Best CHEAP Flashlight! (OT50L)

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  • Опубліковано 18 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 113

  • @ethan-lumencraft-
    @ethan-lumencraft- Рік тому +17

    WARNING: Many people have experienced short-circuits when using 18650 cells in these lights, which can cause a fire. DO NOT USE UNPROTECTED CELLS IN THESE LIGHTS.
    Protected cells are probably fine, but use at your own risk. I recommend sticking with NiMH (or even the included cells until they die)

    • @thisisyourcaptainspeaking2259
      @thisisyourcaptainspeaking2259 11 місяців тому

      I have a drawer full. How does one identify an 18650 with protection?

    • @ethan-lumencraft-
      @ethan-lumencraft- 11 місяців тому +4

      @@thisisyourcaptainspeaking2259 the protection circuit adds length to the top of the cell, the wrap will also usually say something about being protected.

    • @thisisyourcaptainspeaking2259
      @thisisyourcaptainspeaking2259 11 місяців тому +1

      @@ethan-lumencraft-Thanks.
      I have yet to find a recovered cell with "protected" label but have noticed in series they fail when polarity reverses due to discharge. I feel like any LiIon cells used in series configuration must be provided with protection to avoid this infantile failure.

    • @ethan-lumencraft-
      @ethan-lumencraft- 11 місяців тому

      @@thisisyourcaptainspeaking2259 Yeah if it doesn't want to work when reversed it's due to a protection circuit (though if it's a single cell it could be the light/device itself having a reverse-polarity protection circuit)

  • @atongs_edc
    @atongs_edc Рік тому +9

    I love how you deliver your words man, very clear very precise. There's a sense of being "true" to what you say unlike other reviewers. Keep it up man! Great job! And if we have Walmart here, I'd definitely get one. Well, probably 10 of those coz it's cheap, and I'm sold! Lol

  • @RichardPoogerman
    @RichardPoogerman Рік тому +2

    Almost stopped this at the beginning because there is no flashlight battery format I despise more than three AAAs. Glad I stuck it out, thanks!

    • @jaredbryant8297
      @jaredbryant8297 6 місяців тому +2

      I’m a beginner. Curious, why dislike it?

  • @matthoward1174
    @matthoward1174 Рік тому +5

    In these bigger lights, I wish they would go to 2 AAs, instead of 3 AAAs. Way more mah with AAs.

  • @StarDarkAshes
    @StarDarkAshes Рік тому +4

    I wouldn’t want to keep it in the car because somebody might break in and steal it.😂

  • @margaretandwaldemarelwerto7719
    @margaretandwaldemarelwerto7719 Рік тому +10

    This is a movie I've been waiting for for a long time, not for me but for average people who aren't crazy about flashlights. I have most of the most expensive and lightweight flashlights in my collection, but I am trying to find a good flashlight at a good price so that I can recommend it to other users.👍👍👍

  • @joel4587
    @joel4587 Рік тому +4

    Liked the video , it was useful. Thanks

  • @epointy
    @epointy Рік тому +4

    Finally a new video

  • @TheDesius
    @TheDesius Рік тому +26

    I love simple flashlights with only 1 or 2 modes. Nothing worse then being on a hike and having to pull out the manual for the flashlight because you don't remember the battery time for all 10 modes and don't want to run out of light half way through

    • @wesolowskimatt
      @wesolowskimatt Рік тому +3

      Nothing worst you say... well it's probably your first day on planet earth, so... welcome! I wouldn't recommend staying here for a long time, specially with your expectations... 😅😅

    • @TheDesius
      @TheDesius Рік тому +3

      @@wesolowskimatt ok it's a bit exaggerated but it can be very dangerous. I sometimes go on long walks alone at night so my flashlight running out is very terrifying. I do always have a backup light though

    • @ModelLights
      @ModelLights Рік тому +1

      @@wesolowskimatt ' Nothing worse ' Duh, with the understood subject related to the subject at hand.
      You do realize you're incorrect for not inserting the obviously omitted [understood] words to complete the sentences correctly, not the people who leave them out, right?
      Go refresh your high school grammar, [understood] items were covered, you're just not quite as good at grammar as you're wanting to pretend you are.

    • @wesolowskimatt
      @wesolowskimatt Рік тому +1

      @@TheDesius I was just joking my friend, just joking...

    • @wesolowskimatt
      @wesolowskimatt Рік тому

      @@ModelLights It was just a joke.
      Even if it wasn't a joke, the problem would be with semantics, not grammar.
      Have a nice day, my friend who thinks that education ends at high school level.

  • @Iamtheclip
    @Iamtheclip 11 місяців тому

    Always enjoy your output like your better Lite’s, your bright outlook illuminates points usually missed. Nearing the era of 80 I realize I need something brighten up the future for me. An affordable lite leaves me without an excuse for such!
    Thanks

  • @ReptoSlicer24-25
    @ReptoSlicer24-25 5 місяців тому +1

    I have 2 of these newer ones and they work great! I have an older gray colored one that's from 2018. The plastic quality on these newer ones are decent, but the older one I have is better. Overall these flashlights are a good buy. For some reason I have used rechargeable batteries in flashlights and even when they are fully charged they are not that bright. The flashlight acts as if the batteries are weak. If I use regular alkaline batteries they are EXTREMELY bright.

  • @mrdfoutz
    @mrdfoutz Рік тому +2

    I may add a few of these to my cart just because they're $2. OT produces good stuff for the price. I just replaced the AAA*3 batteries in my "basement steps" light (zoomer) today, after almost 3 years. It lives there hanging on a nail, so I always know where it is when I need it. I have 5 of their AAA*3 "camp lanterns" placed around the house, which perform quite well. And I have several small flashlights that are more than adequate for those "Oh, I need a little more light" moments. A "Bat Light" for the vehicle. So, I can save my Klaruses, Lumintops, and Thrunites for the serious play, err, I mean work!

  • @practicalguy973
    @practicalguy973 Рік тому +1

    I like durable and simple. I recently got the Coleman battery guard 300M. It uses 3 AA which I prefer over AAA and has a slide switch for high and low mode. It's using mechanical switching so there is no parasitic drain on the batteries to achieve modes like an electronically switched circuit. Thick aluminum body with rubber on both ends for drop protection and a great beam pattern for a $25 medium sized flashlight. They claim 350 lumen on high and 10 on low. Run time is better with Eneloops. I might need to see if a 21700 or something else can be modded for a more high performance battery!

  • @JuanGonzalez-dq1hc
    @JuanGonzalez-dq1hc Рік тому +1

    I literally buy 1 or 2 each time I go to Walmart. This season made little edc bags for my cousins and they all got a set, flashlight and headlamp! Appreciate the info about using an alternative battery source! Going to have to experiment with that. 😁

  • @rG9ydfE1nL
    @rG9ydfE1nL Рік тому +2

    dude i put the 18650 in it and it worked for a while but i dropped it and it hissed like crazy and the entire room reeks, it also melted the plastic

    • @ethan-lumencraft-
      @ethan-lumencraft- Рік тому +2

      Get rid of it, avoid those fumes if possible. I may have to remove this video or post another warning about this issue.

    • @DinnerForkTongue
      @DinnerForkTongue Рік тому +1

      @@ethan-lumencraft- Worst comes to worst, re-record only the part talking about using 18650s. The rest of the video, with performance ratings and use cases, still holds up well.

  • @TheMagicalSock
    @TheMagicalSock Рік тому +3

    I know you’ve done some pretty large-scale revisions of videos in the past; do you think it’ll be appropriate to revise this one if using 18650s in this light continues to lead to reports of thermal runaway?
    Just to be clear, I don’t think you did anything wrong at all, and you were also quick to draw attention to the issue when you found out.

    • @ethan-lumencraft-
      @ethan-lumencraft- Рік тому +1

      We've decided that for now the video will remain as-is, we pinned a warning comment to the top. I am going to test and make an additional quick video about it, as I think that will be more effective at reaching those who purchased the light.

    • @TheMagicalSock
      @TheMagicalSock Рік тому

      @@ethan-lumencraft- I think that’s both appropriate and responsible.
      Have you guys considered doing an annotation at the start of the segment discussing 18650s?

    • @ethan-lumencraft-
      @ethan-lumencraft- Рік тому +1

      @@TheMagicalSock Unfortunately, we no longer have the ability to add annotations

  • @RubiconV
    @RubiconV Рік тому +2

    Nice job and good info!

  • @oasismike2
    @oasismike2 Рік тому +1

    Thanks, this is in line with my budget constraints! And, I have chargers and a safety pouch! (I don't know if house fires from re-charging lithium cells is still a thing, but, safety first!)
    18650's are free, if you have nieces who go through power banks. I used to tear down old laptop batteries.
    I used to make flashlight vapes (aka mechanical mods), or use 18650's in the old flashlights, but emitters would go dead since I didn't understand how easy it would be to put in a resistor.

  • @syukriimran1933
    @syukriimran1933 Рік тому +4

    looking good😍

  • @ModernSurvivalSense
    @ModernSurvivalSense Рік тому +12

    Love seeing lights that 1,000,000,000,000 youtube 'influencers' are not peddling. Thank you. :) There's something to be said about taking a practical approach to flashlight reviews and selection.

    • @gs78798
      @gs78798 11 місяців тому

      Dangerous lights with 18650 - causing shorts with 18650s. Also no o-rings for waterproofing. These are disposable, bad lights. They are sold so you buy more alkaleak-batteries from the same store. 🤯

    • @ModernSurvivalSense
      @ModernSurvivalSense 11 місяців тому

      If you're causing a short with an 18650, it is YOU that is doing it wrong. The light is designed for AAAs. It is incumbent on YOU to know what you're doing if you decide to deviate from that. There's nothing dangerous about a cheap flashlight that runs standard batteries. Li-Ion lights are, by far, more dangerous.@@gs78798

  • @307skynet
    @307skynet Рік тому

    0:34 What's that California 65 proposition means if you buy it? Is it safe for an adult or kids?

  • @EternityForest
    @EternityForest Рік тому +3

    There are $10 18650 or 16340 lights out there, one of those seems like a far better choice. What would be interesting is a sub-$5 1xAAA, to put a NiMh in and just leave in every bag to easily find stuff, or stash in an emergency kit, or things like that, but a cheap 3xaaa uses another few dollars of NiMh

  • @YoSpiff
    @YoSpiff Рік тому +1

    Walmart had a gold color floodlight with a magnetic base for about $4 that was a great find. Basically a mini version of the Nebo Larry. I bought a few of them to keep around the house and car. Not sure if they still sell it.

  • @jmp485
    @jmp485 Рік тому +4

    Worth mentioning that the little cardboard tag that comes with the light works nicely as a spacer for an 18650 cell

  • @NYOB0001
    @NYOB0001 Рік тому +1

    Walmart has a 10 pack of these for $13 batteries included.

  • @diddykong7547
    @diddykong7547 Рік тому

    Love the super cheap light option. Thanks for the review.

  • @krazmokramer
    @krazmokramer Рік тому

    Ha! You earned your influencer bucks today!! I just added 5 to my weekly Walmart order. One for the work shed, the basement, the kitchen, and the cars. Thanks for the "heads up"!!

  • @tangowhiskey7476
    @tangowhiskey7476 Рік тому +3

    Be careful, as I don’t recommend 18650’s in this light. It over compresses the springs and pcb, and the flimsy strap that connect the tail cap can come loose and cause a short on 18650. This will cause a melt down. Happened to me, only use the three cell cartridge. These are still the best under $2 light at Walmart.

    • @lateforwork2922
      @lateforwork2922 Рік тому

      I had a thermal runaway with mine I drop as soon it hit the ground it pop.

    • @ethan-lumencraft-
      @ethan-lumencraft- Рік тому +1

      Good to know, I haven't had that issue myself but haven't used the 18650 very much

  • @KnifeThoughts
    @KnifeThoughts Рік тому

    What was the blue one with the frag pattern that you showed when you talked about loaning it?

    • @ethan-lumencraft-
      @ethan-lumencraft- Рік тому +2

      It's the "9 LED Mini Flashlight", I think this specific one is LEXALL at Walmart but they're a generic design. I've had and used these a long time too, but find them inferior to the OT50L for being less bright, much floodier, and having even worse coloration. Battery situation is the same though.

  • @bobone866
    @bobone866 Рік тому

    I like them as a back up. Good recomendation

  • @thepenultimateninja5797
    @thepenultimateninja5797 Рік тому

    This would be good as semi-disposable emergency lights for your car. Swap the batteries out for lithium primary cells (really long shelf life) and maybe even glue the tail cap on for added water resistance.

  • @littlepigboy
    @littlepigboy Рік тому

    Why is that p65 warning on the label? What within the flashlight aside from the batteries can hurt you in accordance to the warning label? Thank you

  • @ucitymetalhead
    @ucitymetalhead Рік тому +1

    I don't think those are alkaline or has the super heavy duty moniker changed?

    • @ModernSurvivalSense
      @ModernSurvivalSense Рік тому

      I literally can't remember the last time I saw non-alkaline/non-lithium batteries. I would assume they are alkaline.

    • @ucitymetalhead
      @ucitymetalhead Рік тому

      @@ModernSurvivalSense mw either but never underestimate the cheapness of folks making dollar lights.

  • @SuperSuperka
    @SuperSuperka Рік тому

    absolutly agree

  • @lateforwork2922
    @lateforwork2922 Рік тому +1

    I don't recommend the 18650 for this light I had one that thermal runaway.
    towards the emitter there is a metal ring that can cause a short.

    • @ethan-lumencraft-
      @ethan-lumencraft- Рік тому +2

      Another user mentioned that, I've never had that issue but that's definitely a big problem

  • @ridermak4111
    @ridermak4111 Рік тому

    Ba-da-bing ! Every few years I buy 10 or 15 and spread them around, but a handful go in my vehicles to give away when needed.
    I’m kind of surprised that you didn’t mention straight lithium AAA’s. Not rechargeable and a bit pricey but powerful and long shelf life for stashed lights that might not get used for a long time. Also don’t leak with age. I like that.

    • @ethan-lumencraft-
      @ethan-lumencraft- Рік тому

      Lithium primaries are the best for long-term storage, especially in large temperature ranges, but I don't like their high price and disposable nature for something like this.

  • @freeanto1323
    @freeanto1323 Рік тому

    how to buy it in indonesia? 🥺🥺

  • @practicalguy973
    @practicalguy973 Рік тому +1

    You should start comparing more cheap flashlights to see if there are more gems out there! I have a 1$ Dollarama plastic flashlight that uses 3 AAA similar to the Walmart OT50L that has optics but the LED has the fried egg effect and very blue looking in the flood. Walmart is better for twice the cost.

    • @ethan-lumencraft-
      @ethan-lumencraft- Рік тому +4

      I definitely want to look at more inexpensive options!

  • @Video-ee1dn
    @Video-ee1dn Рік тому

    My cheap Flashlights to place everywhere are the chinese D25/H25 headlamps. They cost 13€, which ist definitely a lot more than 1.88, but they are super bright, super reliable and work nicely with 18650s. They even charge the 18650s reliably to 4.2V when pluged into an USB charger.

  • @lumntoob999
    @lumntoob999 Рік тому +1

    You know you're in pretty deep when you have walls lined with durable and high performance flashlights but you still can't help yourself from buying handfuls of cheapo lights.😂 Good find though, I wouldn't have thought about buying them but they seem really decent for the money. I have a few of those cheap zoomies I got included free with some orders and they are actually pretty darn good when you get them free, I wouldn't pay for them but the best ones I've gotten are probably about 1000 lumens, decent flood or throw, can take aaa or 18650, and fairly well constructed out of aluminum. Personally the cheapest lights I would rely on or gift out to people would be convoy, they sell several lights for under $20 and they are really good. The Convoy S15 starts around $15 with the sst40 or $17 with the sft40 and the even better convoy S8 is about $18-$22 with the more expensive end of that even including an 18650 cell. You can get more for about the same money when sales are going on but convoy lights are always that cheap, I don't believe they make much profit on their lights. I just got a Sofirn IF25A with the 21700 cell for $15 today, that's a 4000 lumen 400+ meter flashlight with anduril, it's a ton of light for the money. A while back I also got the sofirn SP36 with three 18650 cells for $20, the sofirn LT1 lantern with the four 18650s for $27, and the Q8 plus with cells for around $50, if you're into lights then watching for these sales is pretty huge.

    • @ethan-lumencraft-
      @ethan-lumencraft- Рік тому +1

      Haha yeah I may have a problem...
      I do plan to make a video on Convoy lights soon as well, they are a fantastic value and they have rgeat modding potential! It would also be fun to take a look at those freebie zoomies as well

  • @SykesFW
    @SykesFW Рік тому

    I love these lights and buy them all the time

  • @chahahc
    @chahahc 8 місяців тому

    Those 18650s seem mightily loose in that body. Wonder how a 26650 would do.

  • @benbraceletspurple9108
    @benbraceletspurple9108 11 місяців тому

    Lumens per dollar are also low. 1 dollar for 100 lumens is pretty standard today, this is 1 dollar for 25 lumens. That's awful, and then you have the battery problem. If you drop one with rechargeable batteries sucks to lose so much money.

  • @StarDarkAshes
    @StarDarkAshes Рік тому +2

    I think I’m gonna get mine cerakoted. 😂

  • @Random_4400
    @Random_4400 Рік тому

    The included batteries are actually carbon zink and not alkaline.

  • @orionv.13
    @orionv.13 Рік тому

    Dude!! I have like 19 of those around my house there great for the money

  • @Originalkugelzwerg
    @Originalkugelzwerg Рік тому +1

    Where is the cheap china online store that delivers worldwide when you need it? In Germany, for example, we don't have the advantage that this lamp is available in every Walmart around the corner. But I accept the challenge of finding something comparable for myself, even if it's the hundredth lamp I buy, because there are two things you can't have enough of: Flashlights and pocket knives.

    • @Originalkugelzwerg
      @Originalkugelzwerg Рік тому +1

      @@76tfdtr4r5 10 times more expensive and a sliding mechanic which i dont like, the journey continues.

  • @LeaveMasonAlone
    @LeaveMasonAlone Рік тому +1

    Wad, what have you done...

    • @LuxWad
      @LuxWad Рік тому +1

      Something terrible...

  • @cvnikal
    @cvnikal 11 місяців тому +1

    reddit made me do it

  • @bobone866
    @bobone866 Рік тому

    Why is it always the cheap plastic lights that last the longest. My longest lasting flashlight was a 2 AA clip black and decker that had 3 different light sensors. I could not break that light. Went in sewers, washed it with bleach left it in mud . But i spend 50 on my first "good" light and broke the first fall.

  • @damienakatubbyable
    @damienakatubbyable 2 місяці тому

    Spend a few more pounds and get a Sofirn flashlight, even something like a sco2 for £5 will give you 300 lumens and multiple modes, more than enough for most scenarios or go for an sc18 for the perfect household tool. Tbh 50 lumens for a totch that size is terrible my olight, nitecore and boruit keychain lights range from 90 lumens to 700 lumens in a package half that size!

  • @P_RO_
    @P_RO_ Рік тому

    FWIW if someone is so short-sighted that they need to borrow a flashlight do you think they'd exercise the care you would with one of your expensive lights? That's the main purpose of 'stashlights' for me, just give them one to keep and be done with it. 'I have 'stashlights' in every car and toolbox and kit of every kind even though I EDC good lights. Your personal light can get broken, lost, or run out of electrons. You may need a light for greasy hands. Tons of good reasons to grab a handful of cheap but decent lights, and replenish the supply as they run away or get broken. Of alkalines, the Energizer brand seem to resist leaks best but some cheap brands do OK. No point in Li primaries in lights like this or rechargeables in lights you don't regularly use.

  • @Seven3four1
    @Seven3four1 10 місяців тому

    I heard 3 AAA’s and I was ready to click away. But glad i didn't. 2$ for an 18650 light? That sounds pretty good.

  • @peter7582
    @peter7582 Рік тому +1

    Used to be able to get aluminium versions of these for £1 at bargain stores, and they were good quality. Not just for the price, but good quality in general. Now they're £2 and feel cheap and nasty. I bought 2 and they were both DOA. Even with fresh batteries they didn't work! Less than useless.

  • @ajhornung6432
    @ajhornung6432 Рік тому +1

    These lights and there 9LED lights have always been good lights nonflashlight person's . Young's don't remember when we had INCAN lights and the frist LEDS in 2000s. They think that there Phone flashlight are good . 42yrs.

    • @viperstrike3827
      @viperstrike3827 Рік тому

      I remember having a koehler brightstar 5d during huricane Katrina. After that as a small child I got a 9 led nebo with a laser which I still have. Then we got the first 3d led Maglite which completely blew our minds. Still use it, it runs 80+ hours at 168 lumens on 3 D cells. My brightest light now is a fenix pd36r. I am looking to grow my collection and get brighter lights. Im 23.

    • @viperstrike3827
      @viperstrike3827 Рік тому

      I also have a bunch of old incan lights because I like them I have 2 6 cell maglites a 3 cell and multiple 2 cells and minimags and magchargers that need batteries. And that obnoxious brightstart 5d that used to have a halogen bulb.

  • @stevepmo
    @stevepmo Місяць тому

    these little guys are locked up behind glass now

  • @BrittanyUrmey
    @BrittanyUrmey 4 місяці тому

    Flashlight Ozarks 🔦 🔦

  • @johnwayne666
    @johnwayne666 8 місяців тому

    Cool beans

  • @microRiZu
    @microRiZu Місяць тому

    i have a review on my channel where i compared a 0.80cent light which is frankly better thanthis one, with the sofirn if22a cause i dont know why...

  • @alextaplin7354
    @alextaplin7354 11 місяців тому

    I don't see it. These are not 18650 compatible, just because it fits down the pipe doesn't mean it should be, this could damage your battery and create a fire hazard. The best option to run this on would be the Eneloops. I'd never recommend using alkali cells to anyone.
    The light itself is not great, it's damn chunky to be much less bright than my 90lm keychain light and the tint is nasty.
    It's definitely not built to last longer than a few months in regular use either.
    All that is without discussing the biggest issue which is the ethics of ultra-cheap mass produced products both from the environmental and human perspectives.
    Buy one good budget flashlight and use it for life, the performance and quality gap is worth it.

  • @kleptonaisa7845
    @kleptonaisa7845 Рік тому

    Uses 3 AAA battrees... what if you only got 2 AAA battrees...

  • @Wren1
    @Wren1 Рік тому

    Meh, I've seen better lights with aluminium housings at the dollar store for the same price or less. The reason I don't buy these cheap lights any more is because they have a tendency to flicker and because you'll be paying a lot more in battery costs.
    For comparison, my EDC is a Lux Pro LP1044, 360 lumen, IPX4 rated, dual mode, USB C pen light. It comes with a rechargeable 10850 750mAh battery, but can also be powered by 2 AAA (with appropriate reduction in brightness) in a pinch. It cost $25 USD, but it's a much better value than these ultra cheap lights in the long run.

  • @balsalmalberto8086
    @balsalmalberto8086 Рік тому +1

    I passed on these because it's 3xAAA I'd vastly prefer 1xAA powered.

  • @benbraceletspurple9108
    @benbraceletspurple9108 11 місяців тому

    Yeah but those are soooo hit and miss. 30% fail day one. 50% fail somehow 6 months for occasional use, and 95% will fail at some point with common use.

  • @mdocod
    @mdocod Рік тому

    3 X AAA - No Thanks. Terrible cost of operation, low power/energy density battery solution that is a pain to change. Likely no regulation present. The ultra-low price doesn't make it better. For the cost of a few battery changes in this you could have a rechargeable lithium-ion powered light that performs better in all metrics while being more compact.

  • @oldcarnocar
    @oldcarnocar 11 місяців тому

    fanboi torch..........

  • @glenng.6041
    @glenng.6041 Рік тому

    no recharge no want.

  • @MAGGOT_VOMIT
    @MAGGOT_VOMIT Рік тому +1

    AAA batts?? NO thanks, but good if 18650 can be used cause I have a bunch of my favorite 3500mAh (tested) Liitokala 18650 cells.

    • @tangowhiskey7476
      @tangowhiskey7476 Рік тому

      Don’t use 18650, just a friendly warning, they can cause a melt down and ARE unsafe and oversized in this light.

  • @tilburgcity78
    @tilburgcity78 Рік тому +2

    trash

    • @mikeenslin3009
      @mikeenslin3009 Рік тому +9

      probably the least trash 2 dollar light that exists tho

    • @notion_fractal9818
      @notion_fractal9818 Рік тому

      @@mikeenslin3009 still better than "150k" lumen flashlights on amazon

  • @Leo-gt1bx
    @Leo-gt1bx 10 місяців тому

    Hi thank you for your informative videos. Is there a way I can email you?