Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - The P7 Flashlight Thread

I may order this:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1879 18650 Rechargeable Lithium
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13060 P7
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.3499 18650 Digital Battery Charger

Any critiques? I appreciate any help.

On the flashlight, take that "ships in 1 to 3 days" comment with a grain of salt. Mine showed "waiting on supplier" for four days, and now it's been "order received-in stock" for three days.

600mA charger for a 2400mAh 18650 will take a lot of time.

Huh? Do you know of a faster one which actually cuts off at 4.20v and doesn't cost $200?

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/394/picture1op2mj4.png

Picture of the P7 on my bike after tonight's ride. You can see where it sits on the handlebars in the pics in my sig.

Dang, thats a nice looking bike. How does it ride compared to higher end aluminum bikes? I just got the P7, what flashlight mount are you using?

Huh? Do you know of a faster one which actually cuts off at 4.20v and doesn't cost $200?

sku.6105

1A charge for a single and 0.8A or so for 2 at the same time.


I may order this:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1879 18650 Rechargeable Lithium
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13060 P7
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.3499 18650 Digital Battery Charger

Any critiques? I appreciate any help.

those batteries, they won't work with that charger.
you want either sku.4757, sku.6979, sku.5790 which go up to 4.2V, are protected and have higher capacity.

sku.6105

1A charge for a single and 0.8A or so for 2 at the same time.



those batteries, they won't work with that charger.
you want either sku.4757, sku.6979, sku.5790 which go up to 4.2V, are protected and have higher capacity.

Jaa, those DX chargers aren't famous for overchaging. :rolleyes:

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.6105

well, if you want quality you can count on...

personally, I haven't had a single battery overcharge and die on me with the 6105.

well, if you want quality you can count on...

personally, I haven't had a single battery overcharge and die on me with the 6105.
Have a look at the comments under your charger at DX. Sometimes it's better to spend a bit more money on a decent product, especially if it uses electricity......

Let me finish that sentence for you.......well, if you want quality you can count on...go with a Plia.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=201323
http://www.flashlightz.com/product.php?p=pila_bc01-ac01&product=171829

yes, that's the charger I wanted to say, but I totally forgot the name of it.

I paid the premium for the Pila IBC charger. I used the $10 dealextreme Trustfire charger before.

You get what you pay for. The Trustfire charger was a piece of crap. Only one side ever worked.

I bought this one from batteryspace:

http://davidclary.com/images/charger.jpg

The description is here (http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1421)

This is the one recommended by batteryspace for the 18650 I ordered from them. I haven't used it on the 18650 yet because I'm still waiting on the flashlight from DX; however, I have used it with a CR123 that I use in my Romisen RC-N3 Q5. So far so good, however, if you read enough posts on CPF, you might end up too scared to plug in any charger with a Lithium battery in it! :)

New P7 hits the marketplace.. I have bought many flashlights from this vendor and have always been happy. He sells the best performing 18650 batteries.. Here is the P7, he tells me twice as bright as Q5 but over 2+ hours of burn time in high mode

http://cgi.ebay.com/SSC-P7-LED-Flashlight-900LM-MAX-Tactical-Swat-Torch-Set_W0QQitemZ390012442315QQihZ026QQcategoryZ106987QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

The light has been shipped and will arrive by Saturday.. I will of course run burn time with AW, Trustfire and his cells and see what the true runtime is.. Here is a link to his cells, they gave me about 10-15% better runtime over any other cells.. Only downside is that they are unprotected..

http://cgi.ebay.com/Rechargeable-3-7-Volt-Li-Ion-18650-Battery-2400-maH_W0QQitemZ230298171457QQihZ013QQcategoryZ40975QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

if you read enough posts on CPF, you might end up too scared to plug in any charger with a Lithium battery in it! :)

I'm already there just from reading these forums.

Not really, but I sure try to keep an eye on things when I'm charging. Don't know if the paranoia is justified or not.

I'm already there just from reading these forums.

Not really, but I sure try to keep an eye on things when I'm charging. Don't know if the paranoia is justified or not.

With cheap chargers and cheap (or unprotected) cells there is reason to be worried. With quality cells and charger there is much less reason to be worried.

With cheap chargers and cheap (or unprotected) cells there is reason to be worried. With quality cells and charger there is much less reason to be worried.

Well, I do have protected cells but the charger is the cheapie from DealExtreme.

Well, I do have protected cells but the charger is the cheapie from DealExtreme.

It's your call. Personally I've found that it's far cheaper in the long run to buy quality in the first place.

Have you tested the voltage of your cells hot off the charger to see if they are being over charged?

I've been using cheap for over 3 years.
4 unprotected $2.99 rc123 cells and a nano charger.
but then I'm only using them in single cell lights.
I did have a AAAA cell explode in a streamlight penlight, it was a loud pop.

I've been using cheap for over 3 years.
4 unprotected $2.99 rc123 cells and a nano charger.
but then I'm only using them in single cell lights.
I did have a AAAA cell explode in a streamlight penlight, it was a loud pop.

That's just not something I'm willing to risk due to a few dollars extra for a better battery on my helmet mounted light.

me neither but it was a regular alkaline battery that exploded.
besides we all have some sort of Lion battery in our pockets, belts or bags.

me neither but it was a regular alkaline battery that exploded.
besides we all have some sort of Lion battery in our pockets, belts or bags.

To me it's still worth the extra few bucks for a quality battery from a known and tested source. AW batteries are top quality, and really not that expensive.

I fully understand, I used to be on CPF a lot.
back then I've researched the cells and nano charger I bought and there appears to
be no issues and I'm still using them. and they were bought from a reputable dealer
who's still around this day. YMMV. caveat emptor and all that stuff.
perhaps I'm lucky but we all have some sort of Lion in our pockets, bags or belts.

I fully understand, I used to be on CPF a lot.
back then I've researched the cells and nano charger I bought and there appears to
be no issues and I'm still using them. and they were bought from a reputable dealer
who's still around this day. YMMV. caveat emptor and all that stuff.
perhaps I'm lucky but we all have some sort of Lion in our pockets, bags or belts.

It's not chemistry that's my concern, but rather quality.

I think I have distilled most of the info in this thread. I am coming from a NR Classic plus, hated all of the dam wires. I was also using the NR taillight, now replaced by a PB Super blinky. Although the setup was terribly complicated I loved the light it put out and an equivalent light output would be ideal. I am a roadie avg ~ 18-20 on the flat non-windy Houston roads.

Is a single P7 as "good" as my NR setup? Is a single p7 sufficient or should I go with 2? Or upgrade straight to the 100lumens?
Option 1
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.16092 Light (MTE "P7-D" SSC P7-C 5-Mode Memory 900-Lumen LED Flashlight (1*18650))
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.936 Charger
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5790 Batteries

Option 2
Same battery and charger as above but with this light :http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.18071 (UltraFire MCU WF-1000L MC-E (BIN K-WC) 3-Mode LED Flashlight (2*18650))

I think I have distilled most of the info in this thread. I am coming from a NR Classic plus, hated all of the dam wires. I was also using the NR taillight, now replaced by a PB Super blinky. Although the setup was terribly complicated I loved the light it put out and an equivalent light output would be ideal. I am a roadie avg ~ 18-20 on the flat non-windy Houston roads.

Is a single P7 as "good" as my NR setup? Is a single p7 sufficient or should I go with 2? Or upgrade straight to the 100lumens?
Option 1
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.16092 Light (MTE "P7-D" SSC P7-C 5-Mode Memory 900-Lumen LED Flashlight (1*18650))
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.936 Charger
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5790 Batteries

Option 2
Same battery and charger as above but with this light :http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.18071 (UltraFire MCU WF-1000L MC-E (BIN K-WC) 3-Mode LED Flashlight (2*18650))

How long do you ride for? The one drawback to these lights is their short runtime.

Also, if someone says they are getting X minutes runtime, don't expect to get the same if you order a light as the specs are known to change from batch to batch.

How long do you ride for? The one drawback to these lights is their short runtime.

Also, if someone says they are getting X minutes runtime, don't expect to get the same if you order a light as the specs are known to change from batch to batch.

2hrs max, so I would carry atleast another set of bats. So single 900, 2X900, or 1000, which is comparable to the NR classic?

I don't know any P7 flashlight that will run 2 hours on max setting.. Most run for about an 60-80 minute then the gradual dimming process begins.. The new light I bought from a US seller has a solid runtime.. It ran consistently 80-88 minutes then dropped about 50%.. Ran solid for another 15 minutes then dropped again and began the gradual dimming.. It ran close to 2 hours of useful light using the AW 2200mah and Trustfire 2500mah batteries.. I bought mine for 60.00 shipped but did not have to wait for long delivery time.. The 60.00 price was for the flashlight only, the link below includes a charger and battery, since I already have those I just asked for a price on the flashlight alone..

I tested the light next to my Trinewt, it easily outshined the Trinewt by about 100 lumens.. This light is mostly flood but produces a defineable hotspot..

I wish people listed which P7 light they are using, which batteries they are using and what kind of burn rates they are getting.. It seems the 5 and 8 mode DX P7's are very popular and most likely I will ordering one of those just for comparison sake.. Here is a link to the P7 light I bought.. Seller shipped fast and received 3 days after purchase..

http://cgi.ebay.com/SSC-P7-LED-Flashlight-900LM-MAX-Tactical-Swat-Torch-Set_W0QQitemZ390012442315QQihZ026QQcategoryZ106987QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I don't know any P7 flashlight that will run 2 hours on max setting..

You guys are very helpful but sometimes I wonder if you read other users post. 2hr run time is NP when you carry an extra set of batts. I am about to order the single p7.

Here is what i ordered


Item Name: TrustFire Protected 18650 Lithium Battery (2500mAh 2-Pack Blue)
Item Name: Universal Nylon Mount for Flashlights and Lasers
Item Name: MTE "P7-D" SSC P7-C 5-Mode Memory 900-Lumen LED Flashlight (1*18650)
Item Name: TrustFire All-in-One Charger (for 10430/10440/14500/16340 /17670/18650/CR123A)
Item Name: Universal Bicycle Mount
Item Name: Flashhlight Mount EXAKT

Can the head of the light detach from the body? If I try to loosen mine it just feels like it is spinning but not becoming looser.

Can the head of the light detach from the body? If I try to loosen mine it just feels like it is spinning but not becoming looser.

which model?

both MTE designs unscrew at the tip of the head allowing the protective lens and condensing lens to be removed.
but the head itself seems to be all one piece down to the handle.

which model?

both MTE designs unscrew at the tip of the head allowing the protective lens and condensing lens to be removed.
but the head itself seems to be all one piece down to the handle.

Yeah I see it now. It was so hard to turn before that I thought it didn't come off at all. I put a little grease on the threads and now it's fine.

You guys are very helpful but sometimes I wonder if you read other users post. 2hr run time is NP when you carry an extra set of batts. I am about to order the single p7.

Here is what i ordered


Item Name: TrustFire Protected 18650 Lithium Battery (2500mAh 2-Pack Blue)
Item Name: Universal Nylon Mount for Flashlights and Lasers
Item Name: MTE "P7-D" SSC P7-C 5-Mode Memory 900-Lumen LED Flashlight (1*18650)
Item Name: TrustFire All-in-One Charger (for 10430/10440/14500/16340 /17670/18650/CR123A)
Item Name: Universal Bicycle Mount
Item Name: Flashhlight Mount EXAKT

I got the flash light, batts, and accesories today. This light is much smaller than in pictures. Its shorter than a AA minimag light and about 1/3 thicker. This light is very bright on high. Ill strap it on the bike when the kid hits the sack. i bought 4 batts and put 2 in the charger.

MTE C-Bin 8 mode P7 arrived today...along with 4 batteries, 2 bar mounts and a charger from DX. I have two batteries on the charger and played around with the lights w/ the other two (not fully charged batteries). Compared to the 150 lumen flashlights I had been using.....all I can say is WOW! *astonishment*

I can ride at night now with confidence that I will be seen. Not only that, I will be able to see where I'm going! How do they get so much light in such a small package? *still astonished*

I'm a flashlight noob...so you may have to discount my opinion as I don't know any better. Regardless, it's still amazing.

MTE C-Bin 8 mode P7 arrived today....

Mine came Friday but I didn't get to test it until tonight. The Trustfires that came with it won't charge up; however, I have another 18650 that I got from Batteryspace that works just fine. Although Medium will work for commuting in the city, I just love the way High lights up the road!! Now I have to figure out what to do with my 2500 mAh paper weights.

I'm a flashlight noob...so you may have to discount my opinion as I don't know any better. Regardless, it's still amazing.

You are much too hard on yourself. I remember how pleased I was the first time I tried mine. You are by no means alone. They are pretty cool for sure. :thumb:

Mine came Friday but I didn't get to test it until tonight. The Trustfires that came with it won't charge up; however, I have another 18650 that I got from Batteryspace that works just fine. Although Medium will work for commuting in the city, I just love the way High lights up the road!! Now I have to figure out what to do with my 2500 mAh paper weights.

Have you contacted the seller about the bad batteries?

Have you contacted the seller about the bad batteries?

I filled out the form on the DX website. It wouldn't let me send it at first because I didn't upload a picture of the defective part! I saved a copy of an image from their website and attached it. I'm not expecting much out of this--I'll just chalk it up as a $10 lesson learned, and buy my batteries from someplace other than HongKong.

I filled out the form on the DX website. It wouldn't let me send it at first because I didn't upload a picture of the defective part! I saved a copy of an image from their website and attached it. I'm not expecting much out of this--I'll just chalk it up as a $10 lesson learned, and buy my batteries from someplace other than HongKong.

AW, who is know to have some of the highest quality batteries, sells out of Hong Kong.

It's not unreasonable to ask for a photo of the item as then they can see if it's damaged. Most likely they would just have sent you a new battery.

I ordered charger X from DealExtreme but received charger Y. They also asked me to take a picture of the product to prove it wasn't what I requested.

They told me to mail the incorrect item to their US-based address, and once they inspect it to verify that it's the wrong product, they say that they'll then refund the purchase price plus the cost of my return shipping.

I've filed a dispute with PayPal just to cover my bases. Once the money is back in my PayPal account I'll cancel the dispute. Just take a picture of your battery, jump through their hoops, and file a PayPal dispute before your time is up.

I didn't realize that they had a U.S. based address. I figured that I would have to package them for (and pay for) international shipping--not something I cared to do for a $10 return. I'll see what their response is and go from there. Thanks!

Ok..all this talk of P7s.

:innocent:

Ok...Ok...I give in - I'll buy one.

However, runtime is a factor so I want a 2 x 18650 torch.

Should I buy the 'Aurora AK-P7-3 2 mode' or the 'MTE M4-2 SSC P7-C 5-Mode' ?

Or perhaps one of the other P7 torches is better ?

TIA :thumb:

Do you think my order is lost? I ordered on 12/7, and today, 1/13, still no word on my order. (The online shipping said it left Hong Kong in Dec.)

And hey - for anyone who wants to make easy money from a side gig - I'd recommend stocking up on a bulk order of these P7s and selling them for $20-$30 more than DX, with US shipping and better QC. Instant business!

Do you think my order is lost? I ordered on 12/7, and today, 1/13, still no word on my order. (The online shipping said it left Hong Kong in Dec.)

It might be lingering in customs.

Do you think my order is lost? I ordered on 12/7, and today, 1/13, still no word on my order. (The online shipping said it left Hong Kong in Dec.)

Did you do the tracking number thing? The DX Hong Kong Post tracking number tracks through to the USPS system.

My last order was 'shipped' on Jan 5th, left Hong Kong via Hong Kong Post on Jan 8th, and 'processed' by USPS in Jamica, NY on Jan 10th. Nothing on the USPS site since the 10th, but at least it's in the US.

My last order was 'shipped' on Jan 5th, left Hong Kong via Hong Kong Post on Jan 8th, and 'processed' by USPS in Jamica, NY on Jan 10th. Nothing on the USPS site since the 10th, but at least it's in the US.

And you won't see any more until after it's delivered (maybe). USPS "tracking" is a joke.

And you won't see any more until after it's delivered (maybe). USPS "tracking" is a joke.



I'm not so sure about that....last order back in November....IIRC....I was tracking the package, and after it was in the US, a few days later it showed it was in then next big city 110 miles from me, and it was delivered to me the following day (or maybe the next day).

I must admit I was a little surprised that it did show up as being closer to me.

Ok - I finally received my MTE SSC P7 C-Bin 900-Lumen 8-mode.

I'm not impressed. But I have high standards - the FENIX L2D wins for me.

Don't get me wrong - the P7 is definitely brighter than the FENIX, but my FENIX L2D on turbo mode has the exact same spill range, and is only a little less bright, while being almost half as small and half as light, and takes AA batteries.

My P7 is FAR from 900 lumens, for sure. From what I'm seeing guesstimating, maybe about 240-300 lumens versus Fenix's 180. I was really hoping this would have a wider spill zone, but it doesn't - has the exact same spill zone, just a wee bit brighter. I don't think it is even 2x as bright as my FENIX; closer to 1.5x brightness, but importantly, with the exact same spill pattern.

On the good side, my MTE P7 does seem to be solid and well built, without battery rattle, and no problems fitting the battery inside. I don't have any problems with the build or button. I certainly won't use any of the 7 extra modes, but that's not a problem of the light, as it was designed that way.

Overall, P7 is still a kick-butt flashlight for the money ($40ish on Dealextreme) and definitely brighter than the L2D. But for me, the Fenix L2D wins, due to its superior size, weight, AAs, and nearly equal light spill pattern and fully functional brightness. I wouldn't recommend for anyone running an L2D (or two) to replace theirs with a P7, since in my opinion, the advantages are marginal, but of course, if you're getting it as a 2nd light, it'll be a great addition.

^^^

I've noticed a massive difference in visibility going from two LD2s to an LD2 and a MC-E light. The difference really is night and day.

^^^

I've noticed a massive difference in visibility going from two LD2s to an LD2 and a MC-E light. The difference really is night and day.

I don't have a Fenix to compare to, but last night I did some test rides comparing my MTE P7 to my Romisen RC-N3 (a Ziemas-inspired purchase:)). On high, the P7 is at least twice a bright--or more. I had a couple of cars on my neighborhood street coming at me give me a WIDE berth to get by. I did have a little battery rattle on a rough section of road so I may have to do a tape or paper wrap to silence it.

Have you contacted the seller about the bad batteries?

I got a reply from DX this morning:



Dear RDEC Engineering,

Sorry for the trouble.

Would you please login our website and scan the review and forum, which are written by our kind customers. Maybe you can find something useful for the defective item, maybe just the reason why it does not work.

Thanks a lot for your patience.

Best Regards,
Ivy

Yep, I can see this is going to be a productive exchange.:mad:

BTW, my mailing address was RDEC Engineering, ATTN: Dave Clary--thus the salutation above.:)

I got a reply from DX this morning:



Yep, I can see this is going to be a productive exchange.:mad:

BTW, my mailing address was RDEC Engineering, ATTN: Dave Clary--thus the salutation above.:)

That's their standard reply as I'm sure they get an obscene amount of silly questions from kids. Tell them you looked at the forum and the consensus is that the batteries are dead.