From what I can tell cheapest evern, you stack the code on top of the lighting deal only for Prime members for everyone, including Prime users.
Any recommendations on best deal on batteries for this torch?
CamelCamelCamel.
Batteries? Whatever you do, you'll absolutely need Button-Tops. Some flats work OK but due to the design of the conductor plate inside Button-Tops really are really the only proper way to go. Got one in the previous deal and it arrived on Friday so I've been playing around with it. Decent unit. Just got another thanks to this deal :) Cheers OP!
How long did delivery take. Thanks
Sent on the 11th and arrived 20th… so approx 10 days.
Maybe I got lucky but all of my flat tops work with this torch (some no names from a power bank and LG HG2)
Yep, I can confirm the HG2 flat-tops work too however I did have to remove the O-ring on the main body in order for the tops to make a decent contact. Hit & miss but for anyone buying new batteries specifically for this torch then button-tops are the only way to go.
Bought hope cashrewards will work.
My last Amazon AU order still didn't track in cashrewards.
When I did my order the other day, on the CAshrewards website it said to get a tax invoice from the Seller and then email that to Cashrewards. ([email protected])
May wait until it delivered.
You don't need Prime to get this Lightning deal. Tested with a dummy account without Prime features. and it looks like it costs $39.10 with Free postage.
ok thanks i thought ligthing deals where prime only will udpate main post
Confirmed. Just got another one and here are the order details without needing Prime Membership. Nice!
I am getting "voucher cannot be applied" or something like that… so I am thinking prime only??
Well that is cool I was waiting for a better price and here it is so I have ordered one thank you
Can anyone please advise if this works with 18650 batteries only as I don't have those but have AA envelop.
18650 batteries only as I don't have those but have AA envelop.
Completely difference.
Correct. Only 18650.
http://budgetlightforum.com/node/58658 Review and specs mention it specifically requires 18650 cells.
They are not terribly expensive, only costs roughly $4-5 dollars per cell, which makes them only slightly more than Eneloop batteries. You will need a battery charger for those batteries though and that's what will add to your overall cost.
Can you recommend a good brand or source for batteries at $5 each? I'm seeing prices around $12 for Samsung or Panasonic, which I assume are a safe bet.
$7 ea, pull open the aldi powerbank.
@Lukian: Negatory, they're flat-tops. This beast really needs button-tops. Been there, done that :) I used the ALDI cells in other 18650 devices so no biggie anyway.
The last time I bought, mine were from this deal but the bulk of my cells are actually from Fasttech
@scrimshaw: Me too! But I didn't purchase enough because I only had 1x 18650 torch at that point in time :>
I notice the nipple-tops are "2 or more 7.00" (Panasonic), "2 or more 8.99" (Samsung) which isn't a bad price with delivery included.
I've sent the rep a message anyway to see if the deal can be repeated or improved. =)
Hey I tried to buy from Fasttech but there's no valid shipping option? Everything is greyed out?
@ironpaw:
Try banggood and search for Samsung 18650 they have a 4 pack of button top for about 30 bucks.
They seem to ignore the fact they are not meant to ship batteries to Australia.
Had many many get here fine.
@Mako: They're not meant to go by air.. Everything I have bought from banggood has been so slow to deliver it was probably on a boat.
For anyone who's not familiar with high powered lithium batteries, I recommend you get the protected cells.
It can be dangerous if you overcharge the batteries.
If you don't intend to use the batteries for a period of time, it's best that you store the batteries at 50% capacity.
Best to use batteries that are from the same manufacturer and the same amps.
I highly recommend Keeppower Panasonic 18650 3500mAh Li Ion NCR18650GA Protected 3.7v battery.
But they're around $17-$20 each.
Just bought one. Great write up in the reviews - I was interested to read how this was essentially designed by enthusiasts on BLF.
Now to track down some 18650 batteries and a Nitecore D4.
Please post a link to good batteries when u find them
So now needs charger and batteries, still have $15 from eBay to spend.
I assume you're not going to like them due to the price… but these are exactly what you asked for: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Panasonic-NCR-18650-B-3400mAh-Li… Good batteries!
More like the best.
They sound great. Weird listing though. They have a picker for 'Model' with options starting at X1 up to X12. I'd assume that this meant quantity, except X1 is $8.70 and X4 is $40.99 (not the expected $34.80).
Yes, tell me about it! I was hoping for the cheaper price but when I price-checked with other sellers the $40.99 for four was still decent so I just went for it. Not very OzBargainy of me I know! Either way, that arrived within 9-10 days and seem to be the real deal so I'm happy.
@SteveAndBelle: Right. So X1 etc isn't a weird model designation at all then? I just used X1 and put 4 into the quantity box, and it came up as $34.80. The transaction has just gone through, so I don't know what on earth their X4 etc means.
Thanks for your help.
@t3chshopper: Nope. It's quantity. They just have no idea what they're doing with their listings haha.+
@t3chshopper: Ah, that's exacty what I tried to do too but it wouldn't let me buy more than one 'X1' single so I just went for the 'X4' pack instead. Cool, you've just found an Easter Egg :) Nice work!
What charger do I need for these?
Many types available from cheap, no-name single cell chargers through to expensive, brand name multi cell chargers. Far too many to list here and is really up to the individual to choose to suit their needs and budget.
Has anyone bought from this eBay seller? Mine just turned up and packing was very dodgy and just realized they have negative feedback for selling fakes..
Yeah, mine just came in bubble-wrap and although I haven't looked into it in depth there's no reason I have to think they're fakes. They charge up fine, drain to spec and overall seem OK but as with lots of decent counterfeit products they can sometimes be VERY difficult to identify. If I get some time over the weekend I might delve into this a bit further and see if I can prove/disprove it.
Yup that seller oz camping a few people have complained of fakes, I'm using them fully charged in this torch and I'm sure its not 5000 lumens I can leave it for 20 mins on max and it doesn't overheat….
EDIT: I'm wondering if the protection circuit is limiting current draw..
Did you use the torch in full mode according to the menu?
Is the Panasonic battery OK? Just want to order some.
@superforever: Yes and it is bright but I'm pretty sure not 5000 lumens and the fact it won't overheat suggest its not maxing out. The panasonics in that link are 2C which is going to be near the limit I think 3C would be better and reading a amazon review the guy recommends Samsung 30Q although it appears even button tops 30Q are not protected which isn't ideal
@ozlegacy: Yes, I've used them in the Q8 and although I don't have anything to accurately measure the light output I'm pretty sure it's 5000 or very close to it as it's stupidly bright and 'many' times brighter than known 1000 lumen torches I've run beside it for comparison. Mine gets very warm but not hot however the ambient temps are still pretty cool at the moment so that may be helping. Haven't let it run non-stop on full brightness for more than about 10-15 mins either as I've had no need ;)
@ozlegacy: Yes Samsung 30Q seems to be the way to go, and from what I have read online, it does not matter that they are not protected. I am going to order them along with a charger as soon as there is a 10% off eBay sale, from seller "techaroundyou"
Samsung 30Q although it appears even button tops 30Q are not protected which isn't ideal
Is protected or not important?
I don't have anything to accurately measure the light output I'm pretty sure it's 5000 or very close to it as it's stupidly bright and 'many' times brighter than known 1000 lumen torches I've run beside it for comparison
In that case should be enough I don't think I need that bright.
@superforever: Totally your call whether you get protected or non-protected, it's more a personal & budgetary thing and sometimes due to the slight extra length you can sometimes have issues physically fitting them into torches… but I don't think that's really anything to worry about TBH.
@SteveAndBelle: ok thanks for that, I've ordered some local 30Qs to compare will report back once they turn up
From here? $18.99 for Two Samsung 30Q from techaroundyou eBay.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2X-Samsung-30Q-high-drain-18650-…
ozcamping2-1 eBay product page is very confusing, they have model, X1, X2, X4 … as first I thought they are quantity.
What is the difference? If you don't know doesn't matter other than X1 those are so expensive.
@superforever: Yeah, that has all been discussed above (a comment or two under my original comment which included that link)
@SteveAndBelle: eBay seller is refunding me their reply below, also over night I tested one of the cells on a load/discharger and they are only 2.1A at best nowhere near close the 3+A advertised so buyer beware, will report back if the 30Qs end up being any better.
"Hi friend,
I have asked my suppler. He advise me some of batteries was made in early last year. They may noe perform that well as new batteries. Happy to send you refund if you do not like them."
@ozlegacy: Yeah cool. Cheers for the update. I'm a good 2-3 weeks away from getting my Li Charger/Discharger/Analyzer so I wont know accurate figures on my cells until then. I'm fine with them even down at 2.1A but yes pretty poor form. I've only charged them a couple of times so if the mood strikes me then I may join you in a refund… but don't want to have the hassle of paying to return them (but of course that's exactly why they chose that price point, sneaky buggers). We live and learn.
@superforever: I did some research and ended up with the Zanflare C4 as although it doesn't have a large display capable of showing all stats at once I did read that it has one of the only decent & accurate internal resistance measurements of all the similar units… and resistance is kind interesting to me as I have a heap of absolute plain wrapped cells of various ages & conditions sourced from various things and I'd like to grade them all properly so I know where I stand. I also got it for under $35 Shipped too so thought that was a pretty decent price.
@SteveAndBelle: they dont want them returned I got full refund and no returning which only enforces the fact he knows he is selling subpar product
@ozlegacy: Yeah cool. I'll probably follow up on the return myself then too :) I've just sent a 'Request to Return' via eBay so will update here once I get a response. Cheers.
@superforever: I just started the conversation with the seller basically asking if they could guarantee (with proof) that they are 100% genuine. If they can't do that then they deserve to take a hit and learn a lesson. I don't mind keeping them or sending them back… I have plenty of other 18650s on the go so I'm happy either way… but I've also mentioned that I have an analyzer on its way and I'll be testing these cells first. We'll see what happens (popcorn).
@SteveAndBelle: Wait, you got a refund on these cells - https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Panasonic-NCR-18650-B-3400mAh-Li… ?
That's what I've bought too for my Q8. I must admit - it was bright, but not as bright as I'd expected.
So the suspicion is that these are fake Panasonics?
I received them today but no charger to charge them, are they full pre-charged?
If not I can't tell now until I have the charger in a few weeks. Will it be too late to get a refund?
it was bright, but not as bright as I'd expected
Is it the battery or the light?
But Steve said this before
Yes, I've used them in the Q8 and although I don't have anything to accurately measure the light output I'm pretty sure it's 5000 or very close to it as it's stupidly bright and 'many' times brighter than known 1000 lumen torches I've run beside it for comparison
I tested it with some Keeppower from friends last night, although his only have 3 instead of 4 so I have to use one Panasonic for my torch.
But the brightness is the same with all 4 of my Panasonic, it can light up my rumpus just like I have turned on the light there.
Seem the battery is OK.
@t3chshopper: Sorry, been away for a couple of days so haven't been able to reply until now. Yes, sounds like they ARE in fact fakes even though I haven't yet got my analyzer to prove it. The seller took a few days to get back to me and I thought they were going to ignore me but they refunded me yesterday no questions asked and without the need to send them back! If that isn't admitting fault I dont know what is… and I didn't even accuse them of selling fake cells either, I just alerted them that I was a little suspicious that they may be fake and I'd like some kind of solid evidence that they were genuine. I also mentioned I had an analyzer on its way so maybe that scared them a little. Anyway, props to them for a hassle-free outcome but of course they shouldn't be tryung to pull the wool on consumers.
Just wondering as I remember you did say it bright up Q8 OK and quite bright.
Any reason why you think they are fake and asked for refund?
@superforever: Yep, brightness is usually voltage dependent but run time is usually capacity related so yes, they run the Q8 really nice & bright as their voltage seems fine… but that's not the issue here, the issue is capacity so I doubt I'll get the runtime from them as they're most probably closer to 2000s, not 3400s as advertised. I wont know the absolute truth until I have my battery analyzer though.
No doubt they're still reasonable Li-Ion batteries but I got a little suspicious once others started commenting that they might be fakes both here an in the feedback/reviews of the seller. That prompted me to contact the seller and innocently request some kind of evidence that they were in fact genuine which shouldn't be a problem if they were. I was prepared to enter a back & forth discussion and maybe post them back before receiving a refund but the fact they just refunded me (& others) without even questioning it kinda tells me they know they're selling fakes and just want to sweep this under the carpet.
Thanks for the clarification
No doubt they're still reasonable Li-Ion batteries but I got a little suspicious once others started commenting that they might be fakes both here an in the feedback/reviews of the seller.
I really couldn't find comments said that Panasonic are fake, only the ultrafire one.
https://feedback.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&…
I wont know the absolute truth until I have my battery analyzer though.
Please let use know after you have the analyzer
In that case the brightness issue with @t3chshopper may not related if the voltage is fine.
That's what I've bought too for my Q8. I must admit - it was bright, but not as bright as I'd expected. So the suspicion is that these are fake Panasonics?
@superforever: that was my initial assessment. I did reconsider that once I got my old 600 lumen torch out both inside and outside.
My XTAR VC4 arrived only took 10 days from China $22.99
Let see how is it after fully charged them.
If the battery is genuine is it the mAh should show 3400mAh by the time fully charged?
Did you receive yours analyzer yet?
@superforever: I'm pretty sure a proper analysis requires a full charge and discharge cycle for a truthful report. I used to do this with NiMH cells back in the day and it wasn't until it had done a few full charge/discharge cycles that it could report solid analysis stats. Discharge stats are better to go bt but of course charge stats would obviously still be relative.
Nope, I'm on holidays at the moment but will be back on Thursday and it'll hopefully be waiting for me.
I'm pretty sure a proper analysis requires a full charge and discharge cycle for a truthful report.
Yeah I think I have to do that to see if it can charge up to 3400mAh because the batteries came with partially charged.
My charger can only show how much was charged into the battery.
@superforever: Here you go, Battery Test Results As you can see they're a bit all over the place but even the highest capacity cell is still a good 20% less than advertised so I'm about 80% sure they're fakes. I'm running them through the 18 hour test process again and maybe a third time just to be sure these results are consistent but I'd say they'll be close each time. Internal resistance also varies quite a lot but I'll publish those results after I've finished cycling them through the test process just to be fair. I also have some genuine non-protected Panas I'm keen to test just for comparison purposes so more on that later.
Thanks.
I have also discharged them and charged them again but it fully charged at 1900mAh.
I have reported to them they are not as described 3400mAh, see what they will say.
@SteveAndBelle: Mooch on blf and reddit /r/flashlight has guides on how to tell fakes apart.
From memory it's fine details like the wraps and the stamps. Fakes can be dangerous to your gear and worst case even you so it's definitely worth a look.
@superforever: then you bought the wrong kind of batteries. The Q8 has been tested on pro equipment to exceed 5000 lumens.
@superforever: This torch requires high drain/current batteries. The panasonic ncr18650b is rated at 10mAh max current. That means the torch can't draw enough power from the cells to run.
You need Samsung 30q button tops like this that can draw up to 20mAh current.
They are not responding to my message regarding the 3400mAh.
How is your third time test?
The torch did turn on OK with the batteries, not sure whether I should return them.
@superforever: Hmm, sounds like you may have to wait until it transfers over to eBay and let them sort it out.
Been a bit busy so haven't had time to post results or pics however the third test results were about the same as the others. I've since been testing the 'Genuine' Panasonics and yeah, all above 3400 with some even over 3500! One massive difference though is the internal resistance… the fakes were at or over 200 Ohms but the genuines all under 100 Ohms, even down into the 70s so easily a third the resistance of the fakes.
The fakes work perfectly well in the torches however their obvious admission of guilt made me glad I queried it. I've marked the fakes and will still use them but not for 'mission critical' activities. There's also a risk of injury/fire using the fakes but I'll make sure to minimise that potential as much as possible.
Why don't you stop spamming the post asking for links and do some of your own research?
Why would every one of us do the same work? Instead of whining how about you post a link for the batteries
just wow. lol. this guy.
I have just confirmed with the company they are selling the stock because the new version is coming out it will be much better and improved at similar price tag
it will be much better and improved at similar price tag
May be similar price tag before this discount.
I only read this far down after I'd rushed in and bought one. Kind of killed my happy buzz :). But thanks for the information it's always good to see people do good research and feed it back on here to help others make informed choices, cheers.
We'll see, give it to someone as a present if the new version is cheaper and better :D
got a model number and/or specs perchance?
I'd say this is an enthusiasts' torch. It has a very complicated UI.
It can basically operate in two modes - Ramping Mode and Modes Mode.
Ramping Mode (the default) - hold down the button and the brightness ramps up to maximum.
Modes Mode - click and the brightness changes to the next level. (Most torches are like this).
There are 12 different Modes that can be set - e.g. Mode 1 has two brightness levels (10 Lumen and 5,000 Lumen). Mode 6 has 6 evenly spaced brightness levels.
If you want to use Modes Mode, you need to set the torch up to use the Mode that you want. This means entering the Programming Mode. Bit fiddly but I guess you only have to do it once.
It has a lockout mode that can be set to prevent accidental operation - either mechanical lock-out or electronic lockout.
Having said all that - it is a pretty good torch.
It is pretty heavy but no more than expected. It is easily carried in the hand.
It is also VERY BRIGHT. 5,000 Lumens from close up WILL cause temporary blindness. be careful…
Yeah it's an enthusiasts torch, but it's not really complicated unless you want it to be. Ramping mode is the default and is fine for most people.
What sort of battery life do you get with yours?
Was thinking of using one of these for cycling at night to light up the road
Wow didn't buy it last deal, they really want me to get one.