2xrcr123/18650 Light Recommendation

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kimck99

Newly Enlightened
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Mar 23, 2008
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My apology in advance for the length of this posting. Became longer than I expected.


Well, I got hooked to flashlights after I visited this site some 1.5+ yeara go. As with any newbie, I started with the AA lights to keep it simple. I have Fenix L2D Q5, UltraFire SS 1-mode, Akoray 3-mode (thought I bought the 6-mode but got the 3-mode) DX.16607, Fenix L0D Q4, Zebralight H501, and recently purchased Fenix HP10 and Nitecore D10 R2.

Well, now I realized that I have become a lumen-whore and looking to expand the collection to lithium rechargeable lights. I was first scared away by the dangers of the lithium rechargeable - and quite frankly even after I read the many posts on how to handle it, I didn't want to deal with it. Well, now I am ready to take the - gulp - jump. So, I will be getting the Pila IBC charger and AW batteries. (I also have the C9000 charger after reading from this forum - I digressed.)

I've searched this forum and seen so many reviews, runtime data, beam shots, etc. and now I can't see straight. Thus I come to you folks for some advice.


My ideal light is:
  • Battery Type - 2xRCR123 and 1x18650 but would like to use RCR123's most of the time.
  • Cost - less than $80
  • Small - I like the size of EagleTac P20C2 or Fenix TK 11/12
  • Bright - I realize that the definition of bright is relative so I am looking for a light that has a good throw beyond my L2D. After reviewing many manufacturers Lumen ratings and analyzing lux data from selfbuilt's reviews, my desire is to have a 250+ Lumen/6,000+lux using selfbuilt's reviews. (Frankly, I want a light that is much brighter than my L2D Q5 as there wouldn't be much point of going to lithium light.)

Based on this criteria, a couple of lights peaked my interest:
  • EagleTac T00C2 Mark II (very good price but short runtime with RCR123's)
  • Regal WT1 - RCR123 runtime is around 1 hour (looking for more), costs more than $80 and bigger than what I was looking for.
So, again after reading pages of reviews, comparing numbers, beamshots of the staircase or backyard, looking at runtimes, yada, yada, yada, my head is about to explode and my eyes can't focus and I can't decide - sigh… This is what I've concluded:

  • 2xRCR123 lights have very short runtime (most seem to be less than 60 minutes and closer to the 30 min mark on a timescale than 60 minutes)
  • CR123a primary has good runtime but not what I am looking for. I am trying to stick with rechargeable batteries as I have converted to LSD batteries at home - to save the world :grin2:
  • Combo 123 & 18650 lights have poor regulation on 18650 but better runtime but poor regulation (yes, meant to say it twice.)
So I started to look at just 2xRCR123 lights and the size of them started to appeal to me. My search led me to Quark 123-2 and EagleTac P20C2. What a perfect size I thought but than, the dreaded runtime on RCR123s…. Drats!

Then I thought, let's look at 1x18650 lights. Right combination of size, power, and runtime. That lead me to MG L-Mini II and EagleTac T10L2. Perfect. That settled it. Then I tried searching for L-Mini II at Shiningbeam but no luck and the Turbo head on the L-Mini II didn't look so great, drats again. EagleTac T10L looked great! That's it. That's what I want. Then, I started to think about how many 18650's I would need and knowing the flexibility of having the option of RCR123's and that in a pinch, I can always use CR123 when out and about, etc.

So, here I am, looking for advice based on my original criteria - shall I say ideal light - as I can't think straight anymore.

I am open to suggestions, ridicule, reality-check-slap-in-the-face feedback to get back to adding to my small yet humble collection as now my search says that I must have a R2 light! I don't why other than it's the new Q5 for the masses, brighter, and apparently better spill and produces less heat - please stop me! :hairpull:

Thanks for reading and I welcome your suggestions/feedback.
 
Kinda cool having a torch that takes the p60 modules and 18650. A bored Surefire 6P would be a great choice or a Solarforce L2. I have both but seem to use the 6P more often. I've been very satisfied with all my DX R2 modules. Wish I would have switched to the mighty 18650 a long time ago!
 
hyperloop said:
hmmm. howabout this one or perhaps, this one
Click to expand...

Thanks hyperloop. I had initially checked the Jetbeam's but decided against it for a couple of reasons. Although I've read that they are very nice lights, the higher torch lights that met my desire/thrust for more power was beyond my budget - such as the RRT.

With regards to the Jet III Pro Ultra, it fits the bill in terms of size but it was only a 18650 light and the brightness was less than what I was looking.

Perhaps my 'ideal light' is unrealistic and I may very will end up looking at just the 18650-only light but I'll reserve judgment when my search comes to an end.

Input very much appreciated.
 
fishx65 said:
Kinda cool having a torch that takes the p60 modules and 18650. A bored Surefire 6P would be a great choice or a Solarforce L2. I have both but seem to use the 6P more often. I've been very satisfied with all my DX R2 modules. Wish I would have switched to the mighty 18650 a long time ago!
Click to expand...

Hi fish,

I didn't come across a Surefire 6P with a P60 in my search. Is yours modded? If so, I would prefer to take the natural progression through the torch obsession by working my way to Li-Ion first then possibly getting to the modding stage.

I did see the Solarforce L2GS-RS review at light-reviews but dismissed it due to short RCR123 runtime and I did want to go the 17670 route. Also, there seems to be mixed review to its brightness.

Thanks.
 
Toaster said:
You could just stick with AAs and get the ITP A6 Polestar :p
Click to expand...

Hi Toaster,

That would definitely meet my lumen/torch whoreness... However, I was looking for a much smaller light. Perhaps my collection will grow to this stage but at the moment, I am at the small-as-possible-and-bright-as-possible stage of collecting. :D
 
I am in the exact same boat as you... After using 2xRCR123 lights primarily, I came to the realization that they do not have the capacity and run time. Add to that the fact that cell changes in the field or at the camp site are darn near a pain!! None the less, I still have 20 some-odd RCR123 cells that I don't want to completely alienate.

So I also have the desire for near flat regulation + equal brightness from either one OR two cells (4.2V-8.4V).

Unfortunately there are VERY few lights that actually meet this criteria in CPF member reviews. You can count the number on one hand... The Lumipower encore, eagletac P100C2, T100C2 and I think the Fenix TK-12 are the only ones I am aware of. For example here is a list of very well respected lights that do not regulate well from an 18650 (borrowed from selfbuilt review)....

JetIIIM-Hi18650.gif


The eagletac T100C2 definitely fits the bill, and I think you should give it a shot. I don't own this light, but I do have a P100C2 which uses the same C850 driver board and XPE-Q5 emitter. I use it with a 17670 and an VERY happy with it, best of all, its very well regulated with either 1 or 2 cells.

Ceiling bounce comparing the P100C2 against my XRE-Q5 DIY build (that Gary measured at 200L in his sphere), I find the two lights very close.

Good Luck!!! and if you happen to find another light that meets our criteria please shoot me a PM!!
 
Last edited:
hyperloop said:
as small as possible and as bright as possible? Hmmm, Nitecore SR3 might be what you're looking for. And i think today is the last day for the Nitecore surplus sale
Click to expand...

Hi hyperloop,

I just noticed that the SR3 had a seperate 18650 tube. :duh2: However, the combination of the light and the tube puts me beyond my budget. Having recently purchased the Nitecore D10 R2 and Fenix HP10 headlamp, I feel the need to keep the budget below $80 :naughty:.

Thanks
 
kramer5150 said:
I am in the exact same boat as you... After using 2xRCR123 lights primarily, I came to the realization that they do not have the capacity and run time. Add to that the fact that cell changes in the field or at the camp site are darn near a pain!! None the less, I still have 20 some-odd RCR123 cells that I don't want to completely alienate.

So I also have the desire for near flat regulation + equal brightness from either one OR two cells (4.2V-8.4V).

Unfortunately there are VERY few lights that actually meet this criteria in CPF member reviews. You can count the number on one hand... The Lumipower encore, eagletac P100C2, T100C2 and I think the Fenix TK-12 are the only ones I am aware of. For example here is a list of very well respected lights that do not regulate well from an 18650 (borrowed from selfbuilt review)....
Click to expand...

Hi Kramer,

Seems like my ideal light doesn't exist at the moment. I have read many of sellbuilt's reviews (and others) to come to the conclusion about RCR123a's short runtimes. I may need to reconsider and go with just a 1x18650 light... but not quite yet. Will hold out a bit longer however, fruitless it may be... Besides, I've invested to much of my time at home (and *cough* at work *cough*) looking for my perfect light (for the time being).

Thanks
 
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