Ultrafire Lights

sprite1275

I recently bought one of these http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDetails.asp?productID=24995&categoryID=105 Even though this is a very good price for this model and the brightness is ok, i think im missing a trick not getting one of these cheap eastern tourches.

there seems to be quite a few models and was wondering which model seems favourite with the cycling community. Im a bit put off with the batteries and chargers incase they are a bit low Quality and i end up setting my house on fire :? Anyone had any problems with them?

After reading this http://www.torchythebatteryboy.com/p/18650-batteries-chargers.html it seems You can buy other brand batteries and chargers. Seems the ultrafire batteries are a bit naff.

Also Hi Im a newbie here

Thanks

Ride hard

I was going to suggest going to Torchy. I got some stuff off him 3 years ago and they're still going strong - and as you can see from his website, he is very knowledgable.

In terms of torch I've got an Ultrafire WF 501b which is excellent value. It's about 3 times brighter than an exposure Spark (200 lumens) light I have, a quarter of the price. It's good to see with, as opposed to being seen. I use a large o-ring to mount it instead of a plastic bracket which make it faster to take off, and more secure.

I use Asucell 3.7 rechargeable batteries on the advice of Torchy as I too was worried about fire from dodgy ones. I've receharged them hundreds of times over the years and never had any problems.

Giraffoto

The Ultrafire model you mention is OK, but there are better beam patterns available - I now keep the Ultrafire as a spare and have a Fenix TK21 as my bar-mounted light. My other favourite is the LED Lenser P7, although the batteries don't last long on high power. Good head torch though.

sprite1275

Been looking at the lensor p7 http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0018O7UAA?ie=UTF8&force-full-site=1&ref_=aw_bottom_links I like the thought of using ni-mh batteries. Not sure what the brightness would be like, says 200lm.

Also seen this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Zoom-Focus-Zoomable-1600-Lumens-CREE-XM-L-T6-LED-Flashlight-Torch-AAA-18650-/270954935310?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Camping_LightsLanternsTorches&hash=item3f162c340e&_uhb=1
Which has am adapter for AAA batteries. Won't be 1600lm with the AAA but wonder how bright it would be and how long the AAA would last.

The Rookie

Won't make 1600lm from three triple A's!

My XPG torch runs 3 triple A's (800ah) and has a life of about 2 hours on full before dropping on to low power.

sprite1275

Has anyone tried a lensor p7 for biking? Nor sure if the 200lm would be much better than my cateye at 1000cd.

Ouija

sprite1275 wrote:

Been looking at the lensor p7 http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0018O7UAA?ie=UTF8&force-full-site=1&ref_=aw_bottom_links I like the thought of using ni-mh batteries. Not sure what the brightness would be like, says 200lm.

Also seen this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Zoom-Focus-Zoomable-1600-Lumens-CREE-XM-L-T6-LED-Flashlight-Torch-AAA-18650-/270954935310?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Camping_LightsLanternsTorches&hash=item3f162c340e&_uhb=1
Which has am adapter for AAA batteries. Won't be 1600lm with the AAA but wonder how bright it would be and how long the AAA would last.

200 Lumens isn't very bright at all and NiMh batteries are very heavy with short run times. A T6 with decent quality 2800mAh Li_ion batteries and a decent charger will run at 900/1000lumens for about 1h30mins or about 1h with cheap batteries and charger. Around 3hrs on medium (6/700lumen) with good batteries/charger, 2hrs with cheap batteries/charger.

For longer runtimes, look for a torch with a Cree XML T6 that runs off 26650 batteries instead of 18650 batteries (ones a fat 26mm wide battery, the others only 18mm wide), such as the TrustFire A8.



That has the same size head as the smaller Ultrafire 501 so maintains a good beam pattern (not too spotty, which ruins night vision, not too floody, which makes you feel the need to run it at maximum brightness to see any distance down the road). Avoid 26650 powered torches with wide, flared heads and smooth reflectors like this....



as these will give a very spotty beam (their also massive torches which the picture doesn't really make obvious). The 26650 battery will give you around 2.5/3hrs at full 1000lumens and closer to 6hrs on medium mode.

If you do go with the lighter, more conventional 18650 battery powered torches like the 501 then avoid things with zoomable lenses (terrible beam patterns, one and all). Just ordered this variation which also has the ability to split the head and battery body.





Which you can use as a bar with two bar extender clamps like this..



if, like me, you already have a bar running across the front of your stem with a cycle computer attached to it.


Just some ideas to be going on with.

sprite1275

Thanks for the info there. been looking at this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/XTAR-R01-CREE-XM-L-T6-800Lumens-LED-5mode-800Lumens-Flashlight-Torch-Holster-/230678586003




thought it looks decent, Also comes with everything and also can be charged via usb.

Giraffoto

sprite1275 wrote:

Has anyone tried a lensor p7 for biking? Nor sure if the 200lm would be much better than my cateye at 1000cd.

Led Lenser P7, or is there really something called "Lensor"? If it's the LED Lenser, yes, I have, loads - they're my on-road bar lights and my off-road head light.

supersonic

sprite1275 wrote:

Thanks for the info there. been looking at this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/XTAR-R01-CREE-XM-L-T6-800Lumens-LED-5mode-800Lumens-Flashlight-Torch-Holster-/230678586003




thought it looks decent, Also comes with everything and also can be charged via usb.

You can get similar with 2 cells and charger for less than £20 delivered from the UK. That link there seems expensive, unless you must have the USB charging.

Note the Lensor P7 does not use a SSC P7 LED, uses one with a quarter the output.

sprite1275

Giraffoto wrote:

sprite1275 wrote:

Has anyone tried a lensor p7 for biking? Nor sure if the 200lm would be much better than my cateye at 1000cd.

Led Lenser P7, or is there really something called "Lensor"? If it's the LED Lenser, yes, I have, loads - they're my on-road bar lights and my off-road head light.

Sorry must of gone a bit American for a second yes lenser. Take it you rate them then, do the on bar ones light up dark lanes pretty good? Do you run one or two? The thing I like is the quality of them and that they take AAA batteries.

supersonic

I don't rate them lol. 200 lumens and the beam pattern it uses isn't enough for me. Not when the XML torches put out 4 times as much light for less money! get a multi mode one and you have great flexibility.

Ouija

Lol. AAA batteries shouldn't be allowed anywhere near a torch that you want to get decent run times with (or brightness).

The T6 is still the brightest LED for least amount of juice used which is why it's still the number one choice for most people looking for maximum brightness/runtimes. Just a case of looking through the various packages it's installed in.

That Xstar looks nice but geeze, it's expensive.

sprite1275

Ok I'm sold definitely going for something with an XML t6. Take it something like this would be good http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UltraFire-C8-1300Lm-CREE-XM-L-XML-T6-LED-Flashlight-Torch-Camping-hiking-3-mode-/300769257983?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Camping_LightsLanternsTorches&hash=item46073ea9ff&_uhb=1 the only thing that worries me with eBay is if that is a real ultrafire. Says UK seller but when you click on other items they all say Hong Kong !
I do like the xtar as it does looks a professional outfit. Wish the lumans was as good as that ultrafire c8 though.

Giraffoto

sprite1275 wrote:

Giraffoto wrote:

sprite1275 wrote:

Has anyone tried a lensor p7 for biking? Nor sure if the 200lm would be much better than my cateye at 1000cd.

Led Lenser P7, or is there really something called "Lensor"? If it's the LED Lenser, yes, I have, loads - they're my on-road bar lights and my off-road head light.

Sorry must have gone a bit American for a second yes lenser. Take it you rate them then, do the on bar ones light up dark lanes pretty good? Do you run one or two? The thing I like is the quality of them and that they take AAA batteries.

I actually genuinely did a test last night - I went out with the LED Lenser P7 and the Fenix TK21 on my handlebars, and took a trip down the country lanes. Now, it may just be my batteries, but the fact is that the P7 loses its brightness pretty quickly: half an hour on high beam will make it noticeably dimmer. The TK21 blows it away in terms of brightness x time, so if you need the road floodlit for an hour, it's the better choice. The P7 still gets my vote for a helmet light because of its spot beam (you don't want the backs of your hands lit up when you're trying to look off into the distance) and its light weight, but I'll probably be demoting it to that job only.
So to summarize:

P7: good for a helmet light, not bad for a bar light but you will need to carry spare batteries. A good choice if you just want to see where you're going or be seen by other road users without necessarily flooding the road/trail with light. Lightweight, and the tiny batteries are easy to stow as spares in odd pockets. You'll need to carry those spares though.

TK21: A better choice as a bar light that gives a nice even spread of light and lasts for ages with decent batteries. The batteries themselves aren't cheap if you get good ones, and take a bit of time to charge. A bit bulky for a helmet light, and the beam is too wide for that application. Ideal if you're riding on rough trails, or want oncoming traffic to know you're there from a mile away

Incidentally, my experience (and this is only my experience, with only one example) of the Ultrafire 501B is that it's a bit temperamental, drains batteries faster, and the beam pattern isn't as good as the Fenix.

Ouija

sprite1275 wrote:

Ok I'm sold definitely going for something with an XML t6. Take it something like this would be good http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UltraFire-C8-1300Lm-CREE-XM-L-XML-T6-LED-Flashlight-Torch-Camping-hiking-3-mode-/300769257983?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Camping_LightsLanternsTorches&hash=item46073ea9ff&_uhb=1 the only thing that worries me with eBay is if that is a real ultrafire. Says UK seller but when you click on other items they all say Hong Kong !
I do like the xtar as it does looks a professional outfit. Wish the lumans was as good as that ultrafire c8 though.

I'd be dubious about the larger head on that light as it will probably make the beam a bit spotty (T6 and large smooth reflectors don't really work well together).And the claimed Lumens output is a lie. You'll never get more than 1000 lumens with a single T6. Probably would go for this one instead And as you say it's not from the UK. Any ebay listing that says it's from England,England, England or Uk,Uk,Uk is typically from the far east. However. Some of those companies have Uk outlets, so while the company is based in Honk Kong they can still have their UK warehouse ship it out to you in a couple of days.

Could always try this

rdt

Ouija wrote:

For longer runtimes, look for a torch with a Cree XML T6 that runs off 26650 batteries instead of 18650 batteries (ones a fat 26mm wide battery, the others only 18mm wide), such as the TrustFire A8.

I've just ordered a Trustfire A8, and "Plan A" is to mount it on a bar extender I have.

I don't know if you have an A8, Ouija, but if you do, what mount are you using to secure it? Cheers.

Ouija

I use one of these



If you place one edge against the back of the torch for leverage you can pull the the other side of the jaws wide enough to reach the other side of the fat body (might give yourself a hernia doing it). In fact, it clamps onto the torch with such force that you can't lift it out the top, despite the fact it barely makes it past the halfway mark of the torches circumference. Instead, once on, just slide it down the length of the body until it's in the required position. On mine (which came with some old 501b's) there's a tiny lip on the very top of the rubber clamp that slots into the grooves that run along the body of the torch which is why it grips so well, but just to be on the safe side i wrapped some electrical tape around the torch and clamp just to make sure.

Also waiting on one of these to show up and try as well.

rdt

Ta v much.

sprite1275

Where have yous bought your A8's from? If from Hong Kong do they seem original ? Also did you have any trouble with customs and how long was delivery?
Think I've narrowed it down between this and the ultrafire 502b. So many of these lights out there its boggling :?

Ouija

sprite1275 wrote:

Where have yous bought your A8's from? If from Hong Kong do they seem original ? Also did you have any trouble with customs and how long was delivery?
Think I've narrowed it down between this and the ultrafire 502b. So many of these lights out there its boggling :?

Here. Took about three weeks.

rdt

I also ordered mine from Keygos, but did it directly on their website (slighty cheaper, presumably as no Ebay fees for them to pay).

I noticed that the site lets you price/pay in different currencies, and that the USD price was a lower than the exchange-rate-adjusted-GBP price. So I paid in USD ($36.99), using a credit card that has no-load on forex rates; equated to £22.90something vs. £25.30 if paying them in GBP.

http://www.keygos.com/product_info.php?products_id=1151

Only ordered last week, so wait ans see time now...

sprite1275

Thanks think I'm going to go for the A8 from keygos through eBay, seem to have a lot of good feedback.
Just a couple of Q's if you don't mind Ouija. Is the plug adapter fused and How do you find it against your 501? Also I've read a couple of posts that these are septable to the modes jumping when going over bumps, have you had this problem?

Ouija

Yeah, had it jump modes the other night when i went over a really nasty pothole, but that's probably just down to the battery moving inside the tube and momentarily breaking contact (one of the main reasons it can do it in a 501 too). Strapped some tape around the battery to thicken it and stop jiggle and was going to test it but it's been raining so i haven't had a chance to go out. Some of these newer torches (both the A8 and later versions of the 501/502) also come with a new tailcap, which doesn't have a spring on it pushing against the back of the battery any more but a small spring loaded brass knob which i suspect doesn't apply enough pressure to stop the battery from recoiling backwards slightly on big bumps, causing the front of the battery to momentarily break contact with the front of the torch. I've heard you can wedge compacted material (tissue, rubber) around the button of these newer tailcaps to physically stop the battery recoiling backwards. I think i'll give that a try as well.

Though to be honest, switching modes is a problem i've experienced with every single 501/502 torch i've owned (as well as the "it won't work unless i back the screwcap out a bit" problem). Now none of them do it (tightening up the inside of the cap, padding out the battery and making sure to use the right length of battery seems to resolve the issues).

wastegate86

personally had really good experience with these over this year:

torch

charger

batteries

sprite1275

Just want to say thanks for everyones advice. Ended up getting a 502 with an XML u2. Also 2 xtar 3100 ah batteries and an xtar mp1 charger.
Would of liked to get the a8 but didn't want to wait so sourced what I got from a UK seller.

Went out tonight on my bike and I have to say I'm well impressed with this little torch , on lit streets I had it on low which seems decent enough to be seen. Out on the country lanes I had it medium and it lit my way brilliantly, the beam spread was also just right. The torch wasn't even warm when I got back, prob because the temperature is pretty low now.

One thing though when charging the batteries the led is red, the first battery I charged stayed red for about 7 hours, I then touched the battery as I was going to stop the charge and the led then turned green. The same happened with the second battery but I touched that one after about 4 hours and again the led turned green. I'll have to see how it goes the next time I charge them, if it does might have to see about sending the charger back.

MrGrumpy

Got links to eBay for a potential purchaser in case I have missed them

rdt

sprite1275 wrote:

Just want to say thanks for everyones advice. Ended up getting a 502 with an XML u2. Also 2 xtar 3100 ah batteries and an xtar mp1 charger.
would have liked to get the a8 but didn't want to wait so sourced what I got from a UK seller.

Have a link for the 502 XM-L U2 torch you bought? Cheers.

sprite1275

The 502B i got was from C and B Seen http://www.candb-seen.co.uk/flashlightstorches/cabs-flash502b-ultrafire.html
Bit expensive but you get them next day delivery and also i got batteries and charger which all comes with the same shipping price.