I've got a 2d rop which is a nice torch but a bit on the bulky/heavy side and I'm going to get something a bit smaller for next winter. I've decided on either an Ultrafire WF500 (supposedly 500 lumens) or a WF502D with a surefire p91 lamp assembly (supposedly 200 lumens), both should run on AW 18650 protected lithiums assuming the AWs are no bigger than the ultrafire protected lithiums. Would any-one like to comment on the relative merits of each or know which torch is actually brighter?
Ultrafire WF500 or WF502D with p91 lamp assembly?
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mdocod
Flashaholic
ok... for starters... the WF502D idea.... The compatibility with 18mm cells is completely hit and miss. Some of the ultrafire tubes fit 18mm and some don't, and there is no known way to guarantee that you will get one that supports 18mm cells... I have heard reports of them fitting in SOME bodies, but also many more reports that they do NOT fit, often in models that have the same model number.. I have 2 ultrafires here, (a 501 and 503 series as I recall) and neither fit 18mm cells, but I have heard other members report compatibility with 18mm cells on these same models...
So having said that, if you go that route, you may want to get the body first, and then buy cells that will fit, probably going to be 17670s.
The main difference between the WF500 and a P91 is not actually lumens, but beam shape. The WF500 is a more throwy beam, and the P91 is a wide flooder.
Here's the deal with the lumen ratings...
Surefire de-rates their P91 to 200 lumens on CR123s, in reality, on good cells, it's closer to 240-270 torch lumens. When you drive it with a pair of 17670s or 18650s, that changes. Since li-ion cells maintain higher voltage under the dramatic load of a P91, it's actually a good deal brighter on the li-ions. 300-400 torch lumen range is totally possible with good cells and low resistance..
The WF500 is a little overrated by ultrafire. CPF members have estimated it to be in the ballpark of 400 true torch lumens.
In reality, both the P91 and WF500 lamps are very similar in power consumption and illumination, it's just a difference in beam type.
So having said that, if you go that route, you may want to get the body first, and then buy cells that will fit, probably going to be 17670s.
The main difference between the WF500 and a P91 is not actually lumens, but beam shape. The WF500 is a more throwy beam, and the P91 is a wide flooder.
Here's the deal with the lumen ratings...
Surefire de-rates their P91 to 200 lumens on CR123s, in reality, on good cells, it's closer to 240-270 torch lumens. When you drive it with a pair of 17670s or 18650s, that changes. Since li-ion cells maintain higher voltage under the dramatic load of a P91, it's actually a good deal brighter on the li-ions. 300-400 torch lumen range is totally possible with good cells and low resistance..
The WF500 is a little overrated by ultrafire. CPF members have estimated it to be in the ballpark of 400 true torch lumens.
In reality, both the P91 and WF500 lamps are very similar in power consumption and illumination, it's just a difference in beam type.
Thanks for your very comprehensive reply.
Although I do prefer a floody beam I think I'm going to go for a WF500, mainly for cost reasons. A new bulb for the WF500 only costs $10 delivered whereas a new p91 lamp assembly costs over $30 delivered or about of same as a whole new WF500.
Of course there's always the very real possibility I'll just end up with both :naughty:
Although I do prefer a floody beam I think I'm going to go for a WF500, mainly for cost reasons. A new bulb for the WF500 only costs $10 delivered whereas a new p91 lamp assembly costs over $30 delivered or about of same as a whole new WF500.
Of course there's always the very real possibility I'll just end up with both :naughty:
KnOeFz
Enlightened
Prices are even better, WF-500 bulbs are only about $5,50 at DealExtreme.com, found under DIY parts section on the website... and the light itself dropped to about $28... both shipped prices.
:twothumbs
:twothumbs
