Current Brightest Single 18650 Lights

[Animalmother]

I was wondering what the current brightest 18650 lights were. I am looking for a bright light thats last 5+ minutes on turbo without a stepdown. The ZL is really bright as tested by selfbuilt but way too floody for me.

Any suggestions welcome.

This is what i am personally looking for:
-One 18650
-500+ANSI output
-At least 5 minutes of turbo mode that has a resettable stepdown or No stepdown period. I prefer constant rutime or at least 5 minutes before i turn it off and on again to keep it in turbo. Constant is bettert hough.

 

[excfenix]

Re: Current Brightest 18650 Lights

Spark SL6 maybe?

http://www.spark001.com/Products.aspx?ProductID=11

 

[Gordo]

Re: Current Brightest 18650 Lights

according to Spark's webpage the SL6 steps down from Super (800 lumens) to Max (500 lumens) after 5 minutes for protection.
***********
I went to goinggear.com and used their search feature under the Flashlight section.
I found:
six lights as 1x18650
nineteen as 2xCR123, 1x18650
twenty-two as 2xCR123/16340, 1x18650
Plus several others listed as being able to accept 18650 with extension tubes and multiple 18650 batteries.

AND they don't have every light so please be a little more specific about what you're interested in as a light that accepts 2xCR123 and 1x18650 is typically brighter with the CR123's since the voltage is higher.
***********

Also check on the Thrunite TN11 for a 1x18650 or a Thrunite Catapult V3 for 2x18650. I've read a lot about these lately and they may fit.

 

[FlashKat]

Re: Current Brightest 18650 Lights

Animalmother I know you have been following most of the best single 18650 threads, and it is difficult to decide. I am thinking that maybe after the SHOT show coming up there may have some new toys to look for. I am even looking at the EagleTac G25C2 & Thrunite TN11.

 

[phantom23]

Re: Current Brightest 18650 Lights

Spark is almost as floody as Zebralight. TN11 is nice and bright but it has no regulation with one 18650 - brightness drops gradually. +1 for G25C2.

 

[Animalmother]

Re: Current Brightest 18650 Lights

Spark is almost as floody as Zebralight. TN11 is nice and bright but it has no regulation with one 18650 - brightness drops gradually. +1 for G25C2.

I'm thinking the g25c2 is my only option. The light is awesome too.
Ive been sticking my nose in all the 18650 light threads trying to sniff out what i want.
I think the g25c2 may be a winner.

 

[yifu]

Re: Current Brightest 18650 Lights

SL6, SC600, TN11/10, Mac EDC, Electrolumens XML, P-Rocket XML all will give you the brightness you want. If you want even brighter, get a P60 host (6P/C2/Solarforce) and a quad XPG drop in or an overdriven XML drop in. Those would be about 1400 lumens and 1000 lumen OTF respectively.

 

[roadkill1109]

The brightest out there is the ZL SC600, floody yes. Throwy, the Xeno G42 will probably be the best out there, it's head is so large, it's about the size of the 2x18650 throwers. But among the lights with single 18650's tops are in the 550-750 lumen range only.

If you want a light that can sustain high lumens for long periods, get a light with significantly higher output then run it on its medium settings for hours and hours and hours. Ex a TK35 will sustain 365 lumens for 5 hours continuously. Nitecore's TM11 will sustain 1100 lumens for 1 hour. (Hmm, maybe i should get one of these! haha)

 

[Animalmother]

The brightest out there is the ZL SC600, floody yes. Throwy, the Xeno G42 will probably be the best out there, it's head is so large, it's about the size of the 2x18650 throwers. But among the lights with single 18650's tops are in the 550-750 lumen range only.

If you want a light that can sustain high lumens for long periods, get a light with significantly higher output then run it on its medium settings for hours and hours and hours. Ex a TK35 will sustain 365 lumens for 5 hours continuously. Nitecore's TM11 will sustain 1100 lumens for 1 hour. (Hmm, maybe i should get one of these! haha)

Phantom pointed out earlier the TM11 is not regulated🙁
It is nice though.
I like the G25C2 because you can turn off the energy saving feature. I do wonder what the runtimes would be on max though with the 3100mah cells. I think the best bet is the G25C2 for me.

 

[Stephen Wallace]

Phantom mentioned that the Thrunite TN11 wasn't regulated on one 18650 - the Nitecore TM11 that roadkill mentioned is a different light altogether. It's a triple XM-L light that holds up to four 18650 cells at a time.

 

[fvdk]

KD C8 XM-L with 2.8 Ah driver. (budget)
Dereelight DBS V3 XM-L

 

[Bigmac_79]

Another low-cost option is the P-Rocket XM-L. Available in neutral, good throw, over 700 lumens, no stepdown, but no regulation either. Check my sig line for a review.

 

[Diablo_331]

A P60 host with an overdriven xml from Vin will give you an insane amount of light for the cost. The smooth reflector that he offers throws very well for a P60. I have 2 with 4 more on the way. I like them so much that my father and my father-in-law will each be getting to one. He offers them in different tints as well. I'll stop bragging on Vin now LOL. I just can't say enough about his level of workmanship and customer service.
Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[Buck]

Re: Current Brightest 18650 Lights

If you want even brighter, get a P60 host (6P/C2/Solarforce) and a quad XPG drop in or an overdriven XML drop in. Those would be about 1400 lumens and 1000 lumen OTF respectively.

Links, please? I've been tempted for a long time to get a P60 host, haven't pushed the button yet. Are those numbers with IMR cell?

 

[g.p.]

Re: Current Brightest 18650 Lights

The SC600 is floody, but with it's output it'll light up houses at the end of my street on a moonless night. When you don't have to see that far the beam is amazingly perfect and flawless.

 

[Bussy Hackett]

Re: Current Brightest 18650 Lights

Just today I got my Klarus xt-11 at 600ANSI lumens. Brand new lite for them...MAN IS IT BRITE! It takes 1-18650 or 2-CR123.

Here is the link to it:
http://www.klaruslight.com/products/Flash_light/94.html

 

[MattE]

-One 18650
-500+ANSI output
-At least 5 minutes of turbo mode that has a resettable stepdown or No stepdown period. I prefer constant rutime or at least 5 minutes before i turn it off and on again to keep it in turbo. Constant is bettert hough.

Looks like Olight M21-X fits your criteria.

I received one for Xmas.

600 Lumens (not ANSI lumens) on high for 5 mins.
After that time you can switch off and on and you'll have high mode again.
18640 or 2x123

I believe it can be bought under $ 100.-

you can see a review here.

I am sure there are many other lights meet the criteria too.

Matt

 

[SirJohn]

If you want to go a little cheaper, the Balder BD-2 will do what you ask. Balder only claims 500 lumens, but output is actually closer to 600 in the cool white model. Very balanced between flood and throw and no stepdown from high mode. One of my favorite lights. Sbflashlights and Jason at tacticalhid sell them.

 

[phantom23]

Looks like Olight M21-X fits your criteria.

I received one for Xmas.

600 Lumens (not ANSI lumens) on high for 5 mins.
After that time you can switch off and on and you'll have high mode again.
18640 or 2x123

G25C2 fits better. 640 ANSI lumens, no stepdown.

 

[Animalmother]

G25C2 fits better. 640 ANSI lumens, no stepdown.

I think it's overall a better light too.
It's on the list. I know I want it. Just waiting for more beamshots.