Best budget light for my purpose?

[xamindar]

HI, my first time posting so please be nice.
I have been looking at lights the past few days and instead of finding one that looks perfect I have become more confused. I never knew there were so many out there.

Anyway, here is what I would mainly use it for.
-Around the house things.
-Possibly on my bicycle.
-Camping
-General carry around torch when I know I would need one

I want to get the brightest one I can but still stay under $15-$20. Are the 18650 lights usually the brightest? Or can AA and AAA lights also put out as much lights?

For my purpose I have taken a liking to those flood to throw lights like the x2000 from DX and the SA-28 from kai. Anyone know which one of these two is better?The only flashlights I currently have are a 3 AA mini mag led and two 5 led AAA lights. Are these flood to throw brighter than my mini mag? They look to be from all the pictures I have seen.

Thanks for any help. After looking at all these lights there seems to be so many variables - LED type, battery type, manufacturer, driver or no driver.

EDIT: Added the Flashlight Recomendation checklist as was suggested.

For all questions please select all that apply.


1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?

_/__I would like to purchase the light from a brick and mortar store. I am located in California.
_X__I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter.


2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!

_X__Less than $25.
____Less than $50.
____Less than $100.
____Less than $150.
____Less than $300.
____I have no limit.
____I'm flexible, tell me what you gotJ.
____Other, please specify ________


3) Format:

_X__I want a flashlight.
____I want a headlamp.
____I want a lantern.
____I want a dive light.
_/__I want a portable spotlight.


4) Flashlight-specific format/size:

____Keychain size.
_X__Every day carry small (2-4 inches).
_X__Every day carry medium (4-7 inches).
____Holster carry.
____Big enough to need its own travel caseJ.
____I don't care.
____I don't know.
____N/A


5) Emitter/Light source:

_X__LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
____Incandescent (known for superior color rendition)
____HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size)
____I don't know.


6) Manufacturer:

_X__I want to buy a light from a traditional mass producing manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
_X__I would consider getting a light that is pieced together (for example a "host" or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a "drop-in" emitter from another source). Under the right circumstances, this path can provide more options to the consumer to meet specific needs, and can often be easily upgradeable as technology improves.


7) What battery type do you want to use?

____I intend to use alkaline batteries (AAA, AA, C, D) (disclaimer, while it does not preclude all choices, these are not recommended for many of today's most powerful lights)
_X__I intend to use rechargeable nickel chemistry (NiCad, NiMH, NiZn)
____I intend to use lithium primary batteries (CR123, CR2, Energizer Advanced/Ultimate Lithium AA/AAA)
_X__I intend to use rechargeable lithium (li-ion) chemistry. Feel free to specify a size if you know which size you want (18650)
____I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery. (Note: these choices may be very limited unless you are looking at spotlights)
Note: I have a bunch of 18650s that I am looking to put to use if they really last longer than rechargeable AAA or AA.

8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is impossible).

____I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (0-10 lumens).
____I want to walk around an unlit rural area (50-150 lumens).
_X__I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
_X__I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
____I want ridiculous amounts of lumens (800+ lumens).
I want a very bright one. It would also be desirable to have one with brightness modes so it can be used on low when really bright is not needed.

9) Throw vs. Flood: At what distance will you be most likely to use this light? Select all that apply.

_X__Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
_X__Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
_X__5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
_X__30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
____50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
____150+ yards (I want maximum throw possible)


10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum output).

_X__Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods)
_X__30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)
____90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
____3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).


11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.

____Not Important (A "night-stand" light).
_X__Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood).
_X__Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
____Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
____I don't care.
____I don't know.


12) Switch Type and location (choose all that apply):

____I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
____I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
____I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
____I want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened).
____I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
____I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today's high end lights).
_X__I don't care.
____I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________________.


13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.

_X__A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me.
_X__I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
____I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
____I want a programmable light.
____I want a selector ring.
____I want a strobe mode. (Blinks to show location.)
____I want SOS mode.
____I want a beacon mode.
____I don't care.
____I don't know.


14)Material/Finish/Coating

____Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly).
____Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today's flashlights).
____Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
____Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
_X__I don't care.
____I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________.


15) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any below.

____Red filter (for preserving night vision).
____Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________).
____Dedicated R/G/B secondary LEDs.
____"Hybrid" light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
____Pocket/belt clip
____Holster
____Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____Crenulated bezel
____Non-sparking Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments

 

[hyperloop]

Hi and :welcome:

first off, when i started this, i did the exact same thing you are, checking the cheap sites first, back then it was "No WAY will i ever spend $100 on a light". Well, i have been doing that a fair bit (though i have slowed down) and i have come to a realization that though there ARE reasonably decent budget lights, the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is generally accurate.

The Akoray K106 from Kai is one of those reasonably decent lights, its a 3 mode programmable, do some searches for "Akoray" and read up.

For the (at least to me) best budget light site, it would have to be Shiningbeam, you'll see some of the same models there that are sold on DX but at slightly higher prices and you have to pay for shipping too, BUT Bryan from Shiningbeam stands by his products and he ships usually within 24 hours of makin paypal payment. Great customer service too.

i do not think one single light is going to fulfill all your needs:-

-Around the house things.if doing general repair work, a headlamp would be more useful as it keeps your hands free to climb ladders, hold tools etc, also a flashlight with a very bright spot would likely dazzle you, a floodier light may be more suitable.

I have a Zebralight H501 (1xAA) that i use for this


-Possibly on my bicycle.
You would want perhaps a 18650 light as it has higher capacity, again, would you want to see far ahead or have like a 'wall' of light to illuminate a wider patch of ground/road in front of you?

i have a few that i use (mounted on Twofish lockblocks)

A MG Rocket from Shiningbeam (1x18650), an Akoray K106 programmed to slow strobe to act as a warning beacon.

-Camping
The same considerations apply, shine far or wall of light. The headlamp is also extremely useful when camping as it leaves your hands free to do stuff.

-General carry around torch when I know I would need one
The EDC (every day carry) light is have is a tiny 1xCR123 Quark MiNi 123 neutral white on a tecaccessories P7 suspension clip. I never really 'know' when i am going to need a light but it surely is handy to have one when it's needed.

There are a whole range of choices out there, i'd strongly recommend that you read first, check out the sites and fill in the Flashlight recommendation checklist and edit post #1 so we can better understand your needs.

Based on what you your budget is, i'd have to say the only light that come to mind is the Akoray K106 3 mode programmable light from Kai. (the one from DX is a 5 mode non programmable)

 

[entoptics]

Romisen and Akoray seem to be the favorite budget lights around here, but they may push past your $20 budget.

Also, keep in mind that you will need to feed the light. Rechargeable is awesome, but the initial investment will cost you more than your light budget.

If you already have AA NiMH rechargeables and charger, then stick with that. An 18650 setup will cost you in the neighborhood of $40 for two cells and a charger. 18650 is a fantastic power source, but it is pretty much only useful for flashlights, and you can only get cells online.

 

[mcnair55]

+1 for dealing with Shiningbeam,3 days from the USA to my doormat in the UK.

 

[ryaxnb]

I'm gonna go between the two extremes. Youre familiar with maglite, right? You know how maglite models cost about $20-40? Well, IMHO thats a good price for a LED flashlight of reasonable quality.
DX can be iffy, and they might sour you on the hobby real quick.
I would recommend a budget light from shiningbeam or goinggear, such as the Romisen RC-N3 II R4, RC-G2 II, or ITP A3, A1 or SA2. All are under $40, most are under $30, and they are all great lights. They will be a great "first" light. :welcome:
This would also be a good time to talk about newbie battery options.
Liion cells like the 18650 arent exactly the most safe. I would recommend you stick, as I do, to primaries (non-rechargables) or NiMH AA/AAA cells. The best, safest, most easy to use rechargables are Sanyo Eneloops or Rayovac Hyrbrids in AA, AAA, C, and D sizes. The best, safest, longest-lasting primary cells are Lithium-chemistry-based, and are available in 123A, which is a specialty size, as well as AA and AAA sizes. Of the lights i mentioned, The A3, SA2 and the RC-G2 take AA, and i would recommend Sanyo Eneloop or Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries. A good place to buy them is batteryjunction, or batterystation. The ITP A1 and Romisen RC-N3 II R4 take 123A cells, although the RC-N3 II can also take 2xAA at slightly reduced brightness. For these i would recommend Battery Station, Titanium Innovations, Rayovac, or Energizer brand 123A cells. Titanium Innovations are a decent cell, and sell for $1 each at certain sites. Rayovac and Energizer are the best cells of the ones I mentioned, and are available from battery junction, battery station, and shining beam for around $1.40-$1.75 a cell. Battery Station are more reliable than Titanium Innovations, and are available for $1.60 each, or $65 for a box of 50. Buying 123A or Energizer Ultimate Lithium Cells in stores is a bad idea, as they are usually far more expensive, whereas you can find Ultimate Lithium AAs for under $2 online and 123A cells for as low as $1 online.

 

[xamindar]

Thank you for the warm welcome everyone.

Regarding batteries; I have a TON of Eneloops and Duraloops in use around the house in AA and AAA sizes. I like to stick to rechargeables the most I can. I also recently took apart a laptop battery I didn't need anymore which provided me with 8 18650 li-ion cells. I use a good RC charger to charge the 18650s safely (with a battery tray made out of Lego ). I'll probably buy some more 18650s if I get a light that uses them. I don't intend to invest in any new battery sizes such as cr123 but will use C or D with AA adapters if needed.

The Akoray K106 from Kai is one of those reasonably decent lights, its a 3 mode programmable, do some searches for "Akoray" and read up.

Is there a similar one that uses 18650?

i do not think one single light is going to fulfill all your needs:-

If that's the case then I am mainly looking for a good, bright light to take camping and use on my bike. The other three I currently have are fine as around the house lights and car glovebox lights.

-Possibly on my bicycle.
You would want perhaps a 18650 light as it has higher capacity, again, would you want to see far ahead or have like a 'wall' of light to illuminate a wider patch of ground/road in front of you?

I would probably want more of a flood. From looking at the flood and throw of the X2000 I probably want something in the middle of those two extremes for the bike.

A MG Rocket from Shiningbeam (1x18650

Wow, that one does look nice for a bike light. 700+ lumens? At $65 it's a bit much for me now, but maybe some day.

-Camping
The same considerations apply, shine far or wall of light. The headlamp is also extremely useful when camping as it leaves your hands free to do stuff.

Probably more of a throw for camping but it would be nice if it was adjustable.

Based on what you your budget is, i'd have to say the only light that come to mind is the Akoray K106 3 mode programmable light from Kai. (the one from DX is a 5 mode non programmable)

What exactly does "programmable" mean? It remembers the last setting or something?

To simplify, I am looking for the brightest 18650 or AA light I can get in this price range that is still reliable enough. Having a low and high setting would be helpful as well.

I don't see much about waterproof being mentioned. Are most if not all flashlights waterproof to getting a little rained on or dunked under the water for short periods of times?

Thanks again for the help. I'll look around more at shiningbeam. I have not bought anything from DX before so wasn't too clear on their reputation.

 

[brted]

For a bright light that performs well and uses a 18650 battery, I really like the Ultrafire WF-502B with XP-G R5 LED from DX. It is very bright, but a cool tint.

This one is 1-mode:

sku.35074

This one has 5 modes:

sku.35076

I have the 1-mode but soldered in a new driver that is 3 modes. The 1-mode seems more reliable than the 5-mode. My review is at DX and also here:

http://budgetlightforum.cz.cc/node/273

 

[qwertyydude]

http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-169/Romisen-RC-dsh-M4-II-Q5/Detail

I have two Romisen RC-M4's only one mode but I am considering buying this II version since it is two mode. Very rarely do you need to pack as much power as these lights, you may find full power on an 18650 light is dazzling and quite annoying. A p60 light is very versatile and parts are easy to replace since you are going camping with it. If I go camping I'd make sure to take a direct drive resistored light as a back up to the regulated ones since if all else fails a direct drive light won't, they even work under water flooded. And if you get more into the hobby you can build some pretty neat things with p60 compatible lights. I've got 4 amp direct drive MC-E wow light drop in, all flood, xp-c throwers, a turbo R2 head, UV and night vision infrared, I even made a 1 inch polarizing filter out of an old lcd screen (no idea what it's good for but I can fit it over the module and screw it down). I'm gonna order an xp-g drop in soon when DX makes a one mode. All these just drop right into my Romisen no problem.

 

[rekd0514]

I would be cautious ordering DX R5 dropins in lights and the separate ones. Many people have got DOA ones as of recently.

 

[Vball]

The Romisen RC-2R4 II R5 from shinningbeam I think sounds like the best match as far as most of your needs. It is around 300 lumens, Great to 100ft, high mode will last 3 hours with economy mode that lasts even longer & is still plenty bright. It uses 18650 batteries, is under 25 with CPFuser discount, Produces a perfect beam with no rings. Only Cons I can think of is it doesn't have a true low mode & the short throw distance of about 50 yards. (beyond that it is pretty much eye shine and shadows) I would also recommend at least a cheap headlamp for camping they are most invaluable. I used my old Princeton Tec Eos during a surprise blackout last month more than any of my other lights.

 

[sol-leks]

http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-169/Romisen-RC-dsh-M4-II-Q5/Detail

I have two Romisen RC-M4's only one mode but I am considering buying this II version since it is two mode. Very rarely do you need to pack as much power as these lights, you may find full power on an 18650 light is dazzling and quite annoying. A p60 light is very versatile and parts are easy to replace since you are going camping with it. If I go camping I'd make sure to take a direct drive resistored light as a back up to the regulated ones since if all else fails a direct drive light won't, they even work under water flooded. And if you get more into the hobby you can build some pretty neat things with p60 compatible lights. I've got 4 amp direct drive MC-E wow light drop in, all flood, xp-c throwers, a turbo R2 head, UV and night vision infrared, I even made a 1 inch polarizing filter out of an old lcd screen (no idea what it's good for but I can fit it over the module and screw it down). I'm gonna order an xp-g drop in soon when DX makes a one mode. All these just drop right into my Romisen no problem.

I think this is a great option. I honestly bought a different p60 host without realizing romisen made one and I'm very happy with it, but I have been so happy with all my other romisens I really want their p60 host too. Some day....

 

[xamindar]

For a bright light that performs well and uses a 18650 battery, I really like the Ultrafire WF-502B with XP-G R5 LED from DX. It is very bright, but a cool tint.

This one is 1-mode:

sku.35074

I keep seeing that light pop up on threads here. It must be a popular one. On the DX site it says it is 320 lumins but the data sheet on that LED from cree states 139lm. Am I reading that wrong? Either way it seems like a bright light. How good do you think it would be for the bike?

Also, does the Romisen RC-2R4 II R5 that VBall mentioned have the same LED and possibly similar brightness? Maybe this one is a better choice?

 

[hyperloop]

By programmable, it means that each of the 3 modes of the Akoray K106 can be programmed. You can have:-

Mode 1: max
Mode 2: med
Mode 3: strobe

or any combination that you like.

the Programmable Light User Guides thread is very helpful.

The Romisen that you mentioned in your last post seems to fit your needs, just get it and try it out, it doesnt say anything much about the runtimes but with 8x18650s, i dont think you will have a problem with spares.