A Quality Single CR123 Flashlight?

[Zatoichi]

I have around £100 (about $150 US) to spend on a new light. This will be my last for a while, so I want something I'll be happy with. My preferrence is for a single CR123, as this will hopefully be a light I'll keep even if my interest in flashlights subsides (not that I see that happening any time soon).

Basically I've narrowed it down to Surefire or RA. Both being quality American brands, I hope this thread won't go the way some others have.

I'm quite flexable on some things, but I would like...

At least 2 modes, with a low and high. I would like the lowest low anywhere up to around 15 lumens (certainly no more), and a decent high. I'm not stating lumens for the high, because I understand Surefire can produce decent throw and useable spill with a fairly moderate amount of lumens. Medium modes are fine, but no flashing modes.

I want it to be very tough, and to last a long time. I don't think I have any worries in that area with Surefire, and RA sound pretty tough too.

I'd like something that looks nice, rather than just a plain cylinder. I know this part is subjective, but I welcome subjective opinions.

Simple UI.

Good grip.

Tint on the warm side would be nice, but not essential.

I'd like the light to be as general purpose as possible, rather than just a 'round the house' EDC, or pocket thrower. If anything, a little more throw than flood, but must have nice, useable spill.

Feel free to throw other brands in I may have overlooked, as long as they're in the same ball park.

What would be your preference, people (and why)? :wave:

 

[Kilovolt]

A Surefire E1L will probably fit your bill:

I like it better than my E1B because low level comes on first and the body is less slippery.

Be careful though: in the UK there's still a lot of old one-level types and it's easy to be sent one of those instead of the latest two-levels type. It happened to me recently and I had to return it.

 

[Zatoichi]

A Surefire E1L will probably fit your bill:

Cheers. That one is definately a contender. I actually noticed the single mode ones when I thought I'd spotted a bargain. I'll watch out for that.

 

[Kilovolt]

Cheers. That one is definately a contender. I actually noticed the single mode ones when I thought I'd spotted a bargain. I'll watch out for that.

Should you decide to go on with the E1L I suggest you have a good look at this thread. 😎

 

[asdalton]

Be careful though: in the UK there's still a lot of old one-level types and it's easy to be sent one of those instead of the latest two-levels type. It happened to me recently and I had to return it.

If you look for these on eBay, the new version is easy to identify if they show a photo of the package. It will say "NEW DUAL-OUTPUT LED" on the right side.

 

[tsask]

you have narrowed it down to the best alternatives, way to go!

Surefire quality and LED performnce (understated lumens) are famous.
The RA lights have superb quality and more up to date LED technology also more settings. The SF Titan is out of that $175 price range.

I would urge you you get the Ra, if you could scrape up the $230 and persuade Henry at RA to sell you one, you might try that 230 lumen Ra clicky. the $170 version would be acceptable at 140 lumens. for $100 you get 120 lumens all Ra's have the lowest low out there!

 

[Flying Turtle]

You really should consider the LiteFlux LF3XT. It can be set up to have a very simple UI. Later, with familiarity, it's more complex programming options can really give it versatility. The low is very low, there's good spill, and more than adequate throw. Tint on mine is cool, but some are apparently warmer. It probably wouldn't take quite as much abuse as Surefire or Ra, but in normal use it'll be as tough as the competition in the same price class ($60-$80). Check out the numerous posts about it. Most owners are very happy.

Geoff

 

[carrot]

The L1 or upcoming LX1 is an ideal EDC.

 

[Art]

What about the nitecore extreme?

Im waiting for the NEX to get a R2 😀

 

[Zatoichi]

This is already getting harder than I expected. The LiteFlux does sound nice, but I've got it in my head to buy something simple this time (less to go wrong). I love lights that ramp and can be programmed, but already have a D10 and Jetbeam to fill those desires. Although it doesn't seem to fit with my no-nonsence criteria, I would like it to have a bit of 'shape' to it too. The E1L is still in the lead by a nose...

The L1 is looking pretty good though, how grippy is it?

 

[Zatoichi]

What about the nitecore extreme?

Im waiting for the NEX to get a R2 😀

Well, it's a nice light but I already have a D10 (my current EDC), and I'm really looking for something a bit more bomb-proof this time.

 

[Art]

Well, it's a nice light but I already have a D10 (my current EDC), and I'm really looking for something a bit more bomb-proof this time.

ohh ok , I dont know what it to even scrats a light so I never had that experience... probably Im too carefulll with my stuff.

Will follow this thread as I also want a single CR123 light ... but the most powerful available.

Regards,

 

[wingnutLP]

I have to say that the LF3XT is the best light I have ever owned by a country mile; zebralight is a close second. The simple UI really is simple and you can set the full UI to be as simple or complex as you like. Plus it has some additional great features such as press and hold in any mode for full power and double press and hold for tactical random strobe.The strobe is in reality is not very useful but good for annoying your mates!
IMO it really is a great light and they are releasing a 2AA tube at some point which will make it even more versatile.

 

[Kilovolt]

The L1 has a body shape/finish very similar to E1L but it is significantly longer:

I have also to say that although E1L is surely one of my favourites LiteFlux LF3XT is my current EDC. 😉

 

[tsask]

What about the nitecore extreme?

Im waiting for the NEX to get a R2 😀

great idea! That's my EDC. Given the choice of SF or Ra it's tough.
I personally have grown to greatly apprecciate that low low (.3 lumens?) on the HDS/Ra lights.

My Nitecore Extreme is set to low and then I twist the bezel to go to HIGH, if needed for that blast of light!

 

[Zatoichi]

I have to say that the LF3XT is the best light I have ever owned by a country mile; zebralight is a close second. The simple UI really is simple and you can set the full UI to be as simple or complex as you like. Plus it has some additional great features such as press and hold in any mode for full power and double press and hold for tactical random strobe.The strobe is in reality is not very useful but good for annoying your mates!
IMO it really is a great light and they are releasing a 2AA tube at some point which will make it even more versatile.

I appreciate all that, and it does sound like a great light (perhaps a future purchase for me), but I already have a few decent lights covering the more interesting and exotic features. This time I just want something simple and useable in single CR123 format that'll stick around for years and years. Thanks for the input, and keep them coming everyone please.

 

[wingnutLP]

I was about to but the RA when I read about the LF3XT so that would be my second choice single CR123.

Enjoy.

 

[bigfoot]

SureFire E1L or E1B. The NovaTac 85T is on sale through Lighthound for about $73.

Have all three and they are all great lights.

The E1L (dual output) is great for simple, all-around use. Especially camping or hiking where you might not want to ruin your night vision with the high mode coming on first. The tint on mine is a little warmer. Throws well, can turn into flood with a SF F04 diffuser.

The E1B is nice for not chewing up your pockets and the high mode comes on first. A little better for self-defense use. Brighter beam than the E1L. Simple to use also. Slightly cooler tint. More of a thrower, but you can turn it into flood with a SF F04 diffuser.

NovaTac 85T... very customizable with LL Cool Bean's great easter egg which turns it into an 85P (programmable) model. A little more complicated interface but not hard to learn. Nice protruding tailcap switch. Tint is somewhere between warm and cool on mine. Throw isn't as far as the E1L or E1B but very nice flood beam. Some units have flicker issues on the lowest light levels (mine included).

All three lights have a lifetime warranty. All three are USA products. In order of price from low to high: NovaTac 85T, SF E1L, SF E1B.

It's hard to recommend just one! For the low price and customization, I would choose the 85T first.

 

[Xak]

Novatac 120

Lumapower IncinDio

AmiLite Neo T5

 

[Henk_Lu]

I was about to but the RA when I read about the LF3XT so that would be my second choice single CR123.

Enjoy.

I have both (if my Clicky ever comes back..) and in my opinion they can't be really compared. They have in common that you can program them to your needs, the programming is slightly different and the LF3XT has a CUI (simple) and an FUI (as complicated as you want it to be).

First the price : For my Clicky, I could have got 3 more Liteflux, now it's only 2 more.

Then, the feeling : I won't say that the LF3XT isn't tough, but, compared to a Clicky it is like a normal car compared to a special blinded one.

The switch : The one of the LF3XT isn't a click-switch, it's an electronic switch and can collect dirt and get difficult to operate. The Clicky has a real Clicky which is hidden under rubber.

The lens is thinner and lies high, the one of the Clicky is very thick and lies deep under a heavy bezel.

Both are great lights, just think of what you' want to do with it. The beam is indeed quite similar, both have a very smooth beam, quite equal in strength. The Clicky has a lower low, if you need it. My Clicky will be in my pocket (soon I hope), my LF3Xt stands on my night table. They'll never switch places for sure!