On a whim, dropped $11 on a Chicom flashlight at Walmart. "Cascade Mountain Tech 700 lumens."
Why would I do that, when I typically shop (once a year) for the latest at Fenix?
Hm. Because better x cheaper is always happening, and some are garage or loss-risk lights. Anyways. I've paid over $20 for a good 18650 battery, and this came with a 2,200 MaH one. So what do you get for $11?
I sincerely doubt it's 700 lumens, the claims are always exaggerated. Yet it is a bit brighter than my other cheapie go-to. Its electronics are simple: Bright, less so, and strobe. On high end lights, there can be so many controls, you have to refer to the PDF every time you use it (LED Lenser).
It does charge, with a neat sleeve that rotates down for the micro port, likely semi-waterproof. Came with yet another micro charge cord to throw in the drawer. No lanyard, though a hole let me attach one.
If you get one, do pull the battery and remove a little paper battery-contact-protector. Some folks don't and think it's broken.
It is a focussing light, always nice. Can stand on end and has faux striker front.
I used to keep AA lights in bugout bags and other places for emergency use. Yet AAs leak with time, and rechargeables are only 1.2 volts. A 18650 battery is just larger, with more charge capacity. For a light you DON'T use (much), 18650s are better, IMO.
And yes, I did drop a Fenix in the bay once. Said to be waterproof, it and its $$ battery were never the same. (Battery fried, light only worked on one setting evermore).
Mildly impressed, and cost less than a fast food meal. They are in the bulk-pack section of Walmart's sporting goods. Good for a tacklebox or car center console, IMO.
AA
Why would I do that, when I typically shop (once a year) for the latest at Fenix?
Hm. Because better x cheaper is always happening, and some are garage or loss-risk lights. Anyways. I've paid over $20 for a good 18650 battery, and this came with a 2,200 MaH one. So what do you get for $11?
I sincerely doubt it's 700 lumens, the claims are always exaggerated. Yet it is a bit brighter than my other cheapie go-to. Its electronics are simple: Bright, less so, and strobe. On high end lights, there can be so many controls, you have to refer to the PDF every time you use it (LED Lenser).
It does charge, with a neat sleeve that rotates down for the micro port, likely semi-waterproof. Came with yet another micro charge cord to throw in the drawer. No lanyard, though a hole let me attach one.
If you get one, do pull the battery and remove a little paper battery-contact-protector. Some folks don't and think it's broken.
It is a focussing light, always nice. Can stand on end and has faux striker front.
I used to keep AA lights in bugout bags and other places for emergency use. Yet AAs leak with time, and rechargeables are only 1.2 volts. A 18650 battery is just larger, with more charge capacity. For a light you DON'T use (much), 18650s are better, IMO.
And yes, I did drop a Fenix in the bay once. Said to be waterproof, it and its $$ battery were never the same. (Battery fried, light only worked on one setting evermore).
Mildly impressed, and cost less than a fast food meal. They are in the bulk-pack section of Walmart's sporting goods. Good for a tacklebox or car center console, IMO.
AA
Last edited: