Leef
Enlightened
(This thread is a continuation of the old thread called " LEEF interest thread for SF-C, C cell bodies!" found here: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?p=2021348#post2021348
This new thread's name incorporates the product name and moves beyond the interest phase.)
Here is a review of the BigLeef System:
To review, the BigLeef is a multi-battery (three types, each type in unlimited numbers), modular system consisting of a neck, one or more bodies, and a tailcap. There are necks for the SF M-series and C-series heads and the M*g D head. Behind that, one or more bodies can be screwed together for one or multiple cell capacity. The bodies fit together closely and overlap for nearly an inch, so the joint is quite strong. Finally, the tailcap screws into the body and has a tactical clicky switch that will handle most hotwire current loads (a higher capacity switch will be offered, but it'll be a reverse clicky). All joints are sealed with an o-ring.
The photos below show prototypes that differ from the final product in three ways -- color, body pattern and tailcap design. As to color,the basic will be HA-III (gray, matching the SF M series heads) and if there's enough interest, I'll do an electroless nickel finish. The tailcaps will have teardrop shaped cutouts matching those on the neck, scaled down to fit, and they will be scalloped and have lanyard holes. The light will tail stand.
As to body design, a unique interlocking, progressive spiral design I call a spider web pattern is under consideration in lieu of knurling. The first 100 necks will be sequentially numbered. Of course, the Leef logo will be attached, attesting to the quality of the product.
The BigLeef has two different body sizes. One is for the protected, rechargeable LiIon cell offered by AW, having a capacity of 3,300 mAh (50% greater than the 18650). These bodies also fit NiMh and other standard size C cells.
The second body fits the ~26670 Moli Li-Ion cells and the new A123 26650 cell. These are used by Milwaukee and DeWalt in their power tools and have three advantages: they're safe, and they can be discharged and charged at rates unheard of in the flashlight world (30 C continuous discharge and <5 min. full charge). See www.a123systems.com for more information on the A123 cells. Milkyspit has built lights around this cell -- keep an eye on his pages.
I'm really excited about this product, but then, what really matters is whether enough of you are interested to make a production run a good gamble. So what I've decided to do is test the market. A minimum production run, for reasonable unit pricing, is 100 units. If I can get half that number of firm commitments, I'll proceed with construction.
Here's how that works. Anyone who intends to buy one or more basic light needs to PM me and I'll post an updated list. Specific numbers may be requested. If 50 or more units are signed up for, then I'll make a second list, a confirmation list based on a 50% nonrefundable deposit via PP. Not later than when I get 50 deposits, I'll start production. Since the prototypes have been made and firm cost bids obtained from the CNC shop, it won't take long for the lights to be delivered. To be on the conservative side, I'd allow a month after I place the order.
Here are the prices for the first 50 units: SF M-series necks @ $45, SF C-series and Mag necks (not yet determined but about the same), C bodies @ $42, A123 bodies @ $45, and tail caps @ $46.
So, for example, a 1-cell C light would cost $133 and a 2-C light would cost $175. You can order as many bodies per head/tailcap as you wish.
These lights will be sold by Lighthound, subject to his usual shipping, etc. policies and great service.
The second 50 will be 10% higher. Depending on the acceptance of the BigLeef, the above prices may drop a bit if I decide to make more than 100 in the first run. So anyone who's serious should sign up early.
There are other Leef parts that might become a part of the BigLeef system, for example the soon-to-be-announced LeefHeads
. My interest in developing such things depends on the success of the basic unit.
As has always been the case, I sincerely appreciate your interest in all Leef parts. Let the games begin!
__________________
The signup list has been incorporated into this thread. I hope this minimizes confusion and makes signing up easier.
STATUS: All prototypes are at the CNC shop. They haven't given me their schedule, but I'd guess it'll be ~3 weeks (maybe 4) before they have the parts done. Add a week to that for plating. So, with luck, the BigLeef will illuminate many a happy 4 July events!
These CPF members have indicated their intention to purchase BigLeef parts (don't worry if I've not stated exactly what you want, esp. SF C v. SF M necks).
ar_wanton, 1, 2C
Chronos, 1, 2C
dradee1, 1, 3C
brunt_sp, 2, 3C
Skalomax, 1, 2C
Waynejitsu, 1, 3C
Kakster, 1, 3C
Lips, 1, 2C and 1, 1C
Msaxatilus, 1, 1C and 1, 2C
Ming560, 1, 2C
Strauss, 1, 2C
Action, 1, 2C; 1, 3C
flex76italy, 1 TC and neck
Rommul, 2, 2C
Softfeel, 1, 2C
Nebula, 1, 1x26650
joedos 1, 2C
c0t0d0s0, 1, 2C
cue003, 2, 2C
ICUDoc, 1, 2C
Freyth, 2, 3C
SS2NV, 1, 2C
Clickie, 1, 2C
Monkeyboy, 1, 3C
jumpstat, 2 sets
This new thread's name incorporates the product name and moves beyond the interest phase.)
Here is a review of the BigLeef System:
To review, the BigLeef is a multi-battery (three types, each type in unlimited numbers), modular system consisting of a neck, one or more bodies, and a tailcap. There are necks for the SF M-series and C-series heads and the M*g D head. Behind that, one or more bodies can be screwed together for one or multiple cell capacity. The bodies fit together closely and overlap for nearly an inch, so the joint is quite strong. Finally, the tailcap screws into the body and has a tactical clicky switch that will handle most hotwire current loads (a higher capacity switch will be offered, but it'll be a reverse clicky). All joints are sealed with an o-ring.
The photos below show prototypes that differ from the final product in three ways -- color, body pattern and tailcap design. As to color,the basic will be HA-III (gray, matching the SF M series heads) and if there's enough interest, I'll do an electroless nickel finish. The tailcaps will have teardrop shaped cutouts matching those on the neck, scaled down to fit, and they will be scalloped and have lanyard holes. The light will tail stand.
As to body design, a unique interlocking, progressive spiral design I call a spider web pattern is under consideration in lieu of knurling. The first 100 necks will be sequentially numbered. Of course, the Leef logo will be attached, attesting to the quality of the product.
The BigLeef has two different body sizes. One is for the protected, rechargeable LiIon cell offered by AW, having a capacity of 3,300 mAh (50% greater than the 18650). These bodies also fit NiMh and other standard size C cells.
The second body fits the ~26670 Moli Li-Ion cells and the new A123 26650 cell. These are used by Milwaukee and DeWalt in their power tools and have three advantages: they're safe, and they can be discharged and charged at rates unheard of in the flashlight world (30 C continuous discharge and <5 min. full charge). See www.a123systems.com for more information on the A123 cells. Milkyspit has built lights around this cell -- keep an eye on his pages.
I'm really excited about this product, but then, what really matters is whether enough of you are interested to make a production run a good gamble. So what I've decided to do is test the market. A minimum production run, for reasonable unit pricing, is 100 units. If I can get half that number of firm commitments, I'll proceed with construction.
Here's how that works. Anyone who intends to buy one or more basic light needs to PM me and I'll post an updated list. Specific numbers may be requested. If 50 or more units are signed up for, then I'll make a second list, a confirmation list based on a 50% nonrefundable deposit via PP. Not later than when I get 50 deposits, I'll start production. Since the prototypes have been made and firm cost bids obtained from the CNC shop, it won't take long for the lights to be delivered. To be on the conservative side, I'd allow a month after I place the order.
Here are the prices for the first 50 units: SF M-series necks @ $45, SF C-series and Mag necks (not yet determined but about the same), C bodies @ $42, A123 bodies @ $45, and tail caps @ $46.
So, for example, a 1-cell C light would cost $133 and a 2-C light would cost $175. You can order as many bodies per head/tailcap as you wish.
These lights will be sold by Lighthound, subject to his usual shipping, etc. policies and great service.
The second 50 will be 10% higher. Depending on the acceptance of the BigLeef, the above prices may drop a bit if I decide to make more than 100 in the first run. So anyone who's serious should sign up early.
There are other Leef parts that might become a part of the BigLeef system, for example the soon-to-be-announced LeefHeads
. My interest in developing such things depends on the success of the basic unit. As has always been the case, I sincerely appreciate your interest in all Leef parts. Let the games begin!
__________________
The signup list has been incorporated into this thread. I hope this minimizes confusion and makes signing up easier.
STATUS: All prototypes are at the CNC shop. They haven't given me their schedule, but I'd guess it'll be ~3 weeks (maybe 4) before they have the parts done. Add a week to that for plating. So, with luck, the BigLeef will illuminate many a happy 4 July events!
These CPF members have indicated their intention to purchase BigLeef parts (don't worry if I've not stated exactly what you want, esp. SF C v. SF M necks).
ar_wanton, 1, 2C
Chronos, 1, 2C
dradee1, 1, 3C
brunt_sp, 2, 3C
Skalomax, 1, 2C
Waynejitsu, 1, 3C
Kakster, 1, 3C
Lips, 1, 2C and 1, 1C
Msaxatilus, 1, 1C and 1, 2C
Ming560, 1, 2C
Strauss, 1, 2C
Action, 1, 2C; 1, 3C
flex76italy, 1 TC and neck
Rommul, 2, 2C
Softfeel, 1, 2C
Nebula, 1, 1x26650
joedos 1, 2C
c0t0d0s0, 1, 2C
cue003, 2, 2C
ICUDoc, 1, 2C
Freyth, 2, 3C
SS2NV, 1, 2C
Clickie, 1, 2C
Monkeyboy, 1, 3C
jumpstat, 2 sets
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