$50-100 flashlight help

[Unabomber]

Im currently underway in the Mediterranean on a Navy ship, so my internet can't support proper surfing as our connection sucks. As an on again/off again flashlight dork, I'm in the market for a $50-100 flashlight.

I'm looking for something:

$50-100 price (no more than $100 please)
BRIGHT (200+ lumens) with a decent throw
Everything else (run time, battery type, etc.) doesn't really matter

I've been looking at the new G&P Scorpion R500M. Other than the 500 or one of its clones, is there another brand/type of flashlight I should put my eye on?

I like the new "600 models" and their clones but there are just not enough reviews on them for me to pull the trigger. Plus I like the plug and play recharging of the 500 and it's clones. Not sure if plug and play vs. 600 recharging style has any benefits or not or maybe the new 600 bulb is better or not. So the prospect of getting a 600 is out there as well if anyone can provide compelling evidence as to 600>500.

I need a new light as my new-found friend from Greece "stole" my Surefire G2 with HO bulb. I thought about the G3 for awhile, but for the same price, a G&P Scorpion R500M or similar would give me more light.

 

[Lighthouse one]

Welcome to CPF. Maybe you should rethink your user name?

I have an ultrafire 500 plus the cree drop-in for it. It's a nice combination. YOu must use unprotected 18650 cells- Or AW brand cells will work with the high current draw of the incan version. In that price range you can also look at the Tiablo and Lumapower MRV lights, and the new Dereelights.

I've been very tempted to try a Tiablo myself. I have a Dereelight, and it's a good light, but the multi modes are a bit irritating. THey have a new 3 level mode just out now..none of the dumb strobes!

Good Luck...lots of great choices out there!

 

[Unabomber]

Not to get into the whole e-pissing match.......but I need no welcome as I am an Original Gangsta CPF member. And as for my username, I've been down that road many times. Usernames are usernames...nothing more, nothing less and I have no statement to make with my own. I have 18 years in the electronics field and my soldering iron costs over $10,000 so judge me on that vs. a username.

I appreciate your advice though and I will try to google your opinion as my internet connection allows.

 

[carrot]

I've always liked the Pila lights. The GL4 might be right up your alley. Their competitor, Wolf-Eyes also offers some nice lights that should be as nice.

 

[c0t0d0s0]

Not to get into the whole e-pissing match.......but I need no welcome as I am an Original Gangsta CPF member. And as for my username, I've been down that road many times. Usernames are usernames...nothing more, nothing less and I have no statement to make with my own. I have 18 years in the electronics field and my soldering iron costs over $10,000 so judge me on that vs. a username.

I appreciate your advice though and I will try to google your opinion as my internet connection allows.

Dude, I'm pretty sure I've read your Manifesto on a certain car board.

I have an R500 and honestly I wouldn't recommend it because of the integrated battery that will be a PITA to replace one day and which isn't the best quality to begin with. You'd be better off with a light that runs on 2 18650 cells. This way you can also always have backup batteries with you, so that you don't have to take the whole light out of service to recharge it.

I think there's an Ultrafire version of the same light that runs on 18650 cells, but I'd took at the Lighthound version that uses a better Philips bulb.
http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2951

Obviously, you'd also need quality protected 18650 cells (Pila or AW recommended) and a charger for them, such a an Ultrafire WF139.

Good luck.

 

[sysadmn]

Im currently underway in the Mediterranean on a Navy ship, so my internet can't support proper surfing as our connection sucks. As an on again/off again flashlight dork, I'm in the market for a $50-100 flashlight.

I'm looking for something:

$50-100 price (no more than $100 please)
BRIGHT (200+ lumens) with a decent throw
Everything else (run time, battery type, etc.) doesn't really matter

Google "lumens factory", or better yet, go here.
Put it in a P90-compatible flashlight, like the Surefire 9P, Wolf-Eyes 9A or T, or numerous UltraSuperfires.

I've currently got one in a Wolf-Eyes 9T. I prefer it over the Surefire since it can use 3xCR123a or 2x18500, and has an LED tailcap for those 10-lumens moments. $16 for the bulb, $50 for the non-rechargeable version of the light, pay for shipping, and you can still buy a dozen or two of $1 CR123a. Plus the stock 9T bulb isn't bad - perhaps on par with a P90.

 

[Unabomber]

Someone here knows about the Unabomber's Manifesto. Yes, that's me and I'm glad to hear someone on here knows about it.

After much thought and slow internet searching, I think my course of action is:

L600 flashlight from eBay for $65 shipped

Reasoning is the L600 has battery upgrades I may do later on down the road.
It is also slightly cheaper than the 500 versions and has a "better" bulb in terms of quality and in theory light output though I haven't seen any real world tests of it vs. say a 500 version. I'll probably get the upgraded batteries through Lighthound later, but it seems silly to spend somewhere north of $80 through them when I can save a few bucks and get it off eBay.

Very much appreciate everyone's input and I'm amazed to see the changes in flashlights over the last year. Heck when I first joined here, Lightwave flashlights were all the rage and the word Nichia brought flutters to the heart. :lol: