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Massdrop Path Convertible CR123 Pocket Flashlight
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Massdrop Path Convertible CR123 Pocket Flashlight
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Product Description
With the success of the Massdrop AAA and Vega flashlights, we knew our next flashlight had to be a knockout. But rather than go with a conventional step up in battery power, we wanted to offer something the EDC community could really make their own Read More
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keyboard_arrow_downYabosMcGee
338
Jan 29, 2019
@JonasHeineman Wasn't the Path supposed to be a convertible CR123/18650 flashlight, though? I received a survey from Massdrop a while back showing the Path in different configurations (one CR123, two CR123, or one 18650). Did Massdrop run into a technical limitation for that configuration, or did the survey just indicate that people would buy the Path if it was CR123 only?
glennac
1363
Jan 30, 2019
YabosMcGee"Wasn't the Path supposed to be a convertible CR123/18650 flashlight, though?"
You are correct. See my comments above.
mike.j
300
Jan 22, 2019
Hey Everyone,
We’re excited to share with you all a new flashlight. This flashlight is our next step in our evolution for every day carry (also known as EDC) pocket lights. The Path convertible flashlight is the result of community engagement and development, and represents a further evolution from our line of AAA flashlights.
The Massdrop AAA flashlight is discreet, and at 110 lumens it provides more than enough utility to justify the minimal pocket space it takes up. However, we heard that many members were looking for more power - so we stepped it up with the Vega, which offers 220 lumens - twice the power as AAA lights - when running on AA alkaline batteries, but performs best with rechargeable 14500 Li-Ion cells, offering up to 650 lumens on Turbo mode. While this was a big step up from the alkaline-only AAA lights, we knew that many enthusiasts were still looking for bigger and brighter.
And so began development of the Path. The goal was to develop a flashlight that offered 1000+ lumens in a pocketable body, which could be used with two CR123s for maximum runtime, or one CR123 to keep it smaller and lighter. Our first prototype of the Path was done in several milling options. The idea was to have an EDC flashlight with sections featuring different patterns that could be swapped around to make hundreds of possible combinations. The original design had thick enough walls to allow for multiple milling variations to improve grip all throughout each part of the flashlight. This lead to very interesting combinations of materials and milling patterns to mix and match but left us with a large and heavy flashlight. The trouble here was that we had a flashlight that was a good concept but had too much heft and was a bit too unpocketable.
This is where the survey helped change the direction we had. Late last year we sent out a survey asking what features, weight, size, machining, and more that you’d all expect from a flashlight and we learned a few things. First, when offered the different patterns that were adding to the bulk of the light, members universally preferred the knurling pattern that is featured on the prior Massdrop AAA and AA lights. That led to an easy decision, so we reduced the diameter by over 11% and with it reduced the weight by about 30%. Working with our engineers, we further reduced the weight by milling out material from the inside of the tube on the portions between the threading, resulting in a total weight reduction of 46%!
We’re very grateful for this community and the feedback we get from you all. Together we’re able to produce designs and products that meet and exceeds the expectations you all have. We’re hopeful you find this flashlight a key part of your everyday carry and we look forward to your future participation in design surveys. These help us make the product that you want.
The Path is a flashlight for you to make your own - whether that be the need for a small compact carry, to a beam of light, or just a beautifully patinaed copper and/or brass EDC flashlight. The Path you choose is up to you.
(Edited)
glennac
1363
Jan 29, 2019
Jonas & Mike, forgive me for beating this dead horse, however Massdrop presented a concept in the survey back in Sept, but delivered something different than what the survey implied would be the result.
- Path is a custom-style EDC Flashlight made from copper or brass which can utilize both 18650 and CR123 batteries.…In the larger configuration, it is powered by an 18650 or two CR123 batteries. In the short configuration, it is powered by one CR123.
- The Path will be offered in four surface treatments. Tell us what you think by dragging them into the appropriate areas. (I’d Buy It / It’s Cool Buy I Wouldn’t Buy It / Undesirable) Note: Each of the “areas” could accept multiple entries.
- Would you buy multiple Paths to mix and match materials/surface treatments? (Yes / No) [What was the point of that question if you weren’t going to offer multiple “surface treatments”?]
jag-engr
13
Mar 26, 2020
glennacI'm a relatively recent convert to 18650 cells, and I agree that they are awesome! They provide the most capacity at a voltage close to the LED's voltage, so there is minimal buck / boost waste.
Since the flashlight can accept an RCR, have you considered trying an unusual size like 16650 or 17650? They have a little less capacity than an 18650, but they should blow the other manufacturer-recommended options out of the water.
(Edited)
glennac
1363
Jan 22, 2019
I’m kind’a disappointed that the other texture options didn’t survive. Was looking forward to mixing and matching. 😕
JonasHeineman
5987
Jan 24, 2019
The other patterns look pretty meh when done with shallow machining. We didn't have any predetermined plan to go with only one design - knurling was overwhelmingly the favorite, and the other three were remarkably unpopular by a wide margin.
XenoMuse
121
Jun 22, 2019
The large diameter for the extra patterns may make it 2x as heavy, but I expect the extra diameter with just knurling for supporting 18650 use would only add a small amount of weight.
Badazzelanore
38
Jan 24, 2019
I would be all over this if it was 18650, that's what I initially thought it was. I don't personally like cr123 batteries, I prefer a more common battery. The 18650 is very common in the vaping communities so they are easily attainable and have a ton of power.
sygyzy
36
Jan 25, 2019
Badazzelanore18650's are no more common than CR123's and weredeveloped after the 123's came out.
(Edited)
Badazzelanore
38
Jan 26, 2019
sygyzyPoint stipulated, lol. My post was unclear, I meant more common to me, I vape so I have 18650's and chargers readily available and I don't want to add another battery/charger.
Cobra502
7
Jan 22, 2019
So will this work with 18350 or 18650? Also what are the modes, is there memory?
KKska
4
Feb 15, 2019
CONS: No moonlight, XPL, low CRI, no memory, no hidden strobes/turbo, simple design, no stainless steel/titanium. I don't want it.
Omniseed
1972
Feb 19, 2019
KKskaI've got a natural white XPL in the Vega AA Massdrop light, and it's good. Not exactly as warm as the Nichia emitters, but it's damn near the same brightness as the regular Cree emitters.
There's room for both, but I don't know if I still prefer Nichia emitters anymore.
Strobe and moonlight modes plus a titanium version would make it a must-buy if the price is ok. I'm still probably going to get one for when I don't feel like carrying one of my Pineapples or the Vega.
glennac
1363
Feb 19, 2019
Omniseed"Second wave"? Let's see if they actually listened to the community next time.
This time, despite a "survey" of the community, Massdrop ended up simply making a flashlight that satisfied Massdrop. I really wonder how many of the 179 they sold were to folks who simple decided to settle for what Massdrop offered instead of what was initially promised.
I was fully prepared to buy at least two if the promised textures and 18650 functionality had come to fruition. But in this case a complete pass like so many others here below. Can you imagine the hundreds they would have sold if Massdrop hadn't gotten squeamish about a little weight (which is their sole argument as to why the 18650 battery and other textures didn't survive beyond the community survey).
I just bought a solid copper Olight M2R for almost $100. 9.7 oz in weight. I'm completely delighted with it and have no regrets. What was Massdrop so afraid of? (Eye Role here)
Jax1
18
Jan 25, 2019
So if you buy 2 and this thing is modular could you extend it to 3 or 4 cr123's? O 6 or 8? You see where I'm going is there a load cap on the led?
XenoMuse
121
Jun 22, 2019
Jax1I would think 3 CR123s should be fine, 3 RCR123s may not be. It's not only a question of overloading the LED, but also the control circuitry. The voltages on 3 CR123s work out to only a little more than the 2 RCR123s peak, so that should be safe. I would expect to blow something before you get to 5 or 6 batteries.
Kiefofpolice
171
Aug 12, 2019
XenoMuseDepends on if the actual light and the battery have those safety features. Basically what olights have so you can't ruin a light if you accidentally put a battery with positive and negative on 1 end in a light that doesn't support that, and the overcharging safety cut off. I'll look into this and see if I can find something
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