Which of these lights do you think I should get?

Like most of us, I need about $1,000 plus to get the flashlights I'm looking at right now. Of course, that's not going to happen haha. The following are what I've narrowed it down to for my next purchase. It could be many months before I do another one right now due to finances. Which one would you choose?

This light will mainly be used around the house and camping, but will also be used for impressing non-flashaholics, road trips, and night walks.

1. Solarforce L2T with clip, stainless steel bezel, and S9 switch, running a (Update: different drop) Vinhnguyen54 XML driven at 3.85 amps, pushing a blazing 1000 plus lumens. $35+$45 = $80

[/IMG]

Pros:
I'm really drawn to the looks of this light, more than the others on my list.
Insanely bright, especially for a regulated 1x18650 size light!
I can upgrade the light engine easily as better ones come out, as well as parts.
I have a turbo head that I would use when wanting greater throw. Right now it has an XRE in it, but could also have Nailbender do a D36 drop with an XML ($50).
Can use for self defense and breaking windows in an emergency.
(Updated) This drop is also capable of a moonlight low and "hidden" strobe, SOS, and beacon modes, which I like to have when camping, hiking, or traveling.

Cons:
I love the Solarforce lights, but I wouldn't say they are as well made as Zebralight or JetBeam.

2. Zebralight SC600 flashlight. $95

[/IMG]

Pros:
I've wanted a good light with a side switch for a long time, though now I'm used to the tactical switches.
Capable of an amazing 750 ANSI OTF lumens (500 after 5 min. on) and still good runtime.
Amazing UI.
Seems to be a superb light.
I've been wanting a Zebralight for a long time, and this would be my first one.

Cons:
The plainest looking of the lights, IMHO.
Can't use for breaking windows or self defense (other than light itself).
Non upgradable.

3. Zebralight H600 headlamp. $89

[/IMG]

Pros:
Can be used as a flashlight or headlamp.
Capable of an amazing 750 ANSI OTF lumens (500 after 5 min. on) and still good runtime.
Amazing UI.
Should to be a superb light.
I've been wanting a Zebralight for a long time, and this would be my first one.

Cons:
Ugliest looking of the lights, IMHO.
Can't use for breaking windows or self defense (other than light itself).
Non upgradable.
I can't see myself using this as a flashlight, just as a headlamp, and therefore 750 lumens seems overkill for me for that. The H51 1xAA headlamp seems a better fit at 200 lumens, smaller/lighter, and $64.

4. Jetbeam RRT-01. $105

[/IMG]

Pros:
I EDC the RRT-0 with an XPG. It is an amazing light! This light is quite a bit smaller and pushes up to 500 ANSI lumens!
Adjustable brightness ring, which I have really come to love.
For me, as a pocket EDC (I'm not a LEO or in the military anymore, and live in the city), I don't see how you can beat this light.

Cons:
$100 plus price tag makes me a little queasy.
This light won't really do what the other lights will do, but I do have other lights for that.
Not upgradable.

5. Jetbeam RRT-21. $110

[/IMG]

Pros:
Ever since I got my RRT-0 with the control brightness ring, I wanted an 18650 light that could do this for longer runtimes. This will do max brightness for 2 hours and 15 minutes (vs. the RRT-01 which is 20 min.).
Like the other Jetbeams, I consider this a premium light IMHO.
Have I said I like the variable brightness capabilities? Haha.

Cons:
Not nearly as bright as the Zebralight or Solarforce; even the RRT-01 is brighter.
Highest price tag of them all.
Not upgradable.

Your thoughts would be greatly appritiated. If there is a new/newer light out there you think I might not be aware of, that would be great too. I'm not looking for a light bigger than a 1x18650, nor much more than $100. Thanks everyone!

Kevin1322 said:

This light will mainly be used around the house and camping, but will also be used for impressing non-flashaholics, road trips, and night walks.
1. Solarforce L2T with clip, stainless steel bezel, and S9 switch, running a Nailbender XML 3 mode driven at 3.5 amps, pushing a blazing 900 OTF lumens. $35+$45 = $80

Click to expand...

I really like the Solarforce L2 series for the customization available and low price for the host, and I would vote for this one out of the choices presented. However, I too agree that the Low output is not nearly low enough for camping and other night activities where a bright light is too much. If Nailbender had a 3-mode with 1% output for the Low, I'd buy his dropins in a heartbeat. Unfortunately no one seems to make a 1/10/100% dropin which is the kind of output spacing I consider more useful for my needs.
YMMV.
I'm on the hunt for a specific type of light, and so far have found nothing that matches.

bfksc said:

I really like the Solarforce L2 series for the customization available and low price for the host, and I would vote for this one out of the choices presented. However, I too agree that the Low output is not nearly low enough for camping and other night activities where a bright light is too much. If Nailbender had a 3-mode with 1% output for the Low, I'd buy his dropins in a heartbeat. Unfortunately no one seems to make a 1/10/100% dropin which is the kind of output spacing I consider more useful for my needs.
YMMV.
I'm on the hunt for a specific type of light, and so far have found nothing that matches.

Click to expand...

thrunight tn10.

Speaking as a bit of a JetBeam enthusiast, I'd have to lean towards the SC900 (out of the lights proffered) especially for camping oriented users essentially for 3 reasons...


1) Lower low mode (sub level mode) 0.1L (80 days runtime).
2) Higher peak (turbo) and maximum OTF lumen.
3) Step Regulation


However if you choose it over the RRT21 you'll be sacrificing...


1) Flexible battery options
2) A tighter beam focus/throw (possible thanks to a hybrid reflector design)
3) Continuously variable output 3~460Lm


The prescribed CPF answer is buy both! :devil: :thumbsup:

Vihnguyen is selling some very nice P60 drop-ins on the Homebuilt & Modified Marketplace forum. He may have what you're looking for. BTW, I have several of the L2T hosts and they're very good temperature-wise when using an XML drop-in driven at 2.8-3A for a 1/2 hour or more.

bfksc said:

I really like the Solarforce L2 series for the customization available and low price for the host, and I would vote for this one out of the choices presented. However, I too agree that the Low output is not nearly low enough for camping and other night activities where a bright light is too much. If Nailbender had a 3-mode with 1% output for the Low, I'd buy his dropins in a heartbeat. Unfortunately no one seems to make a 1/10/100% dropin which is the kind of output spacing I consider more useful for my needs.
YMMV.
I'm on the hunt for a specific type of light, and so far have found nothing that matches.

Click to expand...

Totally agree, and I know he struggles with finding that himself. That being said, Gurthang is right. It seems I can have my cake and eat it too with the drop-ins Vihnguyen is making. He is offering one with an amazing amount or pre-programming/customization. I can get a good low AND 1000+ lumens, plus strobe, SOS, and beacon available if I need it, which I prefer to have for road trips and hiking. I have one of his DD drops, and he clearly is getting 1000 plus lumens out of these. Amazing!

M@elstrom said:

Speaking as a bit of a JetBeam enthusiast, I'd have to lean towards the SC900 (out of the lights proffered) especially for camping oriented users essentially for 3 reasons...


1) Lower low mode (sub level mode) 0.1L (80 days runtime).
2) Higher peak (turbo) and maximum OTF lumen.
3) Step Regulation


However if you choose it over the RRT21 you'll be sacrificing...


1) Flexible battery options
2) A tighter beam focus/throw (possible thanks to a hybrid reflector design)
3) Continuously variable output 3~460Lm


The prescribed CPF answer is buy both! :devil: :thumbsup:

Click to expand...

Very true. As far as the battery options though, I'd only use an 18650 (unless I some how ran out and had to use RC123 batts).

^Gurthang said:

Vihnguyen is selling some very nice P60 drop-ins on the Homebuilt & Modified Marketplace forum. He may have what you're looking for. BTW, I have several of the L2T hosts and they're very good temperature-wise when using an XML drop-in driven at 2.8-3A for a 1/2 hour or more.

Click to expand...

Wow. Thanks for pointing this one out. What an amazing drop! This is definetly the drop I'd go with if I go with this combination (which is now, at this point, top of my list). Nothing against Nailbender, I love his work and have lots of his stuff, but having the better low makes the light so much more useful! Thanks!

RRT-01, they have been going for $75 on the Marketplace.

F250XLT said:

RRT-01, they have been going for $75 on the Marketplace.

Click to expand...

They seem to be going as fast as they get put on haha. Still, I'll need to keep my eye out. Thanks!

I happened to own the RRT-01, multiple L2Ts, and a SC600W. I honestly could not choose if I could only have one. It would be between the ZL and the SF. The RRT-01's run times are a huge turnoff to me. I also have used many of Vinhnguyen54's dropins and the low level is amazing. I say get the L2T first and maybe wait for a more updated version of the ZL. As amazing as it is, I can see where it could possibly be improved. This is a non issue with any P60 host for obvious reasons. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Diablo_331 said:

I happened to own the RRT-01, multiple L2Ts, and a SC600W. I honestly could not choose if I could only have one. It would be between the ZL and the SF. The RRT-01's run times are a huge turnoff to me. I also have used many of Vinhnguyen54's dropins and the low level is amazing. I say get the L2T first and maybe wait for a more updated version of the ZL. As amazing as it is, I can see where it could possibly be improved. This is a non issue with any P60 host for obvious reasons. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Click to expand...

Cool. Thanks for your imput Diablo.

Well, by the pole, the ZL is one vote ahead, but by the comments, it seems the L2T is the first choice. Anyone else want to chime in?

The SC600w was the first light to make me stop buying lights. Other than lights bought/traded specifically to mod or tinker with I have pretty much quit purchasing them.

Solarforce L2 series for the customization available and low price for the host, and I would vote for this one out of the choices presented.

Zebralight SC600 for me. It's a small 18650 sized light at only 107mm (2/3 the length of the L2T). I wouldn't really go with a CR123 for camping. Plus, the SC600 has a 0.1 lumen setting that can last 80 days. Talk about a long lasting light. Add in a great UI (the best in this roundup) that gives you access to all modes directly from off, and you've got a winner in my book.

The Zebralight SC600 would be my choice. It appears to fit everything (and more) you need in a light. In fact, it might fit your needs so well that you may not even feel the need to pursue other lights for awhile (if you're a user... if you're a collector that's another story).

i would get the zebra sc600. then if you still want a small single cr123 take a good look at the sunwayman m10 or m11.
i own a jet rrt01 and my buddy got the m10r and i like his a little better.Isnt that always the case. you will probably own them all within a year anyway.

Thanks for the great imput everyone.

you should get them all

fishndad said:

you should get them all

Click to expand...

Well, that is the CPF motto haha. Oh how I would love to. I could spend $5,000 easily on all the lights and mods I want right now, but $100 is about my budget right now.