Black Bear Flashlights

[Jagged]

Considering a higher power flashlight. Seeking your thoughts on the following and if there are better ones for same money or equivelent ones for less money. Thanks!

http://www.blackbearflashlights.com/

 

[Zenster]

I stumbled across their web site while looking for something in that class, but there are now a lot more really good options since the Black Bear was introduced.

It's about $250 for his 1050 lumen top-of-his-line light, but for only another $100 or so, there are way too many better performing (and compact) options to consider.

He was ahead of his time, but I think his time has now passed.

For my money, I'd much rather consider the AE 25W Xenide or the KR3500.
Yes, they cost a little more, but they're made by established companies and sold by reputable dealers* so you'll always be able to get parts and support.

Z

* I'm not suggesting that the maker of the Black Bear isn't reputable, but it's a "one guy" operation, and when he decides to pack it in, your entire support and parts source is gone.

 

[rhuck60]

I stumbled across their web site while looking for something in that class, but there are now a lot more really good options since the Black Bear was introduced.

It's about $250 for his 1050 lumen top-of-his-line light, but for only another $100 or so, there are way too many better performing (and compact) options to consider.

He was ahead of his time, but I think his time has now passed.

For my money, I'd much rather consider the AE 25W Xenide or the KR3500.
Yes, they cost a little more, but they're made by established companies and sold by reputable dealers* so you'll always be able to get parts and support.

Z

* I'm not suggesting that the maker of the Black Bear isn't reputable, but it's a "one guy" operation, and when he decides to pack it in, your entire support and parts source is gone.

Go for it, you wont be disappointed. You cant mod a Maglite yourself for much less money. Even assuming you have the technical skills.
I have owned my Borealis for about 2 years now and its just great. All I ever needed was new batteries. One set was given to me free under warranty and I just recently bought a set of eneloops.
As far as parts and support go you can get that from Maglite the maker of the host for this modification.
Also refer to this forum for a M&g85 mod its basically the same exact thing. Tons of parts available for that.
Im a very satisfied Black Bear customer and recommend him highly. :thumbsup:

 

[greenLED]

Juancho (aka Black Bear, black bear 84, watchmaker, J. Charles) is a fellow CPF member. He's been selling those "turn key" hotwire Mags for a while now.

 

[springbok]

+1 for Juancho and my Borealis

 

[Art Vandelay]

I don't think Mag85s are in the same category as HIDs. For one thing, an Mag85 is "instant on".

 

[Patriot]

I don't think Mag85s are in the same category as HIDs. For one thing, an Mag85 is "instant on".

I agree. I think it's best to compare with other magmod building components and prices.

 

[Monocrom]

Simply put.... If you want a Mag85 but either don't have the skills or time to build one yourself, you can either hope to find a used example on B/S/T, or you can buy a Borealis 1050 from Black Bear.

 

[rhuck60]

+1 for Black Bear all the way oo:

 

[rhuck60]

Juancho (aka Black Bear, black bear 84, watchmaker, J. Charles) is a fellow CPF member. He's been selling those "turn key" hotwire Mags for a while now.

Can you tell me his username? I wanna look him up. Thanks

 

[Monocrom]

Can you tell me his username? I wanna look him up. Thanks

I believe he goes by Juancho, on CPF.

 

[greenLED]

Can you tell me his username? I wanna look him up. Thanks

Rhuck, I posted his CPF and other forum aliases before:

Juancho (aka Black Bear, black bear 84, watchmaker, J. Charles) is a fellow CPF member. He's been selling those "turn key" hotwire Mags for a while now.

 

[Brozneo]

Blacklights are good lights, they are Modded Mags but without the difficulty of doing the hardwork yourself! I have a Mag11 from him and it's great - no problems and it comes with all the resistance fixes done!

 

[j3bnl]

You could also consider one of these :-

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=173143

I have one of these and must say that its a great light.

 

[Jagged]

Thanks for all the responses! May have a Christmas wish list in the making!

 

[RyanA]

I just bought one from Juan. He uses great parts, all turnkey, for not much more than cost. It would probably take someone new to hotwires a lot more time and money spent fitting and researching parts.
+1 for Juan

 

[photonhoer]

Simply put.... If you want a Mag85 but either don't have the skills or time to build one yourself, you can either hope to find a used example on B/S/T, or you can buy a Borealis from Black Bear.

Exactly - that is what I did a year ago. The Borealis has functioned flawlessly and extremely brightly in a whole variety of rugged-use situations. Terrific light, and worth every penny to get it turn key for me.

 

[Brozneo]

Whoops! - Please delete/ignore

 

[Brozneo]

Exactly - that is what I did a year ago. The Borealis has functioned flawlessly and extremely brightly in a whole variety of rugged-use situations. Terrific light, and worth every penny to get it turn key for me.

+1 I agree with you 100%

 

[Templar223]

Add me to the list of "thumbs up" to Black Bear / Juancho / Juan's lights.

Great turn-key light. Sure, it was about 20% more than if I got all the parts myself from all the various suppliers (and paid shipping) and then modded the lamp assembly, etc. But it was all done when it arrived. No back orders, delays or issues. A great light that I've used more than once against bad folks with impressive results.

I've since learned how to make them myself and have done probably 15 fairly high performance upgrades.

But not everyone has the time, energy or inclination to create and fiddle with 'em.

John