CandlePowerForums

SureFire UDR Dominator

Entrope — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:02:39 GMT

Well, well. Just stumbled into this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...utput_LED.html

What's really interesting is they have mentioned: "Price: $960.00"

What's everyone's opinion on this?

Eneloops' 1500 cycles fall down to 500 at 1C?

espresso — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:30:56 GMT

Hello,

based on charts and reading I can see that when charging at 1C, batteries tend to have much less cycles than the stated value. This is because the stated values are given for 0.1 charging current.

Can it really be this bad? If I get 500 cycles out of the most quality battery on the market, what can I expect from regular NiMH cells that have a couple of hundred cycles. And what about Sanyo XX? It's rated at 500 cycles in laboratory conditions. If we apply the same logic as for standard Eneloop, the XX version could have as little as 160 cycles. By the way, I use XX where it's required to be recharged every day or so. This leaves me with less than a year of usable life if I was to charge it at 1C.

The main reasons for rapid cell degradation are pressure build up and excessive heat during the charge.
Here is a quote from GP technical sheet:

Quote:

Overcharging also adversely affect battery life, the major cause of which is the extra heat generated by overcharging. When overcharging repeats from cycle to cycle, the accumulated heat will eventually degrade the battery life.

But what if I removed heat? What if the batteries stay at room temperature the whole time?
I am talking about "one hour" chargers that rely only on -dV to terminate so they do a little overcharge each time.

Beside C9000 and BC700, I have two quick chargers which I like to use. I upgraded them with fans so that the batteries stay cool the whole time. Here:

How bad for a battery life can dV termination at 1C be? Does it reduce cycle life significantly (considering that there is no heat)?

NEW Fenix TK35 updated ver. (XM-L U2, 860lm)

gopajti — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:21:35 GMT

pictures :sssh:

An Armytek Predator question......(I don't own one yet)

Lightingman — Wed, 16 May 2012 09:56:30 GMT

I was wondering if the Armytek Predator can do the following........

I want the firefly mode to come on when head is lossened every time. I want it to come on no matter what mode I had it on before. Does it revert to the lowest mode?

Here is what I ultimately want to do.

Head tightened:
1. Max bright
2. Strobe

Head loosened:
1. firefly
2. 25%
3. Beacon

Now what I want is for the flashlight to revert back to the first option every time I turn it off and leave it off for a while. I'm not for sure if it can be done, but the programing options based off the website seem extensive. Can this be done? Does anyone who owns one know?

Best AA's These Day's?

pri0n — Wed, 16 May 2012 08:14:57 GMT

Last time I bought rechargeables they were eneloops, though I thought I heard they were no longer going to make them, or there were quality issues now or something. What is the general consensus on what are the best AA's for a good price these days?

OK... YA'LL's Fault!

FRITZHID — Wed, 16 May 2012 08:09:39 GMT

one day, i looked at a "spotlight" i saw on AVP..... that led me to CPF.... there i found that the spot light i was looking at was +$2000.... so.... i lurked a bit... bought the stanley, and got lucky.... it worked... and still works...... then i saw LEDs... HIGH POWER LEDs. and acquired some nice Rockys from Sams Club.... and while at it...my son loved my stanley HID so much i bought him the 520lm LED for xmas..... and THEN.............................................. ....
i decided to start my own.... The HAND-SUN HID... and it's a work of art if i don't say so myself..... i put alot of research into it... and it does WAY better then ever expected!................. (my wife is now LIVID at all the damn HID's around the house, so PLEASE BUY ONE and SAVE MY LIFE!!!)
.................. and here.... at the final end..... (and maybe the end of my life)..... i bought a Maxabeam.
yes..
i did...
i can't afford it..
(unless peeps buy)
but i HAD to have one!!!!!!

it's a GEN II...
with a well cared for Nicad pack...
and low hrs...
best i could/not afford....
got it for $500 on ebay...
light, batt, charger.

.....
i have a MAXABEAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:D :D :D :D :D
yeah i know... all'yall have better, newer, and prob cheaper....
but i have my 1st SA spotlight! and it's a respected light!
it may have cost me my soul.... (and marriage) but i have 1! and i am proud!

so.... at this point.... if anyone has any advice or ..... well (anything cheap) that will benefit my "new" MB Gen II light... i welcome them!!!! i'd LOVE to have a Collmanatining lens and i'd KILL for a UV lens!!!!
..... and needless to say (again) PLEASE BUY/SPREAD WORD of my Hand-Sun spotlights so i can fund my MB!!!!! lmao

(yes i know... bad juju to promote my sales, but i HAVE to do something! :/ )

My first and second McGizmo

cubebike — Wed, 16 May 2012 05:20:57 GMT

I received my Haiku from Don yesterday. Just a week after I placed my order. What surprised me was I did not receive shipment notification ( I haven't paid Don when I received it:sssh:). Of course I paid him asap. I love the quality of the McGizmo.
Thank you Don.

ID this light please

mckeand13 — Wed, 16 May 2012 04:43:14 GMT

Could somebody ID the small light.

Thanks.

NITECORE TM11 v1.12 quick vid

turboBB — Wed, 16 May 2012 04:30:31 GMT

Just a quick vid I put together on some things I've noticed while doing maintenance on the o-ring /threads. Also quickly covered the changes vs. v1.11:

Cheers,
Tim

improving the pelican recoil 2010?

sumhshum — Wed, 16 May 2012 04:12:35 GMT

hi, all. long time lurker. can't recall what brought me to cpf years ago. don't have a technical education, or work in the field. have about a dozen lights (& gifted about the same amount), all from the great postings on cpf.

got a question, though. i have 2 old pelican recoil 2010's. the output is puny from them. anyone with ideas how i can improve on them, with led bulbs? thanks!!

Beginner EDC - $50-70

Brokenbuyyer — Wed, 16 May 2012 03:15:32 GMT

This question probably gets annoying, but I have read around and searched. Still can't make up my mind.

I was also set into buying a 4Sevens Quark 123 or the 4Sevens Quark Mini 123. I thought that the Mini 123 was the best keychain light. Then I thought I could pay a few more for more lumens and then pocketcarry a regular 123. Then... I opened my options outside of 4Sevens. Heard of Zebra, Felix and more and now I'm puzzled. The Quark regular would cost $54 after coupon.

Wanted to get the titanium but can't find any used ones. Anyone know of places that sell used flashlights? Would help me save some money.

Is there a difference between 4Sevens and new FourSevens? Is it just change of look and branding?

1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?

__X__I would like to purchase the light from a brick and mortar store. I am located in ______Bay Area________.
__X__I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter.

2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! :-)

____Less than $25.
_X__Less than $50.
____Less than $100.
____Less than $150.
____Less than $300.
____I have no limit.
_X___I�m flexible, tell me what you got. (flexible within $75 max)
____Other, please specify ________

3) Format:

__X__I want a flashlight.
____I want a headlamp.
____I want a lantern.
____I want a dive light.
____I want a portable spotlight.

4) Flashlight-specific format/size:

__X__Keychain size.
__X__Every day carry small (2-4 inches).
____Every day carry medium (4-7 inches).
____Holster carry.
____Big enough to need its own travel caseJ.
____I don�t care.
__X__I don�t know.
____N/A

Not sure if I want to back pocket carry or keychain.

5) Emitter/Light source:

____LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
____Incandescent (known for superior color rendition)
____HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size)
__X__I don't know.

6) Manufacturer:

__X__I want to buy a light from a traditional mass producing manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
____I would consider getting a light that is pieced together (for example a �host� or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a �drop-in� emitter from another source). Under the right circumstances, this path can provide more options to the consumer to meet specific needs, and can often be easily upgradeable as technology improves.

7) What battery type do you want to use?

__X__I intend to use alkaline batteries (AAA, AA, C, D) (disclaimer, while it does not preclude all choices, these are not recommended for many of today�s most powerful lights)
____I intend to use rechargeable nickel chemistry (NiCad, NiMH, NiZn)
__X__I intend to use lithium primary batteries (CR123, CR2, Energizer Advanced/Ultimate Lithium AA/AAA)
__X__I intend to use rechargeable lithium (li-ion) chemistry. Feel free to specify a size if you know which size you want (14500, RCR123/16340, 17500, 17670, 18650, etc.)
____I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery. (Note: these choices may be very limited unless you are looking at spotlights)

At first wanted Alkaline since you can find those everywhere. But a CR would work better, if it can be rechargeable even better.

8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is impossible).

__X__I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (0-10 lumens).
__X__I want to walk around an unlit rural area (50-150 lumens).
__X__I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
____I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
____I want ridiculous amounts of lumens (800+ lumens).

9) Throw vs. Flood: At what distance will you be most likely to use this light? Select all that apply.

__X__Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
__X__Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
__X__5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
__X__30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
____50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
____150+ yards (I want maximum throw possible)

10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum output).

____Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods)
____30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)
__X__90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
__X__3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).

Will be EDC, dont want it to die on me randomly. I like the 4Sevens nano charger + 123 combo.

11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase �you get what you pay for� is very accurate for flashlights.

____Not Important (A �night-stand� light).
____Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood).
__X__Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
__X__Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
____I don't care.
____I don�t know.

12) Switch Type and location (choose all that apply):

____I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
__X__I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
____I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
__X__I want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened).
____I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
____I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today�s high end lights).
__X__I don't care.
____I don�t know.
____Other, please specify____________________.

13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.

____A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me.
____I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
__X__I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
__X__I want a programmable light.
____I want a selector ring.
____I want a strobe mode. (Blinks to show location.)
____I want SOS mode.
____I want a beacon mode.
__X__I don�t care.
__X__I don�t know.

14)Material/Finish/Coating

____Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly).
__X__Anodized Aluminum � either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today�s flashlights).
____Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
__X__Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
____I don�t care.
__X__I don�t know.
____Other, please specify____________.

15) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any below.

____Red filter (for preserving night vision).
____Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________).
____Dedicated R/G/B secondary LEDs.
____�Hybrid� light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
____Pocket/belt clip
____Holster
____Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____Crenulated bezel
____Non-sparking Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments

Nothing really needed. Keychain ring if it's intended for keychain carry.

Thanks!

XENO E11 aka Cube

Ualnosaj — Wed, 16 May 2012 03:14:02 GMT

The Cube has landed and it landed HARD. These have been around for a while but I never realized how BIG and HEAVY they are! I thought it might have been just a little larger than an AA. Think of your favorite Ti light, then imagine it was machined from a complete solid block. That's the Cube. It's heavy because it's SS too. The build is wonderful and I'll do a brief review later but I thought I'd bring up the size. Have a V10R Ti or equiv with extender? It's essentially that size in a cuboid form. Delightful but nearly useless as an EDC...

___________
Posted from my phone.

2c mag switch problem.

wannabe333 — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:35:02 GMT

HI Room,

i am new to modding Maglight, i do have a 2c mag that need switch removal, this one had retaining rings around the bulb post. remove the rubber cover but won't find any bolt inside the switch, any help and information will be very much apprecited.

New emitters out...

TadpolePilot — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:29:49 GMT

:sssh:Looking for a 26650 with xb-d emitter
or the second one down xt-e.
They are out for sale now but do not know if they are in flashlights/torches yet?
:sssh:

First magcharger mod

fllight — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:14:03 GMT

I have a completely stock magcharger and would like any recommendations on a first mod. I have to buy a new battery and am willing to do new reflector, socket, glass etc if it is really worth the $100??? it may cost.

Thanks in advance.

Series charging a Dyson DC16 li-ion pack

Aquanaut — Wed, 16 May 2012 01:48:45 GMT

Instead of buying a new original Dyson DC16 li-ion battery pack at $75 for my hand held vacuum, I decided to rebuild the 6 cell series pack. Looking at the four contacts to the pack, I could not understand how they were recharging the pack untill I opened up the pack. It turns out that the cells were charged in series without any balancing whatsoever! This goes against all my instincts garnered from CPF.

Two of the pack leads were used to series charge, and the other two were leading to a thermistor in the middle of the pack to measure pack temperature. The pack was listed at 1,000 mAh capacity, so I could easily double or triple the running time. The charger is listed at 28V and 400 ma.

Question: is it worth rebuilding the pack? Could it be that the cells are closely matched in capacity or have some other characteristics for the series charging to work? Can anyone enlighten :) me? Comments appreciated.

14500?

fishndad — Wed, 16 May 2012 01:11:14 GMT

Li-Ion ICR14500 AA Rechargeable Battery 3.7V 1200mAh
found this for 4.95 any sugestions or recomendations?
using on a quark AA2x and soon to arive eoslamp sma12
thanks

WTB: FiveMega Ver2 2" deep SMO reflector in black

maxspeeds — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:38:24 GMT

Hi Everyone,

I'm looking for a black Ver2 Fivemega 2" deep reflector with a SMOoth finish. Please PM me if you have an extra for sale. Thanks!

Cheers,
Joel

Serious buyer WTB...

Hodsta — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:38:01 GMT

Ok, here's my list...

1) Aoth vertical holster for TITANIUM Spy 007
2) Ti Nautilus with multiple tritium inserts
3) Ti Ra Clicky

Conditions...

1) AWTYD - no silly prices (high)
2) Goat - no silly prices (low)
3) Grif - hi, (plus point one)
4) Mack - I prefer not to deal with chicks!
5) Chronos -I just missed you dude...

All serious offers and less serious posts considered. Anything out there?

hods

Surefire L Series

matt_o — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:19:05 GMT

I'm pretty familiar with most of the Surefire lines. I am a little lost when it comes to the L series though. Can someone explain what the differences are between some of them and how they differ and or interchange with the E and A series lights. Are the bodies bigger than the E series? I'm getting interested in the older 4 flats versions of the E series and like the looks of the L4, but don't know anything about them.

Help fixing a cheapo 18650 flashlight

xdriver — Tue, 15 May 2012 22:56:59 GMT

I have a cheap $20 fandyfire 502B single mode china light that uses a single 18650 battery and a XM - LT6 cree that is labeled 3.7-4.2 volts on the reflector. For some reason (yes, I know it is cheap china), the first time I turned it on the light went on for 5 seconds and then off and I can not get it to work. I have tried taking the battery and simply putting it to the +/- part of the springs and it does not work (circumvented the tube and tail switch). The 18650 is charged and reads 4 volts with my volt meter. If I quickly touch a 9 volt to the +/- the light will go on. What is the issue here and what can I do short of sending it back (the seller will take it and pay for it but I figured if I can fix it it will give me a challenge and I won't have to hassle with the post office. Thanks folks.

looking for an rcr123 light to carry in pocket

jmpaul320 — Tue, 15 May 2012 22:39:17 GMT

I have looked at a few, from the new eagle tac clickys to the jetbeam rrt01.. just want to make sure im considering all options

1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?

____I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter.

2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! :-)

____Less than $100.

3) Format:

____I want a flashlight.

4) Flashlight-specific format/size:

____Every day carry small (2-4 inches). (the smaller the better, if possible under 3")

5) Emitter/Light source:

____LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)

6) Manufacturer:

____I want to buy a light from a traditional mass producing manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.

7) What battery type do you want to use?

rcr123 x 1

8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is impossible).

would like a medium mode for normal use and some sort of high that can be used here and there as needed

9) Throw vs. Flood: At what distance will you be most likely to use this light? Select all that apply.

kind of irrelevant for a small light really as most small lights are on the floody side

10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum output).

runtime not really an issue as rcr123 can be recharged, just has to get through a day with light use (maybe a few periods of 5-10 minutes at most)

11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase “you get what you pay for” is very accurate for flashlights.

____Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood).

12) Switch Type and location (choose all that apply):

I would like a clicky and the light to tailstand if possible

13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.

____I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)

strobe and sos are cool, but not essential

14)Material/Finish/Coating

____I don’t care.

15) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any below.

____Pocket/belt clip

Will SF continue to support incans?

jw2n — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:54:45 GMT

I was wondering with the almost complete discontinuance of incan lights if SF will still produce lamps or drop them as well? I know that for myself, I have started looking at what LAs I already have on hand and which ones I should add. I am aware of the after-market but personally like the originals.

Cleaning a reflectors, how.

chiphead — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:50:11 GMT

Ok, there are times when I get a little crazy with grease in some of my lights. Now I've noticed the reflectors on some of bulbs have grease smudges. What is the safest way to clean reflector surface and not damage them? I'm looking at the following:
*Lighter Fluid
*WD-40
*Contact cleaner
Please advise.

chiphead, Austin.TX

Under $40 EDC AA Flashlight

Dynasty — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:37:54 GMT

I�m looking for a quality single AA EDC. I have been looking into the following flashlights, but am having trouble pulling the trigger one only one. I want a solid, rugged, and reliable flashlight that I can keep in my pocket (removable clip helpful, but not required) under $40.

Here is what I have been looking at:

Maratac AA (85 lumens) = $30.50
Klarus P1A (150 lumens) = $35
JetBeam BA10 (160 lumens) = $39
Fenix LD10 (100 lumens) = $40
4Stevens Mini AA (90 lumens) = $40 *does not have clip

Which is the best choice based on your experience? Any other suggestions?

Thanks for helping out a new guy!

FS electroluman fire sword 4 x p7

jaybiz32 — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:32:19 GMT

FS is a Electolumen 4 x p7 firesword. Runs off of 2 D lion cells not included. Mostly a shelf queen maybe few minor scratches.
Asking $275 Shipped Conus Paypal. Outside US contact me for shipping.
[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]

Current brightest "real world" 18650 light? Needed for specific job.

BirdofPrey — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:14:01 GMT

For the past 9 years I've been working primarily indoors at my job. I mainly used my light to get the attention of "residents" that may be in the process of doing something that my job dictates I need to stop.

Starting this coming Sunday, I start a new job (FINALLY) that will place me outside of these dorms and have me during security sweeps. Part of this job will require me to check for contraband that may have been thrown over a fence or placed by work crews.

In particular, I have an area the size of a full size running track that I have to inspect very well and it is littered with scrap wood and saw mill equipment. My current light is a 4Sevens Maelstrom G5. It does the job but I'd like something brighter that puts out a larger "wall" of light. I still want throw, I just need a bigger area of light. My biggest problem is that I have a relatively small window of time to do this sweep as its in an area that removes me from being able to respond quickly to emergencies. This is the reason I'd like to have a brighter light that also lights up a larger area so I'm able to scan more area in less time.

The reason for the "real world" in the title is because I don't want to buy anything special to do this. I already have 18650s ranging from old beater Tenergy cells to the new 3100 Eagletacs. I'd like something that will run well with the Eagletacs.

I've got brighter lights but they are too large to bring inside the fence or to haul around for my regular 12 hour shift as I need something that will go on my duty belt. I looked into a light (can't remember the name at moment) that was stated as putting out 700 lumens while being the same size as my Maelstrom. Problem was, as I researched it, I found it required an extension tube and a second 18650 to get that.

Heat shouldn't be a problem. The longest the light will run at one time will be 10 minutes MAX. More realistically it will be run for 20 to 30 seconds at a time with about the same amount of time in between as I walk in and out of the areas I need to be scanning.

So, help me out. Am I already equipped with the best I can wrangle up or is there something better?

Holsters for tiny lights?

lightningbug — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:56:48 GMT

I like to put my keychain lights in my watch pocket. They have pocket clips to secure them, and when I reach into my main pocket right below for change or car keys, I get scratched by the clips. They also bulge a bit, and make it difficult to grab change or keys. I'd much rather have a belt mounted holster for the lights, and possibly one just large enough to hold a spare battery as well. The lights I carry include: iTP A3 E0S upgraded, Lumintop Worm SS, Tank007 E09, and Fenix L0D. They're the same size more or less.

I've tried finding reasonably priced pocket knife sheaths, but it seems most stores don't carry them anymore. I liked the Fenix holsters that they include with some of their lights, but none are made for the AAA lights.

Looking at Dae's site, there are tons of holsters, but it's hard to tell about size and quality. I'd prefer getting something locally, but if I have to get something from overseas, I'd like to know that someone has some experience with it.

There was someone here on CPF years ago from Korea who made custom Kydex holsters, and I had several made to accomodate different lights. Sadly, a couple of them failed after some time including the one he made for me for the L0D and spare battery.

Thanks,
Lightningbug

WTB Aleph 1.5 or other 17500 e-body

iqwozpoom — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:13:15 GMT

As the title of the thread states, I am interested in a 17500 compatible e-series body. Also will consider an 18500 split body for a reasonable price.

I need some help installing a different switch

Lumens_kid3331 — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:45:57 GMT

I'm not sure how to install the forward clicky switch into my MG P-rocket. I don't want to start pulling/pushing/twisting on things until I know what I'm doing. If any of you have experience doing this your advice and directions would be appreciated. Thanks.

FS EL 2x mce in 3c mag

jaybiz32 — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:41:34 GMT

For sale is an Elektrolumens made 3c mag with 2 MCE led's inside, Runs off of 3c NIMH cells. Not sure which Bin the MCE's are. Great Size light with alot of light output. For sale Paypal Shipped Conus $115. Outside UsA Contact me for shipping rates. Light is in good condition mostly shelf queen maybe a slight nick but nothing major.

[IMG][/IMG

[IMG][/IMG]

Backpack? (big backpack but small enough to be a carry-on luggage on flight)

stockae92 — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:36:43 GMT

Looking for backpack recommendation

I am looking for a *big* backpack thats *small* enough to be a carry-on luggage. :p

Any recommendation?

Thanks :)

How Long Before You Realized What You Like?

Dynasty — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:48:09 GMT

I am new to flashlights and am looking to purchase a few for three primary uses (EDC, car, home). I have been researching various lights in the AAA/AA/2AA categories and realized that there are endless possibilities. My question is, how did you find out which flashlights are your go-to primary flashlights? How many did you buy before you found your favorite? It seems these things can really empty the wallet pretty quick :)

Geiger counters, radiation detectors, lets see 'em

127.0.0.1 — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:58:49 GMT

natural disasters + human error or design flaw + radioactive piles = difficult or impossible-to-contain radionuclides

You have a flashlight or 20 for 'when the 'stroid hits in Dec 2012' but what about knowing if
there are new beta or gamma emitters in your environment ?

---
I have finally dropped coin on a detector, and was wondering what other peeps are using,
or if other peeps are even considering adding one to the toybox ?

I ordered a GQ GMC-300, which will be all the detector needed if the prevailing winds become
soured with ionizing radiation...also good for rockhounding....

When I get it, I will post up pics. Anyone else ?

It makes total sense to own one, Fukushima disaster is still getting worse not better,
and well yes I am actually worried I may come across recycled metal or
other stuff that might be a lot higher than background radiation, and I'd like to know about it,
so I can decide to make distance, or at least know the radioisotopes are around me.

First post/ McGizmo questions

mostel california — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:58:38 GMT

Hi guys,
My name is Mostel and I have been lurking here a while. My brief light history goes back maybe a few years, when I bought a Ra Clicky and loved it. Bought a Nitecore and sent it back immediately. I bought a Surefire 6p before that and thought it was blindingly bright and then realized after a long time, that it was a very specific light for blasting a large dark area. Then I settled in quietly not doing much... until a big burst of light-getting got me again.

I just got a AAA arc.
Peak brass AA
Muyshondt Aeon
Sapphire
Sundrop XRU XML

AAA Arc Premium is a great little light... but after I got the Aeon, it went back in the packaging for a gift to my son, somewhere down the line.

I sent back the Peak... I thought the light quality was 'dirty' full of artifacts, if I am using that term correctly...:duh2: It also got VERY hot very fast. but the website warned against this, to be fair. I just didn't realize how fast it would get THAT hot. Overall, it seemed not particularly excellent in terms of the light produced, IMHO. Although it was sturdy and threw huge light, and I liked that it was American. It also looked very cool in brass. The exterior was great-looking and well constructed.

I fell in love with the Aeon--for a very small keyring light, it blows me away. No equal so far in that niche.

The Sapphire is a gorgeous work with beautiful light but maybe too dim... I can imagine using it in specific almost 'night light' type situations. I love it though, will keep it.

Finally, this masterpiece called Sundrop XRU. I am officially ruined for all other lights other than McGizmos--except keychain versions. This Sundrop is --as so many have said before, astounding. (I will have to learn how to post pics here, etc.)

The rounded square light shape of the XML takes some getting used to... in fact the Sundrop in general takes some getting used to because I've never seen a flashlight throw this kind of light, ever. Pure, movie-making lamp-type light, but smaller obviously.

QUESTION: Is there a round LED choice that is loved in this community, for the Sundrop XRU? Just curious for down the road... Or does the community favor the XML in this particular McGizmo? Love to hear opinions on that.

Finally, it's no surprise... now I want a Haiku. From what I've read and seen, the XPG WARM seems to be the favorite here. But I am so new to the 'knowledge' side of this hobby, that I'd appreciate any and all opinions on that as well. YES I have read and searched these topics a lot! But I still want more.

OK guys, thanks for reading and thanks for a great resource.

Need some big lights

Chef niloc — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:58:38 GMT

I have a LensLight MINI Ti thats my EDC and a McGizmo sundrop on the way. Now I need some bigger guns.

my oldest "goto" flashlight's have been he maglight 5 c's or 6 d's I keep one in the car and one in the house, been using them for more years then I can count. But when I picked up that LensLight at the NY knife show a few years back I don't think I have used either mag since? It's nice to know they are there but I know for there size there is much "better" lights out there. So what it crazy bright, that's a good flood and spot light with a long run time? I know there's a lot out there so let me narrow it down:

Very bright, preferably natural looking light.

Long run time, 8 hours or more on a "normal" setting

Rugged, won't brake it I drop it...its a plus if I can whack someone upside the head with it like the big mag's LOL.

Under $400, but still looking for "bang for the buck" in other words I don't mind spending $400 bucks n a light but it has to be at lest 2.25%x better then a $200.00 light.

Be able to sit in a car trunk unused for extended periods of time.

2nd I need a great hands free work light. Something for when I'm working in a poorly lit or unlit area. Uses would include, working on car in garage or outside at night. Extra overhead light for detailed work like sharpening knives on a grinder or putting a watch back together. Sorting threw stuff/ looking for stuff in storage unit. So the light needs to:
Have multi-levels
Be able to be used hands free but mounted in different positions, definitely over head.
Have great flood area
Decent run time, 2+ hours run time on high output.

I have been thinking of making this into 2 lights as to maximize there usefulness so fare these are the front runners but I'm not completely sold on them.

For area work light:
link removed

Is there a way to run 32watt T8 or 40watt T12 tubes from a rechargeable D/C power source?

For over head work light:

link removed

Dazed and Confused....

BaldGuy45 — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:41:03 GMT

Please forgive the question as I have searched and still havent found the answer I am looking for.

I want to jump in to the world of rechargeable batteries for my lights. I use Eneloops and Powerex AA and AAA in all of my smaller lights and I am now ready to move up to the 123's. After reading the posts and stickys, I am more confused than ever. It sounds to me as you can run these in some but not all lights. I have a various assortment of Surefire (all with Malkoff dropins), Malkoff, Elzetta, HDS, Solarforce, Sunwayman, Fenix, and others I have left out. I of course, still want to have primary batteries on hand for emergencies.

I am looking for a good charger and batteries that will safely power these lights without popping LED's like balloons. Maybe I am just dense and missing the point.
Anyone care to help me out with this?
Thanks

vinhnguyen54‎ Modded Fenix TK41!

Daekar — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:36:49 GMT

As some of you may be aware, I was in the market some weeks ago for a modder to do an emitter swap on my new TK41. Well, after some searching and some very helpful posts by CPFers recommending different candidates, I got in touch with vinhnguyen54‎, and he took care of me in first-class style. He offered me several different tints of XM-L to choose from, got the emitter perfectly centered, and the price and turnaround time were great.

When I first turned on the light, into which Vin swapped a 4000K XM-L, I actually gasped out loud, it was SO much better. I took it outside into the misty night, and I believe it is now the perfect general-purpose light. If anybody is suffering with a cool-white XM-L, take the time to have it modded, it's totally worth it. Before the swap, my TK41 might as well have been Luke Skywalker's first lightsaber, but now it's just... white and lovely!

Fred Pilon Damascus

Scottn — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:05:58 GMT

Hello.

I am selling this amazing PhotonFanatic (Fred Pilon) Damascus Flashlight. Un-used, Un-carried. A rare and beautiful piece from Fred.

2.75 Tall
1.0 Diameter
Chad Nichols Stainless Damascus
Runs on CR 123 or LR 123 (Comes With LR 123) Battery

GD750 (750mA) made by Wayne Yamaguchi, aka The Sandwiche Shop
Single Stage.

Very Bright, Very Cool light

Asking $750 shipped.

Paypal or Money Order