Flashlight Recommedations?

[ChappyHappy]

Hi
I’m looking for a light that can fit in my pocket (~ 2*AA size) for 10mins on/off camping purposes. I had a 3*AA that seemed to fall out too often cause it’s too long. 1*AA would be nice but I know if I want a brighter one, the voltage req would need to be increased. A 2-mode would be nice so I can regulate batt life but not that important if the batt’s can be easily replaced. Any kind of switch is fine, but preferably not twisty unless I can operate it with one hand. A light with ~150 lumens is good I think, but can still be usable for approximately 60-120mins. 60mins if it’s single batt so I can easily carry spares. Battery type can be any since I’ve just learned that the Li-Ions boosts the brightness, but would like the option of AA if I run out of 14500/18600. No AAA, I hate them (short life). I’m undecided on Zooming or no. I like the zoom cause it’ll be fun to play with but that does limit my options somewhat (I think)...I just want to throw maybe around 50metres. I would like the cost to be around $10-20. $30 if it can meet all the preferences. And I currently don’t have any Li-Ions. I do have AA NiMH.

Hmmm...I think maybe a zooming, 250lumens, 2-mode, with 120mins life on high would be ideal. :D

Findings so far are:
Torch Light C78 @ DX: /details.dx/sku.29095
Romisen RC-29 @ KD: /ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=9864

Uniquefire S10: @ DX: /details.dx/sku.30986 <-- (this is the memory 6-mode version)

I’m looking at C78 and RC29 cause they can get a boost from using a 14500, and they have zoom...though the flood on the C78 is small to me.
I also like the S10 cause of the ‘220 lumens’, but dunno about zoom/throw distance.
All these are single batt so I can swap if it starts failing in an hour.

I’ve also looked at the four variants of the X2000 (2*AA, 3*AAA, 18650, CR123), but the brightness seems to be same as a C78 with 14500. And the batt choice is less flexible.

Thanks!

PS. If I pop 2*14500 in the Fenix E20, would that put out 250+ lumens? Or would that fry it?
I’m assuming it would have a shorter runtime on the 14500 and hotter operation?

PPS. Umm...I think a single C would fit my size requirement and provide a reasonable mAh, but are there any C-sized Li-Ions that have 3.7V and 4000mAh?

 

[cheapbastard]

If you want to use a 14500 in the Uniquefire S10 you must get the single-mode version. The driver in the 6-mode version cannot take it (burns out) but the single-mode version works fine with a 14500. To achieve the claimed 220 lumens you need to use a 14500. On AA nimh it puts out about 120 lumens.

I've ordered a Romisen RC-N3 II CREE R4 2-Mode from Shiningbeam, it can take 2 AA batteries, it has one of the latest cree emitters and it should be within your budget - remember to use the coupon code for a discount. (I haven't received it yet so I can't say much about it).

Also, this should probably be in the budget lights subforum

 

[jhc37013]

Are you in the US? If so shiningbeam would be a better place to order then DX, they also have the model you want.

http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/StoreFront

You may also want to look at the iTP and Olight lights. I heard the Olight T15 is a good one and the iTP SA1 sounds pretty good for the price. Don't forget to use your CPF discount there.

 

[red02]

Check out the Wolf Eyes Krait: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=263818

-zoomable
-220lm (70 min)
-2xAA

 

[joe1512]

Check out the Wolf Eyes Krait: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=263818

-zoomable
-220lm (70 min)
-2xAA

Which is 67 dollars, quite a bit past the 10-20 the OP wants to spend.


I like the RC-29. Not sure if it works with the 14500 though.
http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-180/Romisen-RC-dsh-29-II-Q5/Detail


With shiningbeam you will get the light a LOT faster, have more customer service, and a warranty. The Romisen should have better quality control vs a DX light. You can decide if that is worth the price premium.

 

[sol-leks]

I like the romisen rc-29 alot, but it doesn't meet your requirements, then again, not a lot will within that price range. I recommend getting the rc-c6 II from shiningbeam and asking bryan to sell you an extension tube so you can use it with 2xAA's. This light also has two modes, although they are too close together but it is still something. It will give you around 2.5-3.5 hours of use.

 

[red02]

Which is 67 dollars, quite a bit past the 10-20 the OP wants to spend.

In that case the RC-29 looks like the clear winner

 

[Kindle]

The TerraLUX LightStar Extreme (TLF-3C2AAEX) fits all of your criteria except 'zooming'. Batteryjunction (among other retailers) should have it in stock.

While the output is less than what you're looking for the newer MiniMag LEDs are rugged & reliable lights that you can pick up cheap at the right times.

 

[the.Mtn.Man]

Which is 67 dollars, quite a bit past the 10-20 the OP wants to spend.

No way he can get a flashlight with all of his preferred features for under $20. At least he couldn't get one that's worth buying. If he's willing to raise the price cap to $70 then his options and the quality increases substantially.

 

[jacktheclipper]

I love my iTP SA2 Eluma
2aa , 190 lumens , a clip ,lanyard and a nifty holster
low<med< high<strobe and programmable
all for about $40

 

[ChappyHappy]

Yea, I set a low budget in-case I lose it. I lost a flood light for use inside a tent recently.

I did look at the Wolf Eyes Krait, but that is too expensive for me.

I live in Canada, so I'm not sure how much S/H it adds to for a Shiningbeam purchase.

What's the difference between the RC-29 at Shiningbeam and Kaidomain?

The RC-C6 looks good, but I havent read up much on CR123. I only started reading 14500/18650 two days ago. And how much approx would just the extension tube be?

Annoyingly, the C78 with 14500 and charger is probably cheaper. $10 light and $15 batt+charger.

Thanks everyone!
Sorry if it sounds like I've decided on the C78. It seems to fit best so far, but the flood angle is too narrow. I'm interested to know if there might be better options somewhere else (eg RC-C6).

 

[jhc37013]

They look the same to me, how much is shipping from Kaidomain? If I had it to pay I would pay say $10 extra to get it from shiningbeam for the customer service and you will probably get it much fast that is of course if shiningbeam even ships International I am not certain if they do. You know you can get 6% off also at SB using code CPFuser .

Also this is just my opinion but I would buy the best light i could with whatever money I have and worry about batterys later. As long as you have some batterys to get you buy for now. You are probably better off getting the light and be certain you like it and that it functions properly before investing in rechargeables and a charger.

 

[TorchBoy]

I have the C78 and for a small inexpensive versatile torch it fits the bill very nicely. I use an Eneloop, and the amount of light it produces is quite adequate for general use. I like it a lot, although of course it's easy to imagine ways it could be improved. DX has them in stock.

With a 14500 it's probably in direct drive.

 

[red02]

kaidomain is in China, Shinningbeam is in the states. The difference is that I still haven't gotten my order from DX (just like kaidomain) which was placed about 11 months ago.

So yeah, Shinningbeam maybe extra, but your pretty much guaranteed to get your order, while with dx/kd your taking a chance.

 

[nbp]

If there's one thing I've learned here on CPF, it's that people who start off with cheap crappy lights usually end up buying a nicer one in short order because they find out quickly why the cheap light was cheap, and then they regret wasting money on the cheap ones. A few escape this cycle, but many don't.

That being the case, I recommend you get yourself a Fenix TK20 and don't look back. Check out 4sevens.com. Between the sale price and CPF discount you'll be under $50 shipped to your door and you'll have a solid light you can actually use.