UltraFire "C12"

[samfisher]

I'm a noob. I work in tech, but flashlights have been totally off my radar. I needed a couple of new ones, so I googled it and found your lovely forum. O-M-G how flashlights have changed in the years since I bought my last Xenon-bulbed light that ran off of CR123s (a new power source to flashlights) several years ago! I wanted something similar, but perhaps with LED and higher power. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. So many brands, bulbs (are LEDs considered "bulbs"?), and power sources!

Anyhow, I decided an XM-L2 LED would be a nice start. I found an UltraFire "C-12" with XM-L2 from a Chinese site. In the meantime I also found great deals on Nitecore SRT7 & a P25. This is my only frame of reference.

The light showed up labeled "UltraFire C8" on one side and "Cree XM-L2 U3" on the other. I compared the beam to the SRT7, which also has an XM-L2 and the UltraFire had a brighter hotspot at 12 feet and the same light spread (sorry- I haven't learned the technical terms yet). I didn't know there was a "U3" version of XM-L2s, but I don't know much. I also have heard a lot of negative stuff about the UltraFire lights. Maybe I lucked out, but I am very pleased with this light. It is extremely bright and the quality is very good. The build quality is almost as good as Nitecore.

I'm not sure why these lights seem frowned upon... am I missing something? One positive for me is that they take flat-top 18650s... the cells I bought waiting for my new lights. The Nitecore take button-top 18650s, so that was my first (of many, I'm sure) lessons in this new hobby.

Why no love for UltraFire? I'm not sure why they called it a "C12" when it is a "C8" or if the LED is really an "XM-L2" or "XM-L2 U3" like it is labeled on the body. All I know is it is bright, nicely built, and compact. Just what I was looking for.

 

[tallboybass]

Where did you order from?

 

[samfisher]

Where did you order from?

Bestofferbuy.com I had never heard of this place before, but it was cheap, so I thought I would take a chance.

 

[garpt]

Why no love for UltraFire? I'm not sure why they called it a "C12" when it is a "C8" or if the LED is really an "XM-L2" or "XM-L2 U3" like it is labeled on the body. All I know is it is bright, nicely built, and compact. Just what I was looking for.

Hi. First post- I've really gotten into this hobby, but I'm always looking for the great budget lights (for now)
I think one problem with UltraFire is the hit and miss QC. Also, I've read there are a lot of counterfeits. I think I got taken by one recently. Definitely not the same quality build. Also, I have heard (don't know if it's true) that the counterfeits dont have the little "circle R" at the end of the name (for registered trademark.) In my recent case, tghis seems to be true.

-Gary

 

[samfisher]

I think one problem with UltraFire is the hit and miss QC. Also, I've read there are a lot of counterfeits. . Also, I have heard (don't know if it's true) that the counterfeits dont have the little "circle R" at the end of the name (for registered trademark.) In my recent case, this seems to be true.

-Gary

Interesting! Well, mine does have that the "R" mark. I have done more research and the C12 body is slightly different from the C8. No big deal for me, though. XM-L2 in a C8, nice quality build for $15.75 (including shipping)? I consider that a deal!

 

[m4a1usr]

Interesting! Well, mine does that the "R" mark. I have done more research and the C12 body is slightly different from the C8. No big deal for me, though. XM-L2 in a C8, nice quality build for $15.75 (including shipping)? I consider that a deal!

The UltraFire, TrustFire and Energy lights are a bargain. And what I consider "disposable" lights. I even mod them enough to make them operate better. But when you look for that next "step up" light take a look at the SolarForce lights. Way better than any of the previously mention and for not much more dollars. Fitment, finish and quality are up to par with any of the more expensive light makers. My favorite is my L2 with a M3 3 mode head. It always goes with me on walks and the nice warm light it provides is pretty close in color to an incandescent but with none of the heat.