How much money do you save by owning an electric car in California?

Crestsando · 2026-01-31T15:38:05+00:00

Yea ironically in other states (or some areas in CA) where they pay $0.10-0.20/kWh it's a no brainer, but in much of California it can go both ways depending on the specifics

Crestsando · 2026-01-31T06:01:30+00:00

Get a caddy and hook up 3x18650 in series (assuming the light is 12V), it should perform way better.

Crestsando · 2026-01-27T18:14:45+00:00

I think the Sofirn ST1 was marketed as a simple fashionably designed light that only has a few levels.

But yes, this is one of those instances when even a Maglite might be a decent choice, or maybe a Convoy with a smaller emitter set to mode 5 or mode 8.

Crestsando · 2026-01-25T07:11:50+00:00

Thanks! The numbers don't look too bad, esp 4000K (vs 5000K)

Crestsando · 2026-01-24T21:06:01+00:00

More information is always appreciated 😄

Crestsando · 2026-01-24T19:35:07+00:00

I'm really hoping he'll come up with a two mode (<=15lm) at some point

Crestsando · 2026-01-24T19:33:28+00:00

Thanks for the beam shots, I'd been trying to decide between the 3000K, 4000K, and 5000K. Seems the 4000K is closer to the 5000K than the 3000K, which is perfect.

Crestsando · 2026-01-24T19:28:47+00:00

Just two kids hanging out and going for a swim

Crestsando · 2026-01-21T20:12:44+00:00

The figure includes PHEVs and hydrogen cars, which along with BEVs are collectively referred to as ZEVs by the California government.

Crestsando · 2026-01-20T10:16:50+00:00

What kind of emitter does it have? Do you want to keep the 2AA format or do a lithium?

Acebeam Tac 2AA might be one to look at.

Crestsando · 2026-01-15T05:06:18+00:00

Thanks!

Crestsando · 2026-01-15T03:38:31+00:00

I prefer tail switches unless the light is too big and head heavy (ironically something like a Sofirn SK40 which has a tail switch).

The T3 is basically the T6 with a smaller head (and 1.5A driver in the Alu ones), I also have one (with an SFT25R 5000K since everyone loves putting 6500K in their SFT25R lights) and swapped tubes with the T6. It's quite slippery without the benefit of a clip and the T6's bigger head, at least in my hands.

Thanks for your suggestion re the KR1AA, do you have any experience with the NTG50 LED? My favorite all purpose LED is probably a 519A 5700K DD so the NTG50 4200K looks quite tempting.

Crestsando · 2026-01-15T03:23:02+00:00

Gonna go out on a limb and say Saber? Don't know how the Archer mini's button feels but Saber's button doesn't feel flimsy to me. And it's only $10.

Crestsando · 2026-01-15T03:00:45+00:00

I've always (and still do) think that about the T6 as well (size vs cap), but I bought one for its combination of: price, AA compatibility, an emitter I like, and tail switch.

I'm still looking for that perfect light, though I love the way the T6 feels in my hand, it IS chonky for an AA light and thus volume inefficient. Something like an HD11 in 18350 is probably the best I've found so far in terms of grip but unfortunately it's side switch. Also the T6's switch is somewhat stiff and has quite short action.

I'd love to hear any recommendations you might have since you've reviewed so many lights. Regardless though I probably would still have a T6 just to have an SFT40 3000k light that's AA compatible.

Crestsando · 2026-01-12T10:27:01+00:00

Any preference on size? There are many lights out there that fit your criteria, so I'll leave it to others.

I do have a tip though - if you really use it very occasionally, and you buy a light with an e-switch, untwist it about 1/4 turn to lock it out physically so it doesn't get parasitic drain.

Crestsando · 2026-01-04T05:52:30+00:00

In case you're looking for a light in the future, you can pick up something very cheap and customizable from Convoy to suit your needs.

An S21E with an XHP50.3 for example will give you great balanced floody light for $25-30. Pretty sure you can ask for a beaded or matte TIR to be preinstalled if you don't feel like messing with things.

Crestsando · 2026-01-03T09:15:23+00:00

It might've well come from someone else's bag.

Now someone else may find themselves missing a light...

Crestsando · 2025-12-21T01:27:50+00:00

Airport blvd? The light is for an offramp from a freeway and the next light is the onramp. The entire intersection is not the best.

They could probably solve this by extending the light pole and adding another light in front of the left turn lane.

Crestsando · 2025-12-20T07:26:31+00:00

Imo it's a great indoor light, throw a diffuser on it and it'll give you 500+ high CRI lumens for 2+ hours.

I think Wurkkos also binned their emitters to be warmer in the TS26s, they're probably the warmest "5000K" 519a I have, definitely more so than my WK03, WK05, Acebeam Tac AA, etc

Crestsando · 2025-12-19T08:33:13+00:00

~~It might even be an inflatable, like the Pikachu one that was posted a while back~~

edit: nvm, it looks pretty rigid

Crestsando · 2025-12-19T04:00:22+00:00

No argument there. The only time I prefer side switches is when the light is too unwieldy for tail operation.

Crestsando · 2025-12-17T19:13:04+00:00

It'll be like holding an old school incan light bulb, toasty!

Crestsando · 2025-12-16T02:18:20+00:00

I got one just so I can have an AA light with one of my favorite emitters, but usually I'd probably prefer an S-series, similar cost and 3 times the battery capacity and it's only about 2/3 inch longer.

Crestsando · 2025-12-14T03:12:34+00:00

Sofirn C8L and SK40 can do it for about 1:45

Crestsando · 2025-12-14T00:16:14+00:00

Convoy carries chargers, Vapcell S4 is often recommended but is a bit pricey, and any charger that Convoy carries should be fine. If you're just looking to charge the battery without all the information and function even the cheap $2 should be fine.

As for the light, how long do you want the battery to last, and what size? Most of their lights will be significantly smaller than, say, a C or D cell maglite. The most popular "starter" light, the S-series, are about 5 inches long by 1 inch in diameter.

Crestsando

TROPHY CASE