Which Dealextreme Q5?

[Garnett]

Which Q5 light should I get from DealExtreme?

I want to stay under $30 and I want to use rechargables.

My options look to be:

Cree Q5 5-Mode LED Flashlight (1x18650) $25.20
UltraFire C2 Cree Q5 LED 1-Mode Flashlight (2xCR123A) $26.16
Smartfire V-68C Cree Q5 LED 4-Mode Flashlight (18650) $27.16
Aurora Cree Q5 2-Mode LED Flashliight (CR123A/18650) $28.32
VB-16 HA-III Q5 Cree 16-Mode Flashlight (1x18650/2xCR123A) $29.55

I'm gonna discount the VB-16 (too many modes, and I don't like silver) and the Cree Q5 (read a bad review, don't like the look).

The Smartfire looks good but doesn't take CR123s (I don't own any 18650s or a charger), which leaves me with the Ultrafire and the Aurora. Of the 2 the Aurora appeals most with 2 modes, but I'm new to the game and would be grateful for any expert tips.

Also, am I being a fool trying to stay under $30? In the next $10 bracket there are:

"8W" Cree Q5 2-Mode LED Flashlight (3.6V~9V) $33.45
Conqueror M-C1 Cree Q5 5-Mode LED Flashlight (18650) $34.90 (only 18650s)
Aurora WF-600 Q5 2-Mode Cree LED Flashlight (18650/3.6V~4.2V) $38.36 (only 18650s)
Aurora WF-600 Q5 2-Mode Cree LED Flashlight (18650/CR123A/3.6V~9V) $39.22

Do any of these offer significant improvements for the price?

And if I mention those, I may as well say the same about going into the $40-$50 range...

SmartFire V-168C Cree Q5 5-Mode LED Flashlight (2x18650 Long Runtime) $41.70 (only 18650s)
Aurora WF-800 Q5 1-Mode Cree LED Flashlight (7.4V~17V) $42.35 (only 1 mode)

 

[LGCubana]

I was going to choose the VB-16, for under $30. As I've had the SSC version & it was decent.

I'm about to receive the Conqueror. Can't recommend it yet, as it's relatively new & I maybe one of the first orders.

 

[TORCH_BOY]

I would go for the Smartfire V-68C Cree Q5 LED 4-Mode Flashlight (18650) @ $27.16

 

[Garnett]

Thanks LGCubana. I'm not sure what I'd do with 16 modes! 2 modes are plenty for a simple bloke like me!

At the moment for me it's between:

• UltraFire C2 Cree Q5 LED 1-Mode Flashlight (2xCR123A)

Ultrafire seem to have a good reputation and their other torches are popular, but it only has one mode...

• Aurora Cree Q5 2-Mode LED Flashliight (CR123A/18650)

Aurora have a good rep on here too, but this is unreviewed so far. 2 modes make it a better proposition in my mind.

• Aurora WF-600 Q5 2-Mode Cree LED Flashlight (18650/CR123A/3.6V~9V)

Aurora again, and well-reviewed, but is it worth $10 more? Also, from the reviews it seems this is just a thrower, not any good for close work even in low mode.

 

[Garnett]

I would go for the Smartfire V-68C Cree Q5 LED 4-Mode Flashlight (18650) @ $27.16

Cheers TB. I'm typing too slowly. I'm put off the Smartfire and some others because I don't own any 18650 batteries or a suitable charger. Do they offer a large benefit over CR123s? I already own some of those and a charger for them.

 

[limecc]

Hi.

You should check out this thread for reviews:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=173652

I am eagerly awaiting this Cree Q5 for $26.16:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.9631
Disadvantages would be that it is only single-mode and has a plastic reflector, but it is not advertised that it can also take a 18650 as well as 2x16340's. A friend already has it and it is smaller than I expected and very good value for money.

I am already planning another purchase as I am kitting out the family cycles using these adaptors:
http://www.glowgadgets.co.uk/twofis...der-bicycle-torch-mount.ir?cName=all-products

I am going to go for the Aurora WF600 because all 3 models have 2 modes and aluminium reflectors, but the problem is which one:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.10637 $28.32
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.8537 $39.22
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.8672 $38.36

Even after much thought about the possibility of smoking the 18650 only model with 2x 16340's, do I order this one because it has the highest output (16K Lux), or play it safe with my wife and daughter who will be happy with any (10K Lux)? Reason for caution is we have a P2D Fenix and 16340 batteries lurking around the house.

I will probably get the $39 2x16340/1x18650 model as I have a Raidfire on order which I will jealously guard for my own use!!

If you haven't got my problem, it would be no contest but to go for the 8672 model as this is optimised for the single cell and has the highest light output. Output is about the same as the 8537 model on 2x 16340's but you will enjoy the 18650's extra capacity.

2x 16340 = 1760mA
1x 18650 = 2500mA

Otherwise if you are after runtime, go for the 8537 model but still using the 18650. The lower output will give an even greater runtime.

It is worth noting that all the review models were Q2 bins instead of Q5, but the Lux figures are still impressive and relevent for comparison between throwers.

Hope this helps..

 

[bguy]

I'm gonna discount the VB-16 (too many modes, and I don't like silver) and the Cree Q5 (read a bad review, don't like the look).

Don't discount it because it says 16 modes, really it's a 1 mode, on/off. And with a tactical switch. The 16 brightness levels are controlled with up and down buttons. I think it's around 2 seconds to get from full dim to full bright. I have the SSC version in black, and the silver Q5 is on it's way.

Bradley

 

[limecc]

The Smartfire MRV clone should also be a contender.
Reviews:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=184262
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=184280

Purchase:
https://www.kaidomain.com/WEBUI/ProductDetail.aspx?TranID=3980 $27.85
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.10301 $27.16

 

[Gio]

They only Q5 I have from DX is the UF C2.
Pretty nice light and the output is bright. Definately the brightest one I have.
Well, it's the only Cree Q5 I have, so it's should be the brightest light.
Construction is great for the price.
Fantastic light!
Only thing I wish for is more than 1 mode because it's too bright sometime.

 

[bspofford]

Which Q5 light should I get from DealExtreme?

Cree Q5 5-Mode LED Flashlight (1x18650) $25.20
UltraFire C2 Cree Q5 LED 1-Mode Flashlight (2xCR123A) $26.16
Smartfire V-68C Cree Q5 LED 4-Mode Flashlight (18650) $27.16
Aurora Cree Q5 2-Mode LED Flashliight (CR123A/18650) $28.32
VB-16 HA-III Q5 Cree 16-Mode Flashlight (1x18650/2xCR123A) $29.55

I have an Aurora CREE Q5 and UF C2 Q5 in the mail, and I have several of each of the others on your list. The Aurora is a two-mode and probably has a resistor in the switch. Too bad that the C2 isn't HAIII and has only one mode. Although the Smartfire V-68C is missing an o-ring in the head against the lens and needs an insulator disc over the emitter to prevent shorting out by the mirror, it would be my first choice. I know it hasn't had very good reviews. Take a couple of minutes to put an insulator disc over the emitter (I cut one from black electrician's tape), and spend a buck or two for an o-ring against the glass. Although the type II finish is flawed, this light is very bright, throws well (MRV aluminum reflector), and side-by-side with the other contenders (including the Conqueror), it has the nicest tint. In fact, my several V-68C Q5 lights have a slightly warm tint that I like better than any of my other Q5 lights.

 

[sims2k]

I have the Conqueror C1...mine came without blemishes so I am pretty happy with it. Bright white tint...very good thrower..beats my UF C2 side by side...I could light up the barn across from work at night at about 600 feet. And I use primary CR123 only with this light as I do with my RC-F4. Plus it beats all my Surefire lights..L2, L4, U2, G2L.

 

[CandleFranky]

Take one Ultrafire C2 Q5, nice hotspot and spill. There is a version for 18650s only (1-mode) and one for different battery types (5-mode). The last one is new at Dealextreme and was not tested yet.

Don't forget to order a "holster" for the C2 too. :twothumbs

 

[layzieyez]

Cheers TB. I'm typing too slowly. I'm put off the Smartfire and some others because I don't own any 18650 batteries or a suitable charger. Do they offer a large benefit over CR123s? I already own some of those and a charger for them.

I think 18650 only battery lights really do maximize the available current from that one source and I like their capacity better. The Smartfire is cheap, but the beam throws way harder than my Q5 C2 so all the flashlights with the same form factor are already blown out in the throw category. If you aren't going to be using this light just to look at the white walls, then the ringy beam can easily be forgiven. Navigating through the modes is also pretty easy and nothing is glued shut so maintenance/repair won't be an issue if you have problems or want to swap emitter down the road.