Cree XML T6 light question

[Rodderstrotter]

I own one of these

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251091020942?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#

For the money it's great, very bright light, about the same as the XML T6 on torchys website. Only problem is going over bumps it sometimes switches itself to the next mode, and when on full the light can sometimes keep flickering. So there's a poor connection somewhere. Loosening the battery cap does sometimes help, not something you want to be doing down a pitch black country lane. I have heard the switches can be a problem though. I've contacted the seller who's been very helpful and said send it back, but is the replacement likely to be the same, and I'm wasting postage sending it back? Anyone else had a similar problem? Can anyone recommend a cheap light that's more reliable (probably asking too much on that one!)

Thanks

 

[HovR]

I fixed a torch that had a similar issue, but to a worse extent. Turns out that one of the connections where the tail switch is soldered on to a PCB was duff and had broken free. Re-soldered it and the torch worked perfectly.

To gain access to this part of the torch you have to unscrew the tail cap, and then use a pin-spanner or similar device to poke in to the holes of the plate on the inside of the tail-cap and unscrew it.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I found the cap with the switch in it was coming loose. A turn of ptfe on its threads, leaving plenty clear for conductivity reasons, and then a biro in the hole in the inside plate to clamp it down sorted it.

 

[darth vadar]

I've just bought an Aldi torch today (£11.99) which looks very similar in looks and design.

Obviously haven't used it yet as it still hasn't gone dark at the time of writing, but I will be giving it a whirl later.

Just need a bracket now to fix it to my bike.

 

[Svendo]

To gain access to this part of the torch you have to unscrew the tail cap, and then use a pin-spanner or similar device to poke in to the holes of the plate on the inside of the tail-cap and unscrew it.

I've found on a couple of these types of torches the switch in the tail cap or the LED and driver can both work a bit loose causing the mode switching so just tightening up with a pin spanner (or biro, pointy stick, kebab skewer or whatever) can cure it. I've also had them where the battery springs aren't stiff enough so need some padding out with magnets or a spacer fashioned from folded foil (with insulation tape cut to size round the outside to prevent shorting, which would make the mode switching worse!)

 

[Arjimlad]

I eventually fixed the first torch I was sent, when it went like this.

I took the tailcap to bits & realised that there was too much play in the innards. I put an extra rubber o-ring into it to take up the slack.

To get the inner locking ring undone & done up again, I up-ended two nails in a vice, the right width apart to engage in the dimples in the locking ring.

 

[MrGrumpy]

https://sites.google.com/site/easyierthanyouthink/bikelights

This guy contributes to the mahoosive thread over on bikeradar ://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=20005&t=12807034 lots of helpful information on whats what in bike lights. I have two torches and basicly strip them down regrease threads, tighten up tail cap etc and wrap some tape round the battery, stops it moving around inside the torch.

 

[Rodderstrotter]

Thanks everyone, loads of really useful info. I'm going to try a few repair ideas & let you know how I get on. I've also ordered one of these
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007V3JOBA/ref=pe_217191_31005151_dp_1
Seems a bargain considering it's a U2, which should be brighter than the T6, and as it's fulfilled by amazon, it's easier to return & free post if it does develop a fault.
And if I get the T6 sorted, I can have a twin light setup
I'll let you all know how the U2 compares to the T6.
Thanks again

 

[Rodderstrotter]

Received the U2 today, and much brighter than the T6. Seems much better quality aswell, although they are supposedly the same make. Not focusable, unlike the T6, but set to the best IMO. Doesn't come with a mount, but have already got 3 mounts anyway. The beam is much brighter in the middle, but as wide as the T6 on the widest setting. It's also a warmer white, half way between the T6 & halogen. Only time will tell how it performs on rides, but so far very pleased for the money.