Into the world of 18650 --- advice sought

[BePrepared]

Got a few nice AAA flashlights, but nothing like an 18650  .  So I'm thinking of getting a BLF A6 / Astrolux S1, and a XTAR VC4 charger, but I'm not looking for best in brand, but best bang for buck as I start out, not wanting to spend too much  .

I could get a 18650 flashlight with built in USB charger, but not sure about this.

Use will be for around the home, and showing off  and smaller is better.  Since I have EDC AAA flashlights this is not for EDC or serious use.

18350 extension?  Useful, just a gimmick?

And battery cell?  Any suggestions for UK?   Any advice appreciated. 

[ezdog]

No idea if your pricing and availability is like in the U.S. but I would start with a Convoy S2+ and Panasonic/Sanyo cells for myself.Amazing first 18650 light and inexpensive somehow too.
The S8 is about the same light but a Thrower and maybe even more impressive for the price and I am happy I have both.

I have a lot more pricey lights but often carry a Convoy anyway!

The Convoy is pretty amazing for the price over here and you might not ever need more!
Full size batteries are the same voltage as the shorties but run twice as long so if you can live with the length you will be a lot happier with the 650 I bet.

Also make sure to get the most current interface in the Convoy so that you can program it more completely too!

There is considerable discussion about whether the built-in charger equipped lights ever really fully or intelligently charge different cells and for starters I would not suggest trying one.
If you do though I like the Mecarmy line and they have been great for me too.

[Don Pablo]

I’ve bought from nkon before. 
https://eu.nkon.nl

[BePrepared]

OK, I think I will get a Convoy S2+  (from the offical shop on A chinese site)

Convoy S2+ Black Cree XML2 U2-1A AMC7135*3 2-Group 3/5-Mode EDC LED Flashlight

Think I will select Emitting Color:T6 4C  This Emitter colour is the middle option (I don't like the sharp blue tints).
And Chip:7135x3  This is the lowest power, so won't get as hot as others.

Unless anyone has other suggestions for configuration.... I'm only going to use it around the house, or keep it in the car for emergencies.

====

Now after some more window shopping and checking reviews, I might get instead
BLF A6 XPL 1600Lumens 7/4modes EDC LED Flashlight 18650
which is 50% off from China, so cheaper than the Convoy now.

Then maybe buy a Convoy later... 

[BePrepared]

The solution is to buy both.  Why didn't I think of that first... 

The Convoy S2+ in black (T6 4C and  7135x6).  I asked for the latest Biscotti firmware to be added.  Also got a 18350 extension tube so I can swap to smaller length, and a white diffuser.  £20.53 after applying a new user code.

BLF A6 (same as the Astrolux S1, but BLF was on on offer) and 18350 extension tube.  £17.84.

Both from different Chinese sites.  Expect then to arrive in over a month...

Got 2 Samsung 18650 batteries and an XTAR VC4 charger on the way from Amazon too --- they'll arrive first, I bet.

[ezdog]

The solution is to buy both.  Why didn't I think of that first... 

The Convoy S2+ in black (T6 4C and  7135x6).  I asked for the latest Biscotti firmware to be added.  Also got a 18350 extension tube so I can swap to smaller length, and a white diffuser.  £20.53 after applying a new user code.

BLF A6 (same as the Astrolux S1, but BLF was on on offer) and 18350 extension tube.  £17.84.

Both from different Chinese sites.  Expect then to arrive in over a month...

Got 2 Samsung 18650 batteries and an XTAR VC4 charger on the way from Amazon too --- they'll arrive first, I bet.

Thats the Spirit!

I was going to suggest this but you seemed so fixated on lower price but now..........

[BePrepared]

Yep, 2nd rule of MTO:  (2) If in doubt, buy both.

[BePrepared]

BLF A6 3D arrived today —- very nice.     The Protected 18650 KeepPower cell is a snug fit —- it’s not going to fall out of the tube, that’s for sure! The unprotected 18350 KeepPower are not so tight in the short body. The short tube makes it nicely pocketable. Tint seems a little green at low power, but higher up it’s a nice clean white.

Still waiting on the Convoy S2+ (T6 4C, Biscotti), but recently also ordered an Emisar D4.

Note to self: stop buying stuff.   

[Don Pablo]

 

[ezdog]

BLF A6 3D arrived today —- very nice.     The Protected 18650 KeepPower cell is a snug fit —- it’s not going to fall out of the tube, that’s for sure! The unprotected 18350 KeepPower are not so tight in the short body. The short tube makes it nicely pocketable. Tint seems a little green at low power, but higher up it’s a nice clean white.

Still waiting on the Convoy S2+ (T6 4C, Biscotti), but recently also ordered an Emisar D4.

Note to self: stop buying stuff.   

No help from me with that i am afraid



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dks]

I have 2 A6 lights. They see regular use, one as a car light and the other as a Bike light (the wind keeps it cool) My main complaint is that it gets hot quickly.

My thoughts are in this thread : https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,35523.msg1211847.html#msg1211847

For Batteries Sanyo/Panasonic/Samsung cells are very good.

Most of the decent branded ones will have these cells in them and just cost more. 3100 to 3400mAh are good value.

[BePrepared]

The D4 and 30Q arrived today. This is what I have so far   



I like the A6, in either long 18650 or short 18350 format. In short format it’s about the same size as 18650 Emisar D4 (see pic). The D4 in 18350 feels a little small, and I prefer it in 18650 format.

After using the D4, now when I pick up the A6 I feel for a side switch! The D4 seems to have a nicer wider spread for me, but even in Nichia, I may want something warmer…. time will tell.

The D4 gets warm quickly, and steps down while the A6 stays high when I have them side by side on high…. so,… A6 kind of wins on this because the difference in high is not so great, and lasts longer on A6. And A6 spot and spread is white, while the D4 seems a little brown in spot when high and stepping down, with cooler white outside the spot — but I prefer the wider even spread of the D4.



What I’ve learnt from the first 5 minutes(!) of playing with them both together is that I like the side switch and spread of the D4, but the quick step down in annoying.

I also found I would like to try a wide even spread without a hot spot —- a “wall of light”.

Convoy S2+ is still to arrive, so I’ll see how that compares with these two when I get it.

[BePrepared]

Here are the two flashlights, A6 with 18650 tube fitted, and D4 with 18350 tube


And with the spare tubes

[BePrepared]

‘Cause we got a little ol’ Convoy, Rockin’ through the night. Yeah, we got a little ol’ Convoy, Ain’t she a beautiful sight?

The Convoy S2+ arrived today, with 18350 tube and cone.  I asked for Biscotti UI.   I’ve set the Convoy to 5 levels, no flashes or blinks, without mode memory. Nice and simple.  The Convoy is slightly shorter than the BLF A6, and is a matt black unlike the shinier A6.

[Kev D]

I love my Olight S2, its a really powerful little torch that uses a single 18650.  The traffic wand diffuser  attachment for it is great to use to light up a tent or small room with.  The only annoying thing is it glows in the dark for hours so when trying to sleep in a tent is a bit annoying.

For batteries I use the green panasonic NCR18650 ones.

[BePrepared]

Just got an Emisar D4S, that takes a 26650 cell.



It has tiny red auxiliary LEDS that can be configured to stay on (low or high-ish, or flash).  The flashlight has smooth control over intensity, hitting 4,000+ lm, but it does get hot...