Looking for First LED Light

alexk403

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Mar 16, 2014
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2
Looking for my first real flashlight I am actually going to do research on and buy. Definitely want an LED and think I want at least 500 lumens. I also definitely want the white strobe effect. As for batteries I already have 18650's and chargers so having an 18650 or RCR123 would be nice. Since this is my first flashlight I am keeping my price range pretty low, only looking to spend a max of $30. I know this really limits my options but thats what I want to stick to. I saw a 500 Lumen Simon Cree T6 Pro Part on Amazon for $27. So far this is what I am leaning towards since the reviews for it are good but I figured I would ask the experts. Let me know what you guys think I should get! Thanks in advance.
 
Welcome to CPF, alexk403! :wave:

Definitely want an LED and think I want at least 500 lumens.
You have a good idea what 500 lumens means / looks like? If not: it's just a number, fewer lumens will serve you well.

I also definitely want the white strobe effect.
Why? Not that I care, but most users on here (including me) consider it hardly useful. If at all. More likely something that gets in the way.

As for batteries I already have 18650's and chargers so having an 18650 or RCR123 would be nice.
Using Li-ion cells in LED flashlights safely
Which 18650's and charger(s?) you already have?

I saw a 500 Lumen Simon Cree T6 Pro Part on Amazon for $27.
"Simon Cree Led Flashlight Top LED Tactical Flashlight used by Law Enforcement."
The only cop to carry this, would be a stupid cop. Of which there are many :laughing: so probably some cops will carry this.

"The Brightest LED Flashlight Torch with 500 Lumens."
Simply not true.

"Made from 6061 Aircraft Grade Aluminum is Rugged and Almost Indestructible"
Like any of the other 1001 LED flashlights out there.

"with a Lifetime Warranty"
Yeah right... so if in 5 years from now it breaks in half, you're gonna mail Amazon and demand a replacement? Good luck with that.
Unless there's a respected manufacturer behind it (that's still in business 5 years from now), such claims mean nothing.

Note I'm not saying anything about whether above light is any good. It might be or not, who knows. In general, quality and/or performance comes at a cost. And the list of respected brands isn't long.

Lumens aren't everything. Far from it, in fact. There's also:

  • Build quality
  • LED tint (cool / neutral / warm white, CRI)
  • Beam profile
  • Driver efficiency (runtimes etc)
  • User interface
  • Design
  • What batteries it takes (longer/shorter, thicker/thinner in the same format)
  • How it deals with rechargeables like RCR123
  • # of modes, moonlight mode, mode spacing
Among other things to consider. If you'd like to know more, consider filling out this form.
 
Last edited:
Welcome to CPF, alexk403! :wave:


You have a good idea what 500 lumens means / looks like? If not: it's just a number, fewer lumens will serve you well.


Why? Not that I care, but most users on here (including me) consider it hardly useful. If at all. More likely something that gets in the way.


Using Li-ion cells in LED flashlights safely
Which 18650's and charger(s?) you already have?


"Simon Cree Led Flashlight Top LED Tactical Flashlight used by Law Enforcement."
The only cop to carry this, would be a stupid cop. Of which there are many :laughing: so probably some cops will carry this.

"The Brightest LED Flashlight Torch with 500 Lumens."
Simply not true.

"Made from 6061 Aircraft Grade Aluminum is Rugged and Almost Indestructible"
Like any of the other 1001 LED flashlights out there.

"with a Lifetime Warranty"
Yeah right... so if in 5 years from now it breaks in half, you're gonna mail Amazon and demand a replacement? Good luck with that.
Unless there's a respected manufacturer behind it (that's still in business 5 years from now), such claims mean nothing.

Note I'm not saying anything about whether above light is any good. It might be or not, who knows. In general, quality and/or performance comes at a cost. And the list of respected brands isn't long.

Lumens aren't everything. Far from it, in fact. There's also:

  • Build quality
  • LED tint (cool / neutral / warm white, CRI)
  • Beam profile
  • Driver efficiency (runtimes etc)
  • User interface
  • Design
  • What batteries it takes (longer/shorter, thicker/thinner in the same format)
  • How it deals with rechargeables like RCR123
  • # of modes, moonlight mode, mode spacing
Among other things to consider. If you'd like to know more, consider filling out this form.

Thanks for the advice, it seems while I was waiting for the post to be approved I was doing more research and concluded if I was going to get a nice flashlight, I am going to have to spend a little more than $30. I ended up going with the Nitecore P12. Seems like a durable construction and nitecore seems like a well trusted brand. It was $60 but I think it will give me a very nice (and bright) flashlight. I have panasonic 3400mAh 18650 batteries with the nitecore i2 charger, both of which seem like trusted products. So I guess in the end my impulse buying didn't even grant me the patience of waiting for your guys advice, but I guess I will see how I like it. Since I got it on amazon worst case scenario I can return it. Thanks
 
Looking for my first real flashlight I am actually going to do research on and buy. Definitely want an LED and think I want at least 500 lumens. I also definitely want the white strobe effect. As for batteries I already have 18650's and chargers so having an 18650 or RCR123 would b

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I think you should tell us what's the application of your flashlight...For hunting purpose ? You should buy a light throw more far and in deep reflector.
not too big but with a clip.
For daily use ? You can buy a more warm light with semi-deep reflector,about 1000lumen .
For diving ? I think $30 budget is less to buy a good diving torch. even on internet .
Or for working purpose ? you can buy a headlamp in high lumen . Wide beam and long run time .


wish it can help .
 
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