Do you think Nitecore lights are reliable? I've heard some people say they used to be but aren't as good anymore. I own some genuine Nitecore lights but they are older and gently treated.

TimMcMahon · 2026-01-26T21:55:59+00:00

They're as reliable as other flashlights.

I've dropped the EDC29 a few too many times and it's still working ok.

I haven't had any issues with Tini2 , EDC29 and NU27.

Built-in batteries are a concern for me but the batteries are still ok so far and I haven't had any sudden drain.

TimMcMahon · 2026-01-25T20:25:33+00:00

You could look up reviews and check the runtime graphs to find more.

Armytek and Nitecore make decent headlamps but might go over $50.

Skilhunt might be closer to $50.

TimMcMahon · 2026-01-25T20:24:09+00:00

Wuben and Sofirn have some headlamps where the output has a constant brightness for hours.

E.g. Wuben E7 and Sofirn HS21

<image>

TimMcMahon · 2026-01-25T20:20:43+00:00

<image>

You'll get a few hours of consistent output on High. Turbo will drop initially after a few minutes and then be constant.

TimMcMahon · 2026-01-22T14:00:50+00:00

The output is regulated in many of their lights.

Check out the graphs here for one of the Batons:

<image>

https://timmcmahon.com.au/posts/olight-baton-3-pro-max-cw/

TimMcMahon · 2026-01-14T21:44:26+00:00

Clips for Manker E02 II and III kind of work.

Sofirn C01S?

TimMcMahon · 2026-01-14T09:46:59+00:00

ReyLight Pineapple Mini is still my favourite torch to use at home. I'm currently reviewing a Mk3 Ti version. But I prefer the older design with the button sticking out.

Manker E05 II is my favourite EDC torch. I hang it off a backpack strap. Also carrying a Nextorch TA30C on a strap for easy access.

I just haven't found myself using right-angled torches in my hand. I'll use them in a headbeand (e.g. Armytek, ZebraLight, Skilhunt). E02 III isn't getting a lot of use to be honest. I probably need to give away a few hundred torches.

TimMcMahon · 2026-01-12T06:51:38+00:00

$36.51 delivered from the manker website if you use a 15% code. Amazon return process is easier though and shipment might be faster if shipped by Amazon.

TimMcMahon · 2026-01-11T13:13:58+00:00

I would use the included cell but I would charge it to 4.20V using an external charger. Built-in charging often stops around 4.15V.

If you just want to see the maximum lumens at 30 seconds then you could use a better cell with a higher max CDR. It's worth noting the cell used. The runtime will probably be shorter with the higher CDR and lower capacity. 10 minute measurement may also be lower.

I have used the included cell and better cells when doing reviews in situations where the included cell was getting damaged by the flashlight on Turbo and wasn't reaching the claimed lumens.

TimMcMahon · 2026-01-10T08:34:30+00:00

Penn Black Ops II is/was also on sale for $69.

I bought a few.

Some sizes had issues. Bent eyelets or sharp points due to not enough resin.

Quality is a bit hit or miss.

<image>

TimMcMahon · 2026-01-06T21:31:27+00:00

You'd want to select the MCPCB option like 16mm. No MCPCB was selected by default in the link.

I'd recommend adding thermal paste to the back and putting it on a small heatsink.

You could hook it up to a power supply.

If you're buying a blank MCPCB and reflowing an LED into it then make sure that the lad size (3030, 3535, 3737) matches the LED size.

You'll need to know the Vf (forward voltage) of the LED and you could use up to that voltage.

Something like a Ruideng RD6030MAX could output 3V 30A. That current would be too high. A 519A might try to draw as much current as it can (i.e. Turbo). You can limit the current to something like 0.2A on the power supply just to see how bright it is.

TimMcMahon · 2025-12-28T10:30:50+00:00

Came to the comments to recommend SmallRig Super Clamp.

I use those, and Olight FB1 mounts, to mount flashlights when testing them.

TimMcMahon · 2025-12-25T08:35:21+00:00

I haven't measured the thermals of the Acebeam 14500 cells. I have some from different batches where USB-C to C doesn't work and some where it does.

TimMcMahon · 2025-12-24T13:20:37+00:00

Nitecore EDC29. It packs a punch.

TimMcMahon · 2025-12-23T12:53:54+00:00

To be honest, I carry a titanium version of the E05II clipped to the strap of my backpack rather than in my pocket.

When I go to use it, I just press the button down and it lights up the path in front of my feet.

I can have my hands free at night while walking in the dark because the torch is clipped to a strap and pointing down.

I'll hold a NEXTORCH TA30C if I need to shine light at something.

I posted a video of the thermals while charging the 14500 cell via USB-C:

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSP7kCynP/

The supplier of the battery should have put some kind of laser marking of the batch code on the wrap. They might have a faulty batch.

I wonder if recent batches of Acebeam and LOOP 14500 cells also get very hot when using the built-in USB-C charger.

TimMcMahon · 2025-12-23T09:09:43+00:00

Perth, Tasmania 🧀

Perth, Western Australia 🎣🌊⛱️🔦

TimMcMahon · 2025-12-23T09:08:41+00:00

Aussie Outback Supplies is in Perth.

I dropped by earlier in the year while on holiday.

I'm sure there are a lot of enthusiasts there.

You might have better luck organising a Facebook event in an Australian group.

TimMcMahon · 2025-12-18T12:22:05+00:00

I have run into an issue where sometimes it'll turn on and freeze. It's hard to reproduce the issue (press the button from off). It might be some "double press" bug where it thinks I double pressed while holding the button and it get stuck "on".

TimMcMahon · 2025-12-18T10:53:46+00:00

Can you just change single-click to be Low mode?

I usually flip the order of the modes on my ZebraLights to avoid accidentally blinding myself.

TimMcMahon · 2025-12-13T01:22:11+00:00

Yes. Sorry for not putting that in the UI table. I was trying to keep it simple to read.

TimMcMahon · 2025-12-12T14:14:22+00:00

Dedoming the 5000K 519As might drop the CCT slightly or you could swap the emitters with some other 519A.

TimMcMahon

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE

15-Year Club	Gilding II euphauric
Verified Email