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Re: Fenix hp-11 or Spark st-6 500cw

PostPosted: Mar 5, 2012 11:13 pm
by BreaukenArrow
Chads93GT wrote:I like the zebra actually. the spark makes the helmet very "front heavy" as it sticks out a couple inches.


Is that the only reason? I recently ordered a Spark 6t, (They have been waiting on a shipment of batteries for a week now . . . . not happy) and I was torn between the Zebra and Spark (maybe I'll just get both:P)

Re: Fenix hp-11 or Spark st-6 500cw

PostPosted: Apr 16, 2012 10:21 am
by Mark Ostrander
I've had a Fenix HP11 for a few months and am disappointed. The whole thing breaks down to the cheesy diffuser. Something busted in it the trip before last and it just flaps loose now. Goes from flood to spot depending on where you are looking - up versus down. Incredibly blinding and distracting as it keeps flashing in your eyes in that moment when it is barely open. I tried duct-taping it shut Sat., and that worked for a few hours, then I had to switch to my backup light. Seems like my choices are to take it off completely and live with the spot, or glue it shut.

Re: Fenix hp-11 or Spark st-6 500cw

PostPosted: Apr 16, 2012 11:46 am
by tncaver
Mark Ostrander wrote:I've had a Fenix HP11 for a few months and am disappointed. The whole thing breaks down to the cheesy diffuser. Something busted in it the trip before last and it just flaps loose now. Goes from flood to spot depending on where you are looking - up versus down. Incredibly blinding and distracting as it keeps flashing in your eyes in that moment when it is barely open. I tried duct-taping it shut Sat., and that worked for a few hours, then I had to switch to my backup light. Seems like my choices are to take it off completely and live with the spot, or glue it shut.


I agree. That diffuser is flimsy. I use my XP-11 only as a back up light now. I still like my old Apex because it has such a nice flood and if it breaks I can
send it back to be fixed.

I have an idea for the diffuser on the XP-11. Consider drilling a small hole in the middle of the diffuser to allow some of the spot to get out while still
diffusing the rest of the light. You could try several hole sizes, starting small and going larger until it is just right. Once you get the amount
of spot that you are comfortable with and still have diffused light then you could glue the diffuser shut which should make it less likely to break off
and/or flip up during inappropriate situations.

Re: Fenix hp-11 or Spark st-6 500cw

PostPosted: Apr 17, 2012 6:25 pm
by Lava
Chads93GT wrote:I like the zebra actually. the spark makes the helmet very "front heavy" as it sticks out a couple inches.


I've caved with my Spark multiple times now and haven't noticed any front heaviness at all.

Re: Fenix hp-11 or Spark st-6 500cw

PostPosted: Apr 19, 2012 1:05 pm
by DeanWiseman
Lava wrote:I've caved with my Spark multiple times now and haven't noticed any front heaviness at all.


I have both mounted on there, simultaneously, and I'm not noticing anything.

Re: Fenix hp-11 or Spark st-6 500cw

PostPosted: Apr 19, 2012 2:04 pm
by Caver John
I have the st and sd mounted on my helmet and I will say its a tad more front heavy than I'd prefer, but at the same time, I'm used to it. Last weekend poking arOund in a small passage I didn't even thi k o it so really it's not a big deal.

Re: Fenix hp-11 or Spark st-6 500cw

PostPosted: Apr 19, 2012 2:59 pm
by Cody JW
Everybody complaining about front heavy likely never wore an old school carbide. The Spark and Zebra both are light compared to my old Auto Lite. Some do not know how good we have it now. Us old folk do.

Re: Fenix hp-11 or Spark st-6 500cw

PostPosted: Apr 19, 2012 3:36 pm
by MUD
Cody JW wrote:Some do not know how good we have it now. Us old folk do.

:wink:

Re: Fenix hp-11 or Spark st-6 500cw

PostPosted: Apr 19, 2012 4:38 pm
by tncaver
Cody JW wrote:Everybody complaining about front heavy likely never wore an old school carbide. The Spark and Zebra both are light compared to my old Auto Lite. Some do not know how good we have it now. Us old folk do.


You got that right. Carbides are heavy.

Re: Fenix hp-11 or Spark st-6 500cw

PostPosted: Apr 19, 2012 4:51 pm
by Caver John
I'll take your word on it and stop comaining now.
Love the wall of light this combo produces!

Re: Fenix hp-11 or Spark st-6 500cw

PostPosted: May 9, 2012 11:35 am
by brngk
For all the spark owners out there, what's the battery rating you guys are using? 3100mA or a lot of you tending toward the sub 3k range?
About to pull the trigger on one and was wondering what kind of run time differences you are seeing.

Re: Fenix hp-11 or Spark st-6 500cw

PostPosted: May 10, 2012 10:53 am
by Chads93GT
I'm using Panasonic 2900 and 3100 mah.

Re: Fenix hp-11 or Spark st-6 500cw

PostPosted: May 10, 2012 11:27 am
by jeffkruse
Readilast 3100's. You realy need the best batteries for these lights.

Re: Fenix hp-11 or Spark st-6 500cw

PostPosted: May 10, 2012 9:30 pm
by brngk
Sort of the feeling I had, saw the xtar 2600mah were going relatively cheaply on the sbf site and thought I might want to go with those. Do you guys have a reasonably priced source for good cells? I've heard mixed things about picking up panasonic cells from fleabay. One other question, is the 2600,2900,3100 primarily a difference in run time or does output take a hit?

Re: Fenix hp-11 or Spark st-6 500cw

PostPosted: May 11, 2012 10:21 am
by jeffkruse
These new lights draw a lot of current. The cheaper batteries can’t handle the current so you won’t get the max output.

The new lights are very demanding of the battery. Only the best cells should be used with them. Check on the CPF forum for 18650 battery tests.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/sho ... ew-summary

Best thread ever.