Help me choose the next upgrade from my XML-T6 torches

rognons

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Hello fellows flashlights fanatics,
I am a just registered newbie from Italy, with a little collection of only "cheap" flashlights,
looking for an upgrade in versatility, reliability and of course... power!
Just for reference, here's my little collection: https://preview.ibb.co/kOEEHb/Flashlight1.jpg
The three without names were my first (and very low power) lights, the Black Cat from "Gemany"
is the keychain light, the 2 Romisens and the Uniquefire were the satisfying upgrade from the "no names",
and lastly, the Yupard and the Ultrafire (both Cree XML T6) were the satisfying upgrade from the Romisens.
Now I want to do another upgrade, but the "flashlight scene" is so huge now... I don't know anymore what are the best options!

So, checklist:
- I will order online.
- Budget up to 50$. (preferred 35-40, but if I have the "double power" I can arrive to 75$)
- Format: Flashlight.
- Size: doesn't matter... small/medium/large, It's for home use, to search the dog, to scare the thief... not everyday carry.
- Emitter: LED!
- Manufacturer: doesn't matter... if I have more performance/price ratio, I can assemble my own torch.
- Power Source: I have a lot of Rechargeable AA and 4 Samsung 18650 protected + charger... so I think my best option are 18650.
- How much light: more is better! I want un upgrade from XML T6, you be the judge!
- No need for turbo boost, but a medium and a very low settings would be very appreciated.
- Flood vs throw: I would like a good mix: I don't like at all the "iper-throw" with 0 flood and viceversa. Let's say "medium to wide throw".
- Runtime: is moderately important.
- Durability: very important
- Switch: doesn't matter at all.
- Mode selection: 4-5 level would be optimal. No need for more levels or programmable light, or sos, or strobe, etc.
- Material / Water resistance: doesn't matter / no need.


Thank you in advance!
 

GRAY LITNIN

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:welcome::welcome::welcome:

Im by far not the most experienced here and i'm sure others will recommend lights that might suit you better but i just discovered the convoy s2 series of lights (Thanks to CPF members) and might be something to consider.

There are a TON of options for these lights and you can pretty much make it how you want for around $20 delivered.

Since flood and throw seem to be a priority, check out some beam shots first, the beam profile is a little different between some models.

Then you must choose the amount of driver chips, it will look like this- 7135x3, 7135x4, 7135×6, 7135x8
Last number is amount of chips, 3 chips will provide longest runtimes but wont be as bright, i think 350 lumens.
8 chips (most you can choose) will be brightest with the shortest runtimes, 800lumens?, be aware that 8 chips get hot when run on high, others on this forum have said its quite toasty!
But based on your criteria you would probably be better served by the 3 or 4 chip model for longer runtimes
Keep in mind you can choose an 8 chip, and with the right firmware, program the light to use 50% power on the highest mode, (might keep from burning a hole in your pants too)

Then you'll have to choose warm or cool tints (most vendors provide photos so you can get a better idea)
Ordered mine from simon at aliexpress!

The lows however may not be low enough for you, you can program the light for different settings but the most common firmware is still a fairly bright low. The biscotti firmware will give you lower lows (and the 50% high mode) but its still not gonna be firefly if you need that.

Thats enough to think about for now, might not even interest you but if you check it out and have any questions just ask and I'll help any way i can (might not be much lol).
 
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rognons

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... the convoy s2 series of lights (Thanks to CPF members) and might be something to consider.

...

Thank you GRAY LITNIN for your answer,
I searched a lot before posting this topic, but I have to admit, I didn't consider this Convoy S2 series
because when I searched info (1-2 years ago?) before the purchase of my Yupard and Ultrafire,
I remember that the Convoy (maybe not the S2, but another model?!) was the "best seller"
with the Cree XML-T6 led... so I thought that this S2 would give me similar performance.
But now that you made me look closer, I see that the Convoy S2 have new emitters, like XML2 T6,
and a lot of different choices of drivers... and on this point I know next to nothing.
So I have to ask: the jump from my old Ultrafire WF-501B to a Convoy S2 7135x8 would be noticed?
Because this Convoys have very good prices and they would not break the bank... so I could try one.
(until I read your post, I knew only 2 things for sure:
- I really like the Acebeam EC50 mk2, but I don't like its price!-
- The Emisar D4 seems to be THE flashlight to have... but it has a lot of choice of led, I don't know what to choose!)
 

ven

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The D4 is an awesome light for the money rognons, LED wise depends on really your colour temp preferences. I prefer more towards neutral in colour temp, so 4000k-5000k are my choices. 4000k works for me in the evening when my eyes are use to a warmer light. 5000k works well in the day for me, mostly in artificial lighting areas. If you dont mind cool white, the 6500k xpl HI is nice for a cool white, brightest and furthest reaching of the options. You will need some high drain cells(not protected like you have), so sony vtc5a, vtc6 and samsung 30Q would be wise choices to feed the beast!
:welcome:
 

GRAY LITNIN

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No problem! I do not have my convoy in hand yet and dont know anything about the ultrafire, but based on what ive looked at and the differences in build between the two i think the s2+ will impress you!

Remember, ultrafire and alot of the cheaper lights are known for having bloated specs! Tests on convoys seem to be about right.
 
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GRAY LITNIN

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VEN SAID: You will need some high drain cells(not protected like you have), so sony vtc5a, vtc6 and samsung 30Q would be wise choices to feed the beast!


Are you referring to the D4 only? Im waiting on a Tan S2+ 8 chip with xpl HI (what 3 Amps?)and i was hoping i could use the Orbtronic protected 3400mah Panasonic NCR18650B i have. It runs my MH20 like a champ! But these arent quads either! Just wondering bout the s2 cause the specs i checked was compatible!

Think i need to upgrade cells?
 
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arKmm

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Fenix PD35 is a good all rounder and very well thought of.
 

rognons

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Thank you GRAY LITNIN, ven and arKmm for your answers.
As I expected there are a lot of different "paths" for my upgrade.

@Gray Litnin: the Convoy S2 seems to be the cheaper and best selling option,
so for a few bucks, before the decision for a more "professional" flashlight,
I think I will pull the trigger in the next days. From my research it seems to me
that ven was talking about the D4 for the unprotected cells... the convoy should
work perfectly with yours (and mine) protected cells, like my yupard does.

@Ven: I have to admit: the D4 seems the most "exciting" option... an incredibly compact
powerhouse at a reasonable price... but I was almost scared by some comment among the lines
of <not for newbies> / <can burn down your pants or your house> / <basically dangerous>...
and for this reason I stopped researching about the D4, and started looking for something bigger
and more capable of dissipating heat, like HaikeLite MT01, or better yet the MT07S... which seems
to last more than 30 seconds in turbo mode before starting to incinerate your hand!
I don't know if I am making any sense... but in my mind I would like a compromise between the
compact size of the Emisar D4 and the power of a Convoy L6... something in the middle between
this two, for dimensions, power/performance and price. Does it exists?

@arKmm: thanks for the suggestion... Fenix is one of those brands that I always liked,
and the PD35 is present on the Italian Amazon so I will add it to my wishlist... for now it's a bit "pricey".
 

GRAY LITNIN

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Thanks for puttin my mind at ease about the batteries!

As for having that much power in a compact size, it's like everything else in life whether its cars, guns, or gear. Every extreme upgrade makes a compromise elsewhere. Just remember this-FAST, CHEAP, RELIABLE- this applies to most anything. 99% of the time only 2 of the 3 can reasonably be considered! Thats why technology grows so rapidly; there are tons of intelligent people working on improving these 3 aspects of almost everything man-made.

Thus having that much juice in a such a small form factor is like running a race car with a tiny radiator (this case the heatsink/head of the flashlight). If it runs for long, its gonna BURN!!!!
 

ven

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VEN SAID: You will need some high drain cells(not protected like you have), so sony vtc5a, vtc6 and samsung 30Q would be wise choices to feed the beast!


Are you referring to the D4 only? Im waiting on a Tan S2+ 8 chip with xpl HI (what 3 Amps?)and i was hoping i could use the Orbtronic protected 3400mah Panasonic NCR18650B i have. It runs my MH20 like a champ! But these arent quads either! Just wondering bout the s2 cause the specs i checked was compatible!

Think i need to upgrade cells?

Yes for the D4, the convoy s2 is not a high ask, however a happy medium cell would be ideal................maybe along the lines of a sanyo GA cell with 10a 3500mah tank! Orbs you have will work fine yes.
 

ven

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@Ven: I have to admit: the D4 seems the most "exciting" option... an incredibly compact
powerhouse at a reasonable price... but I was almost scared by some comment among the lines
of <not for newbies> / <can burn down your pants or your house> / <basically dangerous>...
and for this reason I stopped researching about the D4, and started looking for something bigger
and more capable of dissipating heat, like HaikeLite MT01, or better yet the MT07S... which seems
to last more than 30 seconds in turbo mode before starting to incinerate your hand!
I don't know if I am making any sense... but in my mind I would like a compromise between the
compact size of the Emisar D4 and the power of a Convoy L6... something in the middle between
this two, for dimensions, power/performance and price. Does it exists?
.


D4 is a hot rod and sure a fun little light, you dont have to run it on max though. You can run it a lot lower, higher levels are short lived due to a thing call physics unfortunately.
Another light worth a look, again Emisar but the D1 and D1s, both 18650 fed, D1 around 40kcd, D1s around 120kcd(obviously a bigger head/reflector to improve throw). Same UI with the ramping firmware, short cut to min and max. Feature packed and great value...........maybe around 6a for the D1 and sure the D1s will be the same/similar.

Basically there is almost an endless variety out there, budget dependent. The convoy range offer excellent value for a budget light with a good few LED/driver and anodising options. The Emisar is still a budget light, but pushes the boundaries ..............well destroys them . Certainly some reading up and research required into these more specialised lights. The D4 etc does have low voltage warning, does have a clever driver that can flash/blink out your remaining cell V. Can tweak the driver temp(not exactly calibrated so use as a guide) from around 45oC to 70oC but can be quite a few degrees out. By that, if it blinks out 55 it does not mean exactly 55oC.....................Regardless, you can adjust it to suit your preference, want crazy output for a few seconds longer.............pay for a harsher step down/s and a lower output after a minute. Set towards the lower end, you have a less aggressive step/downs and should settle a little higher. Bare in mind the light is compact, so 500-600lm you should get a decent run out of, if the ambient temp is cool. Not many if any single 18650 cell lights can sustain near 1000lm for any duration(generally speaking).

The larger L6 would have no issue running 1000lm ish type output due to having more size to dissipate the heat. Depending on what level of output you plan on needing/using, may mean a multi cell light would be a more suitable choice.
 

GRAY LITNIN

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Yes for the D4, the convoy s2 is not a high ask, however a happy medium cell would be ideal................maybe along the lines of a sanyo GA cell with 10a 3500mah tank! Orbs you have will work fine yes.

Thanks for the help! I prolly need to pick up some new ones anyway, newest i have are 2yrs+ and still goin strong but can never have enough cells!!!
 

ven

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Thanks for the help! I prolly need to pick up some new ones anyway, newest i have are 2yrs+ and still goin strong but can never have enough cells!!!

No probs, the more cells you have..............the more lights you need to house them.......................more lights you have.................more cells you need. So it begins:poke:

I have many cells 2yrs and well past(maybe 7+) and still fine. Dont leave cells fully charged for long periods(months+), store near or around 3.6v to help keep things healthier. If need and use regular, no issues with fully charged cells. Ideally not too many stood stored, by the time you may need them, there will more than likely be "better" cells available(spec).
 

GRAY LITNIN

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VEN SAID: Dont leave cells fully charged for long periods(months+), store near or around 3.6v to help keep things healthier. If need and use regular, no issues with fully charged cells.

Good to hear! I've been keeping the two i run in my EDC fully charged, but swap them about every month (usually about 2-3 full charge cycles before i grab the one thats been sittin). Now that you've talked me into the s2+'s, i can keep more cells fully charged and still not expose any to full V pressures too long!
 
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