Discussion
Gojira said:
bingybongy said:
Bought one this morning, obviously not had chance to use it in the dark but it's bright in the daylight.
Feels nice and has a decent heft to it but it f
king rattles when you shake it. I suppose I could just not shake it but well you know.
Comes with batteries installed and is now at the side of my bed for any power cuts along with my massive old maglite.
Speaking of which are the maglite conversions to LED worth bothering with?
The Maglite conversions I have (a 2AA Mini, and a 3D dimension compensator Feels nice and has a decent heft to it but it f
king rattles when you shake it. I suppose I could just not shake it but well you know.Comes with batteries installed and is now at the side of my bed for any power cuts along with my massive old maglite.
Speaking of which are the maglite conversions to LED worth bothering with?
) both work much better than the non-LED versions, but they are definitely overpriced for the lumens you get...The 2 AA claims 140 lumens, and the 3D claims 220, which isn't many for about 25 beer tokens in total, even a year or so ago.
480 or so lumens for that Aldi jobbie is much more cost-effective, but possibly not as solidly built.
They do what I need, but I'd probably not upgrade them if I was starting now.
bingybongy said:
Seems fair enough, the maglite will remain un-upgraded. It's just a nice thing seems a shame.
If you really want to upgrade your maglite , then http://www.thetorchsite.co.uk/High_Power_10_Watt_M...£30 for 400-800 lumens
wsurfa said:
bingybongy said:
Seems fair enough, the maglite will remain un-upgraded. It's just a nice thing seems a shame.
If you really want to upgrade your maglite , then http://www.thetorchsite.co.uk/High_Power_10_Watt_M...£30 for 400-800 lumens
There is a churchyard behind my house which it totally illuminated. Quite impressed.
Insert Coin said:
I've been using 18650's for some years, I got 3 or 4 torches and 8 Nitecor 18650 batteries with a Nitecor i4 Intellicharger maybe 4 or 5 years ago.
This year I've gone to charge 4 of the batteries and they either won't take a charge or they've got quite a limited capacity.
So based on recommendations here I purchased 4 Panasonic 3200mAh protected 18650's from Ecoluxshop on Ebay.
After 24 hours in my charger I went to remove one today and a rather large flame shot out of the side of one of the batteries, it made me jump I can tell you!
Ecolux said no problem, we'll send out a replacement which is what I would expect, but I suppose my point being is don't charge these things without making sure you are in the vicinity as I have no doubt if I hadn't seen it the flame was big enough to set the battery next to it alight and from there the other two and anything else in close proximity.
Jesus. That shouldn't happen with genuine cells, particularly protected cells. (They're protected NCR18650B's, right?)This year I've gone to charge 4 of the batteries and they either won't take a charge or they've got quite a limited capacity.
So based on recommendations here I purchased 4 Panasonic 3200mAh protected 18650's from Ecoluxshop on Ebay.
After 24 hours in my charger I went to remove one today and a rather large flame shot out of the side of one of the batteries, it made me jump I can tell you!
Ecolux said no problem, we'll send out a replacement which is what I would expect, but I suppose my point being is don't charge these things without making sure you are in the vicinity as I have no doubt if I hadn't seen it the flame was big enough to set the battery next to it alight and from there the other two and anything else in close proximity.
The Ecolux guy has a pretty solid reputation so I might post on BLF for an explanation of what could have caused that. Protected cells and a decent smart charger is about as safe as it gets so that's of concern.
tenohfive said:
Insert Coin said:
I've been using 18650's for some years, I got 3 or 4 torches and 8 Nitecor 18650 batteries with a Nitecor i4 Intellicharger maybe 4 or 5 years ago.
This year I've gone to charge 4 of the batteries and they either won't take a charge or they've got quite a limited capacity.
So based on recommendations here I purchased 4 Panasonic 3200mAh protected 18650's from Ecoluxshop on Ebay.
After 24 hours in my charger I went to remove one today and a rather large flame shot out of the side of one of the batteries, it made me jump I can tell you!
Ecolux said no problem, we'll send out a replacement which is what I would expect, but I suppose my point being is don't charge these things without making sure you are in the vicinity as I have no doubt if I hadn't seen it the flame was big enough to set the battery next to it alight and from there the other two and anything else in close proximity.
Jesus. That shouldn't happen with genuine cells, particularly protected cells. (They're protected NCR18650B's, right?)This year I've gone to charge 4 of the batteries and they either won't take a charge or they've got quite a limited capacity.
So based on recommendations here I purchased 4 Panasonic 3200mAh protected 18650's from Ecoluxshop on Ebay.
After 24 hours in my charger I went to remove one today and a rather large flame shot out of the side of one of the batteries, it made me jump I can tell you!
Ecolux said no problem, we'll send out a replacement which is what I would expect, but I suppose my point being is don't charge these things without making sure you are in the vicinity as I have no doubt if I hadn't seen it the flame was big enough to set the battery next to it alight and from there the other two and anything else in close proximity.
The Ecolux guy has a pretty solid reputation so I might post on BLF for an explanation of what could have caused that. Protected cells and a decent smart charger is about as safe as it gets so that's of concern.
DoubleSix said:
Yes definitely worth further investigation!!
Definitely protected and from Ecolux - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x-Genuine-PANASONIC-320...Ecolux don't really like Nitecor chargers according to his email, but he did say the charger was suitable for these batteries.
24 hour charge, not dropped, shorted out etc. Literally straight from the packaging into the charger and then as I went to remove the battery a 3 or 4 inch flame shot out of the side.
Zad said:
If they don't then try Lidl, theirs are due in today.
Indeed they are https://www.lidl.co.uk/en/Non-Food-Offers.htm?arti...Feels good, will try it out when it is dark.
I'm looking for a compact torch for work (Policing), it needs to slide inside a radio loop on my vest (the issues ones don't and they break rather easily)
I've previously used ones like this from Amazon, but wanted something a bit brighter, with a wider throw if possible.
I've seen a few 18650 powered torches, but I'm not sure rechargeable batteries are ideal, as I'll forget to charge the torch, or leave the batteries behind.
Mini Flashlight, Rcool 2000LM CREE Q5 3 Modes LED Torch Zoomable AA/14500 Battery (Not Included) Black https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01KJHRIIU/ref=cm_sw_r...
Don't want to spend a great deal, as they do get lost, dropped or stolen a lot (out of the 3 I bought previously, I'm down to my last one)
I've previously used ones like this from Amazon, but wanted something a bit brighter, with a wider throw if possible.
I've seen a few 18650 powered torches, but I'm not sure rechargeable batteries are ideal, as I'll forget to charge the torch, or leave the batteries behind.
Mini Flashlight, Rcool 2000LM CREE Q5 3 Modes LED Torch Zoomable AA/14500 Battery (Not Included) Black https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01KJHRIIU/ref=cm_sw_r...
Don't want to spend a great deal, as they do get lost, dropped or stolen a lot (out of the 3 I bought previously, I'm down to my last one)
FurryExocet said:
I'm looking for a compact torch for work (Policing), it needs to slide inside a radio loop on my vest (the issues ones don't and they break rather easily)
I've previously used ones like this from Amazon, but wanted something a bit brighter, with a wider throw if possible.
I've seen a few 18650 powered torches, but I'm not sure rechargeable batteries are ideal, as I'll forget to charge the torch, or leave the batteries behind.
Mini Flashlight, Rcool 2000LM CREE Q5 3 Modes LED Torch Zoomable AA/14500 Battery (Not Included) Black https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01KJHRIIU/ref=cm_sw_r...
Don't want to spend a great deal, as they do get lost, dropped or stolen a lot (out of the 3 I bought previously, I'm down to my last one)
Nitecore EA11. A good mix of flood and throw. Can be picked up with a code for a lot less than you'll pay in the UK (I think I paid about £22.) If you run it off a 14500 (li-ion AA) you're good for 900 lumens, and the chargers I've linked above are cheap enough to leave at work or in the car (the charger works off microUSB so it's portable.) But if you're caught short the EA11 will run off a normal AA battery (at closer to 200 lumens.) Tested and approved of by several in the job.I've previously used ones like this from Amazon, but wanted something a bit brighter, with a wider throw if possible.
I've seen a few 18650 powered torches, but I'm not sure rechargeable batteries are ideal, as I'll forget to charge the torch, or leave the batteries behind.
Mini Flashlight, Rcool 2000LM CREE Q5 3 Modes LED Torch Zoomable AA/14500 Battery (Not Included) Black https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01KJHRIIU/ref=cm_sw_r...
Don't want to spend a great deal, as they do get lost, dropped or stolen a lot (out of the 3 I bought previously, I'm down to my last one)
A bit chunkier and heavier but the Nitenumen NE01 is microUSB rechargeable and 18650 based (so decent runtime, albeit you'll have to budget for the cell.) I think there's a code floating around bringing it to around £15, plus an 18650.
You sound against the 18650 idea, but if you want cheap, indestructable and floody a Convoy S2+ is the way ahead.
If you're looking cheaper then an SK68 is about as cheap as it gets, but I think that light you linked to is basically an SK68 so it won't be any more floody.
tenohfive said:
A few responses:
http://budgetlightforum.com/node/56789
Good thread, some of those guys know their onions or 18650's.http://budgetlightforum.com/node/56789
There was most definitely a flame coming from one end and a fair bit of smoke from the other.
Yes, they are slightly longer and slightly tighter in the charging slots, but not enough that I had to force them in, with a screwdriver for instance and then piercing the plastic coating.
I have to say I'm quite nervous about using these new 'protected' cells, my old unprotected batteries were charged many times without issue.
I think I'm going to package them back up and return them to the supplier and buy something a bit more proven. I assumed (wrongly) that these were a Panasonic manufactured complete product, clearly the cells are Panasonic, but the protection circuit is aftermarket and maybe that's where the issue lies.
CoolHands said:
CoolHands said:
I've got the torch and the charger, still waiting for the bloody batteries 
still haven't got my fking batteries ordered on 17th sept Ill be back to aliexpress next time fk banggoodJust found this thread, it made me laugh.
I thought I was the only weirdo collecting torches!
I blame the origin of my addiction on the x-files. I've been trying to find a torch as bright as Mulder's ever since.
And (ahem), the Aldi one is quite good for a cheapie. No, I really didn't need another torch. My wife is pretty nearly a saint and just laughed when I put it in the trolley. It buzzes until it warms up & there's no "focus", but it's bright for a £17 torch and if the dog gets attacked by a moody badger, it's a really, really good club. Only joking, those badgers are big B'Stards!
I thought I was the only weirdo collecting torches!
I blame the origin of my addiction on the x-files. I've been trying to find a torch as bright as Mulder's ever since.
And (ahem), the Aldi one is quite good for a cheapie. No, I really didn't need another torch. My wife is pretty nearly a saint and just laughed when I put it in the trolley. It buzzes until it warms up & there's no "focus", but it's bright for a £17 torch and if the dog gets attacked by a moody badger, it's a really, really good club. Only joking, those badgers are big B'Stards!
Another Lidl one coming up on Sunday 29th. Likely to be any good for the price of £3.99?
https://www.lidl.co.uk/en/Non-Food-Offers.htm?arti...
https://www.lidl.co.uk/en/Non-Food-Offers.htm?arti...
Best bet is to go and have a look. See what type of cells it uses, what the LED is and if it is lens or just a reflector. The Lidl one I got was £7:99 for a lensed Cree 3W + 18650 2200mAh + USB phone charge port, cable and 12V adaptor. If I hadn't seen it myself I'd probably have dismissed it as cheap crap.
Whilst browsing for new 18650's that don't catch fire I was drawn to this torch -
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BLF-Q8-5000LM-Profession...
Received it in 6 working days, so a very speedy delivery.
It's very impressive for the money, feels like it's carved from granite and has an amazing flood.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BLF-Q8-5000LM-Profession...
Received it in 6 working days, so a very speedy delivery.
It's very impressive for the money, feels like it's carved from granite and has an amazing flood.
S6PNJ said:
Another Lidl one coming up on Sunday 29th. Likely to be any good for the price of £3.99?
https://www.lidl.co.uk/en/Non-Food-Offers.htm?arti...
https://www.lidl.co.uk/en/Non-Food-Offers.htm?arti...
Zad said:
Best bet is to go and have a look. See what type of cells it uses, what the LED is and if it is lens or just a reflector. The Lidl one I got was £7:99 for a lensed Cree 3W + 18650 2200mAh + USB phone charge port, cable and 12V adaptor. If I hadn't seen it myself I'd probably have dismissed it as cheap crap.
According to the German Lidl website, it has the following specs:Characteristics:
Energy-saving LED with a maximum of 50 m of light
Sturdy aluminum housing with rubberized pressure switch - suitable for extreme temperatures below -20 ° C
IP44: splash-proof
3 Operating modes: Maximum brightness, saving and flashing mode
With practical tracings
Including batteries
Technical specifications:
Power LED: approx. 1 Watt
Luminous flux: approx. 70 lm
LED life: about 50000 hours
I'm wondering if it says 'batteries included' that it is 3 AAA in a little adaptor. If so, what Li-ion would this convert to?
My charger has showed up from gear best, what was untracked yet touch has no tracking info yet....
Also charger is now reduced o a flash sale to 76p Code: LiitoKaUK
https://www.gearbest.com/chargers/pp_272183.html?u...
Also charger is now reduced o a flash sale to 76p Code: LiitoKaUK
https://www.gearbest.com/chargers/pp_272183.html?u...
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