BessieBenny's Budget LED (DX/KD etc) Flashlights Review Roundup (Part XI)

[edap617]

Re: Need comments on Ultrafire A1 & A10?

I'm considering the Ultrafire A1, Q5, 230 lumen and the A10, Q5, 220 lumen flashlights just for kicks, but I've never owned an Ultrafire before. I'm looking for comments on them. Thanks.:candle:

I have both the A1 and the A10. I am not very impressed with the A1, particurly its build quality. Mine has a dent on the besel and has no lens O-ring.

If I have to choose between the A1 and A10, I will go for the latter because it has a better build quality and thicker body. Bright on AA and extremely bright on 14500.

If you want a multi-mode light with the same form factor as the A1, the A20 is a better option in my own opinion.

 

[allburger]

Re: Need comments on Ultrafire A1 & A10?

I had the ultrafire a10. It was a great light. I ran it on 14500's and also aa's. It was a bright light for the size, and had a nice beam. The only complaint that I had was the threads. They were gritty. I remember that the contact was through the threads and not the end of the body. I found that weird. The button was also hard to get at because of the lanyard holder. It was by far the hardest button to get to.

Even though i pointed out some disadvantages, I still liked the light. If I was going to get a cheap aa light, I would get the stainless steel ultrafire c3. I got that one for my girlfriend and it is solid. For that matter, the black one is fine too.

 

[M.S]

Re: Kaidomain T1/ TLS light

M. S. Nice mod. Is your TLS head from OpticsHQ or taken off a T1/T2 from KD?

It is from KD... The head does not have "TLS" printing and the scalloping seems a little smaller than in the other pictures.

 

[DHart]

Re: Kaidomain T1/ TLS light

It is from KD... The head does not have "TLS" printing and the scalloping seems a little smaller than in the other pictures.

Sweet!

 

[Cemoi]

Romisen RC-I3 runtime

In the Romisen RC-I3 review (browse down the page to "Romisen RC-I3 CR123A/1AA/2AA/14500"), there is no runtime graph, and the review says:
- It pulls TBA from 1 x 1.2v NiMh AA.
- It pulls TBA from 2 x 1.2v NiMh AA.
- It pulls TBA from 1 x RCR or 14500.
Could an owner of this light kindly measure the current draw with 1 and 2 NiMH AA, or report on runtime?

 

[Caesis]

UltraFire Cree C3 or Romisen RC-N3 II ?

The ultrafire is only 1 mode, and has a shorter battery time, but is brighter.
The Romisen is 2 mode, has a better battery life, is water resistant, but costs 10USD more. I'm not broke, but I'm a teenager, so poverty is imminent.

I have no idea which to pick.
And to complicate things even more, this little voice inside my head keeps telling me I just want a cool black flashlight so I can feel like Jack Bauer.


EDIT:
OH yeah, can anyone tell me if I can adjust the beam size of the ultrafire(The flood/throw ... like on maglites?) Thanks =D

Thank you for your time
- Caesis

 

[Nos]

Re: UltraFire Cree C3 or Romisen RC-N3 II ?

C3 is a piece of crap!!!!!

after 3 broken switches and contact problems on every single torch!!!!

i purchased three C3's....none was working out of the box...... *&$% the C3!

but the stainless steel C3 is a charm, exept for the pwm flickering on middle and low



if it has to be low budget buy a SS C3 or even better, the Romisen :tinfoil:

 

[sol-leks]

Re: UltraFire Cree C3 or Romisen RC-N3 II ?

Don't buy ultrafire, they are really poorly made. If you really want to save even more money, just get the original 1 mode p4 rc-n3 from dx.

If you want a light that is focusable, your best bet is the fenix e20, but it costs like 35 bucks. Its still worth considering though.

 

[DHart]

Re: Ultrafire C3 Q5 Stainless Steel 5-mode

Thanks for the info on the new C3 Q5 SS version... I just ordered one.

It sounds like the AKOray K-106 and this C3 Q5 may be two of the very best choices for low cost, versatile lights. I love the K-106 (bought one for a friend as well)... and now I can't wait to get the C3!

 

[lightmyway]

Re: UltraFire Cree C3 or Romisen RC-N3 II ?

Caesis,Stay away from the Ultrafire , The Romisen may suit you , are you planning on useing AA batteries, If your going to use rechargeables plan on also buying a Charger, Some advice spend some time on these forums and read reviews on the light you choose to purchase,you'll save money and be happy,Very few of these lights have adjustable beams.

 

[vali]

Re: UltraFire Cree C3 or Romisen RC-N3 II ?

They are not single mode anymore. DX sells now a 3 mode (High, Medium, strobe) wich is similar to the one that SB sells but with an added strobe and a lower cree. Its advertised as P4 in DX, but I got one of the first 3-mode and I doubt it was a P4 (probably a Q2 like the Romisen homepage states). I have to say its bright enough for most tasks and the runtime in high are good too.

The C3 was one of the first cool and cheap powerled flashlights, but with every new batch the quality seems to be even lower.

 

[TONY M]

Re: UltraFire Cree C3 or Romisen RC-N3 II ?

I'd go for the RC-N3, I have had a few of them and they have all been good unlike both of my C3s... which were garbage in comparison. The RC-N3s I have had are not waterproof due to a badly fitting O-ring at the head but are great value and nicely made (athough I have no experience with the 3 mode version).

If you can afford it then go with a Fenix or similar quality brand as it might be worth it in the long run.

 

[BigBluefish]

Re: UltraFire Cree C3 or Romisen RC-N3 II ?

I'd get the Romisen RC-N3. I have the older, P4 model, and it is nicely made, and plenty bright enough. With the two mode, you should get some good long runtimes on the lower (not really very low, though) setting on 2 x AA's. I've heard no complaints about the quality on any RC-N3s, but I've heard plenty of gripes about the UltraFire C3.

And in the 1 x CR123 form, it is a cool little black fhashlight, though I've never seen a single episode of "24."

 

[bessiebenny]

Re: Romisen RC-I3 runtime

In the Romisen RC-I3 review (browse down the page to "Romisen RC-I3 CR123A/1AA/2AA/14500"), there is no runtime graph, and the review says:
- It pulls TBA from 1 x 1.2v NiMh AA.
- It pulls TBA from 2 x 1.2v NiMh AA.
- It pulls TBA from 1 x RCR or 14500.
Could an owner of this light kindly measure the current draw with 1 and 2 NiMH AA, or report on runtime?

Unfortunately, I do not have that light anymore to measure them. (gave it away as present) But I do have the runtime graphs still saved up on my harddisk. As long as Romisen didn't change the driver since my review 1 year and 3 months ago, it should be the same or very similar. =)

 

[bessiebenny]

Eastward YJ-XAQ5 18650 Review

** Reposting for direct linking on main page **

★★★★ Eastward YJ-XAQ5 18650 KD / DX (Reviewed Apr 9th 2008)
Throw: High 9500 lux Low 1800 lux (1 x 3.7v 18650 @ 4.15v)
OLD Lightbox: High195 lux Low 36 lux (1 x 3.7v 18650 @ 4.15v)
Intro
- It's a 2 mode 18650-only light that is very bright and has solid feel.
- It is overall a bit smaller than the DBS V2. Same length as WF-400.
Build Quality
- Uses a silver core Cree Q5. Not sure what exact bin code. Neutral tint.
- Textured aluminium reflector. Thick 37mm glass lense. Flat rubber seal.
- 2-mode reverse clicky with resistor. Tail stands though not 100% stable.
- The clicky isn't that easy to press without using the tip of your thumb.
- It uses a standard looking 3 way clicky switch. Feels nice and solid still.
- Nothing seems glued. Cree Q5 is on a star base screwed on to pill.
- Pill easily rotates out. Big copper-like pill. Seems very easily moddable!
- Finish is great. No faults. Perfect square indents on the head. Quality!
- Grade 1 anodizing has a good thick "feel". But it scratches still...
Light Output
- Beam is clean. Big and wide bright spill. No distinct artifacts/rings.
- Hotspot is quite tight and well defined. Very bright hotspot. No holes.
- This light can throw. Even if it's an OP reflector. It does a great job.
- I was able to light up building tops in Sydney CBD over 150m away at night!
- Light tint is very good. Not too white. More neutral to warm tint.
- In Low mode, the output is significantly less. But it's not super low.
In Use
- Fits protected 2500mAh Trustfire 18650 without any issues. No rattle.
- Gets quite hot after about 15 minutes of use. But it's still bearable.
- Runtime graph is very similar to the DBS V2 graph. Similar output also!
- Comes with a decent man-sized thick round lanyard. One hole in tail.
- In low mode, it runs for over 7 hours of super constant brightness so far.
- More exact low mode runtime will be tested when time allows.
Final Notes
- It's an excellent 2-mode 18650 LED torch for this price. But no HAIII.
- I give it 4 stars coz it's extremely bright and well built but not the best.
- Mny report that it gets too hot and possibly killing the emitter coz of it!
- FYI - Eastward YJ-18WD / YJ-18WF has HAIII but is same price!
UPDATE
- The Cree emitter is now not as bright as before. Output is halved.
- Pulls same current (~1.5A) from battery still. Just the LED is half-dim.
- Either driver is killing the LED over time or I'm unlucky on the Q5 emitter.
- I've now put in a replacement Q5. All is good again and super bright.
- My Fenix T1 did the exact same thing within 3 days. Bad batch of Q5?
- Wolf359 also reported the "dimming" effect. Seems to be common???
RECOMMENDATION
- For those who are inclined, try improving the heatsinking of the LED.
- By dismounting the star and applying thermal paste on the bottom of it.
- or.. Use it up to ~15 minute bursts at a time. Over an hour is not good.
◎ Measurements
- It pulls 1.50A from 1 x 3.7v 18650 @ 4.15v

 

[bessiebenny]

Ultrafire C3 Stainless Steel P4 Review

** Reposting for direct linking on main page **

★★★★★ Ultrafire C3 Stainless Steel P4 LINK (Reviewed Apr 11th 2008)
Throw: 800 lux (1 x AA NiMh) 830 lux (2 x AA NiMh) 1150 lux (1 x 3.7v 14500)
OLD Lightbox: 60 lux (1 x AA NiMh) 60 lux (2 x AA NiMh) 89 lux (1 x 3.7v 14500)
Intro
- This is a 1-mode stainless steel version of the Ultrafire C3 Cree P4.
- First impression was "wow, it's really nice" and "wow, it's really heavy!"
Build Quality
- In terms of finish / feel of the new look, it's top notch. Very nice.
- Nicely engraved markings on the head. Looks professional and expensive.
- Easy to press reverse clicky. Switch is in its own pill. Good quality.
- Comes with a black rubber clicky. It looks much better with GITD clicky.
- Barrel is thick. Has good quality threads. Wasn't lubed but it's smooth.
- Glass lense. No O-ring infront of lense! But there is in other places.
- Has a OP aluminium reflector but it's much smoother than most OP's.
Light Output
- Brightness is about the same as original 1 mode Ultrafire C3 P4 to start.
- But the brightness drops with AA compare to non-SS C3 P4. Different driver?
- However, the output pattern using 14500 is very similar to original C3 P4.
- The tint is much whiter/cooler now. Old UF C3 P4 has a neutral/warm tint.
- Hotspot is well defined with soft blended edges. Faint yellow halo ring.
- No holes in the hotspot. Spill is very clean and still bright.
In Use
- It's heavy. It feels heavier than normal UF C3 with 2AA extension!
- Looks nice but as a pocket sized EDC, it's a bit too heavy for my liking.
- UF C3 2AA extender fits perfectly. Becomes a two tone body. =P
- Can use both 1AA and 14500 and also the extender so it's quite versatile.
- With my Trustfire protected 14500, it was a bit too long for the tail cap to close fully.
- It gets quite warm but not enough to say it's hot even after 20 minutes.
Final Notes
- I give it 5 stars as it's of excellent quality and quite bright / regulated.
- It's a really nice candidate if you need to give someone a present. =)
◎ Measurements
- It pulls 1.60A from 1 x 1.2v AA NiMh @ 1.4v
- It pulls 0.45A from 1 x 3.7v 14500 @ 4.15v

 

[bessiebenny]

Romisen RC-G2 Cree P2 AA Review

** Reposting for direct linking on main page **

★★★★★★ Romisen RC-G2 Cree P2 AA DXKD (Reviewed Jan 05 2008)
Throw: 1250 lux (1 x 1.2v AA NiMh)
Lightbox: 25 lux
- Small smooth-edged concentrated hotspot. Good thrower for AA light.
- Spill is clean with no rings / artifacts. Not very bright though.
- So it's not for those who wants a bright spill. Coz it really is dim.
- But the centre hotspot is very bright still so it can still light up things nicely.
- I wish Romisen updated this light with at least a P4. But it's good even with P2.
- Looks and feels expensive. Very good finish and coating. Excellent!
- Big turbo aluminium textured reflector. Glass lense. O-rings throughout.
- Forward-clicky! So it turns on with half-press. Responsive also.
- Nothing is glued at the threads. Cree P2 on 16mm round base.
- Excellent build quality. Feels more like a $25 light. I'm serious.
- For only around $11, it is one of the best AA light to get. Great a a present also.
- It's excellent for DIY'ers trying to make an ultimate throwy EDC AA light.
- FYI - There is a huge thread about this light. Many many followers. =)
- BTW - Now there is a Q5 version of this light at shiningbeam.com
- I have reviewed the Q5 version up the top so check it out also.
- It's also available in BLACK and GRAY color.
- 2009 Update - I have to assume it's brighter now due to more efficient LEDs even in the lower end.
◎ Measurements
- It pulls 1.60A from 1 x 1.2v NiMh AA.
- It pulls 1.40A from 1 x 1.5v Alkaline AA.

 

[scbeering]

I NEED A FLASHLIGHT

Hi I'm looking to get my first "quality" flashlight after my maglite 2xaa just broke. I'm looking for a 2xaa or a 2xaaa flashlight with these requirements:

- multi modes
- 2+ hour
- 100+ lumen strength on high

i'm pretty sure LED is the way to go... i've been looking at dealextreme.com and I cant narrow it down. Can anyone recommend a flashlight for less than $30?

thanks

 

[Slash5]

The first page of this thread tells you everything you want to know.

Personally I think there are more interesting lights out there but the Romisen RC-N3 meets your requirements and is highly recommended.

I'd go with a single AA light and carry spare batteries when I needed more runtime - lots more variety in single AA lights and easier to carry.

 

[js]

Re: UltraFire Cree C3 or Romisen RC-N3 II ?

C3 is a piece of crap!!!!!

after 3 broken switches and contact problems on every single torch!!!!

i purchased three C3's....none was working out of the box...... *&$% the C3!

but the stainless steel C3 is a charm, exept for the pwm flickering on middle and low



if it has to be low budget buy a SS C3 or even better, the Romisen :tinfoil:

Nos,

You should know better than to use that kind of language in this forum! Go underground if you want to swear like that, or replace the swear word with *&%(^ type characters or similar sort of thing, as I did in my edit of your post above. Don't do this again, please. Thanks.