Best host?

[Manual Man]

Hello guys...
I am looking for a cheap (sub $12USD shipped) flashlight host to add a ~300lm drop-in to, for attaching to my .22 for bunny shooting. Anyone have any ideas as to what is best? I will be using 18650 batteries (probably protected if that makes a difference) Where is the best place to buy and what do you suggest? I'm in New Zealand so would like the cost to include shipping...am thinking something along the lines of the WF502B, reasonable throw potential and not too large (< 15cm).

Cheers in advance.

 

[Zatoichi]

I can't quite recommend anything sub $12 US, but itc_shop on ebay has Solarforce L2 bodies on sale that'll take your dropin for $14.63 US (that includes shipping to NZ) These are good quality hosts and will take 18650 batteries.

 

[Manual Man]

Is the L2 much better then the WF502b? (in terms of quality, heat sinking and durability?)
Thanks for the input.

 

[rekd0514]

Get an Ultrafire WF-504B it has the same threads at the Solarforce L2 and is $14 on DX.

 

[fishx65]

Is the L2 much better then the WF502b? (in terms of quality, heat sinking and durability?)
Thanks for the input.

Yes, by far!!!!!!!!!!

 

[^Gurthang]

Manual,

Light Hound [ a CPF supporter] has SolarForce L2 hosts for about $12 [w/o shipping] good CS and fast shipping....

 

[Manual Man]

Hows this?
The WF-504B (sku.24201) off dx ($14) + an R2 drop-in (sku.11836, $8.45)
So $22.50 total?
As the host already comes with a drop-in i get 2 drop-ins + a host for sub $25, or is it just easier to buy something better at under $25?...I still have to factor in cost of batteries and charger as well...

 

[sol-leks]

I really like my skyray SR5 P60 host which is a lumens factory knock-off. It costs 21 bucks on DX, with an XP-G p60 drop-in. It has worked great for me so far.

I have a solarforce L2R which I got from the itcshop on ebay which is nice too but I think I like the skyray better although to be fair they aren't really comparable. They are both good quality though.

I believe DX also has a uniquefire light that is similar to the skyray except it has a more typical surefire/solarforce design.

 

[Manual Man]

Aaarrhh!!!! Too much to choose from , not that thats a bad thing but if you are trying to decide upon a first light with a limited budget it gets kind of confusing. So do I go with just a stock skyray SR5 (sku. 32749), or a WF-504b host or a Solarforce L2 host then add drop-ins or, or, or.......
If only i could buy them all :huh:.

I'm guessing that the SR5 is a p60 host as well? That is probably my biggest must as I will probably be upgrading it in the future. Another Q) is the SR5 available without all the silly modes?

 

[rekd0514]

I would get the 504B honestly as it is basically identical to the solarforce for a lot less with an R2 drop in included.

You can get and R5 drop in ebay item 230453208154 for $13, but I got it and I don't think it is that much of a difference over the R2 for the money spent. It just has more flood.

Get 20392 off DX for 18650s and 0615 for the charger.

 

[Manual Man]

So I can rule out the Solarforce L2.....
That just leaves the WF-504B or the Skyray SR5.
So which one....I have one person saying one and one saying the other.
I like the smooth reflector and higher output of (SR5) sku.32749 however it has Strobe and SOS which I am not big on. Which one has better throw?

Sorry about all the Q's but I want to make the right choice.


Cheers

 

[sol-leks]

I can't comment on the Ultrafire, but the skyray has memory mode so the strobe and sos dont really get in the way. If you do get the skyray I would also get the 28mm o-rings they sell on dx, the oring by the lens is a bit small. I don't know how it compares throw-wise to the ultrafire but it has a nice tight hotspot which seems good for throw, but it might be better to get the ultrafire then bc you could get an r2 drop in which usually throws farther than the xp-g.