my thoughts on entry level rechargeable lights

[bug_eyedmonster]

http://www.sbflashlights.com/

XTAR WP2 II charger
This was the heart of my concern after reading of potential problems with various chargers and batteries. Knowing how wasteful it is to be constantly disposing AA, AAA, CR123A, and various other batteries are, I decided to give this a try. This is one of the main reasons that made me go with my specific batteries and lights as well. There’s a lot to consider when choosing the proper combination. The batteries need to work with your specific lights/drop-ins. Your batteries need to work with your charger. Your charger needs to handle the different types of batteries, or you’ll need to buy multiple chargers. These are all problems I ran into, and took a while to find what I was looking for. Without getting into too much detail, I’ll just say this. Every type of battery does not necessarily work with every light/drop-in, and if it does, you may not always get all of the functions. Make sure to read the descriptions carefully, and make sure your batteries are properly labeled to prevent any possible problems.
This charger is a GREAT bargain. For $17, you can get this charger that comes with a wall and car adaptor with it. You also get the small spacers to use with other size batteries for a DOLLAR extra. The batteries I narrowed it down to are the RCR123A and 18650 batteries. More on those later, but this charger covers a broad range of them, and there are two slots to charge from. It also came with decent directions, and rather nice packaging. There is also a USB inlet as well, but something I don’t plan to use, so I’m not too familiar about it.
There is a link below to a review with very detailed information regarding the performance of the charger. There are a total of three reviews that I read through that helped me decide (and made me more confused) when initially looking. The main takeaway here is that it is simple to use, has multiple levels of charging for different batteries (and/or for different currents). It is safer than others out there that can lead to potential problems. My initial use of this charger was for two 18650 batteries, which took just under two hours. Many people have said that you should not leave your batteries and charger unattended when in use, but never did they get hot to the touch (just warm) nor did they have any type of burning smell that some people have had with other chargers. You can also see from the review linked below that there is a TON of information to go along with this… information that quite frankly, I don’t understand.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?321423-Review-of-Measurement-on-Xtar-WP2-II-charger

XTAR RCR123A batteries
I bought these batteries to use with two lights that have not come in yet. I will possibly do an update with those when I get them; they are the JETBeam RRT-01 (just released) and the PC-10. I will also be using the same ones with my Surefire M961 with Malkoff MD10 conversion. To my understanding, these types of batteries will not work with “factory” Surefire lights, but with that drop-in conversion from Malkoff Devices, Gene Malkoff has confirmed it will work fine. So at this point, there isn’t much I can say, other than they are going to physically fit my current SF M961.

Solarforce 18650 batteries
This are the second version of their batteries. So far, they've held up great, but I will admit it's been minor usage so far. I've been playing with these lights for two days, pretty much non-stop, and they haven't died yet. I've only charged two of them once, and they've lasted without a hiccup.

The lights.Spark SD6-500CW and ST6-500CW

[bug_eyedmonster]

more

HOST- Solarforce L2P Grey
Since the Spark headlamps used the 18650, and it seemed like one of the standards for some of the more common hosts, I decided to go that route. A host is essentially a customizable flashlight body without a drop-in, sometimes without a tail cap or front bezel depending on the manufacturer. I will go into more detail about the drop-in I decided with later, but a “drop-in” is essentially the bulb/lamp assembly with the LED emitter, reflector, housing, and battery tension springs. This gives you options to which type of flashlight you want to end up with. A single mode means there is only one brightness level, and it will turn on/off when you click the button. A multiple mode, such as a three mode drop-in, has three different brightness levels. Depending on the function, you can scroll through the levels of brightness/power consumption and choose. There are two types of “clicking” that you will need to decide between. The reverse click seems to be the more common one, which means that the command you are giving happens on the click back up after hearing/feeling the click. A forward click means the action is happening as you are pushing down as opposed to coming back up on a reverse, if I understand this correctly. Most of the 18650 hosts I’ve come to find have mainly a tail click-type control with a scrolling feature to cycle through power levels. Some brands have a rotating ring to adjust power, or a combination of the click and ring. There are a number of brands that make hosts that take different batteries. The reason why I wanted a “host” instead of a new complete flashlight from companies such as Surefire or Streamlight is because they seem “old school” for the lack of better words. I spent $85 on my G2Z from Surefire. I spent another $25 on a new LED drop-in to get a higher output of light out of it. After doing some research, it seemed like that was just too much for what I can put together myself. Now, onto the Solarforce!

When I first started looking into finding a host, there were a few brands I tried to decide between. Just like everything else, there are dozens of choices, if not more, and finding what I wanted wasn’t easy. My decision came down to a few things. I wanted something that would be able to use the same battery as my headlamps, something that would take daily abuse, and most importantly, something that didn’t take a PhD to figure out. I wasn’t really dedicated to investing a ton of money since I’ve already got a few other flashlights, but when I came across the Solarforce L2 line, I was pretty much sold. I initially wanted the L2T. The “T” stands for tactical because of the differences it has, but it was backordered. I ended up going with the L2P, which seems like a better option anyway after talking to Jason at SBFlashlights. When I was on the SBF website, I choose the extra crelenated stainless steel bezel, with no drop-in, in grey. I know that the bezel might feel excessive, but I didn’t get it for poking people. As mentioned earlier, I tend to use lights on the workbench pretty frequently, and I’ve also accidentally left them on before. The host comes with a slightly crelenated one, but since I have carpet mats on my bench, I needed something with a bit more space to see if it’s on.
When I got this, I was REALLY surprised. It came in a very simple clam shell pack with really nothing more than a warranty card thing. For $60ish (including drop-in), I got my new favorite light (that is, until the other two show up). My Surefire L2 has been adopted by my dad. He’s becoming really involved with photography, and has been taking weekend trips to Yosmite and Death Valley, and needed something to keep in the car just in case. I’d otherwise have pictures comparing the two. I think I paid $165 in 2002 for that light, and I can honestly say this Solarforce looks and feels like a better light. Even though these two have similar names, they are not similar in designs nor is the Solarforce a copy (other than fit and finish). From the pictures and other reviews, it looked like the knurling was minimal on this light host, but it’s actually very effective. The o-rings are snug, threads are clean and burr-free, and tail cap and rubber button cover is all very taught. There is one minor grip that others have had. When you assemble this with a battery and drop-in, some have mentioned a rattle. When I first assembled it, I noticed it too, but realized something. A while back, I came across a review of different batteries. This review had a chart showing different measurements of various brands, and there was a rather awkward variance between them all. Regardless, with my current batteries, there is some room, so to solve the problem, I took some electrical tape and stuck it inside the tube. Magic! No more rattle. Earlier I mentioned the forward and reverse clicking for activation. This light claims to have a forward clicking switch, but after playing with it, the actual action of turning this light on is a reverse click, and to scroll through the power levels is a forward half click. Since I’m not sure, I’m just going to ask if anyone knows if this is caused by the drop-in or if it’s the light itself.
The drop-in I decided to go with for the Solarforce was the Thrunite CREE XML three stage model. After talking to Jason at SBF, I was instructed to use the 2.7-4.2 volt instead of the 3-9 volt model. Again, another save by the guys at SBFlashlights! I’m starting to consider a single mode since it’s kind of hard to remember that I need to cycle through them. The reason why I have to cycle though the settings is because every time I use it, let’s say on med mode, and turn it off, it turns back on in low. Again, I’m not sure if it’s the drop-in or if it’s from the host itself. The nice thing about this Thrunite is there is no strobe and S.O.S. function. I’m sure it’s handy for some of you, but it’s not something I feel like scrolling though. There are other brands, such as the Klarus XT11 that has two separate buttons to activate the strobe or S.O.S. function, but again, that’s only if you actually want it. Anyway, the Thrunite is bright. At the lowest setting, it’s at 60 lumens, medium is 200, and high is 460 lumens with a 18650.

[bug_eyedmonster]

pictures of charger:





Pictures of headlamps:
SD6-500CW

[bug_eyedmonster]

more pictures

more of the SD6:

[bug_eyedmonster]

SD6 again




ST6-500CW:

[bug_eyedmonster]

more ST6





Solarforce L2P:

[bug_eyedmonster]

more L2P

[bug_eyedmonster]

picture of the Thrunite drop-in and a comparison of all the lights with a Fenix TA-30 and Surefire G2Z

[problemchild]

Nice setup. Spark now sells a reflector for that headlamp that does not have one above.

[bug_eyedmonster]

Thank you! I actually have that on my list of stuff to tack on with my other two lights coming... among other stuff. =)

Jerry