China budget flashlight

[bibihang]

I am a beginner in flashlight, so can I try China flashlight at first?

Of cause we cannot compare it with those branded lights, but for me they seems very cheap yet very bright. So what do you think?

 

[jtblue]

Buying a lot of cheap flashlights with various types of LED's is a good way for a beginner to understand the characteristics of different LED's such as Cree's XR-E, MC-E, XP-E, XP-G and XM-L or Seouls P4 and P7. etc.

However just because its made in China doesn't mean its going to be a poor quality product, there are many manufacturers that have gained a good reputation for producing quality products which are comparable to their US counterparts, such manufacturers include Fenix, 4Sevens, JetBeam, Zebralight etc.

With many things in life, you do get what you pay for, so don't be too disappointed if a sub $20 flashlight goes kaput.

Jeremy.

 

[espnazi]

It's a great idea to start with budget flashlights. I would recommend with starting with something kinda middle of the road like romisen or Solarforce. I'm specially happy with Solarforce not one has failed me yet.

 

[LEDninja]

You do not always have to buy cheap lights from DX or eBay. The brand names also have fairly inexpensive offerings.
Fenix E01 $15.00 - Not too bright but 10 hours from 1 AAA battery. 5 mm LED.
Fenix E05 $21.95 - Brighter, 5 hours from 1 AAA battery. XP-E LED
Quark MiNi AA² $43.00 - Very bright from 2AA batteries. XP-G LED

The main advantage of starting with these is you do not have to buy chargers and lithium ion batteries which can be dangerous if you do not know how to use them properly.

Using Li-ion cells in LED flashlights safely
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...-Using-Li-ion-cells-in-LED-flashlights-safely

 

[bimota]

I always think its good to start with a surefire. I'm sure most us on the cpf have.

 

[bibihang]

I always think its good to start with a surefire. I'm sure most us on the cpf have.

Surefire is way too expensive...

Yea it has very good quality, which I think some of them even has so called "Bomb Proof striking". But for me I just need a affordable flashlight with high brightness will do :naughty:

 

[trooplewis]

But if you get blown up with a bomb, don't you want to make sure your flashlight still works?

 

[bibihang]

But if you get blown up with a bomb, don't you want to make sure your flashlight still works?

LOL yeah you are right surefire will work but until that time it works for no owner :ironic:

 

[CarpentryHero]

Surefire doesnt belong in the budget section (except G2 and used ones) LOL 😀
Solarforce is a great place to start, it's a good way to dip into the P60 host option.
I really like Romisens too.

 

[Russ Prechtl]

But if you get blown up with a bomb, don't you want to make sure your flashlight still works?

Apparently some people ARE worried about such things. I've seen questions asking which lights are protected against EMP (electromagnetic pulse). Maybe it's just me, but if I'm THAT close to a pulse and explosion, I doubt my first concern will be whether my light works. I must be missing something here. :thinking: