Contest thread: CR123A flashlight

[ThruNite]

Give us your ideas! We would like your help in designing our next CR2123a flashlight. Give us your suggestions and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a free Thrunite flashlight! Please see THE CONTEST RULES in order to participate.

[carling]

I'd like to see a 1xAA and/or 2xAA extension tube plus a boost circuit which will allow operation with either AA batteries or a CR123.

[remington725]

low mode should be <10 lumens
include a red or green LED

[porsche951]

Good circuitry with rcr's, small as possible, twisty with tight threads.

[rayman]

Really like the single CR123A form but it should have a clicky. It should also be 16340 compatible. And maybe a limited neutral-white run ;).

rayman

[1974Harry]

The following would be useful:

A headband so can also be used as a headlamp if required
A screw on diffuser for use in headlamp mode
Compatibility with other form factors like AA, 2xAA and 2xCR123

Harry

[Zeruel]

Pretty much the same suggestions I have for the AA. :grin2:

- Reasonably priced
- Latest emitter
- No strobe/SOS/Beacon unless it's hidden
- Simple modes; Low/Med/High with memory or fully programable
- As compact as possible
- Takes all kinds of CR123, including Li-ions
- Long runtime on Low
- Must have a deep-carry clip
- Tail-standing tailcap
- Tritium slot(s)
- Stainless Steel bezel
- Nice to have but not deal breakers;
Different HA options and SMO or OP reflector options

[sigsour]

Upgradable pills

[jabe1]

Pretty much the same suggestions I have for the AA. :grin2:

- Reasonably priced
- Latest emitter
- No strobe/SOS/Beacon unless it's hidden
- Simple modes; Low/Med/High with memory or fully programable
- As compact as possible
- Takes all kinds of CR123, including Li-ions
- Long runtime on Low
- Must have a deep-carry clip
- Tail-standing tailcap
- Tritium slot(s)
- Stainless Steel bezel
- Nice to have but not deal breakers;
Different HA options and SMO or OP reflector options

All this and a changeable "turbo" head.

[SirJMD]

My suggestions:

- Highly efficient LED (efficiency > lumen).
- Made out of stainless steel.
- Must have a really low mode (around 10 lumen).
- Must be able to tail-stand
- Should be small enough to be used for EDC.

[Omega Man]

A clip that won't bend out of shape easily, allows for deep pocket/belt carry, bezel up.

[sfca]

Moved to CR123 X 2

[tbenedict]

I would like one that has:

Neutral tint
A good size hot spot with good flood (for more usefullness close up)
A clicky with a scalloped shroud so so it can tailstand with a forward clicky.
Just a few modes with a low low.
Maybe natural annodizing so minor dings don't show as bad.
Regulated on both RCR's and primaries.

And maybe a secondary red.

[wyager]

twisty operation
all body parts offered in aluminum/SS/ti
very modular
floody reflector
moonlight mode
maybe some body adapters for 18650 or CR2 or something? It's nice to be able to use other batteries with a body switch.
will

[oronocova]

How about making a mule-like light. With no reflector. A slip on optic could be an option for those who wanted more throw.

[ThruNite]

Thanks very much. We are listening.``````


David From ThruNite

Guiding you through the night!

[sfca]

Deleted

[Henk_Lu]

Why develop an AA AND a 123 light? Make one light with an extender that accepts everything in AA format (including 14500 li-ion) and 123 including RCR123! That gives the possibility of doing something more special, there are numerous AA and 123 lights on the market, that are more or less the same!

- XP-G emitter (neutral white choice)
- reverse clicky
- tailstanding
- hybrid reflector, which gives a good balanced beam with lower and higher voltages
- UI with possibility to hide blinking modes completely and 3 normal modes
- tough clip
- stainless steel bezel (would be nice!)
- colored buttons and GITD o-ring in the head

[Tixx]

I guess quality is very important to me. I will take what you got and add an extra $10-$15 worth of quality in areas such as hard coat, lens, spring, square threads, reflector...and give us OTF lumens when you measure. No more emitter lumens.

Moon mode is important (and a burn your retina mode so 4 total, moon, low medium and blaster) and a red LED hidden in there for night vision. Give the head a twist and click the button...tada! red led turns on. (example I just found of a secondary color light is the SureFire A2 Aviator light, but only put in 1 red led and offer only red as it makes sense and cuts cost). I'm about function, not about trit slots, color choices and other rice. Save my night vision, give me something I can 100% rely on in a bind for a broad range of situations. Hide those SOS and stobe, but keep them (say for example, the quark I think got this one wrong, part of the strobes are in the untwisted UI and the other is in the twisted, keep them together and out of the way). Again, function is important if I am out backpacking and need to rely on this light.

Keep it small and powerful. Clicky preferred (and make sure it does not click in our pockets)

[crizyal]

I would like to see a very small twisty with 2 levels of brightness 1 being about 1 lumen with long runtime and the other quite bright using the SST50 or SST90 emitter with a very shallow reflector for monster flood. I would buy this light right now!

You could call it the **ThruNite Slingshot**:wave:

Thank you!

[ma_sha1]

Make a name in the crowded Cr123 market & become overnight sensation:

Go with Piston Drive + XPG S2

Call it: ThruNite PD-S :devil:.

[mefistofele86]

Hi, first a list of common suggestions (from AA 3d)

1) Good heat sinking with reasonable dimensions.
2) Simple UI: low-mid-high well spaced or programmable.
3) Latest emitters with selected tint.
4) neutral white choice.
5) Simply removable clip.
6) SS bezel, square threads and tailstanding
7) Turbo-head upgrade for a great throw.
8) reasonable price.

Then i would like a flat regulation with 16340 at full power.

[Grumpy]

Make it take 2 batteries in a side by side configuration with the clicky switch just below the reflector or maybe on the side of the body where you could easily press it. I bet that you would sell many.

[flip]

Have replaceable pills that screw into the body.

Have different heads and bodies that are interchangeable.

This could be a modular system in which you could sell us flashlight nuts all kind of accessories.

[asfaltpiloot]

I edc my flashlights on my belt.
So a good quality sheath would be nice.

Robert.

[Yucca Patrol]

I would love it if your next flashlight was actually a HEADLAMP made of metal instead of the plastic used by so many others.

[curiousone1]

choice of Al/Ti/SS body
Easy disassembly for customization and ease of maintenance
Heavy duty pocket clip
Non-tactical switch so that it tailstands
3 fully programmable modes - from .2 lumen (Moonlight mode) to ~200 lumen

[Volny-]

Small
Good regulation
16340 battery support
Hi/low by turning the head
Switch in the tail
Hidden modes
Programmable, must have the option to set a very low mode
Not to expensive
Extensiontube to be able to use 1xAA or 2xAA.

[Paul6ppca]

- Highly efficient LED with smooth beam!
- Made out of stainless steel!!.or chrome.
- Must have a really low mode Moonlight low
Must remember last mode used.

- Should be small enough as reasonalble possible,i like clicky,but a kit with 2 tailcaps,,twisty and forward clicky so used can customixe it at little cost.

[ThruNite]

We are listening all the suggestion. Thanks in advance.


David From ThruNite
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/images/misc/progress.gif

[cheetokhan]

If I go through my collection of single cell 123 lights and pick out the features I most like, it would be something like this:

Heavy gauge wire clip like the Dereelight C2H. Works great and it has no sharp edges so it doesn't tear material and feels great in the hand.
Larger head with a smooth reflector for a super tight hot spot like my Jet II IBS. I like pocket rockets.
A multi-level, direct access user interface like the Zebralight SC30W. Tap the switch to go straight to high, or hold it for a second to go to low. Low should be less than 1 lumen. High should be as high as physically possible.
Give us a nice olive green or tan anodize finish; I'm tired of black and gray lights.
I love the idea Grumpy suggested; side by side batteries:thumbsup:

[adnj]

pocket-able with a removable clip that allows for deep pocket carry.
able to lock out the tail cap for travel.
Slim profile to fit the pocket
must be 3.0 to 4.2 volt capable with no changes in brightness.

Even though this is a small light, it should be very bright and have excellent efficiency.

about 1 lumen low

[so 650]

hex (or other non-round) collar or bezel or removable ring to prevent rolling

hole for split ring, of course

upgradable "pill" would be great but maybe cost prohibitive in this category

how about a kit with 1x123 and 2x123 bodies?

great idea soliciting input!

[Blindasabat]

Neutral tint option
Optic adjustable from tight spot with little spill to wider hotspot and more spill - doesn NOT need to go to full flood. Optional reflector for those who want one
A protruding forward clicky with momentary operation that won't change modes - forget tailstanding, lay it down on its side like I do
A simple UI like the EX-10 or Ra/NT style satisfy the above
Low low like Ra low (0.2L)
Well sinked, but replaceable pils with different emitter and UI driver combos
Natural anodize color
Thin steel bezel to take some abuse without so many dings.
Regulated on both RCR's and primaries.
EX-10 style deep carry bezel down clip (removeable)
Some body features for cigar grip
Grippy knurling all over

Make the AA version cheap, stripped down, and economical. Make the CR123 version with more features like above. I'd be willing to pay more for it.

Nice to have:

17500 cell adapter (with 14500 sleeved)
Lego with larger head ~25mm

[Skyfire]

stylish design
good pocket clip
smooth floody beam
tailstand
2 or 3 modes
neutral tint option
regulated up to 4.2v
stainless steel bezels
streamline form for easy pocket carry.
easily upgradeable with newer LED technology

[divine]

I would like to see an optional body for an 18500 cell. I think an 18500 sized light would be a nice size.

If possible, an optional aspheric head/lens option would add to the versatility, for someone who needs a thrower that can be pocketed.

I completely agree with the pill design. That way people can pick and choose their emitter without having to buy a whole new light or whole new head. I think I paid $25 to upgrade my C2H to a R2 WH, and $35 to upgrade to a XP-G.


Here is my main comment, that you can ignore the other two if you listen to this one: Please keep the 1.2 volt cell lights separate from the 3-4.2 volt cell lights.

Running AA cells in a light designed for CR123's will give you unevenly spaced levels. Running CR123's in a light designed for AA cells will give you unevenly spaced levels.

I would be happy with AA cells in a light designed for CR123's will only give you low mode. Then, the people who say they want the AA option for emergency use will get exactly that.

[divine]

Also, it is nice to have a slightly crenelated head, so that if you put the light face down, you can tell if you've left it on.

[CampingLED]

To me a CR123A light is also an EDC light and my comments from the AA light is also my wish list here (deleted some n/a comments):

"Small with rounded edges (should be comfortable to carry)
Light weight
Good output when needed with good battery life
M-L-H interface is more valuable in this case with no memory
Should be continuously usable on M for the life of the battery
Should be usable on H for at least 20 minutes before it gets too hot
Beam should be between flood and spot
XP-G emmiter may be a good choice
Battery protection for unprotected 3.7V batteries
Like the twisty switch idea of a previous poster (loosen to turn on) This should keep the size down vs a tailcap switch
No flashing modes
Removable belt clip
Strong (these lights gets dropped often) A small SS ring at both ends may be a good idea
Keep the modders in mind for future driver or emitter swaps"

Option B: On this light there is enough space to include the Carclo 20mm Triple Optics as well. Keep power to emitters to max 2C :thinking:

[TSWrench]

- Tri-star
- Regulated
- Multi-mode
- Ramping
- Last level memory
- Compatible with Multiple battery chemistry
- Multiple tints
- Modular battery form factor
- Creative HA III anodizing
- Removable clip
- Lanyard hole
- Tail standing
- Under $100

[eyeeatingfish]

Ok, when I think CR123 I think more tactical than practical. But a 1xCR123 may have some non tactical uses because it is so short and has some benefits. Maybe an emergency light but I am thinking back up light for police or military.

1. Most important is that the light engine and the switch are reliable.

2. For output I am ideally thinking a bright high with a medium mode. The medium mode should not be activated the same way as the high mode. In a gun fight you want to make sure that your light always lights in the high mode. You dont want to turn on medium by accident. Maybe medium could be activate by twisting the head or two fast clicks or a click again and hold.

3. A temporary on switch so you dont have to have a loud click and it will release.

4. Very good water resistance.

5. Pocket clip option.

6. head band or anti roll feature for free hands when working on something.

7. possible firearm attachment accessory

8. Finger choil option that allows the light to stay on your hand so that you can use your finger to reload or climb. But the loop should be made of plastic so that if the light gets caught the loop breaks instead of your finger.

[Cataract]

Neutral version
Extender for AA battery

Accepts all AA, RCR123 and RCR123A rechargeable batteries

Regulation on both AA and 123

Low < 1 lumen
high as bright as technology permits

Interface: Either or (maybe two versions):
-Forward clicky with temporary activation and 2 programable modes
-Reverse clicky low-low, low, medium, high

Easy access to high mode

Clip should be removable without leaving a loose spacer ring or empty screw holes

Diffuser, colored AND diffuse colored lenses (I like the screw-on idea, perhaps just inter-changeable lens by removing the bezel should do)

As small as possible

Anti-roll design

I also like the idea of a red or green led (I personally prefer green with multi-modes, accessible by tighten-loosen action quickly, revert to regular white by tightening or loosening)

Upgradeable pill sounds nice, if it can be cost effective for the buyer

[wingnut86]

Basically take the Romisen RC-N3 (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2105/2196920120_c0de790cbc.jpg?v=0) and make it better!

-Better looking head
-same style clip
-Tailstand capability via SF E2DL looking cap
-two modes via head twist, 120 lumen high, 10 lumen low
-Choice of OP and Smooth reflectors as well as cool white and NW emitters
-fully waterproof
-HA III

[chitoz28]

Make sure it can fit protected and unprotected, the batteries seem to vary in length and some lights can't hold the little bit longer ones, and it seems it's just one or two mm too long. Thanks.

[Paul6ppca]

Pretty much the same suggestions I have for the AA. :grin2:

- Reasonably priced
- Latest emitter
- No strobe/SOS/Beacon unless it's hidden
- Simple modes; Low/Med/High with memory or fully programable
- As compact as possible
- Takes all kinds of CR123, including Li-ions
- Long runtime on Low
- Must have a deep-carry clip
- Tail-standing tailcap
- Tritium slot(s)
- Stainless Steel bezel
- Nice to have but not deal breakers;
Different HA options and SMO or OP reflector options

+1

[arodaz]

a more tactile feeling body tube,,,maybe not rubbery feeling but more like an "Eton" radio feel :thumbsup:

[datiLED]

My preferences in order of importance are:

Optimum heatsinking
Flat regulation in all modes (when using quality battery)
No visible PWM
Premium emitter (XP-G R5, or similar)
Simple modes; Low/Med/High. If strobe is in UI, it should be well hidden
Quality anodizing
Light crenellations in bezel to see light on if headstanding, and ability to tailstand
Reasonable price; < $60
Clip options for head down carry
Small size
Side clicky switch (optional, but very user friendly for people with large hands/long fingers)

[AardvarkSagus]

My suggestions for a CR123 light:

- Clicky tailcap is my favorite, and many here will agree with me. It's much easier to use single handedly.
- Machined grip shapes (grooves etc.) rather than knurling - For a pocketable light such as this, knurling can sometimes work against you by making the light abrasive and thereby a pocket eater.
- Variable output, with mode selection independent of power switch - Making the light so you can preselect whether you are going to activate it in high or low or something in-between is ideal. A mode change knob in the tail with the switch button to allow you to change modes without changing grips?
- A removable deep carry clip, non abrasive, possibly wire?
- The latest and greatest emitter (XP-G probably) for optimal efficiency and ability to choose best brightness or battery life.
- A secondary Red emitter would be very interesting, but admittedly somewhat superfluous. Better would be to find a good high CRI emitter efficient enough to be the primary.
- Make it look unique. In shape and finish if possible, distinction creates desire.
- I have always been a big fan of the use of lensing rather than reflectors. I think it makes for a better all around beam profile that way, giving far better peripheral illumination.

[Beamer4D]

my suggestions for this are similar to the 2xcr123a

1) NEUTRAL TINT!
2) Forward clicky
3) Upgradeable components (such as emitter)
4) Small
5) Continuos ramping of brightness? I know energizer has this feature and I love it.
6) very low mode for battery conservation
7) superior build quality
8) maybe flood not throw since its a small light.

[Vapor]

For a 1xCR123a flashlight I think you should try something different than whats already available in the market. Obviously you should use the latest emitter but I think you should make the head bend and have a clip on the side so it can be clipped to a front pocket. The Fenix angle-light is like this but I think that a smaller cr123a flashlight would be perfect for this design. It would be able to fit almost anywhere and would be very practical for daily use. This light would need to be as small as possible but balanced so that it's stable when being used while clipped onto a pocket or shirt. I think that while durable, it should be as light as possible because the entire point of a cr123 light is the size and weight factor. I also think it should be geared towards more flood than throw but not completely pure flood like a zebralight.

Thanks for the contest by the way, it's a great idea to get input from members :thumbsup:

[cottonpickers]

Got to have a nice 'feel' maybe either as small as possible, or 'chunky' something heavy. got be a real high lumen surprise.

Single 123 should run on li-ion if possible, must tailstand. Main thing on a single 123 is its size and pocketability and key chainability. Maybe offer 2 or 3 keychain styles of clips and lanyards. Should be made of suitable material that won't scratch. Maybe skip the modes on this one to make it small as possible. Even make the reflector shallow if it lost a few mm. Maybe think of a new solution instead of spring to lose a few mm.