my 8 modes just arrived, and it was shipped out last weekend

that was super fast delivery.

can't wait for the night to fall, and try them out in the open woods

My two 8 modes just arrived today as well. Order was placed the end of Sept. when they were back ordered. Waiting for the batteries to fully charge now.

Just got my 5 mode from DE today; 8 days from order to delivery. I've only had cheap-o Cateyes and such in the past so I'm looking forward to not blind-siding any more potholes. I came to this forum looking for a way not to spend $200+ for a decent light. Thanks for the input, P7 fans!

I got mine (5 mode) and charger, bike holder and batteries. Put the battery in and the light is bright!!!
Can't wait to try it on a rainy night commute. I actually secured the flashlight to my helmet with an old inner tube (this is the third tool in my triad repair arsenal of duct tape, WD-40 -I am aware of the debate about this, and inner tubes)

Coupla questions:
1. should I run down the batteries BEFORE the first charge or doesn't it matter?
2. Can I charge the new batteries right out of the package.
3. The light looks like window with four panes-why?
5. Does DX make the same light with a red bulb/lense? would be great for the rear

Coupla thing noticed.
1. No waste with DX-no slips inside and no directions
2. Flashlight battery combo seem bomb proof-no rattling whatsoever

Certainly cheaper than Dinotte

Batteries charged in just under 4hrs. I think I was checking them every 15mins. Not because I thought they would explode but because I couldn't wait to play with the new lights. Measured 4.20V when I took them out of the charger.

Wow, I can't believe how super bright these things are... I've never had white LEDs and the only flashlights in the house are D-cell Maglites. These little P7s put those larger incandescent lights to shame. You don't notice how yellow the regular bulbs are until you see them next to a the white/bluish light of the P7s. Definitely can't let my 4yr old play with it though or he'll blind himself or his little brother. We did read a bedtime stories with one of low though.

I think the 8 modes are a little to much. Took a minute to figure out the clicky pattern and how long between clicks to advance the modes/turn off. No big deal there though. Hey, it's a flashlight... I didn't expect an instruction booklet.

I notice they are a little floody but a few quick tests outside look like they'll put the light down the road a bit. Have to reserve final judgement until a real night ride takes place. Don't even know if I'll like riding at night but I figured I'm in for under a $100 with the lights and charger so even if I don't ride I'll have some kick ***** flashlights in the end.

Answers:
1. Doesn't matter.
2. Yes.
3. The LED actually consists of four seperate emitters.
4. The consensus around here is that filters are too inefficient to be worth it. I'm not sure about red LED flashlights. I use a Planet Bike Superflash.

You can secure flashlights to your helmet with Twofish Lockblocks.

I took my first ride with mine tonight-it's a super light. I can't imagine needing more than one (well, maybe for mtb'ing). I can't imagine needing a brighter light. I went 90 minutes on high with one battery, it faded to about the same as low by the end. A $70 purchase (light, 2 batteries, 2 holders, charger) that makes me this happy is a good thing. That little $2 holder works well too.

i just use velcro for my helmet and my 2nd P7

the MTE P7 case design makes it safe to just velcro the center part, without worrying it to slide out or anything like that.

i too took the plunge to buy one of these. my q5 doesn't have the flood for the road right infront of me that i want. i'll still use it as a throw either on helmet or on bars.

https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.12060

what kind of battery should i use? DX says 1x 18650 , but it has a picture with 2 cr123s. i realize that two cr123 would put it at a much higher voltage, dunno if its safe. i would figure that two cr123 would last longer than 1 18650because it has more combined mah. its a bit confusing to me

Use protected 18650.

https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5790 2500mAh protected 18650
https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.6105 charger, 1A for 1x 18650 or 850mA for 2x 18650

It looks like the website has a few P7's. https://www.dealextreme.com/search.dx...ultrafire%20p7
https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13060 Is one better than the other?

I have sku 16092 and like it alot. It's 5 mode and regulated. Here it is in fact (well 2 of them):
(Some attention whoring pics for those who didn't notice my thread)

I'm using sku 12623 and 16092
honestly I wish at least one of these lights came with a 3-mode low-mid-high instead of having useless strobe and sos modes

That's why I ordered a 2 mode. Low/High, that's it. I'm only going to use high anyway. Should be here soon.

While I can see the value in a 3-mode light, I use the strobe modes quite frequently on my 8-mode. When I really want to influence traffic, I use the rapid strobe. When I'm riding in the daytime off campus, I use the 3/sec strobe. If it's bright and sunny, I may use the 1/sec strobe. At night, I use the steady high mode. The only modes I haven't found a use for so far are the tactical and SOS strobes. I'm glad I got the 8-mode. The extra options allow me to go far longer between charges than I would if I simply used high everywhere and all the time.

As soon as you crash in some rural area, you'll be glad you have the SOS. In fact, you'll wish you had a flare gun.

ok, but is there a reason?

1. Less likely to undervolt to the point of becoming useless.

2. Less likely to overcharge to the point of burning your house down.

Where did you get that mount? looks very cool!

Waiting for my P7 to arrive, should get here in about 5 days (batteries and charger were sent out 5 days earlier, and arrived today).

regular old minoura space grip.

with a pair of handlebar mounts you can get off of DX. sku 8274

they also have a velcro version that you can use for your helmet sku 12000

Ok let me see if a get a bite here:
what is the thinking on the Cree MC-E lights vs the p7

wait and see?
should be "better"
why worry the difference will be in your mind

Has anyone have one yet?

and in same thought pattern any quality differences between MTE and ultrafire in general?
thanks

I think the MC-E is still a question mark. It sounds like the output will be similar but the beam could be tighter.

I have a cheapie MC-E flashlight on the way to experiment with. It should have better thow than a typical P7 because the emitter package is smaller. Runtime will probably still be uselessly short (for my needs) but I had a momentary lapse of reason It should be here in about a week. Stay tuned