Information request: Runtime on MX Power Nichia

[bluecrow76]

Good evening all!

I just got my new Lumahunter M1, 18650's and Fenix L1D-CE last week and now my 9 year old is envious. I bought him a Sam's club special Element a year or so ago before I knew any better. I want to upgrade his light, but I don't want to spend a lot for a 9 year old.

I've been looking at the MX Power Nichia at BatteryJunction, but I can't find any information, reviews, anything anywhere. If anyone has information about this little lite I'd be very appreciative.

Also, if anyone has any recommendations for an alternative light for a youth between $15 and $30 I would welcome them!

Thanks!

 

[Gunner12]

Elly with a Cree or Seoul mod? About $16 U.S. But shipping takes a while.
Here's a topic about it.

A Inova X1 or RiverRock AA would also work, about $20 at Target.

This goes without saying but look at FlashlightReviews to help you make your decision.

BTW, Welcome to CPF, enjoy your stay!

 

[PhantomPhoton]

I bought that light fromm BatteryJunction. Not a bad for a cheap little chinese light. (I bought it because iI didnt have any Nichita Jupiter LEDs so I had to have one for the collection)
I don't have enough alkilines laying about to be able to do a nice duracell runtest, however if an Eneloop 2000 mA NiMh or an Energizer 2500mA (mfr claim) NiMh will do, say the word and I'll run a test for ya.

The LED runs at a cool color (as in bluish) as do all the nichita LEDs from what I hear.
I have an Inova X1 as well and they're fantastic. The build quality is well worth the $20.

Welcome to CPF

 

[bluecrow76]

Thanks Gunner12! I've been lurking for a while...

I've found FlashlightReviews to be a wonderful resource, as well as CPF, over the past six months. They've helped me part with quite a bit of cash!

I just replaced my Inova X1 with the Fenix L1D-CE... WOW!!!

I guess what I'm looking for for the kid is something that uses a single AA with more throw than the Inova X1, which of course will have to reduce the run time. If I can get 4 hours of decent bright light on 1AA that would be cool. I was told by BatteryJunction that the MX Power Nichia Jupiter light would run for 4 hours... still waiting to hear if that's till dead or a particular percentage.

I know... I'm looking for cheap light nirvana!

If no one has information on that little light... I'll probably just buy one and do my own runtime tests. What's the worst that could happen... I add another light to my collection?

 

[HarveyRich]

I purchased one of these about 1 1/2 months ago. It's nicely compact as they said. However, I was definitely disappointed in the output, which Battery Junction claimed to be rated at 50 lumens (That's on my receipt; I see that the online claim is now at 35 lumens--still way over optimistic). First, the tint is slightly blue. I think the Nichia 1 W led's have this. It's not bad though. Second, the output is nowhere near the 50 lumens they claim. It seems to have about the same output as my "Elly" (not modded), which is probably about 20 lumens or slightly greater. It's about the same as my Fenix LOD-CE on medium, which is supposed to be about 20 lumens, but the hot spot for the Fenix is much larger (Cree). The output on the LOD-CE on high (50 lumens and a Cree) is much greater. Thirdly, the clicker is quite stiff and I really need two hands to click it on and off.

All in all, if I had to do it again, I would pick another inexpensive light rather than this one. I have two different ones on order from DX, but not here yet, so can't give you any recommendations. Sorry for the negativity, but I have to call it as I see it.

 

[bluecrow76]

PhantomPhoton, I would love to see a runtime test! I'll be running it with NiMh so the kid can use it as much as he wants...

The only reason I don't want to get him a little RiverRock is the same reason I'm getting rid of the old Element Luxeon... the switch. To sensitive... can't put it in a bag without it turning on and draining the batteries while lighting the inside of a closed space!

 

[jsr]

I bought it because iI didnt have any Nichita Jupiter LEDs so I had to have one for the collection

It's actually a Nichia Rigel LED, like the one used in the Fenix E1. The Jupiter is larger and more rounded like a Luxeon, and brigther. The RiverRock lantern at Target uses the Jupiter.

 

[PhantomPhoton]

Hmmm Never bothered to stop and look at it. BatteryJunction says its a Jupiter, but looking down the business end it seems to be a rigel. It's also a bit off-center
Doesn't appear to affect the beam.

Well damnit, now I have to go find a Jupiter!

Topping off my eneloop now test (completely unscientific and eyeball'd) will begin shortly.

 

[PhantomPhoton]

Okay, using a new Eneloop 2000 (minimum 1900mA), hot off the smartcharger...
Light became noticeably dim fter about 1 hr 41 min, and failed to produce usable light at 1 hr 55 min.

After a few minutes of the light being constanly on it got warm to the touch but not hot. I think my eyes detected a minor drop in brightness after about 24 minutes, but I cannot be too sure aobut that. Overall it ran pretty flat in output (again eyeballed) until the 1hr 40-ish minute mark. After that it dropped off pretty quick.

 

[PhantomPhoton]

Since I was up...
2hr 23 minutes on my enrgizer 2500mA till noticable dimming, 2 hr 30 minutes no usable light.

 

[bluecrow76]

Obsessions... don't you love 'em!

When BatteryJunction told me the runtime would be about 4 hours, I was hoping that was to 50%, but figured it was 4 hours "usable" light.

Thanks so much for the information PhantomPhoton! That helps a lot. Hope you got a little sleep last night.