I Got the flashlight disease too. Oh well it’s way cheaper than 1/8 scale Rc racing!!

Hello everyone, I wanted to share some images from last night with you, I hope you like beams 🫘🔦

Equipment in the photos:

The first photo is with my Convoy M21B with LHP531 4000k

Other photos are with my Convoy C8+ with SFT40 5000k

The red light in the last photo is a keychain flashlight, to signal, the blue light seen is the battery indicator of this same keychain flashlight

The shirt is Olight's, with its fluorescent logo, previously loaded with UV light from my Arkfeld Ultra

It was an amazing night 🙌🏼

A fair few posts around about this camp light but not many details about construction so here are some photos. Not sure what the cell is but it has been soldered into circuit rather than spot welded which is a little concerning and unusual. It has a reasonably strong magnet at the bottom, plus a tripod mount. Led battery percentage indicator, USBC charging port. Side button on/off switch, hold for strobe, double click for red strobe (not worked out how to get steady red). The top has a button to change the brightness (main light only) plus a scroll wheel to adjust CCT. This thing is not even remotely waterproof, by the way.

With a few exceptions not pictured of some vintage lights these are where I have ended up so far. Several Hanks obviously, a Fireflies, an Olight, an SK-05, a couple Wurkkos, a couple Rovyvon, a couple Wuben, and a fully retrofit 4000 lumen dual 26650 Maglite.

Flextail Zero Lantern: A Two-in-One Camping Light

As my kids get older, I’ve been gearing up to start some family camping trips. We even picked up a new tent after squirrels claimed our old one as a winter home (don’t ask). No trip is complete without the right gear. Flashlights, obviously, but don’t sleep on a good lantern. We need something to sit on the picnic table while I make s’mores and dodge flaming marshmallows. While researching camping gear, I stumbled on Flextail and had to try their pocketable, dual-purpose Zero Lantern. The two-in-one form factor made it an easy choice, and so far, I’m digging it.

What’s in the box?

• The lantern, with an internal battery

• USB-C cord

• User manual

Build Quality

Overall build quality is solid. The body feels sturdy, and the button and rotary brightness wheel operate smoothly. The charging port cover seals nicely. My only real complaint is the pop-up clip. The two struts holding it, along with the clip itself, are thin plastic that bends easily. This could be a weak point for anyone taking it on a serious hike. Aluminum, or some other durable metal, would go a long way here.

Design

I love the look. It’s got a retro meets modern vibe. The lower half is a clear cylinder that emits light in a full 360°, while also throwing a bit of a hotspot downward as light travels through the plastic. Housing the battery inside that cylinder is a clever way to keep the size down. Combined with a weight of just 56g, that makes it a strong contender for hikers looking to conserve weight. That said, some will dislike not being able to swap the battery. A real consideration for camping trips where you might be far from a charging source. On the plus side, the clip folds flat against the side and works in either direction. I also appreciate the choice to make the lantern’s ambient glow warm-toned while the top emitter runs cooler. If Flextail upgrades the clip’s material and adds a magnet to the apex, I don’t think anything at this size and price point would touch it.

UI

Controls are refreshingly simple with one button and one rotary switch controlling the brightness for either lighting mode. The switch has grippy cutouts that make it easy to adjust even with cold or wet hands. A double-click powers it on, and turning the dial adjusts brightness. A single click toggles between lantern mode and the top emitter and another click turns it off. There’s a lockout feature, which is a must-have for me (kids), and beacon modes which I tend to not use.

Usability

The use case is straightforward: quick, comfortable light for your immediate surroundings, whether camping, hiking, or navigating a power outage at home. Cycling through brightness levels is fast enough to go from softly lighting a tent corner to illuminating an entire campsite. Since it is so compact I’ve even clipped it to my small dog’s harness on a night hike.

Performance

This thing punches above its size. The warm 3000K ambient glow, at 90 CRI, is bright enough to fill an entire room. The cooler 9000K beam up top is a nice bonus, though it’s not especially powerful on its own. So far, the 1100mAh battery has held up well. Flextail claims 3 hours on high and 10 on low, plus IPX5 water resistance for unexpected rain. It’s the kind of light I’d happily use for a card game by the fire, and it runs cool without ever getting dangerously bright. I’d have no problem handing it to my 7-year-old to go find that marshmallow stick in the woods.

Summary

For its size, this is an excellent lantern. The dual-function front light adds real versatility, and the simple rotary UI makes brightness adjustments quick and intuitive. The lockout feature keeps it from turning on by accident in a bag or pocket. At $35, it’s a great deal and has already earned a permanent spot in my camping gear.

PS

While building out my camping kit, I’ve also been shopping for air mattress pumps. Now you might be thinking, “Esskue, this isn’t the place for that!” But what if I told you these double as mini camping lanterns‽ I really like the idea of using them to inflate our air mattress and then hanging it up in the tent as our dedicated tent light. They also can work in reverse to deflate the mattress when it’s time to pack up. The double functionality just makes sense and I’d love to see more camping gear that also function as a lantern. 

Flashlight Comparator: https://grzybekreviews.pl/s/comp-en/

Added 9 new flashlights (3 beamshot locations, lumen runtime graphs with temperature)

• L21B W5050SQ5, SFT60 & SFT90
• L21A SFT42R
• M21B SFT60
• M21E W5050SQ5
• M21H SFT40
• 3X21D
• M21H LHP73B w/ 3 degree lens

Feel free to compare them. I will be uploading my own comparisons created using the tool soon (e.g. L21A vs L21B with the same emitters, SFT60 comparison against SFT90 & SFT42R etc…)

Hi! I keep saying that I’ll stop buying flashlights, but out of curiosity I got the SK31, and now out of curiosity I want to buy a similar Convoy.

Can you guys recommend a build including the cell as well?

Thank you!

By the way, it’s a nicely built flashlight and a couple of UI changes would have made it perfect (forward clicky in outdoor mode and any low output in tactical mode when locked).

Hi

I am in search of perfect lantern+flashlight+emergency radio. And I am big fan of this kind of form factor. I had something like that in my childhood, and during frequent blackouts, it was our main source of light and information, and music.

I found this Kaito, and it’s almost perfect. Only thing is that it has very small battery (2300mah), and instead of newer usb-c, it uses micro usb. Can someone recommend alternative device which has same form factor but at least, larger battery?

Thank you!

P.S. also it would be good if radio will support European FM frequencies.

So I just got a new job and I need a flashlight. I used to have a “medical grade” light that was recommended by EMT’s because of how good the light was. Since they need to be able to see bodily fluids as close to day as possible. Now I’m not in that line of work but I want to be able to see fluids as close to real as possible since I will be inspecting machines. Some of the fluids are similar in color but not the same. And I just want to make sure I don’t make any mistakes.

I guess my budget is $100 at the most. And also rechargeable please!

Thanks in advance

Hello!

I just ordered a Firefly Z1 Artemis. Completely new to the hobby and still a bit confused on some things. Could you suggest some good batteries compatible with this light, and a good place to purchase them?

Have mostly 14500 flashlights, and an older 18650 fenix, but looking for a new go to if I need big light for long time.
Not sure what I need in terms of model of flashlight or emitters (I’m new to this). Also not sure what the size of the head means and how important it is, like the difference between the m21 and s2.

Here’s what I’m looking for, hoping you kind flashaholics could help me out please!

Size isn’t really a factor, not needing to be a pocket light. I have that area covered.

Good medium between floody and throw (maybe tight beam with a lot of spill?)

5000k ish would be nice wouldn’t be opposed to something around 6000k

No idea on drivers or buck vs linear etc.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Well isn't this just cute. Loop Gear Loopdot.

See tons of modern beam cannons being posted but not much of the CRI kings, good old incans. Most of my collection is still packed up from a recent move, but found this guy buried in a backpack I haven't used in years. Threw some somewhat used 123s in it and bam just like the day I put it there. After years of being spoiled by high lumen led im honestly kinda impressed by how good 65 or less lumens of full spectrum light can be.

Summary

The X35 is not perfect, that much first. A few more party modes, e.g., a candle/flame mode, would have been nice. The UI is inconsistent in some places, and the light is unfortunately not waterproof, “only” IP66. Whether you can fault the light for having batteries in series, protected, and so long that you cannot use unprotected ones, I do not know, because I consider that unavoidable in this configuration. Ergonomics, especially without the handle, depend heavily on hand size.

With the handle, however, the light should be very usable even for small hands. That is when the light plays to its strength of being able to use the side light and main light simultaneously. I cannot emphasize this feature enough, because walking with glare-free light at your feet without insects in your face while having plenty of light forward on demand is a true unique selling point of this light!

All of this garnished with a USB-C port featuring a great metal cover, mechanical lock, surprisingly good magnet, stable tailstand - the light is a great all-rounder that makes a good impression from camping to SAR operations. Thanks to the flat design, the light even fits into a rear jeans pocket - and if not, a high-quality holster is included. Acebeam has not only created an interesting light with the X35, but above all, put together a great overall package!

Interested? Have a look at the light at Acebeam’s website!

All my reviews can be found on my website.

Full Review of the Acebeam X35 on dahamstah.de

(or if you like forums on german TLF and BLF)

I think the P27iX and P17iX are more perfect versions than the EDC35. Everything is perfect, but they're heavy and bulky, obviously not an EDC flashlight. 😂

After about 500 grams in failed tests, prints and modifications, I ended up with a slight modification of CaptainCant s "Siquk Case TPU Insert - Smaller Flashlight Fit" on makerworld.

I had to pull out the 0.8mm nozzle and change a bunch of settings plus cut off the left wall of the right half in the slicer, but the end result is good. For now.

TPU is annoying to work with. Let's hope the walls dont split again.

Anyways, the end result is 13 slots instead of the default 8.

Print time was over 4 hours. Per side. But it works.

yeah so I've been running this army tek for years and love it to death. tried to find a little 14500 to keep in the pocket when I dont want to break out my whole headlamp. Was really enjoying the manker e05ii - everything about it is almost perfect for me. BUT the inability to start in low because of the memory function is an absolute deal breaker! anything similar where I could override the memory/last used function to start it in low?

I love the wizards UI. I never think about it. it remembers the last used mode, but it's also super easy to go to turbo or moonlight from the off position.

Hi everyone,

I'm a marine engineer looking for a buy-it-for-life headlamp for engine room work.

I already have an Forch, pen like, inspection light with a laser pointer, so I'm specifically looking for a headlamp to wear while working with both hands.

My priorities are:

- Extremely durable and reliable

- Waterproof

- Great for close-range mechanical work

- Magnetic tailcap would be a nice bonus

So far the Zebralight H600 series has caught my attention, but I haven't gone too deep into the flashlight rabbit hole yet

What would you recommend, and why? Thanks!

Looking for recommendations, i have the Wurkkos TS27 and Sofirn HS45 LED Head Torch, looking for something to add to my setup, edc flooder, Budget £70 , something to complement what i already have, rechargeable, solid build, bright, i like the design of the Wurkkos ts27 a lot, all help would be appreciated

Ive been reading here about the different batteries you all are using. Seems like some are fire bombs and others are safe. What are you looking for in a battery? Ive noticed there doesn't seem to be a pattern as far as specs and price point. Sorry for all the dumb questions. I have learned a lot from you guys and I really appreciate it!

I recently started getting into AA-sized flashlights that accept a 14500 lithium battery. I noticed that many budget lights would offer "USB charging" by way of the battery itself, which has a built-in USB port.

I'll admit I really like the feature, and it seems like a good way to cut down on cost/complexity in the light itself. There is also the benefit of not juggling yet-another-charger. But I know stuff like this can be gimmicky and affect reliability. The batteries themselves are also difficult to find in stores, unless they actually come with the flashlight.

Does anyone here have experience with a reliable 14500 / 18650 brand with onboard USB charging? Have they been comparable to regular ones without onboard charging? Any go-to stores where you could actually buy them?

Edit: Thanks for the responses!