My head hurts - Help me choose a small flashlight!!

[Artemas]

Hello all! I'm new to this forum. I've been a long-time flashlight-curious..er, but I've never got into it until now. The best flashlight so far is the LED one I bought at Sam's Club for $30 (for pack of 2), which I just gave my last one to my grandma.

Now I think I'm ready for big boys' toy.

I spent the past 4 hours reading reviews, but the more I read, the more I find out that there are about quadrillion flashlights out in the market. I was getting confused (haha) and hoping you guys would be kind enough to help me narrow down to fewer choices. So please, throw some ideas here, even if you are biased towards any specific brand. :twothumbs

Here's what I'm looking for:
1) Size: ranging from as small as Fenix PD30 up to Fenix TA21. Definitely not as big as TK40 (I apologize to non-Fenix users, but I don't know how else to categorize the size)
2) I'm mainly using the flashlight for "gadget" purpose. :huh:
3) Can take 18650 battery.
4) Turbo mode (brightest) at least 200 lumens
5) Prefer less than $100
6) Good throw, decent/good spill
7) Very "white" light (I think the term is "cooler tint"?)
8) Doesn't matter how many "modes" they have as long as they have decent "low" mode. Strobe/SOS/etc are a plus.
9) If avaliable, please point me towards a website that has that flashlight for very good price.

Thanks ahead of time for your help. Very nice forum btw! lovecpf

 

[Federal LG]

:welcome:

Unfortunately, I don´t have suggestions...

Hello from Brasil!

 

[roadie]

welcome welcome ..........

take yr time via reading , slowly ........

anyway, how abt a fenix tk12 ?

see here ..........

 

[munkybiz_9881]

Welcome......

Why not just buy a Fenix P3D. I've had mine for a couple of years and it's still one of my favorites. They are cheaper now as well

- 200+lumens
- Way under $100
- Good runtimes
- Plenty of modes to tickle your tickler
- Should accept the 18650 (not sure because mine has the tactical body)
- Small enough to be in your pocket(smaller lights will be on your person more often)

I buy Fenix's from 4sevens and get a discount plus a lifetime warranty from the seller.

Just my $0.02

 

[Larbo]

Look at a Quark123 $59

Length: 3.2 inches
Diameter: 0.86 inches
Weight: 1.4 ounces

Uses a 123 battery and has ranges from .2 to 170 lumens

Not the battery you were looking for...just a nice small Bright touch.


:welcome:

 

[Armed_Forces]

:welcome:



My head hurts too, but it's not from flashlights!

 

[Moonshadow]

First, :welcome:

I think the EagleTac T100C2 could be just what you are looking for. Don't have one myself, but it runs regulated on 18650s and has most of the other features you are after.

Gotta be on the shortlist.

And . . . A_F - if you've a shot of that Macallan 18yo left, I'll join ya ! :thumbsup:

 

[FlashlightsNgear.com]

First, :welcome:

I think the EagleTac T100C2 could be just what you are looking for. Don't have one myself, but it runs regulated on 18650s and has most of the other features you are after.

Gotta be on the shortlist.

And . . . A_F - if you've a shot of that Macallan 18yo left, I'll join ya ! :thumbsup:

+1 on the Eagletac T100C2 or check out the Eagletac P20C2, its smaller and brighter but doesnt use 18650 like the T100C2 which in your case you want something that uses 2 CR123 Lithium Ion batteries and the P20C2 is everything you'll ever need.

 

[fishx65]

Sounds like you are describing a 5 mode Solarforce L2.

 

[kaptein america]

Man, I been here 7 months researching and still have not pulled the trigger!

 

[woodrow]

For Fenix lights... I have had the T1, P3D, TA30, TK20, TK12 and TA21. I really like the TA21. It has great balance, runs on 18650's, can tailstand so it will work as a lantern, will take 123a's, rcr123a;s and 18650's....and has a nice white beam with decent throw and good spill. It also has Strobe, SOS and a 18 lumen flash mode. 4Sevens is a good place to buy from. I will post some pics of mine later tonight.

 

[Konad]

I have only been serious about LED's for about two months and already have a fleet of lights!

If you are looking for a 123/18650 light take a look at Jetbeam Jet III ST BVC. It has great output and three modes that can be customized for your needs. I wanted a light that covered a lot of your same criteria, but my fleet still grows weekly!

 

[old4570]

Well , I wont push brand , or a Light on you ..

I will say that ANY cree R2 multi mode light in 18650 to 1 x CR123A will take care of your needs ..

These start around $15USD and will go all the way up and over $100USD ..

It all depends on you .. and what you want , but for runtime , Lumen output , etc R2 offers the best balance . You can sacrifice runtime for more output and go MC-E / SSC P7 .

 

[Artemas]

Wow, thank you so much for your replies!!!

I've checked out a few flashlights. So far TA21 seems to be my favorite choice. I think this model is quite new so I'm a bit scared of trying it out, but I do love the 12-mode features.

Eagletac T20C2 sounds good also, but I've read some reviews regarding the "not-so-hidden" strobe mode (clicking on-off within 3 secs!), so I'm shying away from that.

TK12 and P3D are also great suggestions, but it doesn't seem like they can take 18650. :sick2:

Thanks again! Keep suggestions coming while... I do even more massive research.

 

[SimpleIsGood229]

Welcome to CPF!

I recommend the Malkoff MD2 with M60 module. You can build your own at www.malkoffdevices.com (top, right corner of the homepage). You can get it with a mechanical high/low mode for $104.40 + shipping. It's rated at 235 lumens out the front, and has excellent throw with very useful flood. I love my M60.

If you're wondering about Malkoff quality, well...you'll be very hard pressed to find a dissatisfied Malkoff customer.

 

[labrat]

:welcome:



My head hurts too, but it's not from flashlights!

Nice one, but I actually prefer this one:


http://www.forpeatsake.com/The+Macallan/The+Macallan+10+Years+Old+Cask+Strength/1

Needs a drop of water, but tasty and warms up your belly now when the temperatures are dropping and you need some encouragement!

Brings some light into a presently dark world!

 

[Armed_Forces]

I normally don't post pics,
but for my fellow whisky enthusiasts and keeping in mind the OP, I'll make an exception. :devil:

(apologize for the crap cellphone pic! )


Just what the OP needs, a hot rodded Surefire 6P!
This one sports a bored out body for 18650's, Malkoff M30, Z59 tailcap, UCL lens, and Manny's sweet new SS bezel.
It goes perfectly with a Highland single malt.
Enjoy.

lovecpf

 

[dirtech]

Forgo the strobe and sos and get the md2 with m60(or m60w even better) with two mode ring. Very useful beam pattern and awesome in its simplicity. The md2 feels the best in the hand. The only thing lacking is some of the great knurling that is on the body should be on the head, IMHO.

 

[flatline]

I'm currently in the market for a 18650 light to wear on my belt and right now the short list is (based on similar criteria to yours)

MG L-mini II: 3 modes (low->med->high, with memory of last mode). Built in overdischarge protection with long low mode when the battery gets low. Runs about $50 after shipping.

Malkoff MD2 with 2-mode ring and either the M60WF or M60WLF. Beautiful flood beam which drops out of regulation at 3.8v (30% battery left? something like that). Runs about $104 before shipping.

I want a light that is useful for close up work and a high enough high to light up a large room. I don't need more than 50 feet of throw, so a floody beam is my preference, but a tight hot spot is acceptable as long as the low is low enough that it's not awkward up close. I had pretty much decided on the MG, but then started to get a hankering to experience the legendary design and build quality of a Malkoff light. Now I can't make up my mind.

--flatline

 

[gem]

I'm currently in the market for a 18650 light to wear on my belt and right now the short list is (based on similar criteria to yours)

MG L-mini II: 3 modes (low->med->high, with memory of last mode). Built in overdischarge protection with long low mode when the battery gets low. Runs about $50 after shipping.

I want a light that is useful for close up work and a high enough high to light up a large room. I don't need more than 50 feet of throw, so a floody beam is my preference, but a tight hot spot is acceptable as long as the low is low enough that it's not awkward up close. I had pretty much decided on the MG, but then started to get a hankering to experience the legendary design and build quality of a Malkoff light. Now I can't make up my mind.--flatline

I too got the MG L-mini II with it's 3 mode 250 max lumens. I use it every week as I skate at night and have it mounted on my helmet.
It has been a awesome workhorse and in my situration a lifesaver as many drivers are too busy with the cell fone to brother and stop at a STOP sign. I tried the standard model and it throw out light is 20m with a nice flood but I use the turbohead as I want throw of 40m and to light up a cabin so drivers see me. I understand at present Shiningbeam.com is out of that specific model but they will be arriving very soon.
Yea, as for $, under U$S 50.00 very econamical to.