Re: Ra Twisty Info Repository and Review
Just a small mention about the 18670 tube.. I received my prototype tube in the mail today... The anodize is a perfect match, threads are exactly the same as the stock tailcap and the o-ring came unlubed.... After a bit of lube on the threads and a test mating to the head, I attempted to install one of my many 18650 cells that I recovered out of an old laptop battery. They are not branded nor do they have a protection circuit.
I tried to install one of them carefully into the tube, and noticed a tight fit... I experimented a little and noticed a tremendous amount of vacuum that first resists the cell as it slides in, and then grips the cell as it slides out...... I wasn't sure if what would happen if I pushed the cell all the way in, so I only pushed it half way, and then kind of shook the tube to see if the cell would come back out.... Luckily for me, it did!
So.. I got some 600 grit sand paper, and went around the exterior of the cells, and also just a few rotations on the inside of the tube as well. I slowly slid the cell into the tube, confidently pressed it all the way in until the spring at the bottom was noticed and I stopped... I shook the tube, the battery slid out enough to be grabbed and retrieved if necessary. Yay!!
So, I install the cell, and everything works great, the size is amazing in the hand, it gives the Twisty a new sensation of GIRTH, though it's not too big to pocket carry... It seems just a bit fatter, and a bit shorter than a 2xAA mini-mag... Pictures and Runtime on high soon!!!!! I started a runtime at 85lm at 1:01pm and it's now 3:12pm with no sign of dimming. I've got the twisty resting on a wet towel to help disperse heat, but so far I haven't noticed the thermal management kick in yet....
Over all, in my circumstance and situation, I think I won!! the prototype 18670 tube works perfect for me and I couldn't be happier about that....
The only thing I need now are Tube Caps!!!!!!! I've got a 1xCR123 tail laying around now with a cell and no way to protect the threads against dust and debris..
EDIT: Well I just took a moment to visually inspect the body tube... I noticed that the knurling is a little more "grippy" than the regular knurling.. The diamonds have a bit more peak to them... Perhaps also the reflective properties of the surface are a bit more matte, rather than as glossy as the head portion of the knurling...
The back side of the tailcap has just one large groove and two lanyard holes across from one another.. It looks like a giant flat-head screwdriver slot. I wonder if that can be unscrewed to service the spring, and perhaps retrieve a stuck battery? I'll check that out later.
By the way, Runtime is now at 2 hours 33 minutes!!!!!!!! No significant visual drop in brightness!!!!!