Torch bundle

[AlephZero]

Ok guys, I'm looking into getting Olight S10 for my EDC, but I also need some RCR123a batteries for it and a charger that can handle all: 18650's, RCR123a's and also AA's/AAA's...

What I found on Ebay:
The light: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Olight-S10-Baton-Cree-XM-L-LED-320Lumens-Flashlight-Diffuser-White-free-shipping-/251286050874?pt=US_Flashlights&hash=item3a81d0d83a

The batteries (x2): http://www.ebay.com/itm/Solarforce-RCR123A-Protected-3-7v-880mAh-rec-Battery-x-2-pc-/310727893387?pt=US_Rechargeable_Batteries&hash=item4858d3618b

And the charger: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nitecore-i4-Intellicharger-4-Slot-Universal-Li-ion-Ni-MH-Ni-Cd-Battery-Charger-/161058210328?pt=Battery_Chargers&hash=item257fd14218

Any insight? Should I be aware of some issues? Reliability of the batteries/charger?

Also, do the pricing seem normal?

Any help would be appreciated:)

[enki_ck]

I'd switch to AW protected Li-Ion batteries. Proven quality, very low self discharge.

http://www.lumensfactory.com/online_shop_product.php?id=86&cid=10&sid=&page=1

You can get the light a few bucks cheaper if you don't want the wand but it might be a nice addition to the kit.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Olight-S10-Baton-Cree-XM-L-LED-320-Lumen-LED-EDC-Pocket-Flashlight-Torch-/330930382643?pt=AU_Sport_Camping_Hiking_Lamps_Torches&hash=item4d0cfce733

The charger is good, I have one myself. The springs can be a bit sticky sometimes and you can only charge AAAs in pairs 1/3 or 2/4 but it does give you the ability to charge both Li-ion and regular rechargeables on the same charger. I haven't had any problems with it yet.

[sawman]

Nice light. I bet it heats up pretty hot though?

[AlephZero]

Thanks Enki, I bookmarked the Lumensfactory store so I can find it when I'm ready to make the final purchase

@Sawman: I would think it will, but hopefully that won't be an issue

[AlephZero]

I did the order, so hopefully soon we will see how good it is

[Gareth]

I keep looking at the S10 Baton myself, though I've never quite pulled the trigger.  Let us know what you think.

[dks]

A bit late to the thread but here is my view, regarding the charger.

Make sure you are getting the newer version of it as the original had some problems. From the picture it looks like the new one.

Use a voltmeter to occasionally check the batteries whilst they are being charged, just in case.

I found that with energizer AA Rechargeables and Duracel Rechargeables (not the LSD types) the charger would miss the termination point and will overcharge them. (They get hot and the voltage goes higher than needed).

With AAA  batteries I think that they can be charged on their own too, as the charge rate is not too high for good quality ones (compared to 1hour or 30 minute fast chargers). The problem noted was with the AAA sized LiIons, 10440 where it was felt that the charge rate would be too high if it was not divided between two of them.
I charge these in pairs, though the current is not actually divided into two; the charger just goes quickly (oscillates) from one battery to the other charging only one at the time, so the average charge rate is halved but the instantaneous current (for when it is charging that cell) is still high, so I do not think it should make much difference.
A lot was written about it in BF, if you feel like reading up on the charger.


As for 18650 batteries I am happy with sanyo and Panasonic, which are not that expensive. Protected when needed.

[AlephZero]

Thanks for the advice dks, I will keep that in mind.

As for the 18650's I currently have a couple Lumilight ones, so far they have been good...

[AlephZero]

Ok, not much news, except that the batteries are already in finland, so ill get em next week...

The torch is supposed to be here around mid oct as is the charger... Man's gotta wait

[Gareth]

I hate waiting.

[enki_ck]

Ok, not much news, except that the batteries are already in finland, so ill get em next week...

The torch is supposed to be here around mid oct as is the charger... Man's gotta wait

They do ship fast, don't they. Well it's better to have the batteries in before the flashlight arrives than to have the flashlight and not have the batteries for it. Very few shops around here carry CR123s (mostly at crazy prices) and I never found any shop that carried rechargeables.

[AlephZero]

Another small update, got confirmation that the torch is on its way to finland

One issue though, the charger has no tracking, so no telling if it's even left yet

[AlephZero]

Alright, got the batteries, so one third of the bundle is set

[AlephZero]

Yay, the torch arrived today! 

Will be posting pics later

PS: Still waiting for the charger...

[enki_ck]

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this one. I0ve been checking it out since it was announced and it's been in my eBay cart a few times already. Just never pulled the trigger.

[AlephZero]

Ok, here are the pics I promised... 'tis a tiny lil thing, innit?









Tiny or not, holy mother of smurf that thing is BRIGHT! I doubt I'll be needing the high mode very often, but nice to know it's there... If i need to blind a mugger or something

The UI is rather complex, but that's fine with me, i grew up with DOS era PCs so I thrive with complex Four light level modes (moonlight, low, medium, high) and strobe (high). Indoors at least, even the moonlight mode is enough to navigate in complete darkness.

Rather luckily I received the updated L2 version, with removable magnet, which I promptly removed. The diffusor cone that came with my order seems to do fine, I assume it's meant for signaling, but after testing in pitch black room, I'd say its just as good for lighting purposes

All in all, an excellent little torch, well worth the buy

Will do an update later after outdoors testing

PS: I REALLY like the UI lock feature, much less likely to turn on accidentally in your pocket when you have to press the button for 2 seconds to turn the lock off...

[sawman]

I think I want one of those, but does it get too hot to handle?

[enki_ck]

I see the switch button also got switched. It's blue now.

[Gareth]

Looking good mate.

[AlephZero]

I think I want one of those, but does it get too hot to handle?

I did a test for you, left it on high for 15 minutes... It got warm, but not hot... I'd say 40 - 45C at max

[Clark]

I just pulled the trigger on this little light too

[AlephZero]

Well, finally got the charger (not the original order tho )...

Some first thoughts: Seems to be good quality, I very much like the three led charge indicators, and one thing that actually surprised me... A battery previously recharged with my previous charger (Lumilight), is actually still recharging on the Nitecore charger, after some significant time Might be some significant efficiency difference?

As of now, I can recommend Nitecore i4 as a charger for your batteries