shipments, and apart from slight tint variations, found they all gave approx the same output, before modding.

 

[CheviotMike]

I removed the Kai cookie from my Firefox 2 browser and restarted it. I still can not buy the $10 flashlight and get the message:
"This transaction is invalid. Please return to the recipient's website to complete your transaction using their regular checkout flow."

Has this item been removed from the website? Why am I unable to buy it?

CheviotMike
http://mstecker.com

 

[TOOCOOL]

Yep I get the same thing now how about buying this one LINK
seems to be the same light

 

[CheviotMike]

Yep I get the same thing now how about buying this one LINK
seems to be the same light

Hi Toocool:
Thanks for your help. Your link to the $10 DealExtreme Cree LED flashlight may be a different model. It says it is made from steel and not aluminum and there is no mention that it can be focused -- a feature that sold me on the original Kai flashlight.

Perhaps Kai is sold out or his website is mal-functioning. I emailed him, but so far have not received a response.

CheviotMike
http://mstecker.com

 

[abvidledUK]

Note Kai quoted shipping date: 20th March.

DX: In stock now

PS: It's not mysterious anymore !!

 

[X_Marine]

I removed the Kai cookie from my Firefox 2 browser and restarted it. I still can not buy the $10 flashlight and get the message:
"This transaction is invalid. Please return to the recipient's website to complete your transaction using their regular checkout flow."

Has this item been removed from the website? Why am I unable to buy it?

CheviotMike
http://mstecker.com

I had the same props yesterday and now tonight..
They have already lost a cpl hundred from me, I can only imagine how it must be effecting his biz..

Think I'll just call it in tomorrow..

Oh ya, when your order is ready and before checking out, do an Alt + PrntScrn and that will put the page on your clipboard so if it fails you can paste it in something and print for the SKU #'s etc..

The site does ok other that let you buy.. lol
Think I'll try one more time from notebook in bedroom from clean start, but they got a prob for sure.

Good luck guys.
X

 

[Vikas Sontakke]

You *have* to enter your paypal email address on the kaidomain checkout page (and also make sure you are logged in before putting the item in the cart).

I just purchased it using the above method.

I ordered one from each site. DX claims it has Al reflector whereas KD says it is plastic with glass lense. All in all, both flashlight look identical.

- Vikas

 

[CheviotMike]

Hello Vikas:
How does one login to Kai's website? I can not find it on his Home Page nor on the page for buying the flashlight. At checkout I typed the email I use for PayPal and it still does not work. The checkout also says to type in your email only if it is differnt from the one you use for PayPal.

Regarding purchase, this is by far the worst website I have seen. Also, Kai does not answer my emails.

CheviotMike
http://mstecker.com

 

[HarveyRich]

I had no problems ordering a couple from Kai around 11 PM (PST) last night. In fact, the new price is $9.49/flashlight and it still comes with a glass lens, according to the site. Isn't Capitalism great, or what? Maybe the Hong Kong purveyors have invented a new version, where they pay you several dollars to take their product.

It reminds me of the old saying: we lose money on each sale, but we make it up on volume.

 

[Toohotruk]

I was just successful in ordering and paying for one...now I can't wait to get it!

 

[TORCH_BOY]

For that price you can't go wrong

 

[CheviotMike]

I am still unable to purchase the flashlight from Kai, so ordered a similar one from DealExtreme with no problem. Kai is the only dealer I have this problem with, so will not be ordering from him anymore.

CheviotMike
http://mstecker.com

 

[Bearcat]

My order went through without any problem at all.