New To The World Of CandlePower And Just Thought A Flashlight Was A Flashlight..

[Phabeon]

and the more $$ you spent the lighter it was, and the brighter it was!

Anyways long story short, I somehow came across this light: Olight M21-X-L2

I was looking for more info on it as never heard of this brand and it seemed to get great reviews and sounded/seemed very powerful.

Then I found this, the ULTIMATE review: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...18650-2xCR123A-RCR)-Review-RUNTIMES-BEAMSHOTS

I quickly became overwhelmed and lost in my attempts to read this review.. WOW i was blown away.. All I knew was that I wanted this light!!

Found it for $40 on Amazon and said its a no brainer.. HOWEVER 3 things hold me back from ordering..


1. on amazon it seems to get bad reviews... maybe Amazon is a cheap imitation/knock off?

2. its now 2015 and it seems this flashlight came out almost 2-3 years ago... Is there a better version of it?

3. In 2015 what are the top 3 comparable flashlights to this one? Basically $50 or less, as powerful or more than this one as 2yrs have gone by since its inception.. I gotta think the technology has improved on it right?


well, thats about it.. have at it folks!!

let me know what you think!


oNe

 

[Tac Gunner]

Welcome to the forums! Once you start looking around more you will find that while technically a flashlight is just a flashlight, the designs, ouput, user interfaces, size, beam, tint, batteries, etc all make each light unique and different. Lights that run on a single AAA and make 500 lumens to lights that make 21000 lumens. It's an addictive hobby to get into but one that can be well worth it.

Anyways, onto your question. I have no experience with this light or any other in this category as I have only recently started using lights other than AA powered ones. My best answer is to go on GoingGear's website and use the filters they have for shopping for flashlights. Find a light or two and then come research it here. Usually if a light has mainstream issues it will pop up here in its own thread. I also suggest reading up on lithium rechargeable batteries if you plan to use them and aren't familiar with them. Sorry I don't have a direct answer but it's the best I have. Also there are some custom builders you could have build you a light for not much more than this will cost you and have more options.

 

[Dr. Tweedbucket]

Worst than a crack habit I'm tellin ya ...... :sweat::touche:

 

[ven]

:welcome:

I have an m20 but modded to a nichia 219 led and single mode.......that aside!!! Its a great light, nice size, very solid feel and one of the best anodizings for the money. Olight make a pretty solid light imo, hard to go wrong with their lights.

For $40 is pretty good imo, lot of new lights still use the xml2 led today...........

Amazon reviews have to be read careful and presume none flashaholics, marking down as delivery took 3 days and not 2 etc.............pinch of salt in other words.

As you have done, if selfbuilt says its a good light.............simply put it is:thumbsup:

Go for it, nice holster too.................

 

[more_vampires]

1. on amazon it seems to get bad reviews... maybe Amazon is a cheap imitation/knock off?

Something to consider about Amazon is that its users have a tendency to post maximum and minimum ratings for the slightest provocation.

"I don't know what 18650 is and this light doesn't take AA batteries! ONE STAR!"

Kinda like that.

Anyway, best I can tell you is to check out the "flashlight reviews" section and simply read the first two pages. It's probably one of the best ways to see what we've been chattering about lately. The new hotness, as it were.

 

[RyeBread]

There are a couple newer versions of that light. Olight M22 Warrior came out a couple years ago, and I believe the M23 Javelot just came out this year. I've been looking at getting one myself.

Amen on everything said about checking the Flashlight Reviews sections. It's good stuff.

Good luck with your imminent addiction!

 

[Prepped]

:welcome:
I've only been on the forums for a few months now, but the amount I've learned is staggering. My best advice to you is get reading. I find myself on here for at least an hour a day, reading all I can. The search function is great. I chuckle when I look back at the misconceptions I had not too long ago. This is a great hobby to get into.

Some things for you to consider are beam tint, user interface, runtimes, ergonomics, durability, customer service, etc. There's a lot to think about when picking a light.
Look into different battery chemistry's, how beam tint can affect the way you perceive colors, how lenses and reflectors can influence beam profile. I can think of more, but part of the fun is finding it all yourself. Good luck.

 

[Scope2x]

I've just gotten in the flashlight game myself. Ordered a couple Malkoffs, Surefire drop in, and some 18650 cells. It's been a learning experience and finding out you can never have too many flashlights.

 

[bykfixer]

I've just gotten in the flashlight game myself. Ordered a couple Malkoffs, Surefire drop in, and some 18650 cells. It's been a learning experience and finding out you can never have too many flashlights.

^^ my favorite newb.

Welcome to the world of next generation flashlights you'll be able to pass on to the next generation....

A Malkoff drop in for a Sure Fire is a great way to start. Not the most sexy lights in todays gimmicky world of flashlights that'll cook breakfast and make hotel reservations...
But solid depenability when it counts.

 

[Str8stroke]

Welcome out. I wouldn't put much into Amazon reviews when it comes to flashlights. The logic I use is that most of the users there don't even know how to work the modes or what a 18650 battery is. Often they use the junk/dangerous batteries. Many times they will blame the flashlight for a battery, charger or their stupidity.
This will lead them to give the light 2 or 3 stars. I have seen this more times than not.
Every now and then there is a good review.

You are safe with Selfbuilt. As stated above, if he says it is good to, then you are. Keeping in mind like any product, there can a bad apple. Order the light you mentioned. I promise, if you landed here and signed up, it won't be your last light. lol

Just make sure you learn batteries! Promise me you will. Learn their safety issues too.

Then, have fun!!! ok??? Once again....Most important, have fun.

Oh, lastly, call your credit card company and bump your limit, sell some of your other junk on eBay so you can reload Paypal. Oh if you have a significant other, Warn them you are ordering some cheap $5 lights from China. This line is important to memorize. Practice it tonight in the mirror. Warn your friends and family that you will be unavailable when night falls. You may also find yourself making excuses to check things outside at night. If some of these symptoms persist for longer than 4 hours you may want to consult your local medical professional.

Otherwise, have fun! We love you.

PS: The we love you part is a joke ok.

 

[GearHunter]

Welcome out. I wouldn't put much into Amazon reviews when it comes to flashlights. The logic I use is that most of the users there don't even know how to work the modes or what a 18650 battery is. Often they use the junk/dangerous batteries. Many times they will blame the flashlight for a battery, charger or their stupidity.
This will lead them to give the light 2 or 3 stars. I have seen this more times than not.
Every now and then there is a good review.

You are safe with Selfbuilt. As stated above, if he says it is good to, then you are. Keeping in mind like any product, there can a bad apple. Order the light you mentioned. I promise, if you landed here and signed up, it won't be your last light. lol

Just make sure you learn batteries! Promise me you will. Learn their safety issues too.

Then, have fun!!! ok??? Once again....Most important, have fun.

Oh, lastly, call your credit card company and bump your limit, sell some of your other junk on eBay so you can reload Paypal. Oh if you have a significant other, Warn them you are ordering some cheap $5 lights from China. This line is important to memorize. Practice it tonight in the mirror. Warn your friends and family that you will be unavailable when night falls. You may also find yourself making excuses to check things outside at night. If some of these symptoms persist for longer than 4 hours you may want to consult your local medical professional.

Otherwise, have fun! We love you.

PS: The we love you part is a joke ok.

the only advice I can add to that great post is ..... Buy a puppy. There is no better excuse to go out into the backyard several times overnight!

welcome aboard.

 

[bykfixer]

At first my neighbors thought the cops were showing up at my house a couple times a week. Each new light got beam tests.

Well after a while they equate the UPS truck stopping at my house with a light show later...
One neighbor quipped "when the brown truck stops at your house I know to expect my back yard to be lit sometime after dark".

 

[MX421]

At first my neighbors thought the cops were showing up at my house a couple times a week. Each new light got beam tests.

Well after a while they equate the UPS truck stopping at my house with a light show later...
One neighbor quipped "when the brown truck stops at your house I know to expect my back yard to be lit sometime after dark".

My more recent purchases were throwers, so I've been lighting up the treetops in THEIR yard... :devil:

Second the dog thing, although I blame it on my dog who was barking at things in tree in the middle of the night before the backyard got lit

 

[NoNotAgain]

My more recent purchases were throwers, so I've been lighting up the treetops in THEIR yard... :devil:

Second the dog thing, although I blame it on my dog who was barking at things in tree in the middle of the night before the backyard got lit

I can't use the dog excuse, but I've got skunks, raccoon's and opossums to blame. Oh and the occasional deer. Once the motion detector lights come on, it's time to investigate. Foggy nights look like a theater grand opening with lights shining into the air.

The only negative with the Olight is the user interface with twisting and untwisting to change brightness levels is more than some people want or like. They're solid well made lights. I've purchased a few Olight kits to give for Christmas gifts, and will probably do that again this year.

Welcome to the madness, only the sky's the limit.

 

[WarRaven]

I'd say the above posters have covered your question very well.
Though I just want to say too, Welcome to the forums☺

Side note, I'm a Olight fan, even older M models are a great light.
I've cooked a couple dedoming some of mine an I am very anxious to get them working again, love my M series Olight.
I've the M20SX, M22 an M3XS-UT.
I skipped odd button on M21X, its just odd, not saying its bad,.. an want a M23 pretty bad next from them.

Anyhow, enjoy your new light when you get it, and enjoy your visits here too.☺