Aurora WF-800 Q5?

[MikeV]

I need a good thrower but I only have a budget of around $70.00 for the light and batteries so I turned to DX.

I want as much throw as possible but still have decent runtime (2-3 hours) so I think it will have to be a multi-cell light.

I was thinking about getting a Aurora WF-800 Q5 but I was wondering what everyones thoughts are about this light before I order one.

And what batteries and charger should I get?

Since this will be my first 18650 light I don't want to spent a whole lot in case I don't like using the 18650's.(if I like using them I will upgrade to AW cells and a Pila charger)

I was think about getting these batteries and this charger.

If there are any better options in this price range please let me know.


Thanks for any info.
Michael.

 

[Derek Dean]

Howdy MikeV,
DX lights and batteries can be a hit or miss type deal. Sometimes they are a good value, sometimes they aren't.

Stick with AW batteries and one of the chargers he recommends for them. Spend some time reading about the Ulrafire batteries and I think you will find many more bad reports than good.

I haven't bought any lights from DX, although I have considered it, but from what I've read... while it is possible to get a fine light there, again.. it seems to be kind of a hit or miss proposition, so personally I would consider saving up and getting something like a DBS, MRV, or Tiablo.

However, I do understand the nature of trying to stay within a budget, really, so at the very least, forget the Ultrafire batteries. I have the DSD charger, and while it works well, it's only got one charging channel, so if you are charging 2 batteries at the same time, there is a good chance that they won't charge evenly.... which is crucial for multiple batteries systems. Personally, I'd seriously try to find a light that only uses one 18650 battery...... that way you remove all the problems associated with multiple battery systems.

Just my 2 cents. Happy hunting!

Edit: Oh Mike.... be sure and read up on the proper use and charging of lithium-ion batteries here:
http://batteryuniversity.com/

 

[Mike V]

I don't remember posting this

 

[Gunner12]

The WF-800 and the WF-600 all seem to be good lights. The Aurora ones I think are the same lights except with a tougher coating, a metal reflector, and a Cree XR-E Q5.

The batteries should work as a starter but as soon as you get the money, change to AW's batteries. The charger should be fine(mine still works and charges without problem).

 

[greenpea76]

Hi Mike V,
I personally own an Aurora WF-800 Q5 from DX. I've had no issues with it at all and it throws and throws and throws, but I don't get much use out of it now cause I don't need that for typical around the house use. BTW, the construction is top notch and I should mention the extra deep reflector is made of smooth chrome plated plastic.
I also ordered 2 sets of Trustfire 18650 2500maH protected cells 6979 and have been using them with a watchful eye for several charge cycles now and they seem to be ok. I'm also using this charger 4151 from DX. It has 2 charge channels and will charge a large range of common sized Li-Ion batteries. While charging, I keep my charger inside of an ammo case with a LiPo sack (from my R/C Lithium polymer packs). I also store the the cells in the ammo can when not in use.
If you're looking for a budget thrower, one light that I can recommend is the WF-400 with CREE Q2 18650 only version 6937. Its a single cell and it throws really well. Not far off from the WF-800 as I own both. This one also has better spill (OP aluminum reflector) and 2 modes (Hi-Low). Here's one comparison on it http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=182028

DX products are hit and miss as Derek Dean has stated. I had 4 C-8 AA flashlights fail because the driver and tail switches went bad on all of them. These were all supposed to be for gifts. I've ordered driver boards that were rated to handle a certain amount of voltage and they've fried. I'm hoping there isn't some sort of disastrous failure with these batteries from DX. Overall, I would take the advice of the experienced guys and go with diff batts and charger if you're going to invest money into a budget thrower. At least you'll have more confidence knowing your light has a decent power source. Hope this helps!

 

[MikeV]

Thanks for the info all.

I'm thinking that what I will do for now is order a Aurora WF-600 Q5 so I can have the safety and convince of a single cell light, and order 2 AW 18650's from Lighthound instead of messing with the Ultrafire 18650's.

It looks like my list will consist of.

1-Aurora WF-600 Q5.
1-DSD 18650 Charger.
2-AW Protected 18650 cells.

Also, is there any place that is in the US that I can order the Aurora and the DSD from?

I don't mind paying a little more so I don't have to wait a month for my new toy.

I don't remember posting this

LOL, I didn't know I had a twin.



Thanks.
Michael.

 

[Derek Dean]

Howdy Michael,
Looks like a good list. I'm happy to see that you found a single cell 18650 thrower that you like, and that you will get the AW batteries.

Just a thought, you could always post in the "MarketPlace" area of CPF, in the 'Want to buy" area. You do have to be a bit more careful, and ask lots of questions.... but it is possible to get a pretty good deal that way. Just be sure and use PayPal, ask for delivery confirmation, and get a photo of the items if possible. It might be worth a try, and if you don't get any bites in a couple of days, just close the thread and order from DX.

Of course for the batteries, simply order those directly from AW. He has VERY fast shipping and has an excellent reputation here on CPF. Check the dealer section in the MarketPlace for his thread.

I'll look forward to hearing how your new light works out!

 

[davidra]

I went through the same process....ended up getting a WF-600 from DX, 18650's with WF-139 charger from AW. If you really want to stick to quick shipping, consider Lighthound and the WF-500 here (http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3078). You can order AW batteries and chargers from the same place, and while the light isn't a Q5, I've not seen much difference in the big throwers between P4 and Q5 in real world use.

 

[MikeV]

Ok, I got one more question for y'all.

DX show that there is two different version of the Aurora.

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.8537
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.8672

What is the difference between the two of any?
Is one brighter then the other?



Thanks.
Michael.

 

[stevoman]

One version can use 123a and 18650 cells, and one version is the 18650 only. I understand that it's better to get the 18650 only version if you only intend to use those cells, as it's brighter and more efficient.

(this is based on a review of an earlier Q2 version, so I don't know if it's still the case. http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=173652 )

Edi: actually scratch that, it wasn't from that review, but I did read it somewhere...

 

[MikeV]

Well darn, the 18650 only light is backordered.

Well I may just wait a few month or find a odd job or two and save up for a DBS.(the 29,100 lux reading IS rather appealing.)

Anyway, I'll let y'all know what I do.


Thanks again.
Michael.

 

[MikeV]

Well, I've got some good news.

I've thought it over, and done some figuring, and I believe that I can afford a DBS or similar light.

So now I need a little more advice.

Whats the "best" light that I can get that is in the $120 range that has alot of throw and is very bright but still has a fair amount of runtime.(I know this is kind of a contradiction in terms.)

I really like the DBS but I'm unsure about the low/med/high runtimes.
(on 18650 batts)

I'm also not to sure about the different modules that Dereelight offers, I read that some of them have a "buzzing" sound on the lower modes, and that on some of them you can see the light "flicker" due to the PWM.

Which ones do this?
Did Dereelight fix these "problems"?


Thanks for any info.
Michael.