I need your help now...narrowed down to 5 lights...

I have posted a couple threads trying to find the best light for me, some of you have been great in helping me on my way.

I have it narrowed down to these lights. I am sure they are all great lights, but tell me now which one is the better light for durability, warranty, best value, etc....

Also if you want to suggest a place to buy from that is appreciated. I am posting the price that I found them at.....

1. Zebra SC600 XM-L------$99.99---- I wasnt so fond of this light since the only battery option is an 18650 UNTIL I realized I can get them in rechargeables...that might not be so bad? http://goinggear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_20&products_id=3152

2. Fenix TK21 U2 Special Edition XM-L U2-----$94.95----- http://goinggear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_18&products_id=2952

3. EagleTac T20C2 MK II XM-L 2X Cr123----- $89.90----- http://goinggear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_234&products_id=2964

4. 4Sevens Quark123 Turbo X Cree XM-L----- $79.99----- http://goinggear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_129_133&products_id=2869

5. Klarus XT10 Dual Switch Tactical----- $79.95----- http://goinggear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_128&products_id=2644


Again I have to thank all of you for being so great helping me along my way here! If you want to know what I am looking for in a light in can be found in this thread....... http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...5-Best-versatile-light...good-flood-and-throw


If you havent noticed I thought I wanted a 300-500Lumen bright light but these really bright ones intrigue and fascinate me, so maybe thats my route?

Thanks

I think either the Zebralight or 4Sevens light will make you happy. I personally own the SC600 and I cant stop using/playing with it. If you don't mind bezel twisting, the Quark also has a super low moonlight mode which is great for campers and cavers.

Jeff

xpitxbullx said:

I think either the Zebralight or 4Sevens light will make you happy. I personally own the SC600 and I cant stop using/playing with it. If you don't mind bezel twisting, the Quark also has a super low moonlight mode which is great for campers and cavers.

Jeff

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Thanks for the input.. As far as the Bezel twisting I dont know what I will like?

my vote goes to the zebralight.

although i do have lights that bezel twist for mode changing, i prefer lights with easy 1-hand operation.
the UI on the Zebralights is very nice with that regard.

skyfire said:

my vote goes to the zebralight.

although i do have lights that bezel twist for mode changing, i prefer lights with easy 1-hand operation.
the UI on the Zebralights is very nice with that regard.

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Thanks bud! I will keep that in mind, hopefully I get flooded with input soon. I would like to order before the weekend!

Check out the Zebra Sc600. Methinks you will be happy!
AW 2900Mah 18650s and Pila IBC charger is a fantastic combo.

Zebra SC600

I would also vote for the Zebralight SC600, but I highly recommend getting a light that can use both 18650 & CR/RCR123 batteries. CR123 batteries can be stored for 10 years wherever you keep the flashlight, and use the 18650 for daily use & CR123 for your back up.
I own the SC6oo, and I also recommend the Jetbeam III M XML.

Well I guess Zebralight SC600 it is! Can anyone tell me how dependable 18650,s are? I honestly have never heard of them till I got on CPF? I figure ill order a few batteries and a charger, now its time to find the best price on all of it! Thanks everyone!

1. Zebra SC600 XM-L------$99.99---- I wasnt so fond of this light since the only battery option is an 18650 UNTIL I realized I can get them in rechargeables...that might not be so bad? http://goinggear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_20&products_id=3152

Many members here know my disdain for the Zebra. I would steer clear... Sorry ZL peeps!!! ZL is the only light brand that I've officially gone 2 for 2 in failures - and they both happened within months of owning them.

2. Fenix TK21 U2 Special Edition XM-L U2-----$94.95----- http://goinggear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_18&products_id=2952

I've lost faith in Fenix a bit. They really accelerated my interest in the hobby with their L1P back in the day, but I've had some very bad luck with my last few attempts at purchasing a Fenix light. My last Fenix that made me happy was a T1 (TK1)?? Well whatever, the kinda tan Cree XR-E Q5 one with the orange button that was built like a tank. I fear that their QC may have gone down through the years in order to meet increased demand.

3. EagleTac T20C2 MK II XM-L 2X Cr123----- $89.90----- http://goinggear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_234&products_id=2964

I've never owned an EagleTac so I couldn't tell you. I hear great things about them but I also hear they suffer from bad clips, like so many of these other Chinese light manufacturers.

4. 4Sevens Quark123 Turbo X Cree XM-L----- $79.99----- http://goinggear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_129_133&products_id=2869

I like Quark. I've owned 3 and never had a failure. 2 Mini 123s (XP-G R5 Al, and Polished Ti XP-G S3) and a Mini CR2 that I used for awhile. The only things I could complain about was that the aluminum Mini 123 had A LOT of thread play and the Ti S3 had very gritty threads. Their customer support should trounce any of the other companies you're considering. That being said, I've never forked over the cash for a Quark clicky model. So...

5. Klarus XT10 Dual Switch Tactical----- $79.95----- http://goinggear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_128&products_id=2644

Once again, never owned a Klarus but have heard good things about them. I like the instant access to strobe, though the output may underwhelm you... I'm sure it's a great light but don't quote me on that one since I have no personal experience with them.

Please, let me give you a choice in your price range that may make you happier. I know you'd like to keep the whole light a turnkey affair, but you should seriously consider grabbing yourself a little Solarforce host (L2T or L2P), and Nailbender XM-L... It would come well below your budget and would be brighter than anything else you listed (600 lumens)... The total cost would be something like $65-70. Plus, you always change body parts and drop-ins as you see fit to make your own custom lego light! Just don't forget the copper tape to wrap your drop in with!!!!

Hope that helps!

Shao

If you get a light that runs on 18650's don't skimp on the batteries. Get a pair of AW 18650's and a good charger. That said, I have the Quark Turbo X and I really like it. The only thing I don't like about it is its color up close on a white wall I believe that's standard for cool white XM-L's. Using the flashlight outside I don't notice it at all. If you want beaucoup lumens to travel a long way I would suggest the Quark.

shao.fu.tzer said:

1. Zebra SC600 XM-L------$99.99---- I wasnt so fond of this light since the only battery option is an 18650 UNTIL I realized I can get them in rechargeables...that might not be so bad? http://goinggear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_20&products_id=3152

Many members here know my disdain for the Zebra. I would steer clear... Sorry ZL peeps!!! ZL is the only light brand that I've officially gone 2 for 2 in failures - and they both happened within months of owning them.

2. Fenix TK21 U2 Special Edition XM-L U2-----$94.95----- http://goinggear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_18&products_id=2952

I've lost faith in Fenix a bit. They really accelerated my interest in the hobby with their L1P back in the day, but I've had some very bad luck with my last few attempts at purchasing a Fenix light. My last Fenix that made me happy was a T1 (TK1)?? Well whatever, the kinda tan Cree XR-E Q5 one with the orange button that was built like a tank. I fear that their QC may have gone down through the years in order to meet increased demand.

3. EagleTac T20C2 MK II XM-L 2X Cr123----- $89.90----- http://goinggear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_234&products_id=2964

I've never owned an EagleTac so I couldn't tell you. I hear great things about them but I also hear they suffer from bad clips, like so many of these other Chinese light manufacturers.

4. 4Sevens Quark123 Turbo X Cree XM-L----- $79.99----- http://goinggear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_129_133&products_id=2869

I like Quark. I've owned 3 and never had a failure. 2 Mini 123s (XP-G R5 Al, and Polished Ti XP-G S3) and a Mini CR2 that I used for awhile. The only things I could complain about was that the aluminum Mini 123 had A LOT of thread play and the Ti S3 had very gritty threads. Their customer support should trounce any of the other companies you're considering. That being said, I've never forked over the cash for a Quark clicky model. So...

5. Klarus XT10 Dual Switch Tactical----- $79.95----- http://goinggear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_128&products_id=2644

Once again, never owned a Klarus but have heard good things about them. I like the instant access to strobe, though the output may underwhelm you... I'm sure it's a great light but don't quote me on that one since I have no personal experience with them.

Please, let me give you a choice in your price range that may make you happier. I know you'd like to keep the whole light a turnkey affair, but you should seriously consider grabbing yourself a little Solarforce host (L2T or L2P), and Nailbender XM-L... It would come well below your budget and would be brighter than anything else you listed (600 lumens)... The total cost would be something like $65-70. Plus, you always change body parts and drop-ins as you see fit to make your own custom lego light! Just don't forget the copper tape to wrap your drop in with!!!!

Hope that helps!

Shao

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hehe ive had quite the opposite experiences.

owned 5 or 6 ZL, and all worked fine. my only complaint is having to lock-out the tailcap. but thats not an issue with the SC600 anymore.

I do like fenix as a company, but most their lights dont appeal to me. most my experience with them is from their keychain varieties.

owned about 8 quarks, and my biggest complaint is their tread quality. which in turn causes minor issues with mode changing. all 3 of my limited run quarks had that problem.

never owned a eagletac or klarus either...

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if it werent for the "18650 only" battery use for the SC600 and SC60, i would have tried them out.
i would use 18650 primarily, but want CR123 as backups, since thats what i carry in my bag, and car.

18650li-ion are all rechargeables, and for size+capacity+power are the best option.

I too, would recommend getting quality 18650s from either AW, or Redilast brands. the cost is more, but is well worth it in the long run.

skyfire said:

I too, would recommend getting quality 18650s from either AW, or Redilast brands. the cost is more, but is well worth it in the long run.

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Also I would look into Cali's Kustoms... nice cells... Someone cells Generic IMR cells for cheap in the marketplace if you dig around a little. :devil:

Shao

I have a few ET T20's and an older T10L. Like them alot. The T20's run on 18650s, or cr123's. Multiple dropins can set to your preference. We have one with an xpg r5 and another with the HO XML. I think the XRE throws the best, but I like the xpg for it's all around ability. Wife likes the brute force XML. Solidly built, pretty much on par with other quality lights. Multiple times a day use by wife on the XML one for over a year, so far had to replace the switch once. Others have been fine. ET customer service through illuminationgear.com (where we buy our lights and batteries) has been great. As has the responses from ET themselves. As mentioned use the rechargeable 18650's for the longer run and keep some 123's as backup. Also like ETs batteries. Cheap and reliable so far.

Ok SOOOO I thought I wanted a Zebra sc600 until I saw the $$ of the batteries and charger! I only want to spend around $100 but it appears that route will easily put me at $150+?? I ended up ordering the Eagletec from Goinggear and wouldn't you know it they are all out of stock! I don't know to try and find another model or wait it out??? ALSO another reason not wanting the 18650 batteries is because they sound complicating to me!?

Westernmdhardwoods said:

Ok SOOOO I thought I wanted a Zebra sc600 until I saw the $$ of the batteries and charger! I only want to spend around $100 but it appears that route will easily put me at $150+?? I ended up ordering the Eagletec from Goinggear and wouldn't you know it they are all out of stock! I don't know to try and find another model or wait it out??? ALSO another reason not wanting the 18650 batteries is because they sound complicating to me!?

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Get the Eagletac from here.http://http://www.eagletac-usa.com/?gclid=CPa91NitoKsCFcis7QodKDX6bQ I get all my Eagletac lights from here. I've never had a problem. By the way I have the t20C2 Mk II with the XM-L. Its a great light!!!! Super bright on 2 123's

Don't be afraid of the 18650 batteries. They are not that difficult to use. Several decent chargers that won't break the bank. I like my lights to be able to use different batteries so the Quark would not work for me.
Another one you might want to look at is the Olight brand. Either the M20s X light or the M21 X. I have a M20s and I love that light. It uses cr123, rcr123 which are rechargeable or the 18650 batteries. I like these options. The light is tough as nails.

Of the ones you mentioned, I would be interested in the Eagle Tac with it's new turbo mode. I think that would be a great light.

Chidwack said:

Don't be afraid of the 18650 batteries. They are not that difficult to use. Several decent chargers that won't break the bank. I like my lights to be able to use different batteries so the Quark would not work for me.
Another one you might want to look at is the Olight brand. Either the M20s X light or the M21 X. I have a M20s and I love that light. It uses cr123, rcr123 which are rechargeable or the 18650 batteries. I like these options. The light is tough as nails.

Of the ones you mentioned, I would be interested in the Eagle Tac with it's new turbo mode. I think that would be a great light.

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Thats the EagleTac I ordered the new 720lumen Turbo mode. I hate to cancel my order with Goinggear but I dont believe I want to wait a couple weeks. I am off to check prices elsewhere for now and decide whether I can wait or not. If anyone has any discount codes that would be appreciated! Thanks

Lightjunction carries Eagletac. Discount codes can be found in the marketplace under good deals as a sticky.

Westernmdhardwoods said:

Thats the EagleTac I ordered the new 720lumen Turbo mode. I hate to cancel my order with Goinggear but I dont believe I want to wait a couple weeks. I am off to check prices elsewhere for now and decide whether I can wait or not. If anyone has any discount codes that would be appreciated! Thanks

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