How do I pick?

[mrpopgun]

So, I'm a fairly intelligent, technical minded guy, but I'm a bit overwhelmed with the information/acronyms/technical bearing of all the details on flashlights available. Obviously, I'm new to all this, but I'm having a hard time separating what is important/critical vs what is opinion.

I'm looking for a smaller torch, EDC size, 2xAA/2xCR123's/1x18650 - $60 hard max but $40 preferred. Want something throwy and bright as possible in case I need to blind an home intruder while still retaining at least some flood capabilities in case I may need to 'clear' the backyard in short order. Being able to use the light at lower power levels for more hours while camping or backpacking would be great.

Right now, after looking at CSSHIH's beamshot thread and just general searches and reading, I have these on the list. I need some help on determining just how these compare or if they even do compare.

$40 - ITP SC2
$59 - Quark 123^2 R5 (not sure about Tactical or not)
$60 - Olight T20-M Cree Q5
$59 - Quark AA^2 XP-G R5
$60 - Eagletec T100C2 MkII
$42! - Solareforce L2 with R2 Cree, 1x18650 and charger incl s/h

Not all of these are on the beamshots, so can't comapre that way. I also don't know which of the beamshots (2sec, 1 sec, 1/4 sec best emulates real life perception). The Quark's moonlight mode sounds great for a tent, but the beamshot doesn't seem to make it look as superior at price point as many of the reviews make it sounds.

I know there are better lights on the market, but at additional cost. This is my first so I want a decent experience with something cheaper so it can become a backup once replaced and I can learn what I really want through normal use.

Any help would be appreciated.
Pop

 

[waddup]

i own about 20 $50 lights (bought em used for $25 each), and would say they are all roughly the same, they can all get very bright and dim, all small, all reliable so far.

any of the popular lights here will be excellent.

nightcore, quark, eagletac, solarforce etc etc.

trust your intuition.

as more time goes by im leaning more towards regular AA lights, i can always find a battery somewhere, no need to bother with charging anything,

if i need some light for a while, just look in any drawer and im good for an hour or so

 

[gcbryan]

They're all going to be bright. You don't need to worry too much regarding throw for a home invader unless you live in a castle. XP-E lights generally have more throw but XP-G lights have a bigger hotspot so a XP-G will light up both the inside of your house as well as your backyard (again unless your backyard is acres and acres).

I have several lights that use li-ion 18650 so I've standardized on those for any lights that I want to be rechargeable. For lights that are smaller or that I don't use as frequently or for a long a period of time when I do turn them on I use whatever...I have Cr123 lights as well as AA and AAA lights.

My all around light for checking out the house/yard/camping or anything other than just sticking in my pocket is a (1) 18650 XP-G R5 type of light. To me it doesn't matter if it's Solarforce, Uniquefire, Quark or whatever.

You're going to end up buying a few different kind of lights anyway before you decide what is right for your tastes and uses.

 

[march.brown]

I have two Solarforce L2s (one 5 mode , one 3 mode) plus a slightly altered Solarforce L2i (single mode) ... All use 18650 cells ... On high , they will last about two and a half hours on a single battery ... That is perfect for my use ... I don't know how long the L2s would last on the lower powers but it would be a long time.

My preference is the L2 with the three mode as I didn't like the strobe and SOS ... The drop-in was only just over £8 delivered.

You can't go wrong with Solarforce ... I also use Ultrafire batteries which so far seem to be great and at a sensible price.

Good luck with your choice , whichever it is.

 

[Chevy-SS]

Here's four different EDC lights I've bought in the past month. My first advice is; don't try to save $5 or $10. Get something good. These below are all good.

The P20A2 uses AA*2 batteries and cranks out good light. The P20C2 (same light using 123*2) is brighter, but smaller. Both EagleTacs use a OP (textured) reflector.

The Quark Tactical 123*2 XP-G R5 is my favorite EDC. It stays in my pocket at all times. Very small and bright. I prefer the Quark UI, as you can choose two favorite modes, either of which will be instantly available depending on which way you leave the head (tight or loose).

The Fenix PD30 123*2 is OK, but the SMO (smooth) reflector makes the hotspot too narrow for me. Plus, it's not quite as bright as the others. And finally, I find the recessed button is not as handy as the EagleTacs or the Quark.

So, I would not recommend the PD30. But any of the other lights are real nice. If you want something that fits in pocket easiest, then that's the Quark 123*2, which I would get in 'Tactical' version. Of course, these are JMHO's..........

Good luck in your search!

 

[mrpopgun]

Thanks for your feedback everyone! Truly, it doesn't look like I can make a bad choice. So right now I'm torn between the Quark 123^2 R5 at $69, the EagleTac T100C2 mkII at $46 and the ITP SC2 at $40. It's the Quark I want, I just don't know that I feel good about spending the extra. I mean, $20+ goes a long way towards rechargables/charging.

(If just that T100C2 were less bulky and had a lower light setting...)