Most powerful 3-4 inch light

[jwalker497]

I am looking for the brightest in terms of lumens light that is 4 inches or under. The real tiny lights like draco are really cool but I'm looking for an edc pocket light and I dont want something too small. I fave a fenix that puts out 180 lumens and is just the right size @ around 3 inches.. I prefer a single CR123A battery, they seem to be the best sized lights. Something 2.5 to 4 inches top would be ideal. I came across the jet beam and the nitecore NEX offering 200lumens I think the JB was even more, is this the cream of the crop? I'm sure there are others I dont know about and need your help.

 

[StarHalo]

The JetBeam Jet II IBS is indeed the current mass-produced 1x123 throw and output champ, read the mini review here: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=202315&highlight=baddest+block

Then see it go head to head with other 1x123s here: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=201117

 

[jwalker497]

OK so the jet seems to be really powerful and also really affordable. 2 questions
1.) Where can it be purchased?
2.) What's the difference between the Pro and the IBS - boil it down for me.

 

[Curious_character]

I haven't yet seen a single LED light that puts out what I believe is 200 lumens. As far as I can measure (admittedly without super accuracy), they peak out at about 150. To get significantly more would require seriously overdriving the emitter. And it'll be just about impossible, anyway, to discern even a 50% difference in lumen output between lights unless they have virtually identical beam characteristics.

All these single CR-123A lights put out very close to the same total amount of light, which I estimate to be about 150 lumens, all with Cree Q5 emitters:

Fenix P1D
Fenix P2D
D-Mini
Jet II IBS
Romisen RC-N3

c_c

 

[ThatGuyBri]

Dereelight C2H is small and drives the LED at 1A.

 

[waddup]

shining beam sells a modified rc-n3 for $25,

215 lumens about 4" long.

 

[brucec]

I think the Arc6 is king of the hill for high output in the smallest form factor in a production light. I remember reading it was something like 4A draw on Level 7! It's so high, people have difficulty measuring the output. Of course, it only does this for a few minutes before the light automatically steps down to something more reasonable.

But if you want crazy bright, are willing to buy a custom light, and don't care about runtime (or your retinas), check this out.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=211760

Very reasonably priced modded CR123 light powering a MC-E or P7. Standard 1400mA should give around 300 lumens is my guess, but I see people are also ordering direct drive at 2800mA. That should be around around 600-700 lumens! For reference, the Elektrolumens P7 Mag is also 2800mA direct drive from 3 D batteries.

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

I am looking for the brightest in terms of lumens light that is 4 inches or under. The real tiny lights like draco are really cool but I'm looking for an edc pocket light and I dont want something too small. I fave a fenix that puts out 180 lumens and is just the right size @ around 3 inches.. I prefer a single CR123A battery, they seem to be the best sized lights. Something 2.5 to 4 inches top would be ideal. I came across the jet beam and the nitecore NEX offering 200lumens I think the JB was even more, is this the cream of the crop? I'm sure there are others I dont know about and need your help.

EagleTac P10C or T10C, are by far the brightest in the 1xCR123 class.

Check it out:

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=208637

http://www.light-reviews.com/eagletac_p10c/

http://www.light-reviews.com/eagletac_t10c/

 

[zx7dave]

+1 on what outdoor fanatic said...I have the 2 cell version..quite impressive...

 

[StarHalo]

OK so the jet seems to be really powerful and also really affordable. 2 questions
1.) Where can it be purchased?

The official US distributor is BugOutGearUSA, and since you're a CPF member, you get a discount: http://blackforce.stores.yahoo.net/jetiiibs1.html

2.) What's the difference between the Pro and the IBS - boil it down for me.

The Pro is a model revision which addresses some user wants/needs with a few new features (clip, reflector option), but at the cost of slightly reduced output/throw.

 

[Gunner12]

A P7 with RCR123 direct drive?

I have seen at least one here.

 

[brucec]

A P7 with RCR123 direct drive?

I have seen at least one here.

See my post above for Sabrewolf's mod. I was thinking of picking one up myself, but I don't need that kind of firepower. And I also happen to like my neighbors.

 

[curlyfry562]

Consult Milkysplit and have him build you a light, he can exceed 300lumens on 1 cell, and 400 lumens on a two cell light.

If you are not familiar w/ his work look here.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=200973

http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?p=2166127#post2166127

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=212934

I have two of his mods and he is currently working on an E2E for me that will put out 650 lumens

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

A P7 with RCR123 direct drive?

I have seen at least one here.

That is also known as the "RCR123-Killer". A direct-driven P7 drains a whole lot more current than what a small RCR123 safely can... I'd never recommend such a dangerous setup for a flashlight noob looking for his first high-powered 1xCR123 light.

 

[1996alnl]

That is also known as the "RCR123-Killer". A direct-driven P7 drains a whole lot more current than what a small RCR123 safely can... I'd never recommend such a dangerous setup for a flashlight noob looking for his first high-powered 1xCR123 light.

I agree too,until they refine the P7 i would stay away from this setup.
It's an accident ready to happen. Personaly my reason to go out and buy a single cell light is based solely on "EDC convience". I don't care how bright it is,that's what the 2 cell lights are for.

 

[jwalker497]

How big is the Shining beam RC-N3 w/o the add-on tube?

 

[mudman cj]

There is no need to direct drive a P7 off of a RCR123 now that you can buy IMR16340 cells. They can handle 3 amps without a problem.

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

There is no need to direct drive a P7 off of a RCR123 now that you can buy IMR16340 cells. They can handle 3 amps without a problem.

Sure, but runtime is like... 2 minutes.

 

[RobertM]

Sure, but runtime is like... 2 minutes.

Hey, it's actually around 10 minutes

 

[Gunner12]

It's a bit smaller then the Jetbeam Jet II(Bezel diameter 29mm, Tail diameter 21.8mm, Overall length 96mm) from the picture I saw.

That is also known as the "RCR123-Killer". A direct-driven P7 drains a whole lot more current than what a small RCR123 safely can... I'd never recommend such a dangerous setup for a flashlight noob looking for his first high-powered 1xCR123 light.

I won't recommend it either but the OP just asked for brightest.

I saw that thread brucec and also remembered another mod. Those were the first things to pop into my head.