Rop low with stock reflector?

[R@ndom]

Will it work?
Edit: Need to know as I want to build a 3c rop le running on 2 imr 18650's on a student's budget.

 

[carbine15]

Too many watts for the reflector to handle. The reflector will start to melt in 10 - 15 minutes. Could be okay for shorter runtimes. Get this!

 

[ANDREAS FERRARI]

And don't forget a lens http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=2131

 

[carbine15]

ROP low has a real hard time melting the stock plastic lens. In fact I'd venture to say it's never happened.

 

[Jay T]

The pics are gone, but, the text remains from an ROP melting test from several years ago.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=106993&highlight=rop+low+lunch+plastic

 

[Benson]

Will it work?
Edit: Need to know as I want to build a 3c rop le running on 2 imr 18650's on a student's budget.

Unless you have a 3C sitting around already, I'd advise you don't proceed with that build. Go for a 2C -- because the 18650 is smaller diameter than a C cell, it can extend into the tailcap. Also, the 2C host will easily work with 2xIMR26500 when they come out, with presumable better capacity than the 18650s.

Get one of Download's Magrings for the 2C. (I'm not sure you'll even need the ring, if you don't want its anti-roll or lanyard benefits; since the IMR18650s are unprotected, I think they should be short enough without it, but it has the split-ring, copper braid, and foam "spring" you'll need.) If you can't afford that, or are sure you don't want the ring, you can get copper braid elsewhere (as desoldering wick), and DIY the equivalent.

 

[allburger]

I will vouch for downloads magring2 kit. That thing is awesome. The fit and finish on his stuff is the best you will find.

A 3C maglite is going to pose the problem of having to use an extra long spring to make contact. I am about cheap builds, so if you have a 3c, run with it and make it work, but if you don't, then buy the 2c, you can get them at almost any home depot and I saw today that Bass Pro Shop also carries them.

Doing the simple math, a C-Cell battery is 50mm long, so in a 2C you have 100mm to work with. Obviously a 18650 is 65mm long so you are looking at 130mm, believe me when I say order downloads kit, 30mm or 3cm difference is well compensated in his product.

 

[boomhauer]

Aside from the other considerations, the form factor of the 2c is very nice.

 

[KiwiMark]

Too many watts for the reflector to handle. The reflector will start to melt in 10 - 15 minutes. Could be okay for shorter runtimes. Get this!

I would suggest this instead. I use one on my ROP Low and also one on my ROP high and find the beam much more pleasing. Still good throw and it has helped make my 2D ROP Low my favourite light around home.

An Aluminium reflector + glass lens + ROP Low bulb + 2 x Li-ion batteries and you have a decent torch that is impressively bright that will last for many years. The total cost is pretty reasonable since the lens & reflector will only add $16 to the total.

The best part is when you come across someone with the same torch, only theirs looks like it is sick compared to yours with its very healthy beam.

 

[swampgator]

The best part is when you come across someone with the same torch, only theirs looks like it is sick compared to yours with its very healthy beam.

The look on their face when you say, "maybe your's is broken," is priceless.

 

[ANDREAS FERRARI]

The look on their face when you say, "maybe your's is broken," is priceless.

LOL. I thought I was the only one doing that!!!

 

[R@ndom]

Thanks for all the helpful replies! I think after a bit more research I think I will wait till I have the resources for a mag632 as mags are so expensive in Australia. For now I'll have fun with high powered bulbs in 2 dollar hosts with 14500's :devil:

 

[outersquare]

you can use a mag/magnum star 6D bulb if you don't want to replace the reflector/lens.
imo the ROP LO is not much brighter than magnumstar 6D.

 

[KiwiMark]

Thanks for all the helpful replies! I think after a bit more research I think I will wait till I have the resources for a mag632 as mags are so expensive in Australia. For now I'll have fun with high powered bulbs in 2 dollar hosts with 14500's :devil:

I have a Mag623 and another bi-pin hotwire as well as a ROP High & a ROP Low. Of these the ROP low is the one that I use the most. Mine fits nicely in a 2D host and looks pretty much stock, but it is very bright and is quite impressive. Despite its reasonable size and impressive output - it didn't cost much and it can run for 2+ hours before the batteries will give out. I find it a useful torch, whereas I find the Mag623 to be an impressive torch for showing off.

I would suggest making a ROP Low once you have enough money to do so and then using it as needed, later on make a Mag623 to show off.

 

[ANDREAS FERRARI]

I have a Mag623 and another bi-pin hotwire as well as a ROP High & a ROP Low. Of these the ROP low is the one that I use the most. Mine fits nicely in a 2D host and looks pretty much stock, but it is very bright and is quite impressive. Despite its reasonable size and impressive output - it didn't cost much and it can run for 2+ hours before the batteries will give out. I find it a useful torch, whereas I find the Mag623 to be an impressive torch for showing off.

I would suggest making a ROP Low once you have enough money to do so and then using it as needed, later on make a Mag623 to show off.

++++11111-A Mag623 is not something you just jump in to at the start.It is not a practical light-too much heat-too little run time! A ROP with either the high or low bulb is more sensible.My 2C ROP with a LOP lens and a frosted bulb(do a search if you don't understand) is my favorite light! I run 2 of AW's batteries(no longer available).