Choices for a small single 18650 EDC light.

I'm going to get a new magazine / light pouch for christmas. And I want to find a great light to put in it. I want something eye burning bright, uses 18650 batteries, and is small enough to have in a mag pouch. Here is what I am looking at.

1. eagletac t20c2 mkii xm-l
http://www.eagletac-usa.com/products/pr ... d=1-3-6981
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2. Jetbeam bc25
http://www.jetbeamusa.com/jetbeam-bc25/?fullSite=1
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3. Dereelight cl1h-t
http://www.dereelight.com/cl1h-t.htm
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I'm open to any other options, not just these three.

I have read about it... But I have always had lights with the tail switch... so I'm not to sure about getting it.

Have you looked at the ThruNite TN12? XM-L U2 bin. Works with 1x18650, but it's direct drive on max. Plenty bright, but you can get more output with 2xIMR16340's. http://illuminationsupply.com/tn12-p-85.html?zenid=986f27d593327e08171d434808365cd7

WadeF said:

Have you looked at the ThruNite TN12? XM-L U2 bin. Works with 1x18650, but it's direct drive on max. Plenty bright, but you can get more output with 2xIMR16340's. http://illuminationsupply.com/tn12-p-85.html?zenid=986f27d593327e08171d434808365cd7

Click to expand...

That does look a lot like the others. What is good or bad about the direct drive? Does that mean it dims as the battery runs down? I'm sure my newbieness isshowing here. I also read a thread about direct drive. It was titled, Can I direct drive a xm-l with a 18650. And people where saying it would burn out... Please enlighten me, wiseone. Thanks.

I cannot recommend a sc600 strongly enough. Like you I was unsure about the switch but it is easily the best flashlight I have brought in so many ways.

have you compared it with other lights its size?? I need it to survive rough handleing, and I love throw... I like to have the "biggest" stick, and want the brightest in this size, or real close to it. I'll research it some more. Thanks.

See, I have to say - get the Eagletac T20C2 MK II with the XML HO LED module.

I have two Eagletac T20s. I carry one daily, as it is my fav light. I like that it can be upgraded as new modules come out. The two I currently own had R5 modules. As the XM-L came out, I updated the insides for $28.99. No need to buy an entire light.

The XML HO T20C2 Mk KII seems to be the brightest light I have seen in its size class.

Unless it's going to be used as a duty/emergency tac light where you would want momentary operation and large enough for bezel protruding from your hand, having a more compact electronic switch or twisty operation light is probably best for most people normal daily use.

Do you know what mag pouch you are going to get?

SC600 is a lot smaller than the powerful 18650 tac lights that are usually 1.3-1.5in diameter bezel, 5.5-6in. length, 1in. diameter body.

I have been leaning eagletac...

http://www.hbeleatherworks.com/
This is the fellow that I'll have make it for me, I drive by his place everyday. They're custom made, and look nice. But if the flashlight has much of a head, it won't work well in a holester. Will the zebra stand up to years riding on my belt, and getting bang up once in a while? I don't plan on using it to bash people in the head (though that would be a plus in my book) so the betzl isn't a make or break. If it's smaller, I can have the holster made to handle it...

If being rugged is major priority I would go EagleTac then. I got the P20C2 for daily pocket carry but if I was going to put it in holster, magazine pouch, cargo pocket, etc. I would have got the T20C2 - for upgrade feature like Shipwreck mentioned and features like double tap tail-strobe, great warranty, and definitely a top reason is there are much less percentage of problems reported on forums for EagleTac than most of the popular brands in same price range - even with many of them being beat up on a regular basis and used on firearms.

I have three lights in this category. First one I bought was a Olight M20s. I later bought a Shiningbeam S-mini R5. Much smaller, 1/3 the price of the M20, doesn't throw as far but it's just about as bright. Lastly I bought a Shiningbeam Blaze. It is now my favorite single cell 18650 light. It feels more solid than either of the other two. It's much brighter than the Olight and throws a little better. I'm not sure I could find a better light in it's class for anywhere close to the $58 I paid for it minus the 6% CPF discount. I don't have a Zebralight SC600 to compare it to but I doubt the Zebralight has anything over the Blaze except for maybe being just a little smaller and lighter which isn't always a good thing. The Zebralight shuts down off turbo mode after about 5 minutes or so because it gets too hot. I don't have that problem with the Blaze. The Blaze is 720 lumens on high mode which is close to the stated output of the Zebralight.

Hey there Snowman - +1 me for a vote to the SC600. If you need something that will add some throw, you may want to check out the Sunwayman T20CS which another CPF member told me about. It's not yet available but looks very nice. info here- http://www.sunwayman.com/html/products/201112/69.html If you don't need the throw, the SC600 is awesome and I agree bigthrow on the switch. It becomes very easy to use and has a light range for every application. Good luck!

I've been looking for a new light myself and will definitely check out the recommendations above. Was just curious what the board thinks of the Thrunite Scorpion?

Thanks for all the replys. That sunwayman looks neat, to bad it isn't out yet... The blaze looks nice, and it's little brother, the P-rocket looks good also. http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-97/**NEW**--P-dsh-Rocket-XM-dsh-L/Detail and it's cheaper then5 the eagletac...
I only discount the zebralight because it might not be as tough... am I wrong?
So, P-rocket or eagletac?

Check out this torture test, not a SC600, but it is a Zebralight: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?321619-Zebralight-Torture-Test. I used to be skeptical about Zebralight because they have had some QC problems in the past, but what light company hasn't. I am going to get the SC600w for the following reasons (hopefully Christmas gift): I think the UI looks awesome, electronic switch/UI, I don't own a side switch light, great efficiency, great tint (I'm getting the "w" version), awesome brightness out of such a small light, and finally, lights don't get 200,000 views and this much praise on CPF for no reason.

Take a look at the Jetbeam ST Cycler. Just received mine, I like it more than I thought I would. Smaller than the BC 25 you are looking at. It is not as bright on turbo as the BC 25, but has several useful modes.

Snowman_ski said:

Thanks for all the replys. That sunwayman looks neat, to bad it isn't out yet... The blaze looks nice, and it's little brother, the P-rocket looks good also. http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-97/**NEW**--P-dsh-Rocket-XM-dsh-L/Detail and it's cheaper then5 the eagletac...
I only discount the zebralight because it might not be as tough... am I wrong?
So, P-rocket or eagletac?

Click to expand...

For a wall of light in a very small package I, too, would recommend the SC600. Check this thread out for a Zebralight torture test:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?321619-Zebralight-Torture-Test

Hi Snowman ski,

Since you're in the market for a "small 18650", I would not normally suggest considering this one, but since you're considering the T20, you should at least check it out. I believe it will be available Dec 19th. I'm a T20 user, yet I'm still planning on the G25C2 because it has all the features I always wished of the T20. It's a thrower-based, multi-purpose light, so you'll have to also consider at 5.9" in length & a 1.55" bezel diameter, it's a bit larger than the T20 at 5.6" & 1.3". Since it's not quite out yet, I thought you might like to know it's coming soon. Good luck in your search.

All the best,
John