I am really new to this!

[torpeau]

Even as a kid, I was interested in flashlights. It never occurred to me that flashlights can be a hobby. I discovered LED flashlights last year and now have six, but I'm a piker, I guess. A forum for flashlights? Wow!

Was very impressed earlier this year when I got a 3AA Maglite, then last week I got a 3AA Streamlight that I thought was cool. Today, my Palm Blaze K2 arrived and I thought it was cutting edge, but I guess it's really "old," huh?

I have very much been surprised at how the prices for CR123A batteries are all over the place. How can some people charge 3X or 4X for the same brands?

Anyway, guess I' have a lot of reading to do.

 

[LED-holic]

Welcome to CPF! This can get expensive. I try to only collect lights I'll actually use, and not have any shelf queens. That helps to keep the cost down somewhat.

Also I personally choose to only use AA and AAA type batteries, mostly low discharge types like Sanyo Eneloops. This to help keep down battery costs as well.

Tons of useful information here to read and enjoy.

:welcome:

 

[frosty]

Hi there. Nice to see you. Hope you enjoy your time with us.

 

[Flying Turtle]

Welcome to CPF, torpeau. Click on a light and stay awhile.

Geoff

 

[ZardHex]

Welcome torpeau...alot of us are surprised how easy it is to get wrapped up into the whole flashlight scene...and the money it costs to keep this fascinating hobby goin the brighter you get a light to go, the more you want to get more power (rah rah!) so enjoy your stay here and there are plenty of people here to help you out with all your flashlight needs!

:welcome:

 

[SwissT]

:welcome:

 

[BigD64]

Stay away from the really cheap 123's. poor quality 123's can leak gas and pop a tube. like a mini pipe bomb with less boom. I've seen more than 1 light with a crack and a bulge from bad batteries. Welcome to CPF and hold onto your wallet. Read This 1st:

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-172991.html

This is the CPF Welcome Mat and will answer 90% of your questions.

Good luck and you will never be afraid of the dark again.

 

[Gunner12]

:welcome:

The Palmblaze is probably still a pretty good light in the scheme of things but compared to what we have now, it is a bit old.

If you have any Luxeon I or III lights and don't mind modding, you can swap them for a current gen LED for double or more the output a the same runtime. The Seoul P4 works best for this.

If you have any Incan Maglites(or C.D powered MagLEDs) this thread could be helpful.

 

[Mr. T]

I have very much been surprised at how the prices for CR123A batteries are all over the place. How can some people charge 3X or 4X for the same brands?

Anyway, guess I' have a lot of reading to do.

You could take a look at rechargeables. There are a few types of 16340s to choose from. 3.6V, 3V, protected, unprotected, LiFePO4.. You could find some reading materials on the subject..

 

[torpeau]

:welcome:

The Palmblaze is probably still a pretty good light in the scheme of things but compared to what we have now, it is a bit old.

If you have any Luxeon I or III lights and don't mind modding, you can swap them for a current gen LED for double or more the output a the same runtime. The Seoul P4 works best for this.

If you have any Incan Maglites(or C.D powered MagLEDs) this thread could be helpful.

I'm reasonably happy with my Palm Blaze.

From my time looking at various sites, I guess the current LED leader is the Cree Q5 WC, right?

I have ordered an LED conversion kit for my AA Mini Maglite.

I guess I blew it when I recently bought a Streamlight 51016 -- not with a regulated circuit and, I guess, an old-style 1w Luxeon LED.

Again, I had no idea that flashlights had were so popular as a hobby.

Thanks for the welcomes.

 

[Gunner12]

The current single die LED leader seems to be the Cree XR-E R2 bin. The WC is a tint bin and doesn't affect the lumen output much.

If you want lower price and don't mind slow shipping, the current gen LED lights(Cree XR-E, Seoul P4 and P7, Luxeon Rebel, DX doesn't seem to have any current gen K2s) getting good reviews at Dealextreme might work for you to see what those LEDs are like.

If you can open up the Taskforce and have decent soldering skills, you can swap in a current gen LED and have more output.

 

[torpeau]

The current single die LED leader seems to be the Cree XR-E R2 bin. The WC is a tint bin and doesn't affect the lumen output much.

If you want lower price and don't mind slow shipping, the current gen LED lights(Cree XR-E, Seoul P4 and P7, Luxeon Rebel, DX doesn't seem to have any current gen K2s) getting good reviews at Dealextreme might work for you to see what those LEDs are like.

If you can open up the Taskforce and have decent soldering skills, you can swap in a current gen LED and have more output.

Within reason, price is not a problem. After all, flashlights are cheaper than 1911s, although I doubt if they hold their value as well. I have ordered some FLs with the Cree Q5 WC emitter, and even a LiteFlux LF5XT that people were raving about. Over the years, I have used more battery power seeing how bright my FLs were than using them for their intended purpose.

BTW, when a new generation of FLs comes out, what do folks do with their old ones? Donate to charity? Put in the back of the closet where the wife can't find them?

 

[Oddjob]

...BTW, when a new generation of FLs comes out, what do folks do with their old ones? Donate to charity? Put in the back of the closet where the wife can't find them?

Welcome to CPF!

Many people give them away, mod them or sell them. Still many keep them as well because they still do their job though not as efficiently. I still have and use a Luxeon Fenix L1T. It still works fine, is bright enough for my needs and it makes a good loaner when I am camping with friends.

Have fun!!

 

[roymail]

Within reason, price is not a problem. After all, flashlights are cheaper than 1911s, although I doubt if they hold their value as well.

Some of these guys don't know what 1911's are but I do... the two hobbies sort of go together.

No need to go crazy with the flashlight thing, but you've picked a good time to get started. The recent Nitecore D10 and EX10 are nice lights at a reasonable price.

PM me any time although there are many others here much more experienced. If I don't have the answer, I bet I know who does.

:welcome: