sl scorpion or we 6M explorer... can't decide??

[VF1Jskull1]

After seeing how bright my little TL-3 was last night, my fiance's father and her sister's father-in-law wanted to know where they can get a hold of such bright little lights.... I told them i got my TL-3 for $40 off the internet... but mine isn't stock as i use 17500's.... i'd figure i either go with the WE 6MX Explorer or the SL Scorpion Incan... (WE 6MX a tad cheaper...) The ringer is that i don't want them to go thru cr123s like there's no tomorrow either so i'd rather go with a rechargable set up with Li-Ions for free lumens.... I would like your comments and opinions asap as i don't want to pass up PTS's deal on the 6MX explorer currently in effect nor do i want to pass up fivemega's 18650 SL scorpion availablity either...

 

[Brighteyez]

Free lumens is going to cost a bundle. The LIon battery(ies), charger, changes in lamps, modifications if any to lights, is not free. If they're not likely to abuse the batteries, get them a Brinkmann LX and a bunch of Chinese CR123 batteries, it will be less than modifying it to be a rechargeable mod that they'll eventually put aside and stop using because the charging process is too much of an inconvenience. Most mainstream users won't go through that many CR123 batteries because they won't be constantly fooling around with the light. Mods where the batteries have to be removed to be charged aren't always a hit with the mainstream consumer. And even amongst professional users (e.g. police) the idea of having the remove the battery from a flashlight (e.g. Surefire) and then put it into a separate charger, isn't always a big hit.

Also, where do you get a TL-3 for $40?

 

[Paul_in_Maryland]

The beauty of the Explorer is that you'll have your choice of four or five lamp assemblies from Wolf Eyes and Lumens Factory; you'll have two head diameters; you can add a 18650 tube for about $11 to create a 2x18650 9V powerhouse; the positive clickie works great; and you needn't touch the bulb to change lamps.

I agree that if you get the Scorpion, FiveMega's version is the way to go.

 

[VF1Jskull1]

Free lumens is going to cost a bundle. The LIon battery(ies), charger, changes in lamps, modifications if any to lights, is not free. If they're not likely to abuse the batteries, get them a Brinkmann LX and a bunch of Chinese CR123 batteries, it will be less than modifying it to be a rechargeable mod that they'll eventually put aside and stop using because the charging process is too much of an inconvenience. Most mainstream users won't go through that many CR123 batteries because they won't be constantly fooling around with the light. Mods where the batteries have to be removed to be charged aren't always a hit with the mainstream consumer. And even amongst professional users (e.g. police) the idea of having the remove the battery from a flashlight (e.g. Surefire) and then put it into a separate charger, isn't always a big hit.

Also, where do you get a TL-3 for $40?

Thanks for the comment. Battery dims or dies and drop in a new set is pretty much what it'll be for them plus 2xcr123a's would be better too. As for the TL-3 for being $40, it was when amazon had it for $47 in late 2005 and I had a $10 amazon coupon sitting unused... sorry for the misleading number.... Now it is no less $60 at most online places. I basically use my TL-3 for work (not much use all year, only during inspections) and all around outside when dark.... dropped it a few times and a few nicks here and there and it shows but still on original bulb... i did put a carley h1499 once and it was bright but it blew out sooner than i'd thought so the other carley h1499 is awaiting on the shelf until i really need light and the stock bulbs are gone...

I'll just go scout some targets to get a couple of brinkman lx's... haven't seen some in a while a the local targets...or walmarts....

By the way Paul, does the lumens factory d36 3.7v fit the wolfeyes 6mx explorer??

 

[jsr]

I run my 6V incans off a set of Ultralast 3V R123As I purchased from Fry's Electronics. $30 gets you the charger and 2x 3V R123A cells. Similar 3V R123A setups are available online at e-lectronics.net and our own AW. Works great and runs the bulbs a bit brighter since the voltage doesn't sag (so it's actually driven at 6V, which technically means it's overdriven since most 6V xenon bulbs are really 4.8V-5.4V). Going this route means you can get whatever 6V light you want.

If you go that route, you can also get a TL-3 or Wolf-Eyes 9V and run 2x 17500s since like the above setup, you'll be purchasing Li-Ions and a charger anyways (DSD is a cheap but effective charger).

Or you can get a 3.7V bulb or LA for your choice light so they can run a single 17670 or 18650. Still requires a Li-Ion cell and charger. For the Streamlight, I prefer the TL-2 and NF-2 over the Scorpion (tho I love the Scorpion LED). A Strion 3.7V bulb can be used, pops right in. For the W/Es 6MX, Lumens Factory offers a 3.7V LA for it I believe, and W/Es might also offer a 3.7V LA, but I don't remember.

 

[VF1Jskull1]

I may just go with the WE 6MX Explorer....seeing how i can readily order lamps for them much easier than the brinkmann maxfire's.... hmmm , decisions, decisions....

 

[DUQ]

I would go with the 6MX+3.7v D36+18650 cells. You can run the 3.7v lamp on one 18650. You can pick up a charger and cells from any other retailer if you dont want to pay for the WE ones.

 

[Tuna]

I recently got the 6M explorer. It is plenty bright, built like a tank, but a little on the heavy side. The Scorpion is lighter to carry.

 

[FASTCAR]

I like the 6A much better then the 6Mx personally ( beam wise and lack of HUGE oddball head)

 

[VF1Jskull1]

DUQ wrote: "I would go with the 6MX+3.7v D36+18650 cells. You can run the 3.7v lamp on one 18650. You can pick up a charger and cells from any other retailer if you dont want to pay for the WE ones."

I had that in mind when I wanted one too but went with the 9D raider due to its low price at the time... will look into rechargable setup if one of the "fathers" want to use it on daily basis...

FASTCAR wrote: "I like the 6A much better then the 6Mx personally ( beam wise and lack of HUGE oddball head)"

I'm changing my mind to get the 6A since I think the 6M Exlporer turbo head has a tendency to have its lens break from drops... Experienced it first hand with my 9D's turbo head (dropped on carpetted floor from 4 ft and found lens was broken after sitting for a couple of weeks) and had to replace the whole bezel just to get the new lens.... bummer...

I can still get a 3.7v D26 lamp to run li-ion's for rechargable option.

 

[Paul_in_Maryland]

I like the 6A much better then the 6Mx personally ( beam wise and lack of HUGE oddball head)

And only the 6A--with or without a 168A extender--can use high-output lamps from the Lumens Factory.

 

[FASTCAR]

If i may quote Austin Powers faazha:

"The 6mx looks like a babies arm...holding an apple"

 

[VF1Jskull1]

And only the 6A--with or without a 168A extender--can use high-output lamps from the Lumens Factory.

That's the plan...

thanks to all for the helpful comments... it's always good to get feedback ideas and thoughts....