Re: FS> S06J 12X Trustfire TR-B3 $195 VIDEO ADDED
Alright. So I just got it in the mail from Bloom to do a mini-review/price estimation/LPMing for him. So upon first inspection, there is a pretty hefty nick on the sideo f the host that Bloom didn't picture. It's like someone cut a horizontal slot upwards towards the head right below where the head screws in. Odd. Bloom, it seems like it was done on purpose? Care to explain?
Also of note: there are three imperfections on the diode's window. Minor though, not too much to be concerned about.
What is bizarre is that the lens seems to create an odd X-shape of wings around the central, unfocused dot.
Anyway, here is the LPMing.
(I shut it off at the end there)
I thought it was weird that power started dropping out so quickly. Then I figured that yes, I should probably check the tailcap current to make sure it's not the diode overheating but instead the driver not providing enough current. Sure enough, at about the 15-20 second mark, it started dropping in output current. Unfortunately, Bloompy, it
is the driver overheating. Using 3x16340 was not the best idea - you are providing it with TOO much voltage. It seems like it may stabilize around the 175-200mA mark.
In order to combat this, I would suggest that either A) I ship it back to you to have you change out the driver to a buck driver or B) advise that the buyer use the lowest voltage batteries he/she can - something along the lines of primary Li-ions or LiFe batteries (those have a max voltage of 3.2 instead of 4.2 that li-ions have).
Overall, it's really not a bad laser. A lens spring could be added, the tailcap could be a
bit more smooth going on (not really an issue). But, the driver thing is a big downer - especially with a 405-G2 lens.
Knowing this, Bloom, will you change your price?
EDIT: Also - just tested this. If you have two high quality IMR 16340s, or even 18350s and you put a spacer in there for the third one, you should get a longer run time and less quickly decreasing power. While you will be just riding above the necessary voltage, at least the driver won't overheat. Up to you.