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Meco XPE-Q5 600lm $1.99 USD ~ $2.65 AUD, MECO XM-L2 2000lm $4.99 USD ~ $6.64 AUD, 18650 Batteries @ Banggood

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Cheap flashlights to use all those eneloops!
Definitely don't put out their advertised lumen ratings but can't be beaten on price. Had both the XPE-Q5 and XM-L2. The XM-L2 is a lot more solidly built, puts out a fair bit more light by my untrained eye and has 5 modes (hi, med, low, strobe, sos) wheras the Q5 is just on/off, however it is a fair bit larger and heavier.
Meco XPE-Q5 600lm 1x 14500/AA
Meco XM-L2 2000lm 1x 18650 or 3x AAA

Also some cheap 18650 Panasonic cell batteries for the XM-L2 that live up to their capacity claims.
2 PCS NCR 18650B 3400mAH ~ $10.63 AUD
4 PCS NCR 18650B 3400mAH ~ $15.94 AUD

6% via TopCashback, thanks @blueskyharvest

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closed Comments

  • +1

    Reputedly these are good quality 18650 batteries. However, these batteries have no knob on the +ve end. They are usually used to solder together into a pack. Using them as a standalone cell in these torches would likely require they have a knob soldered on the top. I wonder if one of these miniature disk magnets would do the trick? http://www.gearbest.com/action-toys/pp_190697.html

    I guess 11% off code 10annv11 can be applied.
    Also 6% via TopCashback

    • +3

      Using one of those 18650 batteries in the Meco XM-L2 flashlight now with no issues.

      11% off code 10annv11 can't be applied either, "This coupon is not available for limited offer products."

      • Thanks Vert93 for confirming the flat topped 18650 battery in your post is OK in the MECO XM-L2 torch you posted.

        Banggood have a plethora of discount coupon codes, including 10annv15%, 10annv15 and 10annv12%. None of which work for these items. Also $10 off $30 for new members. Which similarly did not work for these discount items.

        Seems Banggood codes and points are bang good for nothing discounted that customers would normally buy.

    • +1

      Can confirm magnets work as make-shift button-tops. I've got little ones on some 20A flat top LG cells at home and they work, although most lights these days (Nitecore excluded) will take flat-tops without any issues. I bought something like these

  • +1

    What's a good charger for the 18650 Panasonic batteries?

    • +2

      I use a $5.31 AUD XTAR MC1, convenient because it can be used with any USB power sources

  • +2

    Below is the trick to my collection of free 18650 cells, even 4-5 years old ones are still a lot better than cheap cells from China.
    http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?246699-Tutorial-Laptop-Battery-Pack-18650-Extraction

    • +1

      Doubtful old laptop cells that have been through lots of charge/discharge cycles and battery aging would perform as well as a new Panasonic cell. But +1 for recycling old batteries, just be careful people!

      • +1

        Agreed - this should be done with extra care. However low quality cells pose the same risks.
        A good old 18650 cell that's been through less than 2000 discharge cycles should be able to keep at least 4V after fully charged (~70% of original capacity). You can tell if it's a keeper just from a simple measurement.

  • Took the plunge. Thanks OP

  • I had been buying torches and 18650 or 14500 3.7V rechargeable batteries from AliExpress during the 10% cashback. A torch i bought that is similar to the XM-L2 above was:

    US $4.98 Lanterna CREE XM-L2 6000LM Tactical Flashlight Torch Zoom Linternas LED Flashlight for 3xAAA or 1x 18650 Rechargeable Battery
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/UltraFire-E17-CREE-XM-L2-220…

    I think the Mecco is probably better. The AliExpress torch at US$4.98 required 'T6', not 'L2' selection, and I am not sure if 'T6' indicates a lesser LED.

    • I also bought for US$3.66 from AliExpress another 18650 torch that was clearly labelled as T6: "Model of LED Beads:T6"
      US $3.66 Skywolfeye T6 4000LM Tactical LED Flashlight 18650 Rechargeable 5 Modes Torch
      https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Super-Cree-T6-4000LM-Tactica…

      So I think the MECO XM-L2 for US$4.99 of this post is probably good buying - so I bought one thanks Vert93

  • I'm looking at the MECO XM-L2.
    Do you have to cycle through the 5 modes every time you turn it on?
    I'm looking for something with a simple on/off switch.
    I remember having a headlight and in order to turn it from on > off you had to cycle through sos, strobe, flashing, etc.
    Also, is there any reason to own an LED torch or are they now considered 'old hat'next to these new super zoom torches?
    I'm still using many of the old halogen and LED bulb styled torches.

    • Mode will change if you turn the torch on and off within ~5s or less. Turning it and off normally will keep the same mode.

      LED torches are more efficient than old style halogen torches and should last longer and be brighter in a smaller and lighter package. Not sure what you mean by 'super zoom' torches.

  • I also bought the 4 pack NCR 3400mAH 18650 3.7V Lithium Rechargeable Battery For Panasonic, thank you Vert93. Reviews indicate mAh of 2500 or more.

    The 18650 batteries I ordered from Ali Express are reviewed at variously between 400 mAh and 1200 mAh by customers. This is contrary to the labeling on those Ali Express batteries of either 9800 mAh or 9900 mAh. Apparently "Truth in labeling" is an unimportant notion in China.

    US $6.49 4pcs 18650 Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries 3.7V 9800mAh with 18650 Battery Charger
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/New-4pcs-18650-Rechargeable-…

    US $6.08 4pcs 18650 3.7V 9900mAh Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries with Charger Universal
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4pcs-18650-3-7V-9900mAh-Rech…

    The weight is important. Apparently over 40gm is a good indicator of good mAh.

  • Can someone please advise that how Meco XM-L2 2000lm can use 3x AAA batteries instead of 1x 18650 as i have eneloop of AAA size only.

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