Draco died, need replacement advice

[Super Dave]

Hi guys,

I've been carrying the Draco (small custom 10280 powered light sold here by Modamag) since he first introduced it. I sent it back for repair in 2010 and it's been on my keychain, problem free until now. I tried reaching Jonathan via email but the email was rejected. It looks like he hasn't been on the forum since 2011. If anybody has his current contact info then please let me know and I'll see if he can fix it.

Here's what I'm looking for.

Size / weight: The 10280 size is good. AAA is too big. Plug in for recharging would be fine I think. I prefer the smaller diameter of this light compared to the short / fat lights...just fits better with the keys. Looking for something fairly light weight.

Output: I only need the high output or a few of preset levels. The programming of the Draco would thrown me off at times. I only use the high.

Regarding budget, I'm open but don't need a super premium product if I don't have to.

I wonder how many of you have been carrying the same EDC light for 13 or 14 years? The Draco was a great light to keep me satisfied that long.

Thanks for your advice,
Dave

 

[archimedes]

Yes modamag has been gone for quite a while. There have been a few of the local expert CPF modders who've fixed up some of these, though. Other than V54, I'm not sure who else is taking on new projects at this time.

Peak Eiger had 10180 / 10280 / 10440 tubes available at one time, and I carried one of these for many years.

Do you have any interest in the flat / boxy / rectangular format lights ? Most of these run on a fixed proprietary (rechargeable) battery.

 

[harro]

Without sounding flippant, that would feel as though you have lost an old friend. What a fantastic run, and best of luck to you in finding someone to fix it.

 

[Super Dave]

Hey, thanks guys. I think I'll try to fix it.

The Eiger 10280 sounds very nice. I always was interested in trying a Peak but never pulled the trigger.

Last question. Are 10280's going out of style? There don't seem to be as many for sale. I'm going to try a new battery just to make sure that's not the issue.
Have a killer weekend.
Dave

 

[archimedes]

I find that it has gotten more difficult to source the smaller Li-Ion cells (10180, 10250, 10280, etc) over the past few years, in general.

 

[archimedes]

When I mentioned the flat form factor above, I meant something like this (on the right) ...

Although that one is a custom in copper, there are a bunch of current production flashlights in that general format.

 

[Super Dave]

Oooo, that flat one is pretty cool looking. Could you please give a recommendation for a current production model in that style?

These flashlights are kind of hard to resist when I get interested.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[archimedes]

Oooo, that flat one is pretty cool looking. Could you please give a recommendation for a current production model in that style? ....

Sure, and thanks.

I like the MecArmy SGN3 (I think it is still available) but mine is on spring clip for use as a coat zipper-pull, instead of a pocket- or keyring-light.

 

[Vemice]

Not sure of the availability but the Peak 10280 is built to last especially if you are already set up to deal with those batteries.
It it the second from the right with the last one on the right being a 10180. You can get these in a variety of outputs.

For flat rechargeables i like the Nitecore stuff; TIP and TINI especially in copper. Very nice output.

 

[archimedes]

Was hoping you would drop in here @Vemice ... great comparison photos !

 

[Vemice]

Was hoping you would drop in here @Vemice ... great comparison photos !

Thanks. There are so many variations of Peak lights and I don't think their build quality is appreciated enough. Kinda like a very high quality customizable Fenix E01 crossed with an ARC crossed with a Sapphire. My favorite is an Aluminum single mode level 4 Mule. OP might like it for a replacement. Very light (no pun intended).
With a Sapphire.

 

[Paul6ppca]

For flat rechargeable keychain light I have been very pleased with Nebo micro. Small with instant on , and momentary and red and green super low output as well as turbo 400 lumens. And 150 lumen high.

I really like it has no delay when clicking on. Instant light when you ask !

 

[Super Dave]

Hey, thanks guys. I appreciate the input.

I like the minimal weight of the Draco. The only flat light I've seen that has the minimal weight is the Nitecore Tini. They say it weighs 13.4 g / 0.47 oz which is very impressive considering that's what the Draco weighs (with battery).

Nitecore doesn't have the weight listed of the copper model that I could find. An Amazon review says, "Alu is about 13 grams, copper is around 26g - about twice the weight". If that's accurate I'd take the lighter version.

If Peak did still sell the Eiger 10280 body I'd get one. It seems that that battery type is fading away. I'm going to order a replacement 10280 to make sure I don't have a bad battery. I wrote down 2010 on the battery so that's when it went in service and it's my last one.

Flashlights are cool and fun. Glad I'm getting a new one.

Later,
DF

 

[Vemice]

Just be aware that the TINI has a roughly 2 second delay at turn on. Some don't like this feature. It does help with pocket turn on.
Also has 2 modes for duration; one will turn it off after 30 secs and the other is a regular mode.
The TIP has instant turn on. It also has a 500 mAh battery which is quite a bit larger than most others.

 

[Super Dave]

Thanks Vemice. Beautiful Peaks you have.

 

[Super Dave]

Howdy guys,

I got the little Tini in today. I like the small size and concept. But, it's dead on arrival... The seller put some home made instructions in the box saying to charge it for at least 5 minutes before using (they probably tend to arrive with a dead battery.) I charged for a few hours and no dice.

After looking at it with a more critical eye it seems pretty cheaply made. I'm going to return it and not sure I will want a replacement. I wonder how long the buttons will last. It's definitely not something that will hold up to long term daily use like the Draco did. Oh well, I was curious to see the output and everything. It is real small, light and I like the concept. But in terms of value, something like the Peak should blow it out of the water for long term durability.

I'm hopeful the new batteries for the Draco will do the trick. I put the old battery on a volt meter and it seems to be reading way too low. That 10280 is going be hard to find in the future. If you need backups then get them now.

Laters,
Dave

 

[Vemice]

I'm guessing the battery is the problem. I have stayed away from the 10280 because I couldn't find a charger that put out low enough charge rate. Availability wasn't a problem although pricey. I have a Peak 10280 that I am trying to get together but don't have batteries.

 

[Super Dave]

Update: It's working. I tried a different charger and cable at work at it charged fine. Works good. Output is pretty good but I like the high output and beam of the draco better.

Nitecorestore.com was very responsive and professional. Here's a sample of their last message:

"Dear David,
This is great to hear. The light has a 1 year warranty and you can contact us directly with your order # if the issue persists. Thank you.
Estela O.
Customer Support"


This light will get me over the hump but for the long run I'd prefer the Draco or a Peak... But, this is something fun and new. Glad I got it.
Later,
Dave

 

[Vemice]

Update: It's working. I tried a different charger and cable at work at it charged fine. Works good. Output is pretty good but I like the high output and beam of the draco better.

Nitecorestore.com was very responsive and professional. Here's a sample of their last message:

"Dear David,
This is great to hear. The light has a 1 year warranty and you can contact us directly with your order # if the issue persists. Thank you.
Estela O.
Customer Support"


This light will get me over the hump but for the long run I'd prefer the Draco or a Peak... But, this is something fun and new. Glad I got it.
Later,
Dave

Good news. Glad it worked out. Keep us posted on the Draco. Also, what do you use to charge your 10280s.
Should have my Peak ready in a week or so.

 

[Super Dave]

Hi Vemice, I had to check on the 10280 charger since it's at work. It's a cheap little Nano single cell charger. I may have purchased it off the forum. It's my second one since the first one died.

Take care,
Dave