Surefire Maximus, Minimus AA, Minimus Tactical and Minimus Vision!
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ABTOMAT, please try and keep an open mind about the Minimus? Whilst it is far from perfect you may find after having used it for a while that those issues become far less bothersome than some folks would have you believe! Anyway, at the price you have paid for it, and assuming it is LNIB with no undisclosed faults, it is a genuine bargain. Nice catch! 
Spoke with SF today and as expected they advised against using rechargeable li-ion batteries other then their own in the Minimus. Said their rechargeable batteries are 3.2 volts and they charge up to 3.6 which was within the voltage limits of the headlamp. Still don't know the actual voltage limit though.
Got the Minimus CR123 today and used it for a few hours working on my snowblower in the dark. Initial impression:
Pros:
-Great knurling
-Easy to use with gloves on
-Love the variable brightness
-Wide, soft beam good for closeup work
-I like that it's small and uses a CR123A
Cons:
-Needs a strap going across the top. It's heavy enough that I have to have the headband uncomfortably tight to keep it from creeping down my face. Forget jogging or anything rough.
-Lots of artifacts in the beam, although that doesn't bother me in actual use
-Ditto for a blue hotspot and greenish spill
-Not as bright as the rating would lead me to believe.
Pros:
-Great knurling
-Easy to use with gloves on
-Love the variable brightness
-Wide, soft beam good for closeup work
-I like that it's small and uses a CR123A
Cons:
-Needs a strap going across the top. It's heavy enough that I have to have the headband uncomfortably tight to keep it from creeping down my face. Forget jogging or anything rough.
-Lots of artifacts in the beam, although that doesn't bother me in actual use
-Ditto for a blue hotspot and greenish spill
-Not as bright as the rating would lead me to believe.
ABTOMAT
Thanks for the update on the Minimus. Reading your initial impressions it would seem that you have found most of the problems that both the Saint and Minimus suffer from. Personally, I don't have or experience the issue of the light moving around on my head without a top strap. I agree that the band does have to be adjusted until it prevents movement but I've not felt it to be uncomfortable though. Perhaps, something like a beanie hat might help with the comfort? I guess the impression of the brightness is somewhat subjective but it certainly puts out at least 100 lumens if not more on both my lights. However, the beam artifacts are a common problem but the tint less so. I guess the tint is definitely a bit of a lottery between lights or batches of lights.
I've always thought that Surefire could have improved the Saint rather than dropping it from the range as the design was good and could definitely been improved on. The Minimus and Vision are both great lights but now a wee bit underpowered and still suffering from potentially curable beam issues. At the end of the day though I'd still rather own and use both the Saint and the Minimus than most of alternatives from other manufacturers. However, I'd never say that nothing would replace them!!
Thanks for the update on the Minimus. Reading your initial impressions it would seem that you have found most of the problems that both the Saint and Minimus suffer from. Personally, I don't have or experience the issue of the light moving around on my head without a top strap. I agree that the band does have to be adjusted until it prevents movement but I've not felt it to be uncomfortable though. Perhaps, something like a beanie hat might help with the comfort? I guess the impression of the brightness is somewhat subjective but it certainly puts out at least 100 lumens if not more on both my lights. However, the beam artifacts are a common problem but the tint less so. I guess the tint is definitely a bit of a lottery between lights or batches of lights.
I've always thought that Surefire could have improved the Saint rather than dropping it from the range as the design was good and could definitely been improved on. The Minimus and Vision are both great lights but now a wee bit underpowered and still suffering from potentially curable beam issues. At the end of the day though I'd still rather own and use both the Saint and the Minimus than most of alternatives from other manufacturers. However, I'd never say that nothing would replace them!!
I've noticed another commonly reported issue after using it a little more. There's a ring of light far outside the normal beam that shines on my nose and clothing when the light's adjusted for closer work.
Not sure yet if these issues are deal-killers for me, but I might explore other headlamp options.
Not sure yet if these issues are deal-killers for me, but I might explore other headlamp options.
Bucur
Newly Enlightened
I posted the below as a separate thread first, but then, I realized that I should have posted it here. I don't know how to kill the thread that I had started. Could a moderator please be of help? Sorry for the inconvenience I may have caused. Here is my slightly edited SF Maximus question which is actually a Li-Ion battery related question:
I am so happy that I got my Surefire Maximus today. Up to now, the only serious headlamp I have was a PrincetonTec Apex (130 lumen version). It can’t come even close to the Maximus in terms of power, adjustability and, apparently, sturdiness. The Apex is lighter, though, and IMO; a better design when it comes to aesthetics.
Anyway, I have been keeping the Apex in my car. Since it operates via four CR 123A batteries, I did nothing, so far, in terms of maintenance. I simply keep a set of spare batteries in the trunk and I am confident that it is always ready for duty.
I feel that the same does not apply to the Maximus. I also want to keep it in another car. Needless to say, I want it to be ready for duty at all times. I think Li-Ion batteries are supposed to be kept fully charged, anyway. Is this correct? However, my Li-Ion powered Samsung laptop has a Battery Life Extender mode that claims to keep the batteries 80% full so I am confused as to how full the batteries should be.
Also, shall I exercise them from time to time and if so, how often? How much shall I discharge them during this exercise? I must admit primary batteries seem to be more suitable for this kind of usage (no-usage for extended periods of time) but the bottom line is that 500 lumens are way too attractive! :devil:
Could someone please advise me on how to maintain my new Surefire Maximus? Thank you.
I am so happy that I got my Surefire Maximus today. Up to now, the only serious headlamp I have was a PrincetonTec Apex (130 lumen version). It can’t come even close to the Maximus in terms of power, adjustability and, apparently, sturdiness. The Apex is lighter, though, and IMO; a better design when it comes to aesthetics.
Anyway, I have been keeping the Apex in my car. Since it operates via four CR 123A batteries, I did nothing, so far, in terms of maintenance. I simply keep a set of spare batteries in the trunk and I am confident that it is always ready for duty.
I feel that the same does not apply to the Maximus. I also want to keep it in another car. Needless to say, I want it to be ready for duty at all times. I think Li-Ion batteries are supposed to be kept fully charged, anyway. Is this correct? However, my Li-Ion powered Samsung laptop has a Battery Life Extender mode that claims to keep the batteries 80% full so I am confused as to how full the batteries should be.
Also, shall I exercise them from time to time and if so, how often? How much shall I discharge them during this exercise? I must admit primary batteries seem to be more suitable for this kind of usage (no-usage for extended periods of time) but the bottom line is that 500 lumens are way too attractive! :devil:
Could someone please advise me on how to maintain my new Surefire Maximus? Thank you.
I think that this question should really have gone in the battery forum as it relates more to the Li-Ion in the Maximus rather than the light itself. However, as the battery is not removable by the user I can understand why you placed it in this thread. As I'm not an expert I can only offer you my limited knowledge about Li-Ion batteries which is that they can be recharged at any time but should never be allowed to be left in a discharged state for long. I also myself wouldn't leave any device which has a non removable battery to be left on a charger once it is fully charged as it is debatable whether or not the the charger is truly capable of properly maintaining the battery. Providing you are sensible with how you use the light the Li-Ion battery is quite forgiving of less than ideal charging routines which presumably is why Surefire chose it in the first place?
TwitchALot
Enlightened
- Joined
- Aug 8, 2009
- Messages
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I feel that the same does not apply to the Maximus. I also want to keep it in another car. Needless to say, I want it to be ready for duty at all times. I think Li-Ion batteries are supposed to be kept fully charged, anyway. Is this correct? However, my Li-Ion powered Samsung laptop has a Battery Life Extender mode that claims to keep the batteries 80% full so I am confused as to how full the batteries should be.
Also, shall I exercise them from time to time and if so, how often? How much shall I discharge them during this exercise? I must admit primary batteries seem to be more suitable for this kind of usage (no-usage for extended periods of time) but the bottom line is that 500 lumens are way too attractive! :devil:
Could someone please advise me on how to maintain my new Surefire Maximus? Thank you.
Lithium Ion's (Cobalt Oxide) shouldn't be stored at full power for long term use or in cars, where temperatures can get exceedingly high. They should be stored around 3.8 V in the freezer if you don't plan on using them for a long period of time (preferably in a sealed container with dessicant to keep them dry). For the Maximus, if you don't plan on using it, I'd just leave it at RT charged to around 40-50% capacity (~3.8 V, but I don't think you can easily check on the Maximus).
I got the minimus vision for Christmas. This is the issue I'm noticing myself. It appears I have the newer version, as it has the adjustment screws and I don't notice any of the other issues that people reported. This is kind of a big deal to me though. I'll call Surefire after the new year and see what they have to say. I really hope they have a fix for this.
Bucur
Newly Enlightened
Thank you so much for your reply and I am so sorry for the long delay in acknowledging your reply. Somehow, I don't get notified on the replies via e-mail, despite being subscribed! On the other hand, I may be unaware that I have been notified because my laptop crashed in the meantime and this is my new laptop. I hope I didn't miss other e-mails as well, during the transition from one laptop to the other.
Even if I could check the voltage, keeping the Maximus at 40 - 50% capacity and/or in the fridge (anywhere but the car) would deny the purpose. I am actually keeping it full, in the car, for being able to use it at max capacity if/when I need. It is in a dark compartment with lid so not the hottest spot in the car but yes, the car will get hot in summer from time to time, when parked under the sun, albeit rarely, and with an effective windshield sun-shade (very reflective, highly insulated and cut to measure). I can't improve the storage conditions as this is a headlamp dedicated to the car but shall I exercise the Maximus (discharge the battery and recharge) from time to time? How often? Discharging to what extent?
What I have in mind is turning it on at about half power, monthly, until the battery indicator shows half charge and then, fully recharge. Is this a good plan? Given that the Maximus will be kept fully charged, in the car, would another plan be better?
Thank you and I am sorry, once again, for not being aware of your reply earlier.
TwitchALot
Enlightened
- Joined
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- Messages
- 248
Thank you so much for your reply and I am so sorry for the long delay in acknowledging your reply. Somehow, I don't get notified on the replies via e-mail, despite being subscribed! On the other hand, I may be unaware that I have been notified because my laptop crashed in the meantime and this is my new laptop. I hope I didn't miss other e-mails as well, during the transition from one laptop to the other.
Even if I could check the voltage, keeping the Maximus at 40 - 50% capacity and/or in the fridge (anywhere but the car) would deny the purpose. I am actually keeping it full, in the car, for being able to use it at max capacity if/when I need. It is in a dark compartment with lid so not the hottest spot in the car but yes, the car will get hot in summer from time to time, when parked under the sun, albeit rarely, and with an effective windshield sun-shade (very reflective, highly insulated and cut to measure). I can't improve the storage conditions as this is a headlamp dedicated to the car but shall I exercise the Maximus (discharge the battery and recharge) from time to time? How often? Discharging to what extent?
What I have in mind is turning it on at about half power, monthly, until the battery indicator shows half charge and then, fully recharge. Is this a good plan? Given that the Maximus will be kept fully charged, in the car, would another plan be better?
Thank you and I am sorry, once again, for not being aware of your reply earlier.
Likewise. -_- I'm going to be honest here, if you're going to keep it in the car where it's going to get really hot (yes, shades will help, but glovebox or not, cars get extremely hot relative to ambient temperatures if left in the sun), it's best to keep it discharged. As far as I know, lithium ions (again, CO) do not have a memory effect. They are hurt by three things in general: Time, temperature, and discharge/recharge cycles. We really only have control over two, and of those two, not doing one defeats the purpose of having the battery. Thus, that leaves temperature as the only real controllable variable (on the user end) affecting Li-ion battery life. So to answer your question, exercising your Maximus won't help - if anything, it'll hurt it, but remember, lights are meant to be used.
I "work EDC" a Surefire Minimus Vision in my briefcase. I could leave it in the car, but it's just not good for the batteries, and may not even be good for the light (high temperature storage? Beats me, but it sure doesn't sound good). I would say either keep it out of those environments when it's not necessary, or accept the fact that your battery will go to crap a lot faster (which SF will presumably fix without a hassle). I would also say that if you really aren't going to use the Maximus that much and just plan on leaving it in the car, do it with another light. The Maximus is not cheap, and to have it sit around in an environment that's extremely harsh on its "fixed" battery just doesn't sound like a good use of resources to me. A PrincetonTec EOS will lithium AAA's will do just fine in a "sit in the car just in case" role.
Bucur
Newly Enlightened
Thank you so much for your very informative and realistic reply. I get your point.
I bought the Maximus for what it is (wow factor), rather than for what I need. Now that I see the picture regarding keeping it in the car, it seems I must shift from enjoying having a 500 lumen, infinitely adjustable headlamp in the car; to enjoying having a -useless- 500 lumen, infinitely adjustable headlamp at home. I totally agree that this is not the best use of resources. My only consolation is that I may not be the only one who bought an expensive flashlight/headlamp for the sake of having it, rather than for making proper use of it.
As for the PrincetonTec EOS, it does seem to be the proper headlamp for the job, indeed. The problem is; 80 lumens can't cut it!
Maybe something like a Spark SX5 with 3 X AA batteries would be the way to go. Please don't misunderstand me. My sarcasm is not to you but to myself. I do appreciate your kind reply a lot. Simply that, the headlamp in my car must also be fun, when it comes to the -non sense- lumen games!
TwitchALot
Enlightened
- Joined
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- Messages
- 248
Thank you so much for your very informative and realistic reply. I get your point.
I bought the Maximus for what it is (wow factor), rather than for what I need. Now that I see the picture regarding keeping it in the car, it seems I must shift from enjoying having a 500 lumen, infinitely adjustable headlamp in the car; to enjoying having a -useless- 500 lumen, infinitely adjustable headlamp at home. I totally agree that this is not the best use of resources. My only consolation is that I may not be the only one who bought an expensive flashlight/headlamp for the sake of having it, rather than for making proper use of it.
As for the PrincetonTec EOS, it does seem to be the proper headlamp for the job, indeed. The problem is; 80 lumens can't cut it!
Please don't misunderstand me. My sarcasm is not to you but to myself. I do appreciate your kind reply a lot. Simply that, the headlamp in my car must also be fun, when it comes to the -non sense- lumen games!
Well, there isn't anything wrong with buying something for the sake of it or pride in ownership, but the Maximus is definitely not a useless light. It could be useful in SAR operations or caving, for example. In terms of having a "spare light in the car," my opinion in is that the only flashlights in the car (for your use in real situations) should be on your person. I EDC 3 real flashlights (and have a phone light with an LED on it specifically to provide light which is pretty good), which means 4 lights on me on a daily basis. At work (5 days a week), I have a SF Minimus Vision for a total of 5. Yes, I still have some random flashlights here and there in the car because I'm a flashaholic, but if my 4 EDC's don't cut it, I can tell you right now the ones in the car aren't going to either.
The way I see it, if you need more than 80 lumens on your headlamp, you're either doing SAR or caving. If you aren't and have a free hand, handhelds these days can easily put out near that level (or above it in some cases) of light and can be EDC'ed relatively easily. In my view, 3 in my pockets sure beats 1 in the car. In doing so, I have A) multiple light sources on my person, B) multiple types of light (long range vs floody and backups), and C) more excuses to buy more lights since you can have 3-4 on your person. And let's face it, it's way more awesome to need the Maximus and just bust it out right there than have to say to your group, "oh wait, I have this cool headlamp in the car. Wait here while I go run and get it."
I don't mean to bash or be strongly vocal to the point of pushy, but when you say you "Must shift from enjoying having a 500 lumen, infinitely adjustable headlamp in your car," couldn't you shift to "enjoying a 500 lumen, infinitely adjustable headlamp because I have it on my person" instead? I find I use my tools a lot more when I have them on me and it's convenient...
Bucur
Newly Enlightened
WOW! EDC'ing any headlamp, let alone a big one like the Maximus, is way beyond me. My hat off to the flashaholic (if not headlampaholic) in you. I EDC my Klarus Mi X6 SS and I am considering EDC'ing a 1 X CR123 flashlight like the Niteye 10 TIC but the Maximus is way too inconvenient for me to EDC.
As I admitted earlier, I don't "need" more than 80 lumens on my headlamp. I just "want" this; w/o doing SAR or caving. I now realize that keeping this 500 lumen headlamp in my car would be harmful for its fixed Li-Ion battery and I am desperately trying to find another use for it. I wish having it on my person, at all times, was an alternative for me, though.
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BenChiew
Flashlight Enthusiast
]
I dont see why you can't use the Minimus for this. Beautiful beam with the Fresnel Lens. Nice wide coverage.
Precisely. I don't see why a Minimus Vision could not handle what you need it to handle. I love the Vision so much that when I lost mine in Bali I immediately bought a replacement from the store when I am back home. Luckily they have the very last piece left.
thanks guys, now using a novatac 120p(super old sn, made in usa) clip onto my hat for HL; and a U2 for throw as needed.
only wish for a AA single tube design from SF, but doesn't see will happens any time soon.
only wish for a AA single tube design from SF, but doesn't see will happens any time soon.
I've owned the Maximus for 5 months I guess and use it everyday working in the basement or garage ! It is heavier than I'd like but hey I got used to a third wife! Seriously though the battery charges faster than I can take a nap and have the quickest bite to eat and be ready for another day before ill charge again ! That weight disappears big time when you start thinking about all those careful battery swaps with possibly wet or grimy oil slicked hands ! No half charged batteries lost in with the good ones because you pulled out a slightly used one to avoid a battery change while in the thick of a job ! Knowing the light will be there for sure allows me the courage to crawl into a crawl space without having to crawl out having to hand hold a light or do a battery change in the dark strange places! Because this light steps down perfectly ! The only thing I do know that is truly an issue is if you forget to back off on the full lumens for long it will get you to sweating sooner than you would have due to your work ! But dropping it down to a very usable excellent light cures that and so I blame that on my just loving all that sick beautiful illumination ! And it's tons lighter than strapping that Millenium 500 lumen beast to my head ! You have not lived until you use a light for 5 months and not done a battery change or had to buy them !
