18650 LED Suggestion

[zackattack784]

I'm kinda new to this whole flashlight thing but I'm looking for a quality multi-use flashlight.
I've kinda narrowed down some of the things I want.

• No more than around $30
• 18650 Battery
• Preferably 2 Mode (High and Low)

Any suggestions?
Thanks

 

[brighterisbetter]

The search function is your friend :poke:

Start HERE which is a sticky at the top of the forum you just posted in.
:welcome:

 

[zackattack784]

After looking at various models I think I have narrowed it down to

[2 links removed - DM51]

I like the Aurora because it seems very waterproof and has an R2 emitter (which I hear is better than the Q5) but I dislike the smooth reflector.

I'm not sure about the water resistance of the Eastward but everything else looks good.

Any thoughts?

 

[betalight]

I have the 5 mode:

[link removed - DM51]

A great/solid light and VERY bright on high.

 

[jirik_cz]

Sgt. Burkett from litemania http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=184071

It has only one mode but it looks much better than any DX light.

 

[yellow]

forget that "R2 is better than Q5"-thing, we cant notice
(and the drive current of the led, and the quality of the focusing device, makes much more difference than the bin of the led)
((I have a Cree P4 modded light that still outshines all of the ones below - even with less current))

dealextreme: cheap and for a reason
Shiningbeam L-Mini (Model 1, for 18650): a bit more expensive, still below Your budget, gotten much cheers in here and probably a bit better than DX
(I dont like it, imho the machining is even worse than DX in general)
... the fixed light levels are boring, but mostly its the same with DX lights

so I would advise: get a Jetbeam Jet III Pro ST - the best 18650 light atm!
sure, costs more! But it is better in every aspect and worth the bucks.
You can program the three light levels individually, as You like it!

 

[TooManyGizmos]

Another for $30.oo

Search for the Lil-Mini 18650 from Shiningbeam.com

It's in the MarketPlace / - Dealer section

It's well worth $30 ... 5 levels w/memory

The machining is good enough and "just right" knurling on body.

Forget DX and KD and QCG.
You will have to make too many repairs B-4 you can use it.
.

 

[bguy]

Personally, I think the VB-16 [link removed - DM51] is a good light for $30. Forward clicky, HA-III, and adjustable brightness. DX says backordered until 11/5, but I'd guess longer than that.

 

[LukeA]

I am a huge fan of the light and regulator board mentioned here.

 

[qwertyydude]

I'd say get a light that can take a P60 drop in so you can also buy different modules to upgrade or for different functions.