I looked at the link to the previous 2/14.99 and that is a different flashlight. It has a holder for smaller batteries so it's probably half as long. The page shows that the previous flashlight was 10 lumens brighter - which no one would ever notice unless the two were side by side, and then the light pattern would distort the perceived brightness.

Not having the adapter inside the flashlight for the smaller cells probably accounts for the lower price. Don't complain about that because "D" cells will give a significantly longer life.

This also looks like a nice flashlight to hack. Anything with "D" cells is nice and wide so it's easier to change things around. these are possible hacks:
1) replace the LED with a higher lumen LED.
2) replace the 3W led with 2 3W led's, both using just one watt by changing the controller board. At 1 watt, the efficacy is much higher and the two led's totaling two watt2 should give about the same light as a single 3W led running at full power. This will reduce heat and give 50% more battery life.
3) change the controller to add different modes (high/med/low or blinking).
4) Add a focusing lens to the front.

wskehr52 wrote:I looked at the link to the previous 2/14.99 and that is a different flashlight. It has a holder for smaller batteries so it's probably half as long. The page shows that the previous flashlight was 10 lumens brighter - which no one would ever notice unless the two were side by side, and then the light pattern would distort the perceived brightness.

Not having the adapter inside the flashlight for the smaller cells probably accounts for the lower price. Don't complain about that because "D" cells will give a significantly longer life.

This also looks like a nice flashlight to hack. Anything with "D" cells is nice and wide so it's easier to change things around. these are possible hacks:
1) replace the LED with a higher lumen LED.
2) replace the 3W led with 2 3W led's, both using just one watt by changing the controller board. At 1 watt, the efficacy is much higher and the two led's totaling two watt2 should give about the same light as a single 3W led running at full power. This will reduce heat and give 50% more battery life.
3) change the controller to add different modes (high/med/low or blinking).
4) Add a focusing lens to the front.

=============================================

Hey, perhaps while you are at it you can make a mold, pour the molten metal in it, buy the all the other parts and assemble an entire flashlight own your own!!!

Everytime these flashlights are available I buy 3. The best at this price I have ever used. Strong beam and durable case. I'm going to gift this batch.

buyerfind wrote:=============================================

Hey, perhaps while you are at it you can make a mold, pour the molten metal in it, buy the all the other parts and assemble an entire flashlight own your own!!!

Making all of those improvements will increase the price how much? This is great as is for $5!

As a long-time user of >$100 Surefire lights, 120 lumens on a D-cell battery light doesn't strike me as an efficient use of power (as opposed to cr123's).

So the important question is mysteriously not answered in the description: What is the runtime? All quality flashlight manufacturers include this data in their product specs.

I don't believe you.

You KNOW who you are.

nauwra wrote:As a long-time user of >$100 Surefire lights, 120 lumens on a D-cell battery light doesn't strike me as an efficient use of power (as opposed to cr123's).

So the important question is mysteriously not answered in the description: What is the runtime? All quality flashlight manufacturers include this data in their product specs.

Using alkline Duracell batteries, I'm seeing 12 to 15 hour run times. 6 to 8 hours of that is at full power.

These are an awesome option for someone who actually uses their flashlight and gets tired of replacing expensive CR123s every couple of days.

These flashlights are the shiznit. I already have 4, but I'm in for 3 more. Frankly, I'd buy a dozen of these things if woot would let me.

Those eneloop AA-D adapter shells work fine in these lights. (That's what I used to test my previous order.)

That said, I've never liked those adapters. They're a little cheap & flimsy, though the best I've found. If anyone has a source for sturdy 2AA-2C and 2C-2D adapters, they'd convert these (& and all those other 2D lights) into very versatile lights. (I'm thinking earthquake/emergency kit and scavenging batteries.)

admfl wrote:I have some AA size eneloops from Costco which came with a D-cell size plastic holder to put the AAs in. Any idea how that would work?

DennisEChung wrote:If you don't want to spring for D cells, you could use some AA to D adapters. There are other types which take 2 AA batteries in a D shell.

You can use alkalines or rechargeables in the shells.

sdc100 wrote:Not all of us have a Costco or Sam's nearby. I live in NYC and we don't even have a Walmart. S/h negates any discount those stores may have.

I think a good reason for living in NYC is that there are no Walmarts. Believe me, you don't want them. Although I'm sorry to say, I there is a Costco on the island now...

Well, think about it. A generator's no better than a damn flashlight.

Woot lured me in. First purchase.

Dang...I think I paid $9.99 a few go arounds back. Very good flashlight and bright as all get out. X

In for three... camping season around the corner

I have 4 of these, and will probably get one more. Very bright. Very durable. I've gotten all of these lights off of Woot.

I highly recommend them. The LED is focused, but it puts out a ton of light.

Getting close to hurricane season. There is a bit of a swirl in the atlantic. http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/goes/east/watl/flash-avn.html. I am in hurricane alley.

Must have 3, toot sweet. Hurry Woot Hurry.

Never can have too many flashlights. Glad I didn't but those mini LEDs that have been floating around the interwebs. In for 3. Will throw 1 in each car & the third will be a useful houseful weapon of choice against the evil darkness. Time to dump the huge bulky outdated emergency flashlight that you have to hit to get it to work. Thank you Woot!

If you buy three...are these things packaged individually or loosely thrown into styrofoam?

My flashlight fetish strikes again... was able to hold out almost 13 hours... I now have 6 flashlights (3 Energizer Hardcase & 3 of these) awaiting xmas present insertion.

Is this compatible with my PC? Most LED flashlights I see nowadays are specifically for Macs. I've got Windows 7 x64 on an AMD platform if it matters.

What would be the best LED drop in replacement for this light.

tsunamei wrote:If you buy three...are these things packaged individually or loosely thrown into styrofoam?

They come wrapped in bubble wrap and packaged in individual boxes with an instruction sheet.

prindjp wrote:What would be the best LED drop in replacement for this light.

That depends a lot on what you're trying to do.

So what are you trying to do? ;P

prindjp wrote:What would be the best LED drop in replacement for this light.

These come with Cree Q3 emitters. They're not latest generation, but they're solid LEDs. I wouldn't bother to go through the hassle and added expensive of replacing the emitter.

ProTip:
Under the spring there isn't quite enough space for an SD card, but mini/micro should smuggle just fine.

If you need to hide a full size SD card or ms/ms pro card, replace one of the D cells with a C cell, and stretch the bottom spring so it makes a good contact. It'll work just fine for short stretches of time. Don't do this too long as the different discharge rates may cause one of the batteries to explode.

Wow. 65% of purchasers (including me) bought 3. And they haven't sold out yet. Woot must have a crap load of these. I sent several friends a link to this deal this morning. Hopefully, they check their e-mail today.

I got three of them last time around. They are perfect for Zombie survival kits!

with tornado season in full swing, this will at least increase my odds of finding a light when I need it most.

dch341 wrote:It IS water resistant. I bought one of these on a previous Woot day. Mine fell into my hot tub and survived quite nicely.

Im sure it did. The question really is did it get wet inside. The electronics/ability to short out this device - is very low due to its simplicity.

Its a circuit of a battery and a button and a cree led chip for the most part. Nothing to really short out except maybe the batteries for a few seconds until you get the water out.

Phones are a different story - but even so many can survive if you know how to get all the moisture out before using it again (e.g.in a closed container surrounded by rice)http://www.wikihow.com/Save-a-Wet-Cell-Phone

Or you could go to Harbor Freight with their coupon and get a 3-LED flashlight (with batteries) for FREE and save 10 bucks.

beachbummike wrote:Or you could go to Harbor Freight with their coupon and get a 3-LED flashlight (with batteries) for FREE and save 10 bucks.

Surely you aren't comparing a 3 LED (5mm) to a single 3 Watt CREE.....That would be preposterous!!

beachbummike wrote:Or you could go to Harbor Freight with their coupon and get a 3-LED flashlight (with batteries) for FREE and save 10 bucks.

Those free flashlights don't have much in common with this one, other than that they are flashlights.

paulswagelock wrote:Woot lured me in. First purchase.

only my 2nd, im addicted too though

SWANIACHI wrote:In for three... camping season around the corner

That's exactly why I got mine. SPIRIT OF THE SUWANNEE HERE I COME!!!

In for 2.

We get Tenergy Centura low-self-discharge rechargeable batteries, which last longer in devices like this where we'd use them only occasionally (for power outages or looking for stuff the cats have made off with) and they hang in very well. Have never had trouble finding rechargeable Ds and Cs. We have one of those nifty motion-sensor trash cans that use Ds so we already have plenty on hand.

Got three last time, and I'm glad.

The "spot" style light isn't ideal for everything, but there is so much light that you can still see quite a bit in a broader circle outside the spot area.

bongosolo wrote:Here's a comparison chart to help understand lumens of popular bulb types.

And here's some useful information about light output versus lumens; they aren't the same thing.

Finally, want to see just how much better in energy efficiency LED lights are? (And aren't?)

Thanks woot. Very helpful (very EMPHATIC SARCASM HERE) redirect of bongo's helpful links to a NOT HELPFUL woot facts section at the top of this very page about the sales figures of these flashlights. C'mon guys, really?

Irritated now. Keep your flashlights.


[Staff/Thunderthighs: Sorry you're irritated but that's what happens when someone puts quotes around the URL in a link. It's fixed now as are the ones in your quote.]

tsunamei wrote:If you buy three...are these things packaged individually or loosely thrown into styrofoam?

Mine came in individual brown boxes with a bubble wrap insert and Engrish instructions (really? Insert batteries, turn on...).. Fairly well protected for shipment.

Great light for money!! I now have 4 of these babies scattered around the house and farm. They will light up an object an 100yds with ease! If you need a decent flashlight around the house, in the car, on the tractor, here it is!! This $5 light will put a Mag light to shame any day of the week!!! I use my lights a lot on the farm, still going strong after almost a year! If you buy this light and find something to complain about for $5, call me,I know a good shrink!!!!

beachbummike wrote:Or you could go to Harbor Freight with their coupon and get a 3-LED flashlight (with batteries) for FREE and save 10 bucks.

I had three... Emphasis on the word "had".