Flashlight Recommendation

[richardcpf]

Hi all.

1 month ago I ordered a UF C3 P4 With extension tube flashlight, and it broke in the second day (i let it hit the floor) then ordered the sku 4735 to repair the broken driver, still waiting for it.

Flashlights have always been my hobby since i was a kid and now i have to resource to get em. I've spent lot of time reading in this forum and decided to buy another flashlight, but really need pro-grade assistance .

This is what i want:
-Really bright flashlight. Flood and Throw balanced
-Durability
-Rechargeable CR123a 2x3.6v, or 1x18650.
-$30 or less. Cheaper = better. (tight budget ).
-Multimode ONLY IF IT HAS MEMORY. 2 Mode max if no memory.

I dont really need:
-HA III or antiscratch
-Waterproof
-Very Long runtime

In my list there are
-UltraFire C2 Cree Q5 2-Mode 2xcr123
-Romisen RC-F4 GITD Cree 2xcr123
-EastwardYJ YJ-18W-D Cree Q5 2-Mode 1x18650
-TrustFire T1 Q5 1x18650
-Any other you can recommend!

 

[kitelights]

Hi Richard, welcome to CPF.

In general, I'm going to recommend that you completely rethink your goals. Either increase your budget, or decrease your expectations from a light, particularly one that you want to run Li-Ion cells. Really bright, high quality beam, durable and reliable lights that can safely run Li-Ions, aren't typically found in <$30 lights.

You've already had one cheap light ruined by a simple drop in 2 days time - that should tell you something.

Quality Li-Ion cells and a charger are going to run you >$50.00. If you don't want to do quality, don't do them at all. They are potentially dangerous and not worth going the 'budget' route.

If you're here, you're going to own several lights. Make your first one or two quality lights that are safe and reliable. Then play around with cheapies that you don't have to depend on.

 

[richardcpf]

Yeah You're right, well if i increase my budget to ~50,

What about the build quality and durability of tiablo A9 Q5? $55 in DX
And another good fenix light for the price?

Because I dont want to invest more than $80 for a flashlight (not now).

 

[Gunner12]

I'd recommend the RC-M4, because it uses a P60 module which would make it easy to upgrade.

 

[richardcpf]

I'd recommend the RC-M4, because it uses a P60 module which would make it easy to upgrade.

What does P60 stands for? the size of the pill?

 

[Jarl]

A P60 module is a standard size. Any light that takes one P60 module will take them all. You can get loads off different modules to suit your needs and to upgrade to the latest emitters as they come out.

 

[richardcpf]

A P60 module is a standard size. Any light that takes one P60 module will take them all. You can get loads off different modules to suit your needs and to upgrade to the latest emitters as they come out.

Wow thats nice, thanks!

Is the RC-M4 brighter than a UF C3 P4 1 mode?
and
How do i know when a light is p60 compatible?

 

[Gunner12]

Yes, it should be brighter.

As for the P60, if the light doesn't say, the only way to be sure is to take the light apart(usually unscrewing the bezel is all that's needed) and comparing the module(presuming it has one) with a P60 type module. You can also ask here before buying.

This thread might be helpful.

 

[Jarl]

Knock the eastward off the list. They tend to have bad heatsinking and so fry the emitter. Mine has been noticeably damaged after ~6 hours of use.