Quick comment on some 18650 battery length problems in some lights.
Originally these 18650 batteries so named because were are 18mm wide and about 65mm long. But more recently with protected cells these batts can be 67mm long (Trustfire 3000s) or 69-70mm long (Panasonics), and while the 67mm Trustfires usually fit and switch operates correctly, the 69.4mm panasonics can give problems. Usually solved by loosening tube thread or tailcap by a turn or two.
The panasonic 2900/3100/3400s give good runtimes after a few charges and are becoming increasingly popular, so I've mentioned this issue to Maxtoch. They make this comment:
"We will adjust the length of spring and flashlight body in new model SN. In this case, the new model should be able to fit the longer batteries"
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Rugerman
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Re: LED torches: purchase suggestions Reply #16 - Sep 13th, 2013 at 10:52pm
That's great news they are listening to advice and are willing to make a few changes aye Muddy doubt there would be too many manufacturers like that. I have a new charger on the way from fastTech
I'd appreciate a heads up when the new sn torches with the adapted springs etc.. come out. I might get 1 or 2 and some of those Panasonic 3400 batteries sound worth a go.
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Re: LED torches: purchase suggestions Reply #17 - Sep 13th, 2013 at 11:18pm
Check with manualman which panasonics are best - some higher mAh batts like the 3400s may not be quite so good for runtime in some light setups. He might know details
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Re: LED torches: purchase suggestions Reply #18 - Oct 7th, 2013 at 5:27pm
Just a reminder with so many people buying these lights now of the simple way to deal with too long batteries.
The maxtoch like most other 18650 lights was designed for standard length 18650 batts - i.e. 18mm wide and 65mm long. But the new protected cells like the panasonics etc are 69-70mm long and if you screw the tailcap tight on them the torch may cut out - lose contact.
Simple way to do it is put longer batts in, start to screw on tailcap, switch on light, then continue to screw on tailcap til light cuts out, then come back half a turn or so. End of problems.
Alternatively you can take switch with spring out of tailcap, clip spring back 4-5m and re-level it, then refit in cap.
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Re: LED torches: purchase suggestions Reply #19 - Oct 14th, 2013 at 10:12pm
I need a long range scope-mounted light for wallaby shooting, but finding the SN6X or C8 both give me too much glare back off the suppressor, so looking for a tight hotspot with minimal spill, but still more range than x2000 etc. (will be used in combination with a handheld SN6X)
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Re: LED torches: purchase suggestions Reply #22 - Nov 5th, 2013 at 2:01pm
There is a holdup with transport of lithium ion batteries thru many airlines at the moment until they agree on new safe packaging processes. Some orders get thru from overseas companies, some don't.
My suggestion in the interim is buy from kiwi suppliers - dearer but wil get people started. I've no doubt the issue will get sorted as 18650 batts a very popular worldwide commodity. Main thing is don't buy crap brands like ultrafire off trademe.
Brands to look for - panasonic, Xtar, sanyo, nitecore and samsung. Note you'll need protected cells that have button tops. I read good reviews on the Sanyo 2600s recently and they're not too expensive at $22 a pair here. Watch for these better brand batts on trademe.
There are also Marsfire Sanyo 2600s showing up on trademe. A couple of reviews suggest they're ok - around 2400mAh genuine:
Hi I’ve been reading this thread with interest as I want to buy a light for night hunting. I know nothing about hunting lights and from reading the thread there seems to be a reasonable amount of prior technical knowledge apparent in the discussion so I’d like to check my understanding and learn a bit more from some of you knowledgeable folk. It seems that the Maxtoch SN6X-2 is one of the most recommended hunting lights with the upgraded SN6X-2s even brighter but heavier. And I see there is talk of a new lightweight light. I have read a lot about dedoming. Exactly what is this? If it increases the light produced considerably, why don’t the manufacturers do it? Is a dedomed light as reliable and long lasting as a factory produced one? Who does dedoming? Can any handyman/electrician do this? With respect to chargers, why are some better than others? I can understand that difference in the quality of batteries. If the Panasonic batteries are too long for some lights, what other good quality alternatives would you recommend? Thanks for your help.
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Re: LED torches: purchase suggestions Reply #26 - Jan 13th, 2014 at 10:44pm
Having just gone down this track, here's what I'm finding or have found...
There really isn't much between the sn6x-2x and sn6x-2s in terms of useable output, both are f-ing bright... However the 2x is slightly heavier and noticeably fatter at the front end - the extra diameter is in my opinion more of a hassle than the extra weight (but then I have no issue carting a heavy barrel rifle all day YMMV).
Chargers, I got the Nitecore i4 basically so I can power it from virtually anything 12vDC-240vAC and charge from individual batts through to four at a time. Little bit pricier than some others, but not much.
Batteries, I got Panasonic protected 3400mA - here you might want to go for a smaller 3100mA or the like unprotected which are the 'true' 18650 batts (18mm diameter and 65mm long which is what the torches are designed for) not actually 18700 which the 3400mA measure at. I'm making up some plastic spacing rings to make the torches the right length to fit the batteries as I have a lathe at home, if you don't just get batteries that fit. The protected bit means you can't over-discharge the battery as the internal circuit turns off at a preset voltage like a modern cordless drill etc...
As far as dedoming, get the torch and see how it goes first. It makes a difference having seen one that's been dedomed but it might not be of any major benefit to you. Best to have a read up of the info on google for the background.
I've come from LED Lenser and Coast type/brand torches to the Maxtochs, as good a build quality as good or better performance but at a fraction of retail counter price for the name brands. Less frilly crap with it though.
Oh yeah, be prepared to wait. Took near 7 weeks for mine to turn up from China...
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Re: LED torches: purchase suggestions Reply #27 - Jan 14th, 2014 at 6:17pm