Help me choose a new light

[gchronis]

Hello all,

I've been studying this forum for a new light. They've come a long way since my SF 6P! I had that light about 10 years ago (or so), then I sold it and got a Centurion C2 inc. Now, I'm looking to get another light for my hikes. I have some pinpointed needs, a budget and a selection that I came up with after reading these forums. Here we go:

Needs:

1. Not longer than about 5 1/2"
2. Under $150
3. Best throw possible but spread wouldn't hurt (I may actually end up buying 2 lights: one for spread, one for throw)
4. I don't want a huge head (like the DBS for example)
5. I can buy rechargeable 18650 batteries and the Pila charger, if I need to, but I won't be using it too much, so I don't know if the batteries would drain.
6. I am willing to add any possible attachments (diffuser, mods or whatever else I need to achieve my goal) to the budget.
7. I will also use it with my Walther P99 (not mounted), but that's an occasional use. The main purpose is for looking at who's there when out camping, for blinding the bad guys, for signaling etc. I may also use it as an emergency bike light.

Selection:
Novatac 120E/120P, CL1H, SF L1 CREE, TK11, M20

Maybe I could get both the 120E for spread and one of the others for throw. I would use the spread for some purposes (like the bike and around the house) and the throw for others (like self-defense etc.).

Two questions:
1. Did I miss anything other than the above lights that would possibly fit my needs?
2. Which one would you recommend?

Thanks!

 

[Josey]

Did you look at the E1B? That was my choice after winnowing through a bunch of others.

 

[Toaster]

Olight M20 Premium R2 with optional smooth reflector has the best throw of the bunch. I don't care for it's warm green tint but I suppose that won't be a factor for you. I would stick with CR123s since you won't be using the light often and the M20 runs better on CR123s anyhow (flat regulation and slightly greater output on CR123s, unregulated output on 18650).

 

[gchronis]

Thanks everyone for the responses. I am leaning toward the M20 for my purposes. I am strongly considering an additional light for around the house, though. Dang, this is addictive! :candle:

 

[JackJ]

I was looking for a similar light, and settled on the CL1H v4. The modularity/upgradeability was the tipping point for me. I'm still waiting for my 18650 cells to arrive, though, so while I've had the light for a couple of days, I haven't been able to actually turn it on.

Jack