Ultrafire

[zombieslayer]

So, Ultrafire blows I guess? My brother gave me a wf-502b with 2-18650 Ultrafire batteries. I don't even know the lumen rating but it's bright enough. I appreciate it most of all because it was a gift. After what I have read here though I guess it's not such a good light huh?

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[Frankiarmz]

Zombieslayer, I have the same flashlight and it's fine. If only Porsches and BMW's were allowed on the roads very few people would be driving! Don't be intimidated by the elitists. I just ordered a few flashlights from dealextreme ( a million apologies)
The A30B, Akoray K-109, and the Aurora SH-034. There is no denying these low end flashlights do not have the attributes of the expensive name brands, but they are fun. I think it's a good thing to experience the different levels of products available so you have personal knowledge from which to draw.

 

[processengr]

Add me to the list of unsophisticated slobs! I ordered 3(!) ultrafire WF502B) w/ 1W UV heads!:eek:

 

[RI Chevy]

If it lights up and works, then it is a good light. ;)

 

[LowFlux]

Their bad rap is because of poor fit and finish, not working out of the box, exaggerated specs, and overall poor build and heat sinking. It might work for an hour or might have the durability of a mag light. You just don't know...but they also make great experiments for people looking to experiment with swapping LEDs or drivers or want to have a project light.

Ultrafire batteries are typically under-performers and should be avoided like the plague...especially if used in series.

 

[HaileStorm]

Zombieslayer, I have the same flashlight and it's fine. If only Porsches and BMW's were allowed on the roads very few people would be driving! Don't be intimidated by the elitists. I just ordered a few flashlights from dealextreme ( a million apologies)
The A30B, Akoray K-109, and the Aurora SH-034. There is no denying these low end flashlights do not have the attributes of the expensive name brands, but they are fun. I think it's a good thing to experience the different levels of products available so you have personal knowledge from which to draw.

Totally agree with this. Nothing wrong with owning cheap lights. I own a handful myself and I think it's a great start. When you buy lights of higher caliber and compare it to your cheaper lights, you truly appreciate its build quality and craftsmanship more. :)

 

[DellSuperman]

When using their batteries, its best to use them alone & not in multiple setups.
Their host are decent in quality if u get from the right source.
There are way too many copies of UltraFire out there. Haha..

- JonK

 

[pjandyho]

When using their batteries, its best to use them alone & not in multiple setups.
Their host are decent in quality if u get from the right source.
There are way too many copies of UltraFire out there. Haha..

- JonK

Lol! This is new to me! I have seen whateverFire, especially Ultrafire, copying Surefire, but copies of Ultrafire is new.

 

[LiteTheWay]

I don't use ****Fire batteries. But the Trustfire X6 light is just great with a finish, the metal work in particular, that is superb. It is also very solid.

 

[DellSuperman]

Lol! This is new to me! I have seen whateverFire, especially Ultrafire, copying Surefire, but copies of Ultrafire is new.

Go check out UltraFire official website & they will tell you that there are a few sites that sell copies of their products & should be avoided.

I've gotten 1 from DX (listed as their No go website) & true enough, the quality was really quite poor.
The ones I got from FastTech are actually much better in quality.

- JonK

 

[RoGuE_StreaK]

I've got three Ultrafires, they are "fine", and with some tweaking can give some fantastic bang for the buck. Just do your research first and buy from dealers that have real customer reviews and you should do OK.

RE: batteries, note that there have been threads here where pre-printed "Ultrafire" heatshrink has been found, meaning any Tom **** or Harry can dress up any old 18650 they rip out of whatever and redress it as an Ultrafire battery. So unless you are sure of the source, use extreme caution.
That said, the Trustfire "Flames" have been tested here numerous times as being quite good performers, so don't necessarily tar all ####Fire batteries with the same brush. look for dealers that admit if the printed mAh are exaggerated and state the "actual" mAh beside it.

 

[zombieslayer]

I have a lot to learn it seems. Thanks

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[zombieslayer]

What I really want is a surefire p3x fury.

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[subwoofer]

Amongst many others brands which are better quality, I have at least the following Ultrafire lights:

8x WF-501B
2x WF-502B
1x WF-502D
1x C3
1x WF-503C
1x WF-008
1x UF-T90
1x 9T6
1x UF-2100
Plus a few I can't remember the model for

So there is nothing wrong with Ultrafire, you simply get what you pay for. Inexpensive and functional, and apart from dirty threads causing a contact issue, none the the ones I have have ever had a failure.

As with everything there is the law of diminishing returns. Price goes up but you get less and less extra for your money. Yes you can pay for quality of finish, reliability and performance, but the price goes up steeply. If your life depends on it, pay the most you can, if not then pay what feels right at the time, but never be ashamed of your choices.

 

[Frankiarmz]

I wish this Forum had a thank button because "Subwoofer" above was spot on! My only inexpensive light to fail is one I have EDC'd for years, UltraFire A1. I totally agree that if my life depended on it I would buy the best flashlight I could afford.

 

[Norm]

I wish this Forum had a thank button

:thanks: We do.

Norm

 

[Frankiarmz]

Norm, help me out please. I didn't see it among the smiley faces, and I belong to the RidgidForum.com which has a "thank" button right on each post. Thanks, Frank

:thanks: Never mind:thumbsup:

 

[m4a1usr]

The UltraFire 502 isn't such a dog as long as you get them from reputable sources. And maybe you already have one that was purchased several years ago. I have not purchased one since 2010 so all the talk about poor copies has not been my experience. But I do know what they are talking about because I have purchased several of the UltraFire C8 lights that came advertised with the XML-U2 emitter. My first 3 lights all indeed had a U2 as could be confirmed by both brightness and the fact that it was marked as such. However the last 2 versions I purchased were much dimmer, had no markings of what the LED was and worse. The LED was physically smaller with a different appearance.
What you need to do to make the 502 a better light is clean off off the cutting oil left on the threads. You can add whatever thread lube floats your boat. I know I have my own favorite. Then junk the goopy, poor fitting O-rings and add some decent Viton or Buna. Next do a search of CPF regarding heat transfer in lights. There is a thread here that shows how to wrap the D26 module with aluminum foil. Much needed in the 502. And if your a more experienced modder you can pry off the LED MCP from the pill and scrape off the silicone adhesive the Chi assembly folks use and than glue it back in place with Artic Aluminia. Much better heat conduction.