Best multi-mode 18650 light?

[underconstruction]

I am looking for something with long run-time and relatively small size so I think an 18650 light would be ideal. I would like to get some recomendations for one. (I was looking at the new solar force r2 clone but i am worried about it not having decent runtime.) It needs to have:

a price under $40
a low low. (for long runtime)
A powerful high.

It also needs good color rendition since it will be used outside. Any ideas?

 

[glockboy]

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.9742

 

[Zenster]

Using the cliche' phrase that: "Spending a little more for a quality product hurts only a moment, but saving money on an inferior product hurts a lifetime"...

Take a real serious look at the Deree CL1H, especially using the 3SD module.
That module is made specifically for 18650 rechargeables (CR123's will damage it), but it's 3 light levels are perfectly chosen, and it is one of the few "memory" lights that will turn on at the last level you used it at so you don't have to click through the light levels every time you turn it on.

It's about $68 or so, but once you own it, it's yours, and you'll rarely have to spend any money on it again as you use 18650's to power it.

Of the 25+ lights I have, the CL1H is among the top 5 that I would never part with. It's that good.

 

[cy]

doesn't fit your $40 limit, but first gen Surefire U2 is the best 18650 light I've seen so far...

 

[__philippe]

This might, perchance, fit the bill ?

http://jetbeam.com.cn/photo/20080324/2/7.jpg

Cheers,

__philippe

 

[LED_Thrift]

Here is the thread on the new Jet III over in Dealer's Corner...http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=176875

It has three user programmable modes. The smaller AA Jet with this same interface is due out soon [maybe even today] and so reviews on this interface should be available soon. The 18650 light with this interface is due out in another month. May be worth waiting for...

 

[qtaco]

Take a real serious look at the Deree CL1H, especially using the 3SD module.

Is it just me or does the regulation on this light look pretty ordinary? http://www.light-reviews.com/dereelight_cl1h/review_2sd.html

I'm used to seeing practically flat output curves (on say my Fenix L2D). Is this regulation curve typical to the Deree modules, or to most p60 lights?

 

[Spotpuff]

Is it just me or does the regulation on this light look pretty ordinary? http://www.light-reviews.com/dereelight_cl1h/review_2sd.html

I'm used to seeing practically flat output curves (on say my Fenix L2D). Is this regulation curve typical to the Deree modules, or to most p60 lights?

Mev mentioned in the review that something may be wrong with that particular pill:

[Note: Its been brought to my attention that my review sample may be faulty since the output numbers do not coincide with the manufacturer's specifications. Please consider this when making decision based on this review. Any additional information may be updated if new information becomes available.]

The DBS 2SD had more typical runtime associated with the digital drop-in pill i.e. flat regulation: http://www.light-reviews.com/dereelight_dbs/review_2sd.html

Other people with the digital pills seem to report they offer very flat regulated output.

 

[RecycledElectron]

I think that's a typical 18650 curve for a P60 module. Normally a high performance module is going to be drawing a lot more current than your L2D because it's providing more light. 6000 lux vs 3000 lux per the reviews. As the current draw goes up, so does the internal impedance in the 18650. It's most efficient at a lower current draw. Curve reminds you of alkaline batteries in a L2D, doesn't it? That's a problem with 18650 lights that start out with 4.2 volts at 1.3 amps and then ramp up the amperage to counter voltage depression. You're probably comparing the Nimh discharge curve to the 18650, and Nimh's today don't really increase their impedance much with current draw until you hit a higher current draw than your L2D has. You have to go to A123 type lithium batteries (LiFePO4) to get good efficiency at higher current draws, unfortunately then you have to deal with the fact that they have a little over half the capacity of the standard lithium rechargeable.

I got my Dereelight 3SD 3 mode module in yesterday and have it in a Xtar host. Doesn't meet your criteria of under 40 bucks (25+35), but it's a little cheaper and easier to pocket than the CL1H. Works for me.

You might consider the Solarforce T7 from Lighthound with a 17670 battery if you don't have to go with a 18650. It's 55 bucks.