BEST COMPACT 1x18650 LED

[srmd22]

I am looking for one of these with the following properties:

1) wide range from a low low to a reasonable max high (175 otf lumens would be nice, but less is fine-- the max is less important to me)

2) preferable at least 4 brightness settings: low, low-med, med, high (but 3 will do, as a compromise)

3) strobe/sos not wanted, but it's ok if it's in there-- would be nice if it could be ignored, eg on a parallel access pathway, eg the olights, or quark 123.

4) neutral beam color a plus, but its absence not a dealbreaker

The closest thing I have found so far is the Jetbeam Raptor RRT-2, but this seems to be more throw oriented; I'd prefer something floodier. If there were a somewhat shorter form factor, that would also be preferable. Another option seems to be the Zebralight H60w. These both come in a neutral or warm tint.

I really like the "rapid response ring" of the jetbeam. There are a few cr123 lights that fit the bill, but I want an 18650 for the longer run times. For exampe, the nightcore extreme HA bezel R2 would be ideal in an 18650 format. I particularly like the infinitely variable brightness adjustment with bezel rotation in this model.

I realize that these are probably too many requirements to find in a single light, so I am just trying to see what different configurations are available, and if anything comes close-- or if not, how close I can get-- to meeting these criteria.

 

[phantom23]

First two thoughts:
- Jetbeam Jet-III ST
- Nitecore SR3 with 18650 tube

 

[pobox1475]

Quark warm tac 123x2 while they last; http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=297_310&products_id=1669

http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=53&products_id=202

Run at close to 200 lm for just short of 2 hours on a AW protected 17670 cell. Multiple modes with two programmable and the rest available when needed. Best beam pattern I have seen so far. Good luck...

 

[bondr006]

JETBeam Jet lll PRO ST BVC for sure. I have this light and love it. You can use an 18650 or 2 x 123a's in it. It is compact, has 3 user definable levels, and puts out 225 lumen on high all the way down to 2 lumen on low.

Specs:
Model: JET-III PRO ST - Featuring I.B.S. User Interface
LED: CREE 7090 XR-E (Q5 bin)
Max Output: 225 Lumen (Torch Lumen)
Reflector: Aluminum Reflector
Lens: Mineral Glass
Metal Switch Retaining Ring
Lock-out Function
Material: T6061 T6 aircraft aluminum alloy
Finish: HA III Military grade hard anodized
Battery: 18650 Broad Voltage Circuit, which can use 2xCR123, 2xR123, or 1x18650 li-ion
Input voltage: 2.7 - 15V
Switch: Reverse Clickie
Modes: 3 User Definable Output Levels
Waterproof: Accord to IPX-8 standard
Dimension: Bezel diameter 25mm, Tail diameter 25mm, Overall length 120mm
Weight: 65g(without battery)

Output & Runtime:
18650 Rechargeable Lithium Battery
Max Output: 225 Lumen, lasting for 1.5 hours
Min Output: 2 Lumen, lasting for 150 hours
Reverse polarity protected

Here is a beam shot camparison I did against my JETBeam RRT-0 at 40ft.

And here is how big it is in my hand.

 

[PhantomPhoton]

Unfortunately there isn't much out there. Most manufacturers follow each other around in circles and off cliffs instead of innovating and trying something different.

The closest things I can come up with are:

A Surefire 6P or similar body with a Dereelight neutral white 3-mode dropin and a F04 beamshaper for flood. The drawback to this is it's not truly compact and has a simple series cycle interface.

Shiningbeam sometimes has their compact 18650 light with neutral emitter, however these always sell out incredibly fast. Again a rather simple UI but should do the trick.

I've been searching for a similar setup for a year-and-a half too.
:shakehead

 

[srmd22]

bondr006: I think that is the closest fit to what I am looking for that I have seen. Seeing your palm-pic of it really helps. The others tend to run over 130mm in lenght, but the Jet III looks like it must be < 120mm.

Thanks:twothumbs

 

[bondr006]

It is 120mm in length. A very nice light indeed. :thumbsup:

 

[Mjolnir]

I would also suggest the L-mini II, but they are apparently not in stock for very long. I managed to get the Q3-5C model when it came out. The 3 modes are fairly well spaced. The high mode is advertised at about 200 lumens, but it is probably more like 175-190.

 

[Vesper]

I also prefer a floodier light and like the UI etc of these Jetbeams but the beams seem to be made more for throw. Can the Jet III be purchased anywhere w/ a OP reflector?

 

[romteb]

The jet III st is a very nice compact light, just be aware that it's much heavier than it looks, there is no way i can edc mine.

(I also realised that contrary to what i believed, 18650 is much more energy that i really need to be wearing on me, after a lot of different batteries tries, the 17500 format appears to be the sweet spot for me, that's 1Ah + of stored li-ion energy in a light you totally forget when clipped to your pocket).

 

[bondr006]

I suppose heavy is a relative term. I never noticed that mine was excessively heavy, or even heavy at all. Of course I am used to carrying heavier lights like the RRT-2, so I guess by comparison, the JET lll Pro just never seemed to be a weight factor to me....

 

[romteb]

I suppose heavy is a relative term.

Very true, your mileage may vary.

 

[WHT_GE8]

Jetbeam JET-III M! Im getting one soon. Comes in a neutral tint, 225 out the front lumens for 3 hours on a 18650, second mode is completely programmable from 1 lumen and up. Strobe is also programmable but its darn near impossible to activate by accident. Its built like a brick, comes with a clip, and amazing quality.

 

[Wattnot]

+1 on the Jetbeam III. I have the first gen and it comes pretty close to meeting all of your requirements. It only got better after that!

 

[FroggyTaco]

(I also realised that contrary to what i believed, 18650 is much more energy that i really need to be wearing on me, after a lot of different batteries tries, the 17500 format appears to be the sweet spot for me, that's 1Ah + of stored li-ion energy in a light you totally forget when clipped to your pocket).

What lights use the 17500 format?

 

[romteb]

What lights use the 17500 format?

I don't know any light Purposedly built for that battery size, i use a modified (very easy 5 min mod) pdc-ak16 wich is initially designed to accept AA and cr123 formats.

 

[ntalbot]

What lights use the 17500 format?

Get a Quark AA and bore out the battery tube to fit a 17500. I have often thought about doing this myself since the 17500 seems to have great storage capacity for its size.

 

[Benson]

What lights use the 17500 format?

Some (or maybe most) 3xAAA lights with a separate carrier can be trivially adapted to 17500, but they do wind up larger diameter than needed.

My EDC cell of choice is 14670, especially in modded mini-mag form. It shares with the 17500 nearly identical energy, and, alas, a dearth of purpose-built lights.