Which one is brighter?

[cph81]

I need a bright light for my job. I currently have a streamlight stinger but it only last ~1 to 2 hours. I need something brighter than stinger and last longer. I was searching in DX. Down to these light:

8686 Aurora WF-800 Q5
8537 Aurora WF-600 Q5 2-Mode
6998 Ultrafire WF-500 Cree LED

Which one is brighter?

How many lumen is the Aurora WF-800 Q5? I saw the picture in DX. It show 2 different config/length. Can this light use on one 18650 pack?

All-battery.com has 18650 4200 mAh NiMH battery. Anyone tried the battery?

Thank you.

 

[stevoman]

I've been looking at these lights also, and these are the conclusions I've come to - very possibly wrongly as I don't know much about torches / flashlights.

From my searching, I have found no reviews and very limited specs for those Q5 lights. There's a comparison of the Q2 WF-600 with various other lights here http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...d.php?t=173652

My assumption is that the Q5 may be slightly brighter, and last a bit longer than the Q2 in that review, though I can't confirm it. Also, the Aurora versions are improved by having a glass lens, a metal reflector, and HA-3 coating. Note that the single power source version (18650 only) seems to be more efficient than the version which uses 123A as well.

I have seen mention (on the DX forums I think) that the WF-800 Q5 is marginally less bright than the WF-600, but lasts longer. Again, I can't confirm this.

Based on this (and because running 1 cell lights seems to be simpler from a charging point of view - and possibly safer), I decided to go with the Aurora WF-800 Q5 (18650 only version), which is currently in transit.

Since I'll be using for specific tasks (ie. not EDC), I will carry extra batteries, which should offset any benefit of the WF-800.

Can't tell you much abut the WF-500 at all I'm afraid.

 

[Gunner12]

I do not know of any NiMh 18650 batteries. And you would need at least 3.7v to power the light.

The WF-500 would be the dimmest and least throwy light of the bunch. Also avoid the 3 Cree version of the WF-500. Heatsinking issues.

What would you need the light for?

A DX light might not be good if you are a LEO.

:welcome:

 

[cph81]

I'm an aircraft tech. I need a bright light for aircraft walkaround at night. A light bright enough to check top of the plane.

Can the WF-800 take 4 CR-123A? DX doesn't have alot of info about the light but "Aurora WF-800 Q5 1-Mode Cree LED Flashlight (7.4V~17V)".
2 18650 ~ 7.4V? 4 CR123A ~16V?

 

[Gunner12]

It should take 4 CR123s just fine.

Li-ion rechargeable are usually 4.2v off the charger(I'd suggest buy protected, AW's a well known battery here, check this thread).

Unless you drop the light often, the Aurora WF-800 should be fine for a while. But it will be larger then the Stinger.

Keep the stinger as a backup.

 

[FlashCrazy]

May I ask what type of aircraft? Also, are you doing full walk arounds... inside wheel wells, flap wells, etc., or just quick post-flight checks?

 

[Patriot]

The short answer is that the Q5 is going to be a little brighter, but in reality there is no practical difference between them. They will all be very close so you may just want to pick the style that you like best.

 

[Xak]

Have you considered this one? Most people love theirs. I have one on the way.

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.10452

 

[bessiebenny]

Really cheap alternative would be this. 300+ lumens for $15. =)
http://www.kaidomain.com/WEBUI/ProductDetail.aspx?TranID=1256
But it's an incan. hehe.

Get the Romisen RC-T5 that Xak mentioned if you want BRIGHT.
or if you want a more throwy light, get the WF-600 or WF-800.

In terms of lumens, the Q5 ones will be around 200-240 lumens.
But the RC-T5 will easily be around 600 lumens or even higher.

 

[KRS1]

Benny

what's the run time for 2x 18650 on high?

so tempting to get it too.

how does this light throw?

sure its 600 lumen?

 

[bessiebenny]

There's a big thread about the RC-T5 here.

Each Q4 LED is driven at roughly 400mA it seems. (or a bit less)
That's only around 120 lumens per LED. All up around 400 lumens.
Still not bad. It lasts around 3 hours before it dies with 2 x 18650.
It's not a thrower. But it seems to be good for at least 100 yards.

Here's some outdoor photos by takebeat. All same conditions.

Romisen RC-T5 - http://takebeat.asablo.jp/blog/img/2008/01/07/4f70c.jpg
KD 4 mode 3Cree- http://takebeat.asablo.jp/blog/img/2008/01/07/4f70f.jpg
MX Power 3 Cree - http://takebeat.asablo.jp/blog/img/2008/01/07/4f713.jpg
Romisen RC-V4 - http://takebeat.asablo.jp/blog/img/2008/01/07/4f717.jpg

Notes
- RC-T5 was used with 4 x RCR123A in High mode
- KD 4 mode 3 x Cree was used with 2 x 18650 in High mode.
- MX Power was used with 4 x RCR123A in High mode
- RC-V4 is a small single RCR123A direct driven Cree P4 light.